Building your own PC can be a highly rewarding experience. Exciting to build and game on your new rig, yet terrifying to make a misstep and waste hundreds of dollars. Not only do you get a machine tailored to your exact needs in PC building, but you also gain a deeper understanding of how computers work. Whether you’re a gamer, a creative professional, or someone looking to learn more about technology, this guide will walk you through the entire process, step by step.
Why Build Your Own PC?
- Customization: Choose the exact components that meet your performance needs and budget. Want a budget build to only watch movies and play games on emulators? Cheap builds like that are all over the market. Want to dump your life savings on the most expensive rig and run all your games in 4k max settings while simultaneously editing a video? There's also a build like that.
- Cost-Efficiency: Save money by only paying for the features you need, for example, online features in video games, removing bloatware, etc.
- Upgradability: Easily upgrade individual components in the future. CPU and Motherboard outdated while the rest of the components are still relatively new? You can easily get both of the components online without upgrading the entire computer.
- Satisfaction: Gain a sense of accomplishment and deeper understanding of your machine. Such as how every component in the machine has its own unique role which eventually works with each other to allow the machine to operate and function well.
First Steps
Planning Your Build
Before you start, it’s crucial to plan your build. Firstly, search up price lists of the components in your local computer stores or online, search up what each component does and watch YouTube videos to get a better understanding. Ask experienced friends or Internet forums about things you aren't sure about. Check whether the components you have selected are compatible. (Some Motherboards only support AMD and not Intel, for example) Most importantly, understand your own needs: What are you using this PC for? What is your budget? Planning your build is definitely one of the most important steps in building your first computer, this ensures you have a good building experience and allows the building stage to flow smoothly.
Components You'll Need:
Case/Chassis: The enclosure that holds all your components, think of it as the skin or skeleton of your PC, it helps hold everything in place and provides structure. It can also help protect the internal components from physical damage and dust, as well as giving an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Types of cases:
Motherboard: The main circuit board that connects all components. Think of it as the nervous system that connects all components into one central hub, it manages the flow of data and ensures all components function well together.
- ENSURE your Motherboard supports the CPU you are purchasing. Some motherboards only support AMD chips and some motherboards only support INTEL chips.
CPU (Central Processing Unit): I'm sure you have at least heard of CPU once in your life before. It has been frequently, if not, I dare say always dubbed as the Brain of the computer. It processes all the information in the computer and controls all the functions in the system. It is critical to not cheap out on the CPU and make sure you do not have bottlenecks with the GPU or the rest of the components.
- Two key manufacturers of CPU chips. AMD or Ryzen and Intel. Both are exceptionally well-made chips, though Ryzen chips are usually cheaper than Intel and hence more attractive to some gamers who are more interested in spending more on the GPU. Nevertheless, check what each brand of CPU offers and choose the chip accordingly, making sure it's compatible with your Motherboard.
Intel:
AMD:
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): The GPU accelerates the rendering of graphics in a computer. GPU can technically be seen as an extremely limited computer as it has its own VRAM, basically it's just the dedicated RAM used by graphic cards to store pixels and graphical data. A GPU is more important in a gaming, editing, or 3D modeling rig than it is on a work/office PC.
- Two key manufacturers of GPUs. AMD or Ryzen and Nvidia. Though Intel has started making GPUs as well. Generally, brands of GPUs (Zotac, ASUS) do not really matter in terms of performance, but different brands have different warranties, customer support, and reliability so pick whichever brand you prefer.
- In work/office PCs, there would still be a "GPU" to ensure the PC can produce a display. However, they are called Integrated-Graphics (iGPU) which are merged into the CPU. You would probably think: "Wow! Isn't that a great deal? 2 cards for the price of one?" Unfortunately, as stated before GPU's are DEDICATED cards which display video. Hence, when iGPUs are used, they use the CPU resources and can't display or run any demanding applications. Therefore, if you are planning on purchasing a GPU, ensure the CPU you are purchasing does not have iGPU so you can save some money there. For Intel CPUs, non-integrated graphics chips are denoted by an "F" so chips like i5 13400F or i9 13900KF do NOT have iGPUs. On the other hand, those without "F" have iGPUs like i5 13400 or i9 13900k
RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage for data being used by the CPU. Basically, when the CPU is working, it stores and retrieves data from your RAM for fast access rather than your storage systems. Naturally, the more applications you open in the background, the more RAM your CPU consumes and when it's almost out, the computer will start slowing down though it would never hit 100% usage unless you have malware or an extremely low RAM storage.
- 2 key types of RAM, DDR4 and DDR5. DDR5 is basically a much faster version of DDR4 though DDR4 is still quite solid and usable.
Storage: SSDs (Solid State Drives) or HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) for storing your operating system, software, and files. They do exactly what their names say, store files and other things in your computer. Though there are key differences in SSDs and HDDs. SSDs store data in flash memory like the USB thumb drives you are used to. HDDs on the other hand store data in magnetic disks. Hence, they are slower and more outdated. On the plus side, they come in larger storage spaces and are generally much cheaper than SSDs. SSDs are generally recommended so games or files installed in them boot up faster.
Power Supply Unit (PSU): Provides power to all components. Basically what its name suggests again, it provides power to all components through cables linked all of the components into a big box usually placed at the bottom of the PC which has a switch and power plug.
Cooling System: Fans or liquid cooling to keep your components at safe temperatures. Again, the name suggests what it does. There's usually multiple fans in systems. Minimally, you would want a CPU cooling fan and 2 fans at the front of the chassis drawing cold air IN and a fan pushing hot air OUT.
