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Here are a variety of general tips that apply to building or upgrading PC computers.

What You Need To Know:

• Pay Attention: It is rare that a newly assembled system operates perfectly the first time, even for people who are somewhat experienced. It is very easy to forget a jumper, switch, or cable connection that later causes problems in system operation. It is usually a missed step or error made in the assembly process so be careful and pay attention when you are assembling a computer.
• Static: Beware of static. Don't touch chips with your fingers, even ones on circuit boards. Processors and static (cache) memory are sensitive to static discharge, so keep components in their original packaging until you intend to use them. Place removed circuits and devices on a clean desk or table. Always pick up a loose adapter card by the metal bracket used to secure the card to the system. This bracket is tied into the ground circuitry of the card, so by touching the bracket first, you prevent a discharge from damaging the components of the card. If the circuit board has no metal bracket (a motherboard, for example), handle the board carefully by the edges, and try not to touch any of the connectors or components.
  
• Don't Force An Object: Don't force anything when you are working inside the PC. In some instances, pressure may be required, but if you have to really force an object, you might be doing something wrong.
• Connecting Cables: When connecting cables, remember to line up pin 1 of each device's connector. Pin 1 is usually marked on a device by a small number "1" near the pin. It can also be indicated with a dot, triangle, arrow, or a square solder pad where the pin attaches to the printed circuit board. Most cables will have a red marking on one edge which indicates the side that goes to pin 1 on each device; so you can just line up the cable so the red wire goes towards pin 1 on each device. Many PC cables are not keyed to prevent incorrect insertion, so it is important to take your time and be careful.
• Off By One Errors: Watch out for "off by one" errors when attaching cable connectors to pin headers. It's easy to miss by one row or column of pins and then the drive will not work, and it can be very hard to diagnose this.

What You Need To Do:

• Read!: Before you begin the installation of any hardware device, be sure you read up on it. Read the installation instructions of any device that you've never installed before. Also remember that manuals are not always updated when products are, so you should check the hardware as well as the documentation. This is particularly true for mother boards. Sometimes the manual is the same for several slightly different versions of the board. Always verify any feature the manual claims by examining the board itself.
• Save Documentation: Save every piece of documentation and software that comes with every component in your system. This material can be indispensable in troubleshooting problems you encounter during the assembly process or later on. You should also retain all the packing materials used to ship mail order components to you until you are certain that they will not have to be returned.
• Ground Yourself: It is important to ground yourself before working inside the PC or handling components. One way to do this is to touch the metal case of the power supply when it is plugged in. But don't leave the PC plugged in while you are working on it. A good procedure is to open the PC case, ground to the power supply and then pull the plug. If you don't rub your feet on the carpet, you should remain grounded for some time. When working on a PC that has attached peripherals, remember to turn off any devices attached to your PC as well as the PC itself, before opening the case.
• Record Physical Configuration: While you are assembling a system, it is a good idea to record all the physical settings and configurations of each component, including jumper and switch settings, cable orientations and placement, ground-wire locations, and even adapter board placement. Keep a notebook handy for recording these items, and write down all the settings.
• Screws: You will need at least three screws for most drives. When you remove screws from a case, put them nearby in a safe place, or tape them to the case after it's opened. When installing a drive, it is a good idea to first insert the screws one by one and only "hand tighten." When you have all the screws in, then check the alignment, and then tighten the screws. This should ensure that the drive is lined up correctly. Make sure you don't overtighten screws. If the over-tightened screws get stripped, they are almost impossible to loosen, and you can damage your equipment. Also, do not use screws that are too long or you can damage the device. Usually 1/8" is sufficient. The use of a magnetic screwdriver will help prevent dropping screws and components either in the PC or on the floor. Remember there are several different types of screws used inside PCs. Many times you will see screws with the same head but different thread patterns. If you are having trouble with a screw, you might be using the wrong type.
• Interference: Be aware of whether two components conflict with each other or if they might in the future if the box is jostled or if something comes a bit loose over time.

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