How To Build A Custom PC: A Comprehensive Guide

How To Build A Custom PC: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Building your own custom PC can be a rewarding experience.

 – both in terms of the satisfaction you’ll get from the finished product and the cost savings compared to buying a pre-built machine. But it’s also daunting, especially if you’re a first-time builder.

Building a PC requires many considerations, from the components you’ll need to the steps involved in the assembly process. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to build a custom PC, including:

-Choosing the right components for your needs

-Assembling your PC

-And more!

By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to build your own custom PC. So, let’s get started!

What You’ll Need To Build a Custom PC

To build your own custom PC, you’ll need a few things. First, you’ll need a screwdriver and an anti-static wrist strap. The screwdriver is self-explanatory – you’ll need it to screw in various components. The anti-static wrist strap will help to protect delicate parts from static electricity. You’ll also need a computer case. This is the “shell” of your PC where all the internal components will be housed. When choosing a case, you’ll want to ensure it’s big enough to accommodate all the parts you plan to put inside. Finally, you’ll need all the fundamental components inside the computer case. Below is a list of what you need to get started!

The motherboard

It is the foundation of your custom PC build. It’s a large, flat piece of circuitry that everything else plugs into. 

In choosing a motherboard, you should look for three things: 

-The correct form factor is the physical size and shape. The most common form factors are ATX, mATX, and mini-ITX. ATX is the most common, followed by mATX, with mini-ITX being the smallest and XL-ATX being the largest.

-The right socket type: The socket type refers to the specific type of CPU you’ll be using. Intel and AMD CPUs use different sockets, so you’ll need to ensure the socket type on your motherboard matches the CPU you’re planning to use.

CPU

-The suitable chipsets: Chipsets are a kind of “internal software” that dictates what components your motherboard can use. For example, some chipsets only work with specific CPUs or GPUs. CPU: Your computer’s central processing unit is its brain. It handles all the calculations and processing required to run your programs and games.

When choosing a CPU, you’ll want to consider two things: -The right socket type: As we mentioned before, Intel and AMD CPUs use different sockets. Make sure the socket type on your CPU matches the socket type on your motherboard.

-The proper performance: Performance is measured in terms of clock speed (measured in GHz) and the number of cores. Generally speaking, higher clock speeds and more cores are better. However, there is also such a thing as too much performance. For example, if you’re not going to edit videos or play games, you don’t need the fastest CPU available.

GPU

GPU: The GPU, or graphics processing unit, handles all the processing required to render images on your screen. The GPU is the most critical factor in choosing a custom PC for most people. That’s because the GPU has the most significant impact on gaming performance. When selecting a GPU, you’ll want to keep three things in mind:

-The proper performance: Like with CPUs, performance is measured in clock speed and number of cuda cores. You’ll generally want a higher clock speed, more VRAM and more cuda cores for a better gaming experience.

-The correct memory: Memory is measured in GDDR (Graphics Double Data Rate). The more GDDR, the better.

-The correct ports: Make sure the GPU you choose has the correct ports for the monitors you’ll be using. The most common ports for gaming are HDMI and DisplayPort.

RAM

RAM: RAM, or random access memory, is what your computer uses to store temporary data that it needs to access quickly. When you open a program, the data for that program is loaded into RAM so it can be accessed quickly. RAM speed is measured in terms of MHz. In general, you’ll want as much RAM as possible and as high MHz as you can budget for. However, for most people, 16-32GB is plenty.

NVMe, M.2, SSD and/or HDD

SSD and/or HDD: SSDs, solid-state drives, are the newest storage devices. They are much faster than traditional HDDs or hard disk drives. However, they are also more expensive per gigabyte compared to mechanical drives. You may consider using an SSD for your operating system and programs and an HDD for your files and games. M.2 and NVMe drives offer the fastest performance as they are installed directly onto the motherboard to utilize all the utilities of a PCI slot or dedicated motherboard circuitry.

PSU

PSU: The PSU, or power supply unit, provides power to all the components in your custom PC. When choosing a PSU, you’ll want to keep three things in mind: -The correct wattage is the amount of power the PSU can provide. You’ll generally want a PSU with a higher wattage than the parts you are using. Purchasing a PSU with 25% or more headroom is recommend for a gaming PC. (ie: System requires 600W of power, 750W Power Supply or higher would be better) PSU’s over time will decline in how many watts they are able to provide.

In terms of form factor, it refers to the size and shape of the PSU. ATX is the most common form factor. SFX form factors are generally used for micro-ATX systems in small cases.

