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Guide

Step-by-step guide

Follow along with the same clear walkthrough we ship with each Atlas Workshop build kit.

// Video Walkthrough

Watch the full build guide

Part 1

Part 2

Install the CPU

Carefully place the CPU into the socket, matching the triangle on the chip to the triangle on the socket. Gently lower the retention arm to lock it in place.

01
Install the CPU

Install RAM

Align the notch on the RAM stick with the slot and press down firmly until both clips snap into place.

02
Install RAM

Install the M.2 SSD

Insert the M.2 SSD at an angle into the slot, then press it down and secure it with the mounting screw.

03
Install the M.2 SSD

Place the motherboard in the case

Lay the motherboard into the case, aligning it with the standoffs and rear I/O. Secure with screws provided by your case.

04
Place the motherboard in the case

Apply thermal paste

Apply a small dot or an “X” of thermal paste to the center of the CPU. Don’t overdo it — a little goes a long way.

05
Apply thermal paste

Install the CPU cooler

Mount your CPU cooler on top of the CPU, securing it with the included brackets or screws. Attach the cooler’s fan cable to the CPU_FAN header.

06
Install the CPU cooler

Install the graphics card (GPU)

Insert the graphics card into the top PCIe slot until it clicks. Secure with screws at the case bracket. Connect PCIe power cables from the PSU to the GPU if needed.

07
Install the graphics card (GPU)

Install and connect the power supply (PSU)

Install the power supply in the case. Plug the 24-pin ATX cable into the motherboard, the 8-pin CPU cable into the top of the board, and PCIe cables into your GPU. Plug in SATA power for drives if needed.

08
Install and connect the power supply (PSU)

Install and position case fans

Install your case fans so airflow goes front-to-back and bottom-to-top (blue arrows = intake, red arrows = exhaust). Plug each fan into SYS_FAN or CHA_FAN headers on the motherboard.

09
Install and position case fans

Cable management

Try your best to organize the wires in the back using small zip ties, velcro ties, or twist ties. This is not something that’s easily mastered on your first try, so don’t worry too much if there’s a slight mess.

10
Cable management

Step-by-step

How to Install Windows

What you need

  • An 8GB+ USB drive
  • A second computer (laptop/PC) with internet
  • Your Windows license key (if you purchased Windows from Atlas Workshop, we’ll provide the key)

Create a Windows install USB

01
  1. On another computer, go to Microsoft’s official Windows download page and download the Windows Media Creation Tool.
  2. Plug in your USB drive (8GB+).
  3. Run the tool and choose “Create installation media (USB flash drive)”.
  4. Select your language/edition and let it create the bootable USB.
  1. Plug the USB into your newly built PC.
  2. Connect your monitor (to the GPU, not the motherboard), keyboard, and mouse.
  3. Power on the PC.
02

Plug the USB into your new PC

Boot from the USB (BIOS/Boot Menu)

03
  1. As the PC turns on, press the Boot Menu key (commonly F11, F12, or ESC depending on the motherboard).
  2. Select the USB drive as the boot device.
  3. If you don’t see it, enter BIOS (often DEL) and make sure USB boot is enabled.
  1. Choose your language and keyboard layout.
  2. Click “Install Now”.
  3. When asked for a product key: enter it now, or click “I don’t have a product key” (you can activate later).
04

Start Windows Setup

Choose where to install Windows

05
  1. Select “Custom: Install Windows only”.
  2. Choose your main SSD (usually the fastest drive).
  3. If the drive is brand new, you can usually just select it and click Next.
  4. If you see multiple partitions and you’re doing a fresh install, you can delete old partitions on the target drive (only if you’re sure there’s nothing important).
  1. Windows will copy files and restart a few times — this is normal.
  2. Once finished, remove the USB if prompted.
06

Let Windows install and reboot

Finish setup (first-time configuration)

07
  1. Connect to WiFi/Ethernet.
  2. Sign in with a Microsoft account (or choose offline setup if available).
  3. Set your privacy preferences.
  1. Run Windows Update until there are no more updates.
  2. Install your GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD) from the official site.
  3. Optional but recommended: install motherboard chipset drivers from the motherboard manufacturer.
08

Install updates + drivers

Activate Windows

09
  1. Go to Settings → System → Activation.
  2. Enter your product key to activate.
  1. No display: make sure the monitor is plugged into the GPU, not the motherboard.
  2. USB not showing in boot menu: try another USB port, recreate the USB, or enable USB boot in BIOS.
  3. Windows can’t find your drive: confirm the SSD is seated properly.
10

Quick troubleshooting (common issues)

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