PC Assembly Advice

You Have All the Parts—What’s Next?

It’s time to assemble your PC! We’ll break the process down into four parts for clarity.

Part 1: External Assembly
Part 2 (Optional): Initial Power Test
1. Step 1: Powering On the System
2. Step 2 (Optional): BIOS Update for CPU Compatibility
Part 3: Internal Assembly

Part 1: External Assembly

What You’ll Need:

CPU
Motherboard
Memory (RAM)
Cooler
Power Supply (PSU)
Screwdriver
- (if your motherboard lacks boot buttons)
Flat, non-conductive surface
- (to prevent short circuits)
Monitor
GPU
- (if your CPU lacks integrated graphics)

[!NOTE] Refer to the first half of Step 6 for additional anti-static precautions.

Step 1: Preparing Your Workspace

Unbox all components and place them on a flat surface, such as a table or floor. Remove the motherboard from its anti-static sleeve and place it on top of the box it came in. Detach the socket cover and store it in the motherboard box—it’s needed for warranty claims. Raise the CPU socket lever.

Step 2: Installing the CPU

Align the CPU’s arrow with the corresponding arrow on the motherboard socket. Carefully place the CPU into the socket.

AM5 & LGA 1700/1851: Lower the shield while pressing gently. Simultaneously lower the lever until it locks in place with the hook molded on the CPU’S shield.
AM4: Lower the lever to secure the CPU with the plastic hook molded on the CPU’S Socket. It’s normal for the socket to shift slightly the more you lower the lever.
LGA 1151/1200: Lower the shield; small teeth will hook onto the screw. Secure by lowering the lever and hook on the cpu’s shield.

Step 3: Installing Memory (RAM)

Identify the RAM slots next to the CPU socket.

Dual-latch Slots: Press both latches outward, align the RAM notch with the motherboard slot, then firmly press down until the latches click into place.
Single-latch Slots: Open the latch on one side, align the RAM, and press down until it clicks in.

Step 4: Installing an M.2 SSD

If your motherboard has a heatsink, remove it using a screwdriver. Locate the M.2 mounting screw in your motherboard accessories.

Insert the M.2 SSD at an angle, align the cutout with the socket notch, then press it flat.
Secure it using the M.2 mounting screw.

Step 5: Installing the Cooler

Follow the manufacturer’s installation guide. General recommendations:

Air Coolers:
- Mount horizontally in standard cases; mount vertically in cases with bottom-to-top airflow.
Water Coolers:
- Install the radiator at the top of the case for optimal performance.

Step 6: Power Supply (PSU) Preparation

Plug the PSU into an outlet to ground yourself before handling components. Identify and connect:

8-pin CPU Power Connector
- (4+4 configuration, may have multiple cables)
24-pin Motherboard Connector
- (20+4 configuration)

Step 7 (Optional): Installing the GPU

If your CPU lacks integrated graphics, install the GPU now.

Insert the GPU into the PCIe slot, ensuring the latch clicks into place.

2. Connect the power cables - Older GPUs (Intel Arc, AMD, RTX 3000 and below) - Use 6+2 pin PCIe power cables - Newer GPUs (RTX 4000, AMD Special Editions) - Use the 12VHPWR/12V-2X6 connector (native or via adapter) - Low-profile GPUs (≤75W) - No additional power required

Step 8: Connecting a Display

If using integrated graphics, connect the monitor to the motherboard.
If using a dedicated GPU, connect the monitor to the GPU output.

Part 2 (Optional): Initial Power Test

Step 1: Powering On the System

If the motherboard has built-in power buttons, press them to turn on the system.
If it does not, use a screwdriver to briefly short the PWR_SW+ and PWR_SW- pins.

Step 2 (Optional): BIOS Update for CPU Compatibility

If the motherboard firmware is outdated, update the BIOS:

Some motherboards require an older CPU for updating.
Use the BIOS Flashback feature if available (refer to manufacturer’s guide).

Part 3: Internal Assembly

Step 1: Preparing the Case

Disconnect the PSU and GPU from the motherboard.
Unbox the case and locate included screws.
If motherboard standoffs aren’t pre-installed, install them according to your motherboard size.
Ensure the tallest standoff is in the middle row and column for proper alignment.

Step 2: Installing the Motherboard

Without Pre-installed I/O Shield:
- Install the shield first, pressing all four corners until it clicks.
With Pre-installed I/O Shield:
- Align the middle standoff with the motherboard’s center hole and secure it.
For ITX Motherboards:
- Skip the middle standoff guide; align directly with case holes.
Secure the motherboard using M3 screws —tighten until snug but avoid overtightening.

Step 3: Installing the AIO Cooler (if applicable)

Mount the radiator at the top of the case (if possible) using the provided screws.
Secure the remaining brackets after initial support screws are installed.

Step 4: Reinstalling the GPU

Remove PCIe slot covers (if necessary).
Insert the GPU into the PCIe slot and secure it with thumbscrews.
If the case lacks thumbscrews, use #6-32 screws.

Step 5: Cable Management (PSU and Power Connections)

Route the 8-pin CPU power cable through the top left side.
Route the 24-pin motherboard power cable through the right side.
Route the GPU power cable through the PSU shroud (if available) or the case’s lower side.

Step 6: Cable Management (Front Panel & I/O Connections)

Connect the case cables:

USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB Type-C
HD Audio (for front panel 3.5mm jack)
Front Panel Power & Reset Buttons

Ensure proper pin alignment to avoid damage.

Step 7: Case Fans and RGB Fans

Connect case fans to SYS_FAN or CHA_FAN headers.
Route RGB cables based on 12V RGB (4-pin) or 5V ARGB (3-pin) compatibility.
Avoid misalignment to prevent component damage.

Step 8: Final Cable Management and Panel Closure

Ensure cables are neatly arranged to prevent obstruction.
Secure the side panel and perform a final system check before powering on.