How to Prepare for a build

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/build-your-own-pc,2601-10.html

I started it at page 10 as it gets into the assembly part of the building process.

If you want internet access but don't want to connect it via Ethernet cable nor buying a wifi adapter I'd highly suggest buying a motherboard with built in wifi. Note you may still need to update the drivers on the built in adapter.

you need a little USB stick for sure. That's how you'll install your OS and put new drivers on the build. You'll want Ethernet or WiFi at the very end so you can update the OS all the way, but you don't need it for right when you are building everything.

1. Get a cable or wireless capabilities. You will need them.
2. I would suggest a USB, it doesn't have to be large and they're very cheap.

The reason being is because when you go to set up the computer, you're going to need a few things. Namely, drivers. What is REALLY helpful is going to the motherboard/other manufacturers' websites and downloading the most recent drivers on another computer and sticking them on the USB. This way, they will be current and immediately accessible when you inevitably start Windows OEM and find a bunch of yellow triangles in Device Manager. Windows Update is good, but it doesn't always get them.

2. For the ones that you cannot easily find your own drivers for, this is where the internet comes in. At the barest possible minimum, you will need to have a LAN driver to install (check your Mobo site). The reason is that if you can at least get internet access, Win Update can usually pull almost every other driver you need automatically.

In terms of some other suggestions/recommendations:
1. Once you have the OS installed:
1a. If you have hard disk partitions you want, partition them. Do raid and other hard drive config stuff here, if it's not a BIOS thing.
1b. If you want to move your user folders, do this.,
1c. Download as many Windows Updates as you can get your hands on.
1d. Install your key software you basically will always want. Ninite can make an automatic, preconfigured, adware-free package to batch install lots of common freeware programs.
1e. Take a portable hard drive or other suitably large media, and make a Windows System Image via the backup tools. IF your computer bites it, or you get a virus, this will allow you a very quick restore to optimal conditions, with tons of updates already finished.

If you plan to use steam, I like to suggest creating a partition for your steam games - the reason being is that if you need to reset your OS, you don't have to touch your steam games and you can save a lot of time on backup/restore.

2. Motherboard. I say this reminder to everyone, and I apologize if it comes off as basic, but it's a common mistake nonetheless: Unless your case is one of a very specific few, YOUR MOTHERBOARD MUST BE ON STANDOFFS BEFORE BEING POWERED ON. IT SHOULD NOT DIRECTLY TOUCH THE CASE, EXCEPT AT THE IO PANEL. I believe the standoffs, oddly, are often included with your TOWER, not with your mobo box. Check both at any rate.

3. WHILE you have all of your parts out and the boxes around, log the part Numbers, Serials, and perhaps date of purchase for warranty purposes. If you need tech support or RMA, you'll thank me. It's a lot easier than having to pull it out of your case to try and get at that info later.

4. You should probably plug in connectors along the top of the mobo first. Once your cooler is properly mounted, it gets to be awkward reaching them.

Anyhow, that's all I can think of for advice at the moment. Hopefully it helps.

It also helps to play some 80's action movie theme songs while you are working and tell yourself "I can do this!"

Please list the parts you have.
Two suggestions:
1. Read your case and motherboard manuals first.
2. Buy yourself a #2 magnetic tip Philips head screwdriver for assembly.

What is your OS and how do you intend to install it?
If you have nothing, it would be best to buy the windows 10 package that includes windows 10 on a usb stick.

For the actual build you'll need:

Most of all you will need a suitably large, flat, stable and well lit place to work, to avoid scratching it, open up a large cardboard box and spread it out or use multiple layers of newspaper.

One 6" ( blade length ) No2 sized magnetic Phillips screwdriver of good quality.

A pair of tweezers and, possibly a magnifying glass.

A pair of pliers or 1/4" socket set.

You should work within easy reach of a grounded object-water pipe, masonry floor or wall ( not carpeted not wood ) an AC or ventilation duct or a grounded, metal cased appliance that is plugged in with the outlet turned on, the appliance doesn't need to be on, just the wall socket.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before the Build Begins:

Ensure the case standoffs are correctly installed, using the socket set or pliers to tighten them firmly down, use the motherboard as a template but keep it in its protective bag, the holes are far apart and it'll be easy enough to see where the standoffs go.

Install the pain in the neck EM shield-it's sprung steel and can be difficult to get in.

Put the PSU in first if the 4/8 pin motherboard lead is routed behind the motherboard tray and pops out at the top, close to the 'board, in many cases there's not much space between the tray and motherboard once the 'board is installed making it difficult, if not impossible to route the cable without taking the motherboard out.

Tie or move the various case wires out of the way-it's best to work with the case on its side anyway-so they won't interfere when you come to lower the motherboard in.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

During the build you should touch the grounded object every so often to prevent the build up of static electricity.

Some motherboards connect to the case via small block connectors, others use tiny, tiny single wires. So now you know why you got those tweezers and magnifying glass, don't you?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the actual build and for software installation you'll need:

If your build HAS a optical drive you can install the motherboard/chipset /CPU drivers ( as required and applicable ) with that using the disc that comes with the motherboard.
If your build does NOT have a optical drive you'll need to download and save those drivers from the manufacturers website to a USB stick so you can install them.
Once they are installed you'll be able to connect to the 'net-cable or wireless, your choice-to update and activate Windows once it has been installed.

Install: Chipset>CPU>LAN>Sound>Windows>Graphics drivers.

I do not know what you mean by "serial code"
I assume you mean you have a legit windows 10 activation code.
If so, you need some sort of install media with windows 10 on it.
You can download windows 10 install media directly from Microsoft and put it on a usb stick.
Then, you insert the usb stick into your new motherboard and boot from it.
Eventually, you will be asked for the activation code.

Lots of good build advice.
Here is mine:
MY build process:

Before anything, while waiting for your parts to be delivered, download
and read, cover to cover your case and motherboard manual.
Buy a #2 magnetic tip phillips screwdriver.

1. I assemble the critical parts outside of the case.
That lets me test them for functuonality easily.
A wood table or cardboard is fine.
2. Plug in only the necessary parts at first. Ram, cpu, cooler, psu.
Do not force anything. Parts fit only one way.
Attach a monitor to the integrated motherboard adapter.
3. If your motherboard does not have a PWR button, momentarily touch the two pwr front panel pins
4. Repeatedly hit F2 or DEL, and that should get you into the bios display.
5. Boot from a cd or usb stick with memtest86 on it. memtest will exercise your ram and cpu functionality.
6. Install windows.
7. Install the motherboard cd drivers. Particularly the lan drivers so you can access the internet.
Do not select the easy install option, or you will get a bunch of utilities and trialware that you don't want. Drivers only.
7. Connect to the internet and install an antivirus program. Microsoft security essentials is free, easy, and unobtrusive.
8. Install your graphics card and driver.
You will need to remove the graphics card later to install your motherboard in the case.
Make a note of how the graphics card latches into the pcie slot.

9. Update windows to currency.
10. Only now do I take apart what I need to and install it in the case.
11. Now is the time to reinstall your graphics card.

Note though: Don't take the video as gospel. It should only be a general guide in terms of the process, steps, and practice - but making sure the cables are plugged in where they should be and the minor details are seen to (via instruction manuals and such) falls on you - they may or may not mention it.