1. Hit up YouTube and the building videos over there. Did this myself first time and with a pen and paper, took a mere 2-4 hours to learn what goes where, how to assemble a computer, what precautions to take and basically how to build a computer. Built my comp the next day without a hitch. I can't overstate how important youtube is to building a computer, millions of videos for the topic, but make sure to look at videos made 2010 onwards since they'll be dealing with modern hardware.

In fact, I used this video for cable management recently and he tells you what each cable is bit by bit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERhxmzQR6xA

Excellent video building guide, it's for amd but 90% of the guide applies to Intel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIJx6Y3tofg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUY0tP5jYIo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPIXAtNGGCw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_56kyib-Ls&feature=relmfu
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_856317&feature=iv&src_vid=d_56kyib-Ls&v=RxaVBsXEiok[/url]

2. With the MOBO, you'll get a detailed manual of what cables go into what ports, plugs etc. Also, it'll tell you where the lights, usb ports and the case light connectors go into the mobo. It's a hefty manual so you'll get plenty of info.

3. Read the manual that comes with the case, it'll tell you what case connectors go into what ports on the mobo.

4. Just google 'How to build a computer 2011'' and you'll get a wealth of info. I usually opt for youtube and materials that come with the components, but the net has a vast amount of info to satisfy you perfectionism. Just copy paste the info OR wrie it down. Does not take too long at all. Think of it as an adventure with a hell of a payoff.

5. BEFORE you pull the trigger on self built, please review the parts recommended by GoGers and tell us what the next step is.

HP does a mediocre job at least. HP pavilon-http://www.amazon.com/HP-Pavilion-HPE-h8-1210-Desktop/dp/B006VG0HNM/ref=pd_cp_pc_2-good for my requirements. Edit: I don't know why the words were split. EDIT 2: Also, try this one-http://www.amazon.com/HP-Pavilion-HPE-h8-1220-Desktop/dp/B006VG0HXC/ref=pd_cp_pc_1

My advice is: if you are serious about PC gaming, and you love things like "retro" gaming, (old and new) emulators and such DON'T buy a laptop. They cost much, much more than a desktop, they give you way less than that.

Oh, and you really should reconsider building the system by yourself....

NewEgg has a series of three videos that covers everything you need to know about building one from buying the parts to installing the OP and drivers. The first one is more geared toward picking the parts, so if you're sure on parts you could skip that one.

I found those to be very helpful, and you actually watch him build two computers (one an intel and nvidia based and one an AMD based. I highly recommend them.

Here's Part One (Choosing Your Components--24:33) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPIXAtNGGCw

Here's Part Two (The Build--43:41) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_56kyib-Ls

Here's Part Three (Installing Windows and Finishing Touches--51:24) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxaVBsXEiok