Extensive guide to building your own PC from scratch

May 19, 2020 29

Building your own computer might seem somewhat intimidating to start out with but if you are a gamer then the concept has probably crossed your mind from time to time. If you want to help yourself here, then it helps to have a step by step guide to talking you through everything you need to know.

PC cases

Before you even start picking out a component, you need to make sure that you have a case. The main thing that you need to think about when you are picking a case is where you plan on putting your computer. The PC’s final location will determine whether it’s worth paying out for a premium case. Cases come in three different sizes, and they range from a mid-tower to mini-towers and even full-towers. They are very general in categories and they are also based on the motherboard size too. Full towers can fit an extended ATX motherboard, whereas mid-towers are designed to fit standard ATX motherboards, and so forth. Mid-tower is the most popular option and they are roomy enough for you to create a good gaming setup. You can include several hard drives, a good cooling system and still have room for some graphics cards too.

PC parts

Now is the time for you to start gathering your components together. This step can be as hands-on or as hands-off as you want. You can research each component on your own and then come up with a custom setup. If you would rather skip out on the hassle and fuss, then you should know that it is more than possible for you to buy one ready-made. Before you even buy anything, it’s a good idea to make sure that all of your components are compatible with one another. Some of the hardware that you should be looking at includes a CPU, motherboard, RAM, GPU, storage, power supply, cooling system, case, and monitor. You’ll also need a keyboard, mouse, headphones and an OS too. If you want to find out more about your mouse and the settings you can have then you can use a free mouse sensitivity converter.

Installing the CPU

When installing the CPU, you will need to take the motherboard out of the packaging. You will see an arrow on the connector. Line the arrow with the socket and then push down. When it is seated, you can then push the retention level so that it slots into place. Lowering this lever will probably require some force but seating the CPU won’t.

Installing the Solid State Drive (SSD)

If you want to install a Solid State Drive (SSD), then now is the chance. Find the M.2 slot on the motherboard. It’s a horizontal slot with a tiny screw. Slide the M2 SSD into the slot and when it is in properly, it will sit on the motherboard at a 35-degree angle. You then need to push it down and place the screw so that it then locks into place.

CPU cooling for your PC

It’s important to know that there are different types of coolers. If you want some exact instructions, then you have to consult the manual that came with yours. It’s vital to know that some coolers will have to go with a mounting bracket. Some coolers will also come with some cooler paste. If yours does not have any of this then you will need to put on some thermal paste before you position the cooler. If you want to do this then apply a small dot, usually smaller than a grain of rice, into the middle of the CPU. When you have done this, place the cooler on it. The pressure will be more than enough to spread the paste.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

You have to determine how many Random Access Memory (RAM) slots your motherboard actually has. It will probably have two or four. If you plan on filling all of the RAM slots, then snap the RAM into place. If you are not planning on filling them all then look up the right configuration if you can.

Power supply unit (PSU)

Unpack your power supply unit (PSU) and set the cables aside. Ideally, you should try and position the PSU so that the fan faces the outside of the case towards the vent. If your case has some kind of vent on the bottom then you will need to mount the PSU accordingly. This is very easy to do and you shouldn’t have any problems at all when you get started. Just try and make sure that you follow the instructions where you can and that you also take your time when trying to set up your PC.