One of the important steps in assembling a computer involves connecting wires to the motherboard. Given that there are enough different compounds there, some points should be clarified. And although manufacturers of motherboards and power supplies try to make all the connectors intuitive for the user, sometimes problems arise.
Instructions for connecting the wires of the motherboard (MSI, ASUS, ASRock, etc.)
Just note that the example below is not true for all models and types of boards. It describes the general picture of connecting wires to the motherboard, but various kinds of small differences can always be present. We will start by connecting the connectors. It is assumed that the motherboard is already screwed to the case and is ready to connect. Also, the power supply is already installed and bolted.
Connect Connectors
The very first step is to connect the Power, Reset buttons on the panel of the case. We also connect the power for the LEDs, which perform the function of indicating the operation of the computer. These wires are directed from the front panel of the case, and they have different colors (yellow, red, etc.). At their end are connectors. Each of them has a special abbreviated marking. They need to be connected to the motherboard in the slots reserved specifically for them.
It is worth noting that all connectors have protection against incorrect connection, so you are unlikely to succeed in inserting the connector into the wrong connector. It is important that the connection is smooth, without any effort.
The connector that comes from the power button on the chassis is labeled M / B SW. Open the instructions specifically for your motherboard and see where you need to insert it. It has no plus or minus, so you can insert it on either side.
The second connector is responsible for the reset button, it is marked RESET SW.
There are also two more small single connectors with plus and minus signs and POWER LED + and "-" markings. They are responsible for indicating the operation of the computer. It is important not to confuse the "plus" and "minus" in some places, so be sure to check the instructions.
The LED of the hard drive without indicating the plus and minus is marked as HDD LED. However, it must be installed with a white wire to minus.
In order to be able to connect the headphones to the case, and not to the motherboard, you need to connect the AUDIO connectors. The sockets on the motherboard are also marked as AUDIO, but check the instructions before connecting.
The same is true with connectors for connecting USB interfaces. They need to be inserted into the slots on the board marked USB. Recall that if the wires are connected to the Asus motherboard (or from other manufacturers) with great effort, then there is a chance that you made a mistake with the socket or connector. The latter are protected against improper connection, and you simply cannot physically insert them into unsuitable sockets.
Most often, the connectors for the connectors are in the lower right corner - look for them there.
Processor Power Connector
Now we are talking about connecting wires to the motherboard that go out of the power supply. First of all, we connect the processor. The socket for its power supply is always located near the processor itself, but we will not indicate the exact location, since it is individual for different models.
So, a 4-wire wire comes out of the power supply, which connects to the processor socket. Most likely, it will be the only one on the motherboard, so it is unlikely that you can insert the connector into any other socket. And yes, it also has a special key for incorrect inclusion.
Main cable connection
The main power cable for the motherboard is the largest. In addition to it, there is a separate 4-wire connector. Take them together and connect to the motherboard in one single existing connector. Connectors have special latches. Therefore, when connecting, make sure that all this massive structure latches onto a special protrusion in the connector itself.
RAM
RAM slots are connected wirelessly. The contact method is used here. For RAM there are special slots with latches. They need to be moved away and inserted slots (or a slot, if it is one) in the only true way because of the cut in the slot and on the bar itself. You need to insert the bar gently, pressing lightly on top. The clamps should gradually come together and snap into place as a result.
Be careful and do not push hard, otherwise the motherboard will bend. Therefore, it is necessary to insert all the trims.
Connecting SATA and IDE Devices
The hard drive is connected to the motherboard using a special SATA cable. It usually has a red color. At both ends, the SATA cable has the same connectors. Connect one to the hard drive (there is also a key for the wrong connection), and the second to the connector on the motherboard marked SATA 1. Typically, there are 2-4 of these connectors on the motherboard. You can choose any. After connecting the SATA cable, connect the power. In the rightmost hole (usually the rightmost one), include a connector to which 4 wires from the power supply are connected.
An optical drive is connected via an IDE loop. But today, modern computers are not equipped with drives because of their uselessness.
Video card connection
The final step in connecting the wires to the motherboard is to install the video card. It is installed in the PCI-E slot, which is labeled accordingly. In fact, you can’t insert a graphics chip into any other slot. Depending on the model of the motherboard, the video card is fixed or not fixed with a special clip, but the screw is always attached to the case.
Powerful video cards need additional power from the unit. If there is a power connector at the very end of the video card, be sure to use it. After connecting, we do not have free wires from the power supply. However, they may remain if you do not have an optical drive installed. On this, the instructions for connecting the wires of the motherboard can be considered complete.
Close the cover and turn on the computer. Everything should work. But even if, when you connected the wires to the Gigabyte motherboard (or another brand), you forgot to supply power to any component, then there is nothing wrong with that. It’s just that the computer won’t start, but it won’t hurt anything.