New PC Assembly Procedure

This procedure describes how to build a modern, Pentium-class Windows 95 personal computer. Starting from components, the instructions here will tell you how to physically assemble the unit, get it running, test it, and even set up and optimize the operating system. My goal in creating this procedure was to make it simple and clear enough that virtually anyone could use it to make their own PC. To meet this goal I have provided a great deal of detail, far more than you will find in other similar descriptions. I have also distilled into these pages my experiences in building and rebuilding dozens of machines, so the common pitfalls are foreseen and you can better avoid the many mistakes that I made while building my first PCs without the benefit of a procedure such as this one. :^)
This assembly procedure is comprised entirely of subprocedures, to keep it to a reasonable length and to allow you to skip the details of any parts of the overall procedure that you already understand. The steps for the procedure are in the Index frame; each loads a subprocedure here, into the Contents frame. You can also use the links at the bottom of this page if you desire.
This procedure concentrates on the assembly and setup of the PC itself. It does not deal with any of the important pre-assembly work, such as planning a system, specifying and purchasing components, etc. These will be covered in future sections of The PC Guide, with links placed here as appropriate. It does, however, include the important steps after assembly is completed, which most other assembly procedures gloss over: testing the system, getting the CD-ROM drive running, and installing the operating system. I assume the installation of Windows 95 here, just because it is the most popular operating system right now.

Note: The procedure overview below applies to the whole build procedure. Each of the individual subprocedures also has its own overview, which you will see when you select one from the Index Frame.

from: http://www.pcguide.com/proc/pcassy/index.htm