Take Your First Steps into the world of PC Building
PC gaming is regarded as enthusiast-level, with users of this platform typically devoting more time and money to their favorite pastime.
Due to the three major advantages of saving money, learning a new skill, and the satisfaction that comes from finishing a computer build, we at My Tech Haven support the "build your own PC" credo.
You need not worry if you are new to the world of PC building since we will go over everything, from component definitions and what they do in a PC to what parts you need for your build and what tools you will need.
Many people, especially novice gamers, find the idea of "building a gaming PC" to be extremely intimidating. Whenever you don't perform well because your current pc isn't up to spec, your friends and teammates make fun of you, making playing games quite frustrating.
You began looking into creating a gaming PC in 2022 since you were tired of being made fun of. You should be assured that you are in the right place. Even if you're a novice player, this how-to article will walk you through every step.
Experience building, take your time, and then start playing some games.
No matter if you are building the best gaming PC or a budget gaming PC, you will have everything you need to finish your PC build by the end of this article.
The Basic parts that you will need:
Processor - More than any other component, the processor (also known as the central processing unit, or CPU) is what powers your computer. Your computer's CPU transfers commands from one system to another. The speed at which information is transmitted for both software and hardware operations increases with processor quality.
Motherboard - All of the hardware in your computer is housed on the motherboard. Although a motherboard's compatibility with the components you select is crucial, they might also contain integrated graphics cards, Wi-Fi systems, and other features.
Memory - RAM (random access memory), also known as memory, controls how much data your computer can process at any given time. RAM is where your computer keeps the data it needs to access immediately, to put it very crudely. The more RAM your computer has, the more quickly it can handle a lot of data – useful for work; necessary for gaming.
Storage, or SSD/HDD - Solid state drives (SSDs) and hard disk drives are the two main types of PC storage (HDDs). In either case, that is where your files are stored when not in use. Greater storage capacity translates into greater room for files, games, media, and other content when drives are larger.
Power Supply Unit - The power supply does exactly what it says on the tin: It transfers electricity from an outlet to certain computer systems. It may be both the least intriguing and most important component of the PC puzzle. It can be difficult to choose, but once you decide, you'll probably never have to worry about it again.
Case/Chassis - Although some models come with fans for added cooling, your computer case is primarily a design decision. Although it is feasible to create "open-air," a case is generally a superior option for shielding components from dust.
Step #1 - Prepare the case
Remove the side panels to reveal the case's internal frame after taking the case out of the box, making sure to throw away all the wrapping in the process. You'll see a little box or bag of screws inside; store them away since you'll need them later for the installation process.
Once the motherboard is inserted, untie your cords and place them loosely at the back of the case. Finally, depending on the form factor of your motherboard, screw in the appropriate number of standoff screws.
Place the PC case aside at this time.
Step #1.1 - Replacing fans (optional)
Remove the case fans before installing any other fans if you plan to do so. You might need to remove the front panel to access the fans at the front of your case. The front panel can be difficult to remove and frequently necessitates using quite a bit of power.
You'll see a tiny arrow on the fan you're installing to indicate the direction the air will flow. Depending on whether you want a push or pull configuration, align the arrow and fasten it in place with the included screws.
The motherboard will contain a fan header next to the rear fan for the purpose of wiring the fans. Motherboards generally have 3-5 fan headers dotted around, so consult your manual if you are having trouble finding these.
Step #2: Install The Processor (CPU)
Take the motherboard out of the packing, then set it down in your workspace. Locate the CPU socket, which is often in the top-middle of the circuit board, then lift the lever until the CPU is upright. Both AMD and Intel boards are ready to accept the CPU when the lever is upright.
You'll see a small arrow in the corner of your AMD or Intel CPU and motherboard. This arrow points to where your CPU is located, therefore you should align them.
If the CPU doesn't fit into the socket naturally, give it a small push. Before lowering the lever, be certain the CPU is flush. On motherboards that are Intel compatible, there will be a plastic cover over the socket and a metal clasp; clip this back under the bolt. The plastic shield will burst off during installation, so don't be alarmed if the lever seems like it has a lot of tension in it.
Step #3 - Install the Memory
If you plan to use all of the RAM slots on your motherboard, align the memory stick (which can only be inserted one way) and push it in until you hear a click. Before doing this, you might need to snap back the plastic pieces at the ends of each slot. Check your motherboard's user manual to find out which RAM slots your RAM fits into if you won't be using all those slots, which is rather frequent.
Step #4 - Install the CPU cooler
Whether you selected an air cooler or an AIO liquid cooler, they might all have various mounts and installation procedures. To make the following process much simpler, get out the cooler's handbook.
Some coolers need mounting brackets, which are typically inserted from the motherboard's back. Though the backplate is often required to be attached, some motherboards already have it fitted.
Check to determine if the cooler's base has thermal paste applied once the bracket has been mounted or replaced and the other tiny parts needed to install the cooler are ready (thin grey layer of paste). You will need to apply some of your own thermal paste if you cannot see any on the cooler's base. Thermal paste is highly crucial. Check out our simple, step-by-step instructions for applying thermal paste.
Place your cooler on top of the CPU, aligning the screw holes, assuming that you have applied thermal paste. The stock coolers from AMD and Intel are among the easiest to install; however, if you use an aftermarket cooler, make sure to tighten the screws in a crisscross pattern.
