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Gaming Motherboards will have more Options for Ram and Expansionmotherboard image by Ivonne Wierink from Fotolia.com
Select a motherboard for your computer. When doing this, consider how many expansion slots the motherboard has, the type of processor it takes, how much RAM it can handle and the type of expansion slots. The motherboard is the backbone of the computer, so all other components need to be matched to the motherboard or they will not be compatible. - 2). Create a list of all the components that you will use to build your computer, starting with the motherboard. Find what types of RAM, CPUs and graphics cards are compatible with your motherboard and compare which have the best options for the most reasonable price. Choose components that are powerful for a gaming computer, but be wary of buying the newest components possible as they will likely be the most expensive.
- 3). Select and purchase a case. Ensure the the case selected matches the "form factor" of the motherboard. For a gaming computer, this will nearly always be an ATX form factor.
- 4). Buy all the components.
- 5). Assemble the computer. Begin by touching something metal to discharge any static electricity build-up. First screw the motherboard into the case. Then attach the power supply. Attach the following components to the motherboard in any order: CPU and accompanying fan, RAM, graphics card, hard drive, optical or disc drives, extra fans.
- 6). Plug all the components into the power supply, including the main power plug for the motherboard. Some components, such as the RAM and graphics card, will get power directly from the motherboard. Note that the case lights, power switch and other case components will all need to be plugged into the motherboard. Typically, all the plugs for these switches are in the same location on the bottom right of the motherboard.
- 7). Test the computer by turning it on and ensuring the hard drives turn on, all fans spin and the hard drive lights on the case turn on.
- 8). Tie the internal cords into bundles to ensure maximum airflow and close the case.
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