I've been receiving the same question now for some time and put off writing about it because it's a fairly simple one to answer, but today I'll go into some real detail about how you physically assemble a gaming computer.

There are two major things you need to know before you put all of your computer parts together:

• It is almost impossible to assemble the pieces incorrectly.
• You do not need to push hard to insert computer components.

I had overlooked this question in the past because it's almost impossible to screw up the assembly of a computer: you simply slide the parts into the places that they fit in, and it's done. Almost every part is physically impossible to insert incorrectly, but there are a few hangups along the way that you should look out for.

First step: assemble the motherboard

When I'm building a computer, the first thing I like to do is place all of the components I can - minus any expansion cards - on the motherboard. Basically, this is going to be the processor, heatsink and fan, and RAM.

RAM slides in rather easily: you fold two white plastic tabs down on your memory slot and simply push the memory in until the white tabs click back into place. There is a notch near the middle of the RAM slot that corresponds to a notch in the stick of RAM, making it physically impossible to insert your RAM incorrectly.

Installing a processor is similar: there is a central socket that the processor sits in. You need to lift the locking lever to unlock the socket (it comes up to about a 90 degree angle) then simply slide the processor in. Again, you cannot screw this part up: the processor is built in such a way that it will not easily slide in if it's facing the wrong way (the pins of the processor have a unique shape and must match up with the holes of the socket).

Once the processor is in you simply push the locking lever back down until it locks into place. To confirm you've installed the processor correctly, you can simply hold the motherboard upside down: if the processor doesn't come crashing to the ground, congratulations!

Next comes the installation of the heatsink and cooling fan. This varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and from motherboard to motherboard. In general, you're going to place the flat, solid side of the big metal brick (also known as the heatsink) directly on top of the processor (application of thermal paste might be necessary, see your instructions). The heatsink gets secured down (again, read the instructions for your heaksink), and the fan gets attached to the heatsink in some manner (once again, instructions).

Generally, you're going to simply "pin down" the heatsink through holes on the motherboard (don't worry, these holes are actually part of the motherboard design, and most motherboard manufacturers follow Intel/AMD's guidelines for where holes should be placed). After that, you screw on the cooling fan, and away you go.

Next, inside the case

After the basic components are installed on the motherboard, it's time to put her in the case. First, you're going to install the included risers inside the computer case, where the motherboard would sit. The risers are about 1/4 inch in length and can be hand screwed into the case. these are installed because the electrical components of the back of the motherboard should not touch metal - doing so could damage the system.

After the risers are installed, you simply place the motherboard on top of the risers, and screw it down. You only need to screw the motherboard in tight enough to hold it in place - you don't want to crack your motherboard.

Other components

At this point I like to install everything else: hard drives, optical drives, and power supply. Then I like to connect them.

The internal drives (hard drives, optical drives, etc...) are fairly easy to install: just put them into the docking are found at the front of the case and screw them in securely, then connect the wiring (power, SATA cables, etc...).

Once the internal drives are in place and power is properly connected to the motherboard and the drives, I install the video card(s) and other expansion cards. I do these last simply because of the sheer size of some of these things - they can be monstrous! Installing them last gives me the opportunity to work around the cabling, instead of trying to work the cabling around them.

Installing a video card is ridiculously simple: it slides into your PCI-Express x16 slot. You can't slide it in wrong - the monitor connector must face outwards, and the connectors are physically impossible to attach incorrectly. After it's inserted, you simply screw down the metal portion of the card to the side of the case.

From there you simply close the case up, attach the monitor, mouse, and keyboard, and power the system up.

Do you have a question you need answered? E-mail me! lordkat@gmail.com

Click here to check out How to Build a Gaming Computer for Under $1000.

Be safe,

Jason