A practical PC hardware documentation project covering component selection, compatibility, assembly, BIOS setup, Windows installation, drivers, testing, and troubleshooting.
This guide documents the complete process of planning, building, configuring, testing, and troubleshooting a custom desktop PC.
The goal is to demonstrate practical PC hardware knowledge and IT support skills through a structured build workflow.
- Example PC Build
- Component Compatibility Checklist
- BIOS Setup Checklist
- Windows Installation Checklist
- Driver Installation Checklist
- System Testing Checklist
Main components:
- CPU
- Motherboard
- RAM
- GPU
- Storage
- Power Supply
- CPU Cooler
- PC Case
- Case Fans
Important factors:
- Performance requirements
- Budget
- Upgrade path
- Power requirements
- Cooling requirements
- Physical compatibility
Before assembly, verify:
- CPU socket matches the motherboard
- Motherboard supports the selected CPU
- RAM type is compatible with the motherboard
- GPU fits inside the case
- CPU cooler supports the CPU socket
- PSU provides enough wattage
- PSU includes required CPU and GPU power connectors
- Case supports the motherboard form factor
- Storage interfaces are supported
Recommended assembly order:
- Install the CPU
- Install RAM
- Install M.2 storage
- Install CPU cooler
- Install motherboard into the case
- Install power supply
- Connect motherboard power
- Connect CPU power
- Install GPU
- Connect GPU power
- Connect front-panel connectors
- Connect case fans
- Perform cable management
- Inspect all connections before powering on
After powering on:
- Confirm CPU and case fans are spinning
- Check motherboard debug LEDs
- Confirm the system reaches BIOS
- Check CPU temperature
- Confirm RAM is detected
- Confirm storage drives are detected
- Confirm CPU is detected correctly
Recommended BIOS checks:
- Verify CPU information
- Verify installed memory
- Enable XMP or EXPO if supported
- Check CPU temperature
- Confirm storage devices
- Configure boot order
- Check fan settings
- Enable TPM if required
- Enable Secure Boot when needed
Basic installation process:
- Create a bootable Windows USB drive
- Select the USB drive from the BIOS boot menu
- Start Windows Setup
- Select the correct storage drive
- Install Windows
- Complete initial Windows setup
- Run Windows Update
Recommended driver installation order:
- Motherboard chipset driver
- Network drivers
- GPU driver
- Audio driver
- Other motherboard drivers
- Windows updates
After setup, verify system stability.
- CPU temperatures
- GPU temperatures
- RAM detection
- Storage health
- Fan operation
- Network connectivity
Possible tests include:
- CPU stress test
- GPU stress test
- Memory test
- Storage health check
- Gaming or workload test
Check:
- PSU power switch
- Power cable
- 24-pin motherboard connector
- CPU power connector
- Front-panel power button connector
Check:
- Monitor input
- HDMI or DisplayPort cable
- RAM installation
- GPU installation
- GPU power cables
- Motherboard debug LEDs
Possible checks:
- CPU power connector
- CPU seating
- Bent socket pins
- BIOS compatibility
- CMOS reset
Possible checks:
- GPU seating
- GPU power cables
- Display cable
- Different PCIe slot
- Integrated graphics if available
Check:
- SATA or power cable
- M.2 installation
- BIOS storage settings
- Different SATA port
- Drive health
Before working inside a PC:
- Shut down the computer
- Disconnect power
- Turn off the PSU
- Avoid working on carpet when possible
- Ground yourself before touching components
- Never force connectors into place
This project demonstrates:
- PC hardware knowledge
- Component compatibility
- PC assembly
- BIOS configuration
- Windows installation
- Driver installation
- Hardware troubleshooting
- System diagnostics
- Documentation
Planned additions:
- Example PC build
- Component comparison table
- BIOS screenshots
- Build photos
- Troubleshooting flowcharts
- Cable management examples
- Upgrade planning guide
Feras M. Jubran