11 Tips To Avoid Failure In What To Do After Installing New Motherboard

Whether you’re an enthusiast or getting into the world of PC building for the first time, it is crucial to know the steps you need to follow for building up your new PC. You must choose a suitable chipset or motherboard first. But what to do after installing new motherboard?

After installing the new motherboard, you need to install the CPU, CPU cooler, additional fans, storage, GPU, and PSU to the system. Tidy up the cables with some cable management and boot up the PC. Then set up the BIOS and boot to any operating system with an installation media – and you’re good to go.

Picking up new components can be a daunting task at first because of all the possible varieties and combinations. But once you’re into it, you’ll find the whole process to be relatively simple.

PC Components List to Build Up New System

We’ll primarily focus on building up a gaming PC here. But this guide works on all types of PC once you understand the core mechanics behind it.

The first thing you need to keep in mind is that the components you choose are crucial for building that dream PC of yours. Without the right parts, you might be missing out on a whole lot of features without even knowing.

1. Processor (CPU)
2. Motherboard
3. Graphical processing unit (GPU)
4. Memory (RAM)
5. Storage
6. Computer case
7. Power supply unit (PSU)
8. CPU heatsink/ fan
9. Peripherals
10. Operating System
    

Step 01: Installing the CPU

After getting your new motherboard, make sure you have the right CPU and casing intended for the build. There are mainly two types of processors manufactured right now- the Intel ones and the Ryzen ones.

After you’ve selected your perfect CPU for the job, it’s time to install it on your motherboard. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Unlock the CPU bar.
2. Open the CPU door.
3. Put the CPU in the proper orientation.
4. Close the door.
5. Lock the CPU bar down.

There should be arrows marking the top. If you’re still confused, refer to the motherboard instruction manual.

Step 02: CPU Cooler Mounting

After installing your CPU, it is essential to mount the heatsink properly to get the best performance from your CPU. Here are the steps:

1. Place the appropriate amount of thermal paste on top of the CPU.
2. Connect the heatsink with the four holes closest to the CPU socket.
3. Tighten the screws or lock the plastic pins depending on the CPU.
4. Plug the CPU cooler into the motherboard.

Step 03: RAM Installation

RAM is the most straightforward component to install. Here are the steps on how to install the RAM on your motherboard:

1. Push the two tabs situated on the right and left portions of the RAM slot.
2. Fix the proper orientation for the RAM installation.
3. Push down the module until you hear a click.
4. Make sure both of the tabs are closed.

However, if you’re looking to install dual-channel memory, refer to the motherboard manual.

Step 04: Motherboard into the Casing

After installing the CPU, cooler, and RAM into the motherboard, it’s time to put up the motherboard to the casing. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Place the I/O shield on the outer connection region.
2. Install the necessary standoffs.
3. Install the spacers according to the motherboard screw holes.
4. Make sure the motherboard metal doesn’t touch the metal on the casing.

Take care so that you don’t overtighten your motherboard. Otherwise, you could potentially bend the component.

Step 05: Storage Installation

Once you’re done installing the primary memory or RAM on your motherboards, it’s time to focus on non-volatile storage options. There should be some HDD and SSD brackets on your case for easy installation.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Start by removing the SSD caddie from the case by unscrewing.
2. Place the SSD/HDD into the caddie.
3. Place the caddie holes in line with the storage.
4. Tighten up the screw to connect the storage with the caddie.
5. Install the caddie on the HDD slot by pushing it to the respective space.
6. Connect the storage with motherboard using the included SATA cable.

These days there are also M.2 PCIe SSDs that are faster and easier to install. They can be installed directly on the motherboard. Here are the steps:

1. Unscrew the M.2 slot and remove the cover.
2. Place the PCIe SSD on the slot and push it until you hear a click
3. Screw the SSD with the motherboard to secure it in place.

Step 06: PSU Positioning

A good power supply, also known as the PSU, is the primary component that will power your entire PC and ensure its long-term health. You should never go for a cheap, non-branded PSU. Always go for one that’s at least 80+ bronze certified.

You need to calculate the amount of power you need for your components. Then go higher than the total power draw for future expansion and longer lifespan.

Here are the steps on how to install the PSU:

1. If your casing already has a PSU bracket installed, remove it.
2. Attach the bracket to the backside of the case.
3. Now thread the cables through the PSU slot on the back of the case.
4. Slide the PSU to the casing and secure the bracket back into the casing.
5. On older casings, slip the PSU through the chassis and push the system into the inside wall.
6. Attach the PSU with four included screws to secure it in place.
7. Orient the PSU toward the ventilation area.

