PC Build Guide – Installing the IO plate, motherboard, GPU, cables, SSD – DIY in 5 Ep 190

This is the final part of our ‘build your own PC’ series. If you’ve been following up until this point, you’ll have all your components and have started assembly of the PC you want to build. If you’re just joining us and need help with components, subscribe to view the other videos in the series.

I/O Plate
When we left off, our RAM, CPU, and CPU cooler had just been installed onto the motherboard. Before we can put the motherboard into the case, there’s one more step. The I/O plate should come with your motherboard. Your computer may have it already attached. If you forget this step, you’ll have to remove everything from your case later to install it. Line it up & push hard until it locks into place. Check that the small metal tabs on the backplate touch the metal parts of the connections from the motherboard. This grounds them. If they don’t line up, bend them into place with needle-nose pliers.

Motherboard
When the I/O plate is in, and the integral motherboard components installed, you can get the motherboard in your case. Lay the case on its side so you have more leverage. Most cases don’t have pre-installed risers, to keep the motherboard from directly touching the metal of the case. By inserting your motherboard you can see which holes line up with the case. That’s where you should screw in the risers that came with your case.
Gently slide in the motherboard, pushing the rear panel ports through the I/O plate, and lay the motherboard on the risers. The screw holes should align so you should be able to screw the motherboard in. Only screw halfway until you’re sure they are properly aligned.

Storage
Your case may use screws, tool-free mechanisms, caddies, trays, or adapters to install your hard drive. mSATA and M.2 usually install into specific motherboard slots. Some even use PCIe slots.

GPU
If you have one, now’s the time to install your build’s dedicated GPU. If your GPU is very large though, you may want to save its installation to the very end. The long PCI-E x16 slot closest to the heat sink of your processor should be either the 1st or 2nd expansion slot on your motherboard. Line up the card’s backplate with the slot & the gold connectors (don’t touch them) and push until it clicks. If one side looks higher than the other, pull it out & try again. Multiple video cards need multiple open slots.

Cables
If your hardware’s installed, it’s time to hook it all together. First, run data cables from your drives to the motherboard. Then run power cables from the PSU to the motherboard. You might need two. Next, run power to your video card & your drives. Drive connectors are usually thin & black.
Often confused with cables, wires come next.
Connect:
power wires from the CPU cooler & other fans to (usually clearly marked) motherboard pins
wires from the front panel to appropriate headers
wires from your case lights, power, and reset buttons to motherboard pins (also normally labeled)
Check your product manuals if you’re unsure. When you know where to put everything, consider cable management. If you can run your cables through specific management devices/round the motherboard’s back, you may have better airflow & heat management. You don’t want any wires/cables near your major components or fans.

Power on
Some PC builders power up through a build, but first time builders should put everything together before booting. You may want to hold off on cable management until you are confident your build boots.
Remove any anti-static items and leave your case open for observation. Connect & turn on the monitor. Press the power button & watch the machine turn on. Don’t touch anything! Check that all fans are spinning. If they aren’t, power down immediately (most motherboards will automatically do this). If the fans are spinning, check the monitor. If you see the motherboard manufacturer’s logo, well done! You successfully built a computer! If you don’t see it, power down & retrace your steps. This video covers common troubleshooting steps for boot failures:    • PC Build – How to Fix a PC that won’t...  
When you see the motherboard screen, you can adjust BIOS settings, set date & time, and even enable XMP and set the default boot order. You can install your desired OS & run your preferred benchmark/stress tests, too.

Comment below what you built and how it went.

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0:00 Intro
0:43 IO Plate
1:35 Motherboard
2:17 Storage
2:35 GPU
3:18 Cables
4:36 Power on
6:12 Outro