How to Build an SFF PC
- 1). Buy at least an SFF case, mini ATX (Advanced Technology Extended) motherboard, processor, memory, a hard drive and an optical drive. Even if your case allows for more than one hard drive, buy only one as these drives generate a lot of heat. Look for SFF cases that include a power supply, because sometimes finding one that fits properly is problematic. Read reviews while shopping for cases in particular and stay away from those models known for poor motherboard fit or quickly failing power supplies. When buying a bare-bones SFF case, it will come with a power supply and motherboard installed.
- 2). Gather all your new computer's parts and set them up on a clean, flat surface away from static electricity hazards. Open the computer case and slide out the motherboard tray, if there is one. Install the motherboard first, using the screws and metal feet included. Install the processor and its heat sink. If a fan came on the heat sink, plug it into the two or three-pin connector on the motherboard near the processor socket. Push the clips back on the memory sockets and push in the memory sticks, then use the clips to secure them. Find the square four-pin and the rectangle 20-pin cables on the power supply and connect them to the motherboard.
- 3). Find the drive cage, which is usually in the front of the case. In one 3.5-inch bay, slide the hard drive in and secure it with screws on either side. Do the same for the optical drive, but install it in the 5.25-inch bay. Use the cables included with the motherboard to attach each drive to the motherboard. Attach a power cable from the power supply to each drive.
- 4). Close the case and plug in the monitor, keyboard and mouse. Plug in a universal power cable to the back of the computer and a wall socket. Power on the computer and insert the operating system install disc of your choice. Follow its prompts to install.
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