-The right cables: Make sure the PSU you choose has the right connections for the components you use. Some information to keep in mind when selecting a PSU: does the motherboard provide dual 8-pin CPU power connectors? How many 8-pin or 6-pin connectors does your GPU require? How many sata power connections do I need for my SSDs/HDDs? Are there any other internal expansion cards I’m going to use that will require other connectors?

Computer Case

The computer case is the “shell” of your custom PC. It houses all the internal components and connects to the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. When choosing a case, you’ll want to consider three things: –

The form factor refers to a case’s size and shape. The most common form factors are ATX, mATX, and mini-ITX. –

The right features: Features to look for include things like good airflow, easy-to-access ports, and a sturdy build. –

The right style: Style is a matter of personal preference. Some prefer a more understated look, while others prefer a case with flashy LEDs. B

Building your PC: Now that you have all the necessary components, it’s time to start building! We’ll walk you through the steps involved in building a custom PC from start to finish: 

 

1. If your motherboard comes with an I/O shield you will need to snap this into the case prior to installing your motherboard.

 

Carefully place the motherboard inside the computer case. Make sure to line up the standoffs (the plastic or metal cylinder-shaped things) with the mounting holes on the motherboard. Use the provided screws from your PC case to secure the motherboard to the standoffs inside the case. Once the motherboard is installed I recommend going ahead and connecting the front panel connectors for your power and reset buttons as well as the power LED and HDD activity LEDs. Your front panel connector may also have USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, USB-C cables which you should also connect at this point in the build.

2. Once the motherboard is in place, it’s time to install the CPU.

 

Begin by unlocking the socket (usually done by lifting a lever), then carefully insert the CPU. Make sure to align the CPU’s notches with those on the socket. Once the CPU is in place, close the lever to lock it in. If your CPU came with it’s own cooler you may follow the manufacturer’s specific directions to install it. If you opted for an aftermarket air or liquid cooler you will need to refer to those instructions to install.

3. The next step is to install the RAM.

 

RAM slots are usually located next to the CPU socket. To install the RAM, insert the RAM into the appropriate slot. Make sure to line up the center notches on the RAM with the notches on the motherboards RAM slot. Once the RAM is in place, gently push down on the top of the stick until you feel it snap into place. 

4. The next component to install is the GPU.

 

GPU slots are usually located on the bottom of the motherboard. To install the GPU, insert it into the appropriate PCI slot recommending PCI 4 with x16. Make sure to line up the notches on the GPU with the notches on the PCI slot. Once the GPU is in place, gently push down on the top of the card until you hear it snap into place. 

5. The next component to install is the SSD and/or HDD.

 

HDD sata ports are usually located on the bottom of the motherboard. To install the SSD and/or HDD, install them into the cases specified mounting locations or bays and then connect a SATA cable to the drives and insert it into the appropriate slot on the motherboard. Make sure to line up the notches on the SSD and/or HDD with the notches on the space. Once the SSD and/or HDD are in place, gently push down on the top of the card until you hear it snap into place. One note to mention, if you are using a NVMe SSD it may disable one of the PCI slots on the motherboard as it uses those lanes to transfer data. Install M.2 SSDs or NVMe drives into the slots following motherboard manufacturers instructions. 

How To Build A Custom PC

How To Build A Custom PC: A Comprehensive Guide

6. The final component to install is the PSU.

 

PSU slots are usually located on the back of the case. To install the PSU, insert it into the appropriate slot. Make sure to line up the screw holes on the PSU with the notches on the space. Once the PSU is in place, gently use the provided screws to secure it to the case. Once all the previous components are installed I recommended routing the power cables first as this makes cable management a little easier once you start connecting everything else.

 

BONUS TIPS:

You can use a website like PCpartpicker.com to select PC components that will be compatible.

Make a budget, and involve costs like monitors, peripheral devices, and Operating system costs. Also, add the costs of any additional applications and programs you may need. This will usually add up, so make sure to add that to your final build budget.

Choose The right components and parts for your needs. You need the right parts depending on the type of PC you want. If you are doing intensive gaming, you need a beefier system than if you use it for video streaming.

Compared to buying a pre-built machine, building your own PC will give you more satisfaction, a great learning experience and you’ll save a little money. But it’s also daunting, especially if you’re a first-time builder. From the components you will need to the assembly steps, there are several factors to consider when building a PC. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve walked you through the entire process of building your own custom PC, including:

 -Choosing the right components for your needs 

-Assembling your PC

 So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!