Assembling computers is a large part of a technician's job. As a technician, you will need to work in a logical, methodical manner when working with computer components. As with any learned trade, computer assembly skills will improve dramatically with practice.

After completing this chapter, you will meet these objectives:

• Open the case.
• Install the power supply.
• Attach the components to the motherboard and install the motherboard.
• Install internal drives.
• Install drives in external bays.
• Install adapter cards.
• Connect all internal cables.
• Re-attach the side panels and connect external cables to the computer.
• Boot the computer for the first time.

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