How to Build a Multimedia Computer
by Tom McNamara, Demand Media
Build a computer that meets your multimedia needs.
Computers have become powerful enough to act as media hubs for your home. You can edit videos on your computer and transmit them to your TV, store large music libraries, and record high-definition television right on your computer.
Items you will need
- Computer case
- Motherboard
- CPU (Central Processing Unit)
- RAM (Random Access Memory)
- Video card
- Hard drive
- DVD drive
- #2 Phillips screwdriver
- Keyboard and mouse
- Two power cables
- Monitor with signal cable
Step 1
Open your case and check its internals for damage or loose parts. For North America, verify that the voltage switch on the back of the power supply is set to 110 or 115 volts. Do not plug in the power supply yet.
Step 2
Install the CPU on the motherboard. Lift the lever next to the CPU slot on the board. Check for a notch or arrow on the bottom of the CPU, and match that with a notch or arrow on one corner of the slot, then drop the CPU in and lower the lever. If you experience resistance, the orientation may be incorrect. Connect the CPU's fan to the motherboard. A multimedia CPU should be at least dual-core, preferably quad-core.
Step 3
Install your RAM sticks in their slots on the motherboard. The sticks will snap into place when secure. Install with the gold "teeth" facing downward. At least four gigabytes is acceptable for a multimedia PC.
Step 4
Install the brass "standoff" screws in the motherboard tray. These can be hand-tightened. Then place the motherboard on top of the standoffs and secure them by putting your screws through the pre-drilled holes in the motherboard into the standoffs below. Connect the power supply to the motherboard according to your manual's instructions.
Step 5
Install the video card. It will fit in the slot closest to your CPU (consult your motherboard manual if need be). This card should have at least one DVI port on the back, and preferably HDMI. You can purchase a TV tuner card separately or get one with the tuner integrated, such as the Radeon "All-in-Wonder" HD.
Step 6
Install your hard drive and optical drive. Your case may have "tool-less" drive bays. Slide the drives in and secure them with screws. Make sure that the faceplate on the front of the computer has been removed where the optical drive is being installed. Attach the data cables (usually included with the motherboard) to your optical and hard drives, and attach the other ends of those cables to their headers on the motherboard.
Step 7
Attach the power and reset cables coming from the front of the computer to their headers on the motherboard. There also may be internal USB, FireWire and headphone cables coming from the front too. Sometimes these headers and cables are poorly labeled and you'll need to consult your documentation. Connect your case fans to the motherboard or power supply.
Step 8
Attach your monitor's signal cable and connect it to the back of the video card. Plug in its power cable, then plug in the case's power cable. If your system has power at this point, a small green light should activate on your motherboard. Close the case. Now attach your keyboard and mouse to their ports on the back of the computer. If everything is connected properly, your computer should turn on when you hit the power button.
Tips
- Attach case fans to the motherboard instead of the power supply if you can, so that you can monitor their speeds with the board's software.
- You can buy HDMI cables much cheaper online than in many retail stores.
- Get at least a 600-watt power supply for future expansion.
Warnings
- Do not put your hands inside a powered-up computer.
- Detach the power cable before installing or removing any internal components.
- Connect your power cables to a power strip or UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) instead of directly into a wall socket, to protect against surges.
Photo Credits
- inner computer image by MLProject from Fotolia.com
