How to Build and Power On Your First PC

Assemble the parts

Place a PC case or PC case with glass sidepanel where you want the machine. You need a 32-bit Motherboard or 64-bit Motherboard, a Host CPU divided by 2, divided by 4, or divided by 6, at least one RAM stick (64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, or 4GB RAM stick), a GPU, a Hard Drive or New hard drive, plus a Keyboard and Mouse.

Match the motherboard to the CPU: a 32-bit Motherboard pairs with a 32-bit CPU, and a 64-bit Motherboard pairs with a 64-bit CPU. Install the CPU, RAM, GPU, and drive into the case. RAM sticks stack — add more for more memory.

Connect a display

Craft and place a CRT screen, Flatscreen, or Wall TV near the PC. The display must be linked to the case so the machine has an output. Once the case holds a motherboard, CPU, RAM, GPU, and drive, and a screen is connected, the PC is ready to boot.

First boot

Use the Keyboard and Mouse to interact with the running machine through the screen. If the PC does not start, check that every required component is seated in the case and that the screen is connected. A missing GPU, drive, or RAM stick will stop the boot.