Assembling an HTPC (Home Theater PC) is an increasingly popular option for those with a little bit of technical know-how. You don't have to be technically oriented to perform this procedure. However, you should be able to handle various parts of a computer and be able to troubleshoot your own problems. If you are not comfortable with this process, you can bypass many of the steps required to assemble an HTPC from scratch.
Instructions
1. Open the case by removing the screws that hold it in place. These screws typically are located on the right side of the back of the computer.
2. Screw the studs that came with the motherboard into the predrilled holes on the case. These studs will need to be screwed in by hand. They should have a hole on the top where the motherboard will be secured.
3. Carefully place the motherboard over the studs, lining up the holes on the motherboard with them. Locate the screws that came with the motherboard and screw them into the holes, securing the motherboard.
4. Place the CPU carefully in CPU slot on the motherboard. Take care to align it correctly. Some CPUs have a small arrow that should align with a small arrow on the motherboard.
5. Apply cooling grease onto the CPU. This material, along with the fan, should be provided in any CPU kit you purchase.
6. Place the fan on top of the CPU, securing it with the grips on either side. Each motherboard has slightly different designs. However they have a basic set of grips on either side of the CPU slot. Push the lever on the fan down until it is secured into place.
7. Place the TV Card into one of the empty PCI slots. Push it down until it will not go in anymore and it feels firm.
8. Insert the hard drive into one of the hard drive bays on the case. Attach a power cable. Typically, this cable will be a SATA-style cable that runs from the power supply. Attach the SATA data cable to the motherboard. Consult the motherboard instructions to determine the correct location; each motherboard differs. Attach the other end to the hard drive.
9. Attach the main power supply to the motherboard. The connection should have either 20 or 24 pins and should be the widest power cable on the power supply. Attach the fan and CPU power supplies as directed in the motherboard manual; each unit places them in different places. Attach USB connectors for front USB ports if they exist. Close up the case.
10. Attach the computer to the TV set or monitor (which kind of connector you have will depend on the model of motherboard). Attach the power cable. Attach the cable box or antenna to the TV card.
11. Power on the computer and insert the Windows 7 DVD. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 7.
12. Press the green button on the PC remote control. Follow the instructions on screen to set up the computer.
Tags: Attach power, hard drive, power cable, power supply, Attach power cable, came with