Connecting the Computer Motherboard

January 5th 2008  

With the computer motherboard in place, it is time to connect up the power cables. This is very crucial as any mistakes will spoil the motherboard. Fortunately, manufacturers now provide color-coded power cables to make the job easy.

This is the power connector used to connect up the computer motherboardFind the ATX power connector and the square processor power connector. Plug them into the matching port on your motherboard. (There’s only one matching port, you can’t miss it)

Next, on your motherboard’s right bottom corner, locate the FRONT PANEL connector, USB connector and AUDIO connector.

Now, take out your motherboard’s user manual and find the description about front-panel connectors. (Be forewarned - you’re going to be doing work now that requires attention to detail and can be quite frustrating if you don’t go into it with the right attitude.)

By referring to the configuration shown in the motherboard’s manual, slowly attach each of the tiny leads from the power and reset switches, the hard-disk activity lights, the PC speaker, and any front-panel USB and FireWire ports to the corresponding pin on your motherboard. If you have to, don’t be afraid to use your needle-nose pliers.