 Many sites as well as logic would suggest that you start building a computer from the motherboard and processor, and then build up. I however would question this theory as the motherboard houses the most delicate components of the machine, and by assembling and installing these items first, then are then vulnerable as you install the larger, bulkier and heavier components such as CD/DVD drives and Hard drives. For that reason when I planned my build, I felt that the easiest way to proceed after installing the PSU, was to work round the case in a clockwise direction. The next component I installed was the Fan Controller and Card Reader. There was a lot of wiring coming out of this as it also houses thermal sensors for the CPU and Hard disk, as well as wiring for the assorted slots of the unit. I mounted the unit, but like all items did not fully tighten the screws until I was everything was in place, and I was satisfied.  Working down the front of the case, the next component was the CD/DVD drive. This item I had canibalised from an old machine. I used the connecting ribbon that came with it.
The final item at the front of the machine was the hard disk. Once again, this is a delicate component, as it has printed circuitry underneath. Another clue as to its delicate nature being that it arrived packed in an anti static bag. All of these items screwed into the case, the holes on the components easily lining up with the corresponding holes on the case. The great thing about computer components is that they all appear to be built to standard sizes, so assembly can almost be compared to an expensive Meccano set or an electronics kit. All that remained was to attach the exhaust fan to the rear of the case, and all these components were ready to be wired in.
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