If you’ve been pondering about building and assembling your PC, then now is the time! As a beginner, the task can seem daunting and challenging, but if you know what you want, it becomes easier. The reason why some people shy away from building their own PC is that it can be heavy on the pocket and complex to do so.
Before you jump right into building a PC, understand what you need from a new system. Whether you build a custom gaming desktop PC or a home/office PC, you’ll need the same hardware. However, what differs is the type that you’ll be using.
The Step-by-step Guide to Build a PC
Step 1: Buy What You Need
Based on what kind of PC you want, survey the market to buy the components you need. Gaming PCs usually need a powerful CPU, GPU, and more memory as compared to a home PC. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to build a custom PC for yourself:
- Motherboard
- CPU
- Graphics Card
- RAM
- HDD/SSD
- Power Supply
- Case
Step 2: Install your CPU
Placing and installing the CPU is the first step for building your PC. Follow the instruction manual that came with your motherboard and unlock the processor sockets. Once they’re unlocked, line up the socket of your processor with the motherboard’s look-alike socket, flip the latch and gently lock it down.
Next, safely place the heatsink on top of the processor (heatsink will come with the processor) and make sure they’re parallel. Now apply thermal paste on the silicone square of your processor. Apply a thin layer and cover the back of your processor. Plug in the heat sink, and your CPU is in place.
Step 3: Install the Motherboard and Power Supply
Line up the screws in the case with that of your motherboard and start installing your motherboard. Locate the big square on your PC case to install your power supply. Once you’ve found it, secure all the cables of the power supply and leave it. Do not turn on anything yet.
Step 4: Put in the Graphics Card
It’s important to make sure that your GPU fits perfectly because it’s a big component as compared to other computer parts. Go through the motherboard manual once again to locate a PCIe slot, that’s where the GPU will go. Line the back of your GPU with the back of your case to plug in the card. Usually, the side with the HDMI and DisplayPorts is the backside of a GPU. Once placed, the GPU will lock securely, but if it doesn’t make sure the position is correct.
Grab a screw and secure your GPU to the case, the spot is near the HDMI ports and should be easy to find.
Step 5: Install Your HDD and RAM
The easiest components to install are the storage drives and RAM. Align the RAM with the vertical sockets beside your CPU, starting from the left. They should lock securely if the RAM were lined correctly. To install a second RAM, skip a slot and then plug it the same way as before. The motherboard will make it clear on which slots to use.
The next step is your HDD or SSD. Find the empty bay on the front part of your PC case and slide in your drive. Once the drive is in, secure it as you did with the power supply. For an M.2 drive or a tiny SSD, look for the designated slot on your motherboard. For more information, refer to the manual of your motherboard.
Now it’s time to bring it all together. You need to plug in all your components to the motherboard. Make sure you don’t have many loose cables; otherwise, you’ll have an unwanted clutter. Next, connect the PSU to your SSD and the case to your motherboard. The board has marked labels to it should be easy to connect all the wires. Once that’s in place, connect the SATA cable of your SSD to the motherboard (if you’re using an SSD). If there’s still any confusion, go through the manuals.
Step 6: Turn it On to Install Windows
Good news – the built is complete and ready to run! The last step is simple, hit that power button and bring your PC to life. If it turns on, it means your build was a success. Now finally, install your Windows. Plug the USB drive in your PC, boot it up, follow the steps. Once the Windows are installed, it’s time to start using your PC!
Congratulations! You have a PC.
It’s finally time to say ‘I did it!’. Building a PC may be time-consuming and challenging, but once you have your PC, it’ll be worth it! Good luck with building your PC!
