The Micro ATX motherboard is smaller than a standard ATX motherboard, allowing for more freedom when choosing a case.
A micro ATX case is smaller and more compact than a standard ATX case. Micro ATX computers are commonly used for entertainment centers, mobile computing, offices with limited desk space, and gaming PC's. With a little research and the right tools, a micro ATX case can be upgraded, modified or completely built from scratch using custom components such as CPU fans designed for overclocking and video cards that can also be used as digital video recorders. Increase your knowledge and build your own computer from the ground up.
Instructions
1. Proper ventilation is important. Blocking the power supply fan could cause the computer to overheat and malfunction.
Open the micro ATX case using the screwdriver and install the power supply. Make sure the power switch is off and then plug in the computer. Put on your anti-static wristband and connect it to the ground terminal of the power supply. Some power supplies have a special clip for attaching the wristband; others just have a metal ledge that you can use to attach the wristband's alligator clips.
2. The output panel on the motherboard must align with the back of the case.
Attach the micro ATX motherboard to the base of the chassis. If you have difficulty screwing the motherboard to the mounting standoffs on the case, lay the case flat so that the motherboard can be easily positioned.
3. Adequate RAM is a must on a modern computer.
Release the RAM levers, insert the RAM into the motherboard, then flip the levers back up to secure each memory module. Ensure that dual or triple channel memory is installed into the correct slots. Refer to your motherboard's documentation to verify the location of these slots, which can vary from one brand or model of motherboard to another.
4. Pins on the CPU can be easily bent or broken so handle with care.
Remove the protective cap on the micro ATX motherboard's CPU socket and unlock the socket. Place the CPU in the socket and then apply a thin layer of thermal grease evenly to the CPU's top surface. Lock the CPU into the socket, attach the heatsink and fan to the top of the CPU, and use the supplied clips to fasten the assembly to the motherboard.
5. SATA cables make connecting the hard drive to the motherboard easy.
Install the hard drive and optical drive into open drive bays inside the micro ATX case. If space is limited, consider doing without the optical drive or obtain a smaller form factor hard drive.
6. Insert the video card into the PCI-express slot on the motherboard. Take care to orient the card correctly so that the keyed cutout at the bottom of the card aligns with the notch inside the PCI-express slot.
7. The 20-pin connector supplies power to the motherboard.
Attach the power cables from the power supply to the motherboard and the hardware components. The motherboard requires a 20-pin connector, while standard ATA devices use 4-pin connectors. SATA drives use special, thin connectors.
8. Close the computer, tighten the screws, and connect the mouse, keyboard and monitor. Then, press the power button to turn on the computer. The BIOS should load up on screen. You can now proceed to install the operating system of your choosing.
Tags: micro case, power supply, hard drive, 20-pin connector, micro motherboard, optical drive, PCI-express slot