Building your own PC can be a rewarding experience, offering customization and cost savings compared to pre-built systems. This How To Build A Pc Guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough for assembling your dream machine, perfect for beginners and those looking for a refresher.
Before diving in, remember that every build is unique. This guide offers a general order of operations, but you may need to adjust based on your components and case design. Don’t hesitate to backtrack or consult your component manuals as needed.
Preparation is Key
Before you start, gather your parts and tools. Essential items include:
- Phillips head screwdrivers (#1 and #2)
- Motherboard manual
- Zip ties or twist ties for cable management
- Flashlight (for dropped screws)
- Thermal paste (if not pre-applied to your cooler)
- A container for screws
- Installation media for your operating system
- Band-aids (for minor cuts)
While anti-static mats and wrist straps are recommended, ensuring you’re not working on a static-prone surface (like carpet) in a dry environment can suffice. If concerned, an anti-static strap offers extra protection.
Component Installation on the Motherboard
Installing components on the motherboard before mounting it in the case is generally easier.
CPU Installation
Identify your CPU socket type (Intel or AMD). Remove the plastic cover protecting the socket and lift the tension lever and retaining bracket.
Important Considerations:
- Recent Intel motