Micro ATX computers are often aesthetically pleasing and fast.
Micro ATX is a standard to fit the needs of consumers who want a balance of form and function. Standard ATX and extended ATX require large computer cases that are out of place in everywhere but a spacious office. Micro ATX is a smaller form factor that is available as barebones kits or individual components. The kits are often tailored toward entertainment centers or small spaces or for portability. Despite their size, some Micro ATX kits pack a quite a punch. They can often run all of the games and applications that even the larger models struggle with.
Instructions
1. Purchase the Micro ATX components. Many retailers have deals from time to time on barebones kits or combos.
2. Open the Micro ATX case using the screwdriver. Put on your anti-static wristband.
3. The cutouts on the case should line up with the motherboard.
Insert the Micro ATX motherboard, taking care to align the USB ports with the back of the case. The ports should line up with the cutouts on the Micro ATX case. Tighten the screws, then release the RAM levers.
4. RAM is keyed and needs to snapped into the motherboard's RAM slots.
Insert the RAM into the motherboard's RAM slots, then flip up the levers.
5. Thermal paste should be applied to the side of the CPU without pins.
Insert the CPU into the motherboard's CPU socket. Apply thermal paste to the top of the CPU, then attach the fan. Lock it all to the motherboard using the supplied clips.
6. Serial ATA cables or SATA are easy to connect and disconnect.
Install the hard drive and optical disk drive into the Micro ATX case's drive bay. Attach the SATA cables from the hard drive and optical disk drive to the motherboard's SATA slot.
7. Insert the video card into the PCI-Express slot of the motherboard taking care to align the keyed edge to the slot.
8. Attach the 20-pin power connector to the motherboard, attach power cables to the hard drive and optical disk drive, then to the video card if necessary.
9. Close the computer, tighten the screws, attach a keyboard, mouse and monitor, then press the power button. The BIOs screen should show up.
Tags: disk drive, drive optical, drive optical disk, hard drive, hard drive optical