Remember that the best place to place the PSU is downward or one side away from the case.

Step 07: I/O Button Management

I/O button management is quite a tricky thing to do if you don’t have any previous experience. It is best to refer to the motherboard manual if you’re not sure what cable to install at the proper place.

Here are the generalized steps for installing the I/O button cables:

1. Take every individual pin and identify what pins are necessary.
2. Get the proper cable from the motherboard.
3. Place the wires gently on top of the pins.
4. Install the audio pass-through according to the motherboard manual.
5. Install the USB 2.0 and 3.0 headers. (USB 3.0 headers are blue)

While installing cables, don’t force the pins too much as it can bend or break them. For correct orientation, the (+) and (-) cables should be installed on the (+) and (-) pins on the board.

Step 08: GPU Installation

The graphical processing unit or GPU installation is the most exciting component for a gamer to install onto their computer. This should be installed as the last step for hardware installation.

Here are the steps how to install the GPU on your motherboard.

1. Inspect your motherboard and find the PCIe slot closest to your CPU.
2. Locate two PCIe slots next to the slot you want to install the GPU on.
3. Remove the PCIe covers by unscrewing one or two screws on top.
4. Remove your GPU from the anti-static bag
5. Line the GPU with the exposed slot that you just opened.
6. Make sure the gold contacts of the GPU are in touch with the PCIe.
7. Gently push it in place till hearing a click.
8. Use the screw from the PCIe slot to secure the GPU into the proper place.

An excellent tip to remember is that the rear I/O of the GPU should face the back of the casing.

Step 09: Cable Management

Cable management is an essential step if you want to make your PC look as tidy as possible. Many people don’t manage their cables properly, resulting in the PC looking like a mess.

Here are the steps to install and manage your cables properly:

1. Identify the 24-pin ATX power cable.
2. Slide the line through the recess of the chassis.
3. Plug it into the 24-pin ATX motherboard.
4. Look at your PSU for the 8-pin EPS cable.
5. Slide the EPS cable through the back of the casing.
6. Plug the cable into the 8-pin slot.
7. Take up the SATA power cable and pass it through the casing.
8. Connect the cord with your installed storage.
9. Route the PCIe cable through the case and install it on your GPU.

Use cable ties to tidy up the wires as much as you can. Your cables should be tidied up on the back part of the chassis. Use the cable-cut outs to route the wires through them.

Step 10: BIOS Setup

With the previous step, you’ve successfully built up your system. But don’t rejoice yet. Power it up and see if it successfully runs or not!

Plug your PC into power and press the power button to turn it on. Wait for a few seconds until a splash screen arrives, and then hit the DEL button on your keyboard to enter BIOS.

Here’s how you set up the BIOS:

1. Check temperature to see whether the CPU cooler is around 30-40°C.
2. Check your boot drive to see whether it is registering on the system.
3. For Intel systems, enable XMP and allow DOCP for AMD Ryzen.
4. Enable secure boot and UEFI.
5. Hit F10 to save your progress and exit from the BIOS.

Step 11: Operating System Installation

Setting up the operating system is the last step to get up into a fully functioning PC. Here are the steps on how to install the operating system:

1. Create a Windows/Linux installation media disc or USB disc.
2. Plug it onto your system and boot up your PC.
3. Go to BIOS and boot up from the USB.
4. Simply follow the procedure and install the Windows boot driver.

Remember that you need at least a 16 GB USB stick and Windows 10 media creation kit to make a bootable USB stick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does it cost to build a gaming PC?

For a decent gaming pc, you can spend anywhere around $500 to $1000 depending on your components.

How hard is it to build a gaming PC?

In this modern age, building up a PC is easier than ever. So many tutorials and videos are available on the internet.

What tools do you need to build a Gaming PC?

You only need 2-3 Phillips head screwdrivers and some cable ties for building up and entire PC.

Do I need to buy a disc drive?

These days you don’t need disc drives on your system. You can simply download everything you need from the internet.

Should I buy extra case fans?

Depending on your case size and components, you may or may not need to buy extra fans.

Final Thoughts

PC building is so much more accessible these days, thanks to the advancements in modern-day engineering and ease of use for the components. Anyone can build up a PC these days if they know the right parts to use and install them properly.

We hope this guide will help you answer your question about what to do after installing new motherboard. Happy PC building!