Step #5 - Install the Motherboard on the case
Clip your I/O shield into the case's cutout at the back before screwing in your motherboard.
The I/O shield is now installed, and the motherboard needs to be screwed in. Place the motherboard on top of the standoffs with the case on its side so that the I/O connections protrude through the I/O shield. Use the screws specified in your case instructions to secure the board once it has been positioned.
We'll attach your front panel and power supply wires later, so don't worry about it just now.
Step #6.1 - Install Storage (2.5" SSD/HDD)
Skip this step if you simply purchased an M.2 type storage device.
Some cases have a variety of mounting choices available, frequently inside, just behind the front panel, or at the back panel. Check your case and look for the optimum position to put your SSD or HDD. Where you mount your disks is not crucial, but if you want your PC build to seem as tidy as possible, keep cable management in mind when you choose a location.
For "tool-free" installation, certain cases allow you to clip your drive directly into the drive tray. In other situations, you will typically need to screw the storage device into place.
Set up your storage device after removing the tray. The SATA connectors on the device should be facing the rear panel because this is where your wires should run. Slide the tray back into the drive bay after lining everything up and tightening the screw. Although the drives may utilize the same screws as the motherboard, always refer to the case instructions.
Once everything is set up, you may connect your storage device to the motherboard by running the SATA cable that is included in the motherboard box through the rear. Consult the motherboard user manual for the proper SATA port to hook this into, and ensure sure the boot device is plugged into SATA1.
Step #6.2 - Install M.2 SSD
On your motherboard, look for the tiny, horizontal M.2 slot. Once it is located, remove any screws that may be in the board and then slide the M.2 into position. As you need to screw the storage device down, it will flip up slightly at a 35-degree angle. To lock the device, push the SSD down and tighten the little screw.
Step #7 - Install the Graphics Card
the motherboard's PCIe x16 slot, find it (usually the one at the top, but consult your motherboard manual). Depending on the other components in the slot, you can choose which one to use, but generally speaking, you should choose the top one to leave space near the bottom.
Make sure to remove all plastic from the graphics card before installing the GPU. Next, open the expansion slots' metal covers on the back so that you may insert your DisplayPort or HDMI cable. Some low-cost cases need for you to snap these out, while these metal covers are fastened into mid-high-end cases.
Now that there is room for the GPU, slide it in until you hear a click by pressing down on the retention clip on your motherboard's PCIe slot.
Once it has been properly clicked in place, tighten it.
Step #8 - Install the Power Supply Unit
If your PSU is partially or completely modular, determine what cables you'll need for your construction and plug in accordingly. Everything in the PSU will typically have labeling to make this procedure a little simpler.
Feed the cables through after they are plugged in so that your power supply is flush with the case. If there is ventilation at the bottom, make sure to position the PSU fan downward; otherwise, position it upward.
The necessary screws (4X) will be sent with the PSU and your case; just screw them in.
Step #9 - Connecting the Cables
The front panel of your case will first be connected to the motherboard via cables. The hardest part of the build is this, but that is only because it is so fussy. Before beginning, make sure the cords for the front panel have been run out the rear.
To find out where your front I/O wires should go, refer to the instructions that came with your motherboard. When you've found it, pass the cables through the closest cutout. Connect the cables according to the diagram's instructions.
It's time to connect your power supply cables after connecting your front panel wires for the PWR LED, HDD LED, PWR Switch, Reset Switch, USB, USB 3.0, and HD Audio.
Step #10 - Power your PC
Your cables should all be dangling out the back after putting on your PSU. It is now time to pass these various cables back through into the cutout slots on the case's front.
If you need help figuring out where to connect the various wires, grab your motherboard's instructions.
Your CPU power connector will go here if the case has a cutout towards the top of your back I/O shield. Simply insert the cable through this opening and plug it into the corresponding port on your motherboard. As soon as you hear a click, remove the extra cable out the back.
The huge 24-pin power cable will now be fed through the opening closest to the CPU's port once it gets power. Retract the extra cable length through the back after waiting for the click.
Grab your PCIe power cable and insert it through the closest cutout because your graphics card also need electricity. Connect this to your GPU and remove any extra material from the rear panel once more.
Last but not least, you'll also need electricity for your storage devices (unless you have an M.2) Connect the excess SATA power to the back of your storage device and pull it out.
Step #11 - Install Operating System
Once the computer has been constructed and successfully booted into BIOS, you can install the operating system. You will require the product key on hand if you purchased Windows on a flash drive or downloaded the Windows installer.
Connect your flash drive, start the computer, and go into BIOS. You might need to modify the boot priority once in the BIOS to force your computer to boot from the USB disk containing Windows.
After altering the boot order or priority, save your changes and leave. You need to see the Windows installation manual after restarting.
Visit our comprehensive tutorial on how to install Windows for more information.
Try and Apply what you've learn, Build Your Own PC
You can see that creating your own gaming PC is a satisfying yet challenging task. However, it's definitely worthwhile, especially if you're a hardcore gamer. Not only will you save a ton of money by forgoing the purchase of a pre-built PC, but you'll also have more freedom to customize and play hours of top-notch gaming.
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