Installing the Panel Connectors

We're almost finished!

One somewhat tedious but vital step in assembling your homebuilt computer is to connect the front-panel switches and LED's from the case to the motherboard. If you purchased a "barebones" computer with the motherboard already mounted, then this was probably done for you already. Otherwise, you'll have to do it yourself.

 

 

Each switch and LED on the front panel has a connector attached to it that must be connected to the appropriate pins on the motherboard. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of consistency in the way these pins are positioned. To determine the correct pins to attach the connectors to, you will have to consult the motherboard manual or look for the teensy lettering on the motherboard adjacent to the pins.

 

Some of the connectors (especially the LED's) are polarized, meaning that they have to be connected in the correct polarity. When this is the case, the connector will have a little arrow or a plus sign adjacent to the conductor that attaches to the positive pin. If one of your LED's doesn't work (or always stays lit, even when it shouldn't be), try reversing the connector.

 

Time to Double-Check

Before firing up your new computer, take a few moments to double check the following items:

• Check all the fans to make sure they are properly connected. Starting up your computer with the CPU fan disconnected will likely kill your processor!

• Make sure that all wires and cables are safely tied away from the fans. Neatness counts. Use plastic cable ties, not metal twist-ties.

• Check that all of the power and data cables are securely connected and are attached in the correct polarity.

• Make sure that there are no tools, screws, or jumpers floating around in the case.

• Check that all expansion cards and RAM modules are securely seated.

 

Get Ready for The Moment of Truth

Everything checks out okay? Great! Now comes the moment of truth: Get ready to start up your homebuilt computer for the first time!

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Home

• Assembling your New Computer
  • Getting Ready
  • Installing the Motherboard
  • Installing the Processor
  • Installing the CPU Cooler
  • Installing RAM
  • Installing Expansion Cards
  • Installing the Hard Drives
  • Installing Auxiliary Drives
  • Installing the Panel Connectors (this page)
  • Firing It Up