Build a smaller computer for a more spacious work area.
Tiny desktop computers, commonly known as "small form factor" or "micro" PCs, have become very popular in the last few years due to their increasing performance. But you don't need to spend $800 or more for a SFF PC. If you're familiar with full-size desktop components, you can build your own computer on the Mini ITX platform. Mini ITX motherboards and cases combine with desktop or laptop components to make a complete desktop at a fraction of the size of a standard ATX tower. Building any computer is challenging, and should not be attempted by a novice.
Instructions
1. Remove the access panel from the case. Depending upon your case, it may be secured by thumbscrews, magnets, latches or regular screws. Set the access panel aside. Remove the metal plate in the I/O panel.
2. Lower the motherboard into the case with the I/O panel facing toward the back of the case. Screw it into place at all the mounting locations; see your motherboard's documentation for clarification. Insert the RAM DIMM or DIMMs into their slots, pushing down until the tabs lock into place.
3. Lift the plate above the CPU slot. Place the CPU in the slot, then close the plate. Place a drop of thermal paste about the size of a pea on the exposed portion of the CPU. Place the CPU cooler on top, screw it into place and connect the 3- or 4-pin power cord to the motherboard.
4. Insert the DVD drive into the bay on the front of the case. Screw the drive into place. Connect a SATA cable to the back of the DVD drive, then to a SATA port on the motherboard. Insert the hard drive into its bay and screw it down. Connect a SATA cable to the back of the hard drive, then to a SATA port on the motherboard.
5. Remove the expansion plate from the back panel of the case. Insert the single-slot graphics card into thew PCIe slot on the motherboard. Screw it on to the case. (This step is optional; most Mini ITX motherboards include integrated video. You only need a discrete graphics card if your motherboard lacks video or you want more powerful graphics capabilities in your computer.)
6. Insert the power supply into the back of the case. Connect the power rails to the main motherboard jack, the CPU motherboard jack, the DVD drive, the hard drive and the graphics card (optional.) Connect the power and LED cables from the front of the case to their pins on the motherboard (see motherboard documentation for correct placement.)
7. Replace the access panel and screw or latch it into place. Your computer is assembled. Plug it in and connect it to a monitor, mouse and keyboard, then insert the operating disc to begin the OS install.
Tags: into place, access panel, drive into, graphics card, hard drive, back case