- Important thing to note: Ensure your fans are pointing to the right direction to ensure proper airflow. Case fans usually have arrows or manuals informing you which way the fan is taking air in from. Ensure the fan at the back of the computer sucks air FROM the computer and OUT into the surroundings. Similarly, ensure fans at the front of the computer suck air FROM the surroundings and OUT into the computer.
Peripherals: Monitor, keyboard, mouse, and any other external devices.
Step-by-Step Building Process
- Prepare Your Workspace Ensure you have a clean, static-free workspace. Gather all your tools: screwdrivers, thermal paste, anti-static wrist strap to prevent any internal damage to the components.
Install the CPU
Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard, ensure the CPU is positioned correctly. Lift the retention arm and align the CPU with the socket. Gently place the CPU into the socket and secure it with the retention arm. Keep in mind some force is required to ensure the CPU is seated correctly.
Install the CPU Cooler
- Apply a small amount of thermal paste on the CPU. ENSURE there are no stickers on the bottom of your CPU cooler's surface. Attach the CPU cooler according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (Don't be daunted by the idea of liquid coolers, they are extremely simple to install, especially all-in-one liquid coolers, if you follow the instructions provided)
Install RAM
Locate the RAM slots on the motherboard. Align the RAM module with the slot and press down until it clicks into place, again force is required. Additionally, if you want to activate dual-channel mode in your RAM, ensure you have installed your RAM sticks in a 1-3 or 2-4 manner, leaving a gap in between them. Mount the Motherboard. Place the motherboard inside the case, aligning it with the standoff screws. Secure the motherboard with screws.
Connect Front Panel Connectors
Connect the case’s front panel connectors (power switch, reset switch, USB ports, audio jacks) to the motherboard.
Install Storage
Mount the SSD or HDD in the designated bays in the case. Connect the storage drives to the motherboard using SATA cables (for HDDs/SSDs) or M.2 slots (for NVMe SSDs). In any case, check the instructions in the box.
Connect the Power Supply
- Place the PSU in its designated area in the case. Connect the 24-pin ATX power cable (large thick cable, most amount of pins) to the motherboard. Connect the 8-pin (or 4+4 pin) CPU power cable. (they are 2 separate 4-pins which are connected to one 8-pin to the PSU) Connect power cables to the GPU and storage drives. There are usually writings on the cables denoting which cable goes where, if not check your instruction manual
- Take note of your cable management, try to keep the front of your PC clean for an aesthetically pleasing look. You can also use clips and binders to clean up loose cables.
Install the GPU
Insert the GPU into the PCIe slot on the motherboard, keep in mind force is required to ensure the GPU is seated and secured correctly. Secure the GPU with screws to the case.
Install Additional Cooling (if necessary)
Attach any additional case fans or liquid cooling components.
Double-Check All Connections
Ensure all components are securely connected and seated properly.
Power On and Install the Operating System
Connect your monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Power on the PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI to ensure all components are recognized. Ensure RAM frequency speeds are configured properly, usually there is a setting in your BIOS called XMP. However, different Motherboard manufacturers have different BIOS UI. If unsure check the website of your Motherboard manufacturer.
- Insert your OS installation media (USB drive or DVD) and follow the on-screen instructions to install the operating system. Update Drivers: Ensure all your drivers are up-to-date for optimal performance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
No Power: Check all power connections and ensure the PSU switch is on and all components are seated correctly. Ensure the front-panel connectors are connected properly as well.
No Display: Ensure the GPU is seated properly and the monitor is connected to the GPU, not the motherboard. Usually, the GPU display port or HDMI will be located right at the GPU.
Overheating: Check that all fans are working and properly connected, check CPU cooler is working properly and thermal paste has been applied.
MY EXPERIENCE
When I first started to build my PC, I must admit I was absolutely stunned and did not know what to do. There were so many components, cables that needed to be connected to each other and I just felt so lost. Luckily, I had guides and YouTube videos to aid me in my building process. I had a number of key issues I encountered and I would like to share them so others can learn as well.
ISSUE 1
Connecting Cables after installing all the main components.
At first, I seated all my components into the motherboard before attempting to connect them all to the PSU through the cables. The issue here was it was going to be extremely difficult to connect cables and do proper cable management as I was using a MATX case which was already very crowded. As such, I had to remove my components and connect the power supply cable FIRST before installing the rest of the components.
ISSUE 2
RAM dual channel installation/BIOS settings
Dual channel mode is a feature for the same type and kind of RAM to work together as a single unit which provides a faster and more direct path to the CPU for usage. Hence, the speed of RAM will be even faster. The issue here was I connected RAM in a 1-2 formation like so:
However, in order for dual channel mode to work, RAM sticks must be installed with a gap in between them, or in a 1-3, 2-4 formation like so:
Additionally, I did not enable XMP in BIOS settings and thus my RAM frequency speeds were locked to 1600mhz. Eventually, I figured out that XMP had to be enabled in BIOS to unlock the full frequency of my RAM.
ISSUE 3
PC not turning on as front panel connectors were not connected properly
Front-panel connectors are extremely important, they ensure that at a click of a power button, it boots up the entire computer. When the connectors are not seated properly, it will lead to the computer not booting up entirely even though the rest of the components are installed properly. It's important to check the connectors as they are also extremely thin and small.
CONCLUSION
Building your own PC can seem daunting, but with careful planning and attention to detail, it’s a manageable and rewarding project. I hope this guide benefits beginners wanting to start on this project, but don't just take it from me! Learn more from more reliable tech sources like Gamers Nexus. Happy building!
Top comments (1)
Nice and detailed guide, I am sure a certain computer building friend of ours will approve xD
Great FAQs which I think are common issues that some would face when first building a PC