Dream Machine

[Bruce A Thompson]

Preparing the motherboard to install in the case

We want to put all the parts we can on the mobo before we install it in the case.

For this build, that would be the RAM, the CPU and heat sink, and the SATA cables.

Motherboard
Outside of the case


RAM

Note that the DIMMS (that's what they are called) have a slot in them which only allows them to be installed in one direction.




CPU & Heat Sink

First we remove the slot protector and open the retaining latch.




Q6600 Quad Core Sweet! Note that it too, has a notch which only allows it to go in one way. Close the latch and it is ready for the heat sink.





Heat Sink We see that there are plunge locks on the bottom to hold it to the motherboard and CPU. In the last photo above, you can see the large X printed on the motherboard around the CPU. Note the holes drilled in the motherboard for the heat sink locks to go through.




Lastly, we attach all the cables we can outside of the case.

CPU fan plug


SATA Cables For the hard drive and the DVD burner


A little something that will come in VERY handy in a little while


This motherboard is ready to go in the case