Building your own PC can be an enriching experience, especially when you see your custom-built machine up and running. Choosing to build a PC instead of buying one off the shelf gives you complete control over every component, enabling you to create a machine that fulfills your every want and need. This guide will walk you through the process of building a PC, from choosing components to the building process.
Define Your PC’s Purpose and Set a Budget
Clearly defining your PC’s purpose is the first step in the building process. Knowing what you will primarily use your PC for will significantly influence your component choices. For example, gaming rigs require powerful processors and graphics cards, which can be expensive. Conversely, a general-purpose PC mainly used for office work and browsing the top sportsbooks and other websites will be much friendlier on your wallet.
Once you have decided what type of PC you want, you must determine how much you will spend. Setting a budget and sticking to it helps narrow your choices and keeps you from overspending. Allocate the bulk of your budget to the essential components of your machine.
What Components Are Required?
The five main PC components are the central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), storage, Power Supply Unit (PSU), and motherboard. These components have different capabilities, power, and speeds depending on their advancedness. The more powerful they are, the more they cost.
Someone building a gaming PC will prioritize the CPU and GPU so their machine can handle demanding games at high settings. An Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 CPU paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4000 series or AMD Radeon RX is a solid choice. Combine this with at least 16GB of fast RAM and NVMe storage, and you will be golden.
Workstations for video editing or 3D rendering require stronger CPUs than gaming PCs. Think of an Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 7. A high-end GPU can accelerate rendering tasks. Workstations typically have 32GB or more of RAM and large, fast storage solutions to handle large files efficiently.
Gaming PCs and workstations generate a lot of heat, meaning purchasing an aftermarket cooling solution, such as an all-in-one liquid cooler, is essential.
General-use PCs tend to be used for web browsing, office work, and media consumption, so they do not require powerful components. Mid-range CPUs like the Intel Core i5 and AMD Ryzen 5 paired with a modest GPU or integrated graphics will suffice. Use 16GB of RAM and solid-state storage to help with speeds and efficiency.
Some people build machines that serve as Home Theatre PCs (HTPCs). These require little power because their primary task is handling media playback. Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen with Vega graphics will be more than up to the task. Most HTPC builders use a small form factor case to help keep their machine’s footprint small.
Purchasing Your PC Parts
Remember to check that all your components are compatible before parting with your hard-earned cash. The more powerful graphics cards can be quite large, making checking the internal dimensions of your PC case essential. Ensure there is enough room to fit aftermarket cooling solutions if required.
It is essential that you purchase a high-quality PSU rated higher than the power your PC’s components will draw under stress. Low-quality PSUs can fail and even short circuit, potentially destroying your expensive components. Similarly, PSUs that cannot handle your PC’s maximum power will result in your PC randomly shutting down or not working in the first place.
Always buy your components from reputable dealers. Not only do such dealers offer warranties and have return policies in place, but the PC components industry is rife with scammers selling counterfeit goods or criminals who will happily take your money for products that do not exist.
The Building Process is Easier Than You Think
- You must prepare your workspace so you have a clean, static-free surface. Avoid working where the floor is carpeted, as this can generate static. Static is a component’s worst enemy and can render it useless with a single spark. Once you have your surface prepared, follow these steps:
- Install the CPU by placing it into the motherboard socket. Take care to align it correctly before locking it in place. This is the most delicate process because CPUs have hundreds or thousands of tiny metal pins that are easy to bend. Once it is aligned, lock the CPU in place with the anchors provided.
- Insert the RAM sticks into the appropriate slots on the motherboard, ensuring they are fully seated and locked in place. It is normal for them to require a little force and may “snap” into place when properly seated.
- Secure your motherboard into the case using the provided screws and standoff. Be careful not to slip because your screwdriver can damage the delicate motherboard.
- Now, it is time to mount your storage into its designated slots in the case. If you are unsure, follow your motherboard’s user guide.
- Installing the GPU is as easy as inserting it into the appropriate PCIe slot on the motherboard and securing it to the case. Some larger GPUs come with stands to help prop it up due to their weight.
- Mount your PSU in the case and secure it with the provided screws. Connect all necessary power cables to the motherboard, CPU, GPU, storage, and any other components you have installed.
- Attach any additional cooling solutions, such as case fans or CPU coolers, and ensure they have a power cable attached.
- Connect the PC to a monitor and power it on to ensure everything works properly because closing the case. If it fires up or “posts,” you can go ahead and install your operating system. If not, you may have to refer to your motherboard’s troubleshooting guide.
Conclusion
Building a PC can seem daunting to the uninitiated, but the process doesn’t need to be stressful. While creating your dream machine requires research, time, and some effort, the benefits of customization and cost efficiency are significant. Follow the steps in this guide, and you will be well-placed to build a machine that perfectly suits your requirements.
