Carefully squeeze a small pea-sized amount of thermal paste onto the processor’s silicon square, aiming for the center. Align the heat sink with the screws around your processor and gently lower it in place, pressing the thermal paste to form a thin layer over the processor. If excess paste oozes out, clean it with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free wipe, then retry once both are dry.
With the processor set, locate the central silicon square where the heat sink will be placed. The heat sink accompanying your processor has a copper circle; align and place it directly over the processor. Secure the heat sink without overtightening the screws. Refer to your motherboard manual to identify where to connect the heat sink’s cooling fan near the processor socket. Connect it to complete the CPU installation successfully.
For memory installation, identify either two or four slots beside the processor. Your motherboard’s manual will indicate which slots to use. Open the plastic levers at the slot’s ends. Align your memory, ensuring the off-center notch matches the slot, and gently press until the levers click.
For an M.2 drive, locate its slot on the motherboard, possibly beneath a heat sink. Insert, push down, and secure with a screw.
Proceed to mount the motherboard into the case, consulting the manual for guidance. Place the ports into the rear slot gently without sliding the board. Align and partially set the screws before fully securing them by hand until snug.
Install the power supply in its top or bottom designated area. If unsure, locate the square area at the back of your case. Position it, ensuring the fan faces an open area or vent, and secure it without plugging in cables yet.
Finally, the graphics card (GPU) installation follows. Insert it after the other components, as space will tighten once it is in place.