Building a PC can seem like a daunting task, but with some research and preparation, it can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a customized computer that fits your needs. It also can be fun and extremely satisfying. So here are the general steps to build a PC.
Pick your PC components
You need to make sure that you have all of the key components to start building (links in the list below are affiliate links that help us to develop our website):
Make sure that all of the parts are compatible with each other and with your budget. If you’re not sure which parts to pick, click the link below to check out components for a budget gaming PC build.
Preparation
Prepare your workspace: Find a clean, well-lit area to work in. Make sure you have all the tools you need, such as a screwdriver, and that you are properly grounded to avoid damaging your components with static electricity.
Unpack your PC case and disassemble it if it is possible to provide easier access to components when they get inside your case. Most PC case manufacturers include a bag with standoffs that have to be installed on the inner side of a chassis. These standoffs are used to hold a motherboard. Some cases are sold with standoffs preinstalled.
Install the CPU
Start by installing the CPU onto the motherboard. Lift the retention arm on the socket, align the notches on the CPU with the notches on the socket, and gently lower the CPU into place. Once it’s in place, close the retention arm.
Use the user manual provided with your motherboard!
Install the cooler
Attach the cooler to the CPU by following the instructions provided with the cooler. This may involve applying thermal paste to the CPU, but nowadays most coolers are shipped with pre-applied thermal paste. Some of the coolers require attaching a mounting bracket to the motherboard and then attaching the cooler to the bracket. Make sure the cooler is securely attached and plugged into the CPU fan header on the motherboard.
Don’t overtight the mounting bracket because you can damage your motherboard!
Don’t forget to peel off the factory sticker from a mounting surface before attaching it to your CPU!
If you use an AIO (All-in-one cooler, a cooling solution with a water pump, pipes, and a radiator), install the CPU part first and mount a radiator to a PC case after you install a motherboard inside your case.
Install the RAM
Install the RAM by aligning it with the notches on the memory slots and firmly pressing down until the clips on each side click into place.
It is better to use two RAM sticks instead of one to make CPU and RAM communicate in dual-channel mode that doubles the bandwidth and boosts performance. Now if your motherboard has two RAM slots, then there’s nothing to think about. If there are four RAM slots and two RAM sticks, then you need to use slots 1 and 3 or 2 and 4. In other words, in that case, there should be an empty slot between RAM sticks. Check the user manual provided with your motherboard to determine which slots to use.
Install the motherboard inside a case
Some motherboards are shipped with an IO shield (input and output shield) separated from the board. Mount it to the back of the case from the inside.
After the IO shield is installed put your motherboard inside a case and align holes on the board with the case’s standoffs. Then mount the board with the screws provided with the motherboard.
Install the storage
M.2 SSD drives
Install your M.2 SSD into one of the slots on your motherboard. Some motherboards have M.2 slots covered with decorative or colling shields. Use the screws provided with your motherboard.
SATA drives
Install your storage device (e.g. SSD, HDD) into one of the available drive bays in the case. Depending on the case, you may need to use screws to secure the drive in place.
Install the power supply
Install the power supply into the power supply compartment in the case, making sure that it is securely mounted and that the power cables are accessible for connecting to the other components. Carefully read the PSU cables’ markings to find where every cable should go.
Connect CPU (usually 8-pin or 16-pin) and motherboard (24-pin) cables to the motherboard’s slots. The CPU power slot is usually at the top and the board power slot is on the right side.
Connect PSU SATA cables to SATA drives if any.
Case connectors
Connect the power and front panel connectors from the case to the motherboard, including the power button, reset button, USB, and audio headers. This one is a bit tricky, hence the cable connectors are tiny and hard to handle. Read the motherboard’s user manual to determine which slots to use.
Connect the case fans
Cooling is important. Install the case fans onto the designated locations in the case, then connect them to the motherboard or power supply using the cables provided. Be sure to mount them in the right direction (there are arrows on fans showing airflow direction). The front fans are usually used as an air intake and the top and back fans are used to blow out the hot air.
Install the GPU
Install your GPU into the PCIe slot on the motherboard. Make sure it is securely fastened into place, and that the power supply cables are properly connected to the GPU.
Test the PC
Before closing up the case, connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and power up the PC. Make sure that the fans are spinning, the GPU is recognized, and you can access the BIOS. If everything works properly, close the case and your PC is ready to use! Now you have to install Windows and you’re good to go!
Remember to always follow the instructions provided with each component and handle them carefully to avoid damage. If you’re unsure about any step, refer to the manual or seek help from an experienced builder or technician.