Buying a pre-built PC might not accommodate some requirements of PC enthusiasts, which is why some gamers opt to build their PC from scratch. Buying a pre-built PC does not guarantee that you will get all the high specs you are looking for.
So, if you want to build a lethal gaming machine with all the updated specs and look for how you will do it, you have come to the right place.
Building your PC by yourself can greatly improve your knowledge of how a PC works, and it will also make it easier for you to deal with various situations in the future. Other than that, you might find building your PC lighter on your pocket as pre-built PCs can be quite expensive. You can also make adjustments to your PC whenever you like.
Remember, you must build your PC from compatible components so your PC can run in an optimized way without any problems. So, without further to do, let’s head deeper and get you going with building your PC.
Contents
PC Building Components:
The following are the components you will require while building a PC.
Case
The First thing you are going to be needing is a PC case to assemble all the components. Different cases come in various shapes, sizes, colors, build quality, and materials.
Some have tempered glass on the sides, which reveals all the components of the PC inside, while some PCs might have built-in LED lights for great aesthetics. You can get a case according to your requirements and likings, i.e., a Mini ITX Case, Silent PC Case, Airflow PC Case etc . The case can also be called a computer cabinet, chassis, system unit, or tower.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the essential feature of a PC as it holds all the PC components together. It is a circuit board that provides communication between various PC components, such as the CPU and RAM. The motherboard is loaded with slots for the CPU, GPU, power cables, USB sockets, and so much more.
You are supposed to buy all the components based on their compatibility with the motherboard. So compatibility is a key feature to consider while buying a motherboard.
Central Processing Unit – CPU
A Central Processing Unit, also known as a CPU, is another essential component of a PC. It is plugged into the motherboard. Before you get a CPU, you must ensure your CPU is compatible with your motherboard.
Getting a high-end CPU is the Key to building a powerful PC, as, without a CPU, nothing in your PC can work properly. Some of the top CPUs belong to the manufacturer’s Intel and AMD.
Graphics Processing Unit – GPU
The Graphics Processing Unit, or the GPU, is built to process all the visuals onto your display. If you are hoping to build a great PC, you must equip it with a high-end GPU. There are two types of GPUs present, one being a dedicated GPU and the other being an integrated GPU (iGPU). An Integrated GPU is suitable for ordinary light tasks and is smaller, more energy-efficient, and less expensive.
However, if you plan to perform heavy tasks on your PC, you must go with a dedicated GPU. This will allow you to perform major tasks such as heavy gaming, graphic designing, video editing, and so much more.
Random Access Memory – RAM
Random Access Memory, or RAM, is another essential component of a PC. RAM is the short-term memory of your computer, without which you won’t perform any tasks. The RAM temporarily stores data and makes tasking fast and smooth.
RAM modules vary in capacities and are available in a wide range from 4 GB to 64 GB. The RAM is connected to the dedicated RAM slots on the motherboard. You can increase your RAM capacity by adding more RAM modules.
Storage
As we know, RAM cannot store data when your PC is powered off. Therefore, you will need something which permanently stores your data, even when your PC is powered off.
You can get three types of storage:
- HDD
- SSD
- NVMe SSD
All these are different from each other, but their main job is storing data. The HDD or Hard Disk Drive Is the slowest of them all, which functions at 100 Mbps. The SSD, known as the Solid State Drive, is faster, reading and storing data at 500 Mbps. Finally, we have the NVMe SSD, which can deliver a read-write speed of about 2000 Mbps.
Power Supply Unit – PSU
Nothing on your PC will work unless you provide a power supply unit to it. The job of the power supply unit is to convert High Current AC voltage to Direct Voltage so that your PC can run.
There are different varieties of PSU, each having their own efficiencies and power. You can select the ideal PSU for yourself based on what your PC requires to run properly. A powerful PSU will always be an ideal choice.
Cooling System
Now that we have all the other components in place, let’s keep in mind that when your PC works, it is going to produce heat. So, we will need a cooling system to dissipate the heat away, preventing damage to the PC from overheating. The CPU, as well as the GPU, requires a cooling system. There is a wide range of CPU coolers or cooling fans you can choose from.
You can choose from two categories, which are: liquid cooling and air cooling. Liquid cooling is more efficient when the workload on the PC is intense, but it can be a bit noisy.
