Now switch to your new motherboard. If you use a compact case, like a Micro-ATX or a Mini-ITX, you’ll want the corresponding Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX motherboard. For most recent machines, these are SATA cables. If you want a more powerful processor, you’ll have to make sure that you have the right motherboard to support it. Set it aside. This tutorial on how to install a motherboard is one of the first steps in building a computer.All the components in a computer connect to the motherboard, so it is important that the motherboard is installed correctly.This tutorial will hopefully help you to do that. We are discussing the driver installation of the GIGABYTE Motherboard. FMI: Supports AMD APU processors from 2011. 7. If you are upgrading … If all your connections are back in place, you’re ready to close it up. Other expansion slots can be used for more general applications, like Wi-Fi cards, sound cards, extra USB slots, and so on. The, "It really helped me in doing my assignments.". Most modern power supplies have a cable that terminates in a 20 pin connector, but features an additional 4 pin connector to accommodate the 24 pin slots. You’re trying to avoid getting any paste in between the CPU and those contact pins when you install the new CPU. If you have an identical CPU you want to swap out in your system, or one that’s compatible with your current machine’s socket and other hardware, it’s not a huge hassle to get it out. But my bet is that the answer is no. If you’ve replaced only your CPU only, you shouldn’t need to make any changes to your system. You’ll now want to lift the retention plate off of the CPU. Do I need to reinstall my OS if I have a new motherboard? Below are a few of the possible issues you may encounter. Connect as many standoffs as possible, but never use any extra standoffs. If it’s a new model, place the new I/O plate in the back of the case. But before you replace either piece, you’ll need to select the correct hardware for the replacement. Computer does not boot, instead you get a beep code. You’re really only limited by your budget here. Modern cases include plenty of mounting spots for motherboards that are smaller than their maximum size. At this point the only thing holding the CPU in is gravity. 1. Do you have an OS installed on your drive? Insert it into the open CPU socket on the motherboard. By using our site, you agree to our. No. What are your specs/parts? If in doubt, contact an expert. Remove the RAM DIMMs from the motherboard. Connect the motherboard to the standoffs. No matter what size your case is, you can probably find a motherboard that fits its dimensions and your needs. With the CPU cooler removed, it’s time to unplug the main motherboard power cable. PCI-Express and standard PCI cards come in different sizes and speeds, which don’t necessarily correspond to one another. Can a computer start without RAM or a hard disk? In either case, don’t forget to plug the cooling fan in on one of the 4 pin fan plugs on the motherboard when it’s in place. He spent five years writing for Android Police and his work has appeared on Digital Trends and Lifehacker. We’ll start with the graphics card, if you have one. LGA-2066: Supports the new X-series processors, only available on high-end motherboards. I had hoped to build this computer with my father; however, he, "I love how simple the steps are. What could have gone wrong? Next comes the CPU, so remove the new one from its packaging. Installing Your New Processor: Install your new motherboard (if necessary). Also remember that the maximum RAM capacity assumes that every DIMM slot is filled. AM4: Supports AMD processors from 2016 to the time of writing. Installing the Motherboard in your Homebuilt Computer Installing the motherboard in your homebuilt computer usually is pretty easy (though sometimes knuckle-busting). Follow the steps below. Go to a working computer, download, create a bootable copy, then perform a clean install. How to install a motherboard? Set these aside so that you don’t lose them. The final step before the motherboard itself, is installing the I/O shield. The motherboard is the backbone of your desktop computer. This has definitely made me more confident when installing my PC components. If you’re looking to upgrade, though, you’ll need to do a bit of research first. You’ll need to unplug almost everything from the motherboard to get it out of the case. Multi-GPU setups are rare these days, but obviously if you have more than one card, you’ll need multiple PCI-E slots to support them. You’ll need to pull it slightly to your right to get it clear of the I/O plate, the small piece of metal between the ports on the back of the motherboard and the plate itself. First remove the power rail from the top or side of the GPU. Lots of people have ddr3 around and would love to be able to swap it in or out to save money. I would like to upgrade the motherboard and CPU of my computer, which runs Windows 10. Make sure that there aren’t any cables hiding underneath the board as you set it into place on the risers. They can be tricky to spot, especially if they’re dark screws and you don’t have much lighting. You’ll need enough USB ports for all your accessories, an Ethernet port if you won’t be using Wi-Fi, and so on. Before you get to install your huge new hard drives, fancy new PCI cards, and copious sticks of RAM, you'd better tackle that motherboard and CPU installation. Some high-performance sockets need separate 8 pin and 4 pin cables for a total of 12. If not, then squeeze about a pea-sized drop of thermal paste onto the center of the CPU from the paste tube. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. And since the motherboard connects to pretty much every other piece of hardware in your desktop, that’s no small matter. It’s probably plugged into a 4 pin power adapter, somewhere near the CPU socket. Really, you should consider this more building a new computer and reusing old parts than simply upgrading your computer. He’s covered industry events like the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and Mobile World Congress in person. 1. Step 1. You’ll also want to do the same for the bottom of the heatsink you removed, if you’re planning on using it again. Ditto for any M.2 storage drives or expansions. "I have recently decided to build a new computer. Re-install your M.2 drive if you’re using it. Installing a motherboard typically means you are essentially building a new computer. A cup or bowl is also handy for holding loose screws. Thermal paste helps conduct heat from your CPU into the CPU cooler, and it’s a necessity. Intel and AMD stock coolers can be removed simply, but larger, more elaborate air coolers and liquid coolers might need you to access the opposite side of the motherboard to remove a backing plate. Then remove both side panels for easy access to the motherboard tray. Set the PC on its side, with the motherboard facing up. SKIP STRAIGHT TO INSTALLATION: 3:47First Installation in our Step By Step playlist. If you’re using an M.2 storage drive, remove it now—just remove the retention screw and pull it out of the slot. The Ryzen 3 and Ryzen 5 families are good middle-of-the-road picks, some of which offer integrated Radeon graphics for mid-range gaming capabilities without a separate graphics card. I find these steps to be the same and a nice refresher. It will let you know if there are any jumpers that you need to set before attempting your install. If there are other components blocking physical access to it, like case fans, you’ll also have to take them out. 10. This is the more complex operation. You’ll need to make sure that there are enough SATA slots for all of your storage and disc drives, and there generally are on most motherboards. All Rights Reserved, LGA-1155: Supports Intel processors from 2011 to 2012, LGA-1150: Supports Intel processors from 2013 to 2015. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-1.jpg\/aid28234-v4-728px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":325,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":514,"licensing":"