What do I connect to motherboard?

[Tekonos]

Hello, I'm in the process of building a computer for the first time. I have an M5a97 EVO R2.0 Motherboard. I know the fundamentals of setting up the components, but connecting everything together is something I can't wrap my head around. Can you provide or refer me to a checklist of what I would need to connect to the motherboard. This is my first build and I don't want to zap £600 in one push of a button because one cable wasn't in its proper slot.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

There's a great checklist in the Motherboard Manual which is specific to your particular Motherboard. It will not only show you what to connect but where to connect (with pictures). USe in conjunction with Case Manual for port connections. But in short:

Install CPU in slot (properly oriented).
Install RAM in correct slots (as per picture in MoBo Manual)
Install SSD, connect SATA cable to lowest numbered SATA Port on Mobo
Install HD, connect SATA cable to 2nd lowest numbered SATA Port on Mobo
Install optical drive, connect SATA cable to 3rd lowest numbered SATA Port on Mobo
Connect power cables to the SSD, HD and Optical
Connect 8 pin (or 4 pin) EPS cable next to CPU
Install CPU Heatsink
Connect CPU fan cables to MoBo CPU header
Connect Chassis fan cables to MoBo CHA headers
Install GFX card in PCI-E x16 slot
Connect GFX card cables if appropriate
Connect 24 Pin MoBo Power connector
Connect USB cable to case front panel connector
Connect audio cable to case front panel connector