On the other hand, air cooling can be used on PCs with ordinary workloads and are comparatively quiet. Make sure you get a cooling system compatible with your CPU and other components.
Operating System – OS
The Operating System is basically a system software that runs everything on a computer, providing services for computer programs, along with managing computer hardware and software resources. Currently, Windows 10 is without a doubt the best operating system you can opt for these days.
Monitor
Your PC setup is of no use if you don’t have a monitor. A monitor is a device that displays everything that is going on on your PC. Monitors come in different varieties, like 1080p, 4K, etc.
Some of the key specs to consider in a monitor are sizes, resolution, color, and so much more. The latest monitors also support 4K streaming.
Peripherals
Last but not least, a PC is not complete without a mouse and a keyboard. A keyboard is an electric typewriter containing all sorts of buttons to make your PC functional. As simple as they might seem, keyboards vary greatly and come in different shapes and sizes, with some cool specs such as RGB lightings and amazing designs.
A mouse is a small device that controls the cursor movement on your screen, helping you navigate through your PC with ease. Mouses also come is different shapes and designs, with or without RGB lightings. So, you can buy a high-end mouse and keyboard to take your PC to a whole new level.
PC Building Tools
If you are proceeding to build your PC, you will need to ensure the following tools will help you put everything together.
Screwdriver
A Phillips #2 screwdriver will suffice for the entire building process. However, if you plan on installing an M.2 device, you will also need a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
Thermal Paste
Thermal paste is a silver substance that you are going to require when installing the CPU cooling system.
Anti-Static Wrist Strap
This will avoid damage to PC components due to static electricity
Proper Workspace
You will need a large and proper workspace to ensure your building process goes smoothly and perfectly well.
Assembling your PC
Now that all the required components and tools for building a PC have been discussed, we now move on to the actual process of assembling your PC. Although it may seem like an overwhelming and difficult task from the outside, trust me, it is not as difficult as it seems, and you will find it a fun and simple task. All you must do is follow the steps in the correct order, and you will build your dream PC with ease.
The following will describe most of the points you are going to encounter while building your PC. However, the details may vary depending upon the components of the PC you have bought. So with that clear, LETS START BUILDING.
Step 1: Getting Everything in Place
First and foremost, clear your workspace from any unnecessary material and unpack all your PC components in front of you as you will be using them now. Open the main side panel of your case, as that is where our work will begin. Make sure you are working in a static electricity-free environment as that can cause problems before you even put everything together.
Step 2: Installing the Power Supply
Although you won’t be needing the power supply now, it is still better to install it first, as installing it later can become a bit difficult once the other components are put into place. Examine your case and figure out where your PSU must go.
Try to orient the power supply such that the fan of the PSU faces the Vent. Secure the PSU to the case by screwing it to it and move the cables to the side, so they don’t become a hindrance while installing the other components of your PC.
Step 3: Installing the Processor
It is sometimes easier to first install some components to the motherboard before the motherboard is placed into the case. This is exactly what we will be doing with the CPU. We begin by opening the socket. Find your way to the CPU socket, which will be covered with a plastic cap. In one corner of the cap or on the socket itself, you will find a small arrow.
You will find a small metal lever next to the CPU socket. Press down on it and gently pull it away from the socket. This will open the socket tray.
Now grab hold of the CPU. You must be very careful while handling with CPU as it is easily susceptible to damage. Try holding the CPU from the sides while avoiding touching the Pins. You will find an arrow in one corner of the CPU.
Go ahead and align it with the arrow present on the socket. Go ahead and place the CPU gently into the socket. Once place, lower down the metal lever to its original position.
Step 4: Installing the CPU Cooler
Some coolers come with thermal paste already applied to them. If your cooler doesn’t already have thermal paste applied, you will have to do it manually. To do that, squeeze a small dot of thermal paste onto the top of the CPU. Once done, place the cooler on the CPU. The thermal paste will spread properly due to the pressure.
CPU coolers come in all sorts of types, and it is recommended to check the manual before performing this step. Some CPUs also require a mounting bracket that might already be preinstalled on the motherboard, or they might not require one at all, in which case you will have to remove the bracket from the motherboard.
Step 5: Installing the RAM
You can open the RAM slots by pushing down little clips at either end. In the memory connector, align the notch to the raised Key in the RAM slot, and push the RAM into place. If you are going to fill all the RAM slots, just put the DIMM into place. However, if you don’t plan on occupying all slots, make sure you consider the motherboard’s manual first.
Step 6: Placing the I/O Plate
The motherboard will come with an I/O plate designed according to the rear I/O panel of the motherboard. This will help close off the back of the computer. Align the plate comparing it with how you will place the motherboard, and lock it in its dedicated place at the back of the case by pushing hard on it.
Step 7: Installing the Motherboard
Some cases come with preinstalled risers which prevent contact between the motherboard and the metal of the case. Screw the risers that came with the case into their respective places, and make sure they are tightened. Now install the motherboard into place, making sure it is correctly aligned with the I/O plate, and all the openings correspond to each other.
Once done, mount the screws to lock the motherboard in place using a Philips #2 screwdriver. You will require a different number of screws based on the size of your motherboard.
Step 8: Installing the Video Card
The Video card, or the GPU, plugs into the longest PCIe slot on the motherboard, which is the PCIe x16 slot. You can uncover this slot by removing whatever type of cover is present on it.
Now line up the video card correctly with the slot itself and push it into its place until you hear a click sound. Note that if you have an extra-wide video card, you must uncover more than one slot. Fasten the card in its right position according to the method employed in your case.
Step 9: Installing the Drives
This part can be a little tricky as every case comes with different drive bays. You can find bays of various sizes in your case. They might be tool-free bays, or they will screw in place.
Storage mostly comes in two different sizes: the 3.5-inch HDD and 2.5-Inch for HDD and SSD. You might also see 5.25-inch drives. It is possible to install a 2.5-inch drive into a 3.5-inch with the help of an adapter.
If you have tool-free bays, you will find each bay having its lever or switch. By unlocking the lever, you can pull the tray out and place the drive in the tray. Once done, slide it back till it clicks into place.
If there is no tool-free bays, you will find a metal bracket instead. Just go ahead and slide the drive between the brackets and your case, and then the screw is in its place.
Now that the drives have been put in place, please connect them to the motherboard via a SATA cable and the power supply.
Step 10: Connecting the Cables and Wires
Now that we have all the hardware connected in place, it is time to link all the components together. Go ahead and link data cables from the drives to the motherboard. You have to connect suitable cables from the power supply to link it with the motherboard (using one which terminates as a 24-Pin and another as an eight-pin) to your drives and your GPU (Six or eight-pin cables usually labeled as PCIe).
Coming to the final part, we now appropriately connect all the wires. We must link the power wires of the CPU Cooler and fans to appropriate pins placed on the motherboard. You must connect wires from the front panel to appropriate headers, most commonly the USB, microphone, and headphones jacks.
Also, link the front panel wires to the activity light. Link the power and reset buttons to pins on the motherboard. Most of the pins on the motherboard are labeled, making the job a lot easier for you. It is advised to check your motherboard manual to prevent mishaps from happening.
Step 11: Running your PC
With all of that done, you are now fit to run your PC. But you are not done just yet. You will now have to Install an Operating System OS to run your PC. Go on and plugin your Flash drive containing your desired Operating System. Also, plug in your keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
Go ahead and complete your operating system installation. Check the BIOS to see if all the components have been installed properly and are working fine.
In the BIOS, navigate to the boot page, and change the boot order so your Flash drive is first, which the drive you will be installing your Operating System on is second. Once done, restart your computer, which will pop up the OS installer; go ahead and finish the installation. Now you are all set to use your new hand-crafted PC.
Conclusion
Suppose you have reached this segment of the test, WELL DONE, as you are now capable of building your PC on your own. Even if you build your PC according to our guide, that does mean your work is going to end here.
One of the greatest things about building your PC is you can keep on building. There is no limit to the customization of your PC, and you can push it to any limit with all the latest hardware that will be coming out in the new future.
Now that you have building experience, it will be much easier for you to upgrade your PC further from now onwards. You can customize your PC to play whatever high-end game you like or perform the heaviest tasks of them all. You can also tune your PC to get the best performance out of it by techniques such as overclocking. But let’s keep that for another day.
We hope this guide would have been of help to you, and now you have all the knowledge required for building a customized PC. Enjoy your new PC and rock your amazing gaming performances and heavy tasking with your lethal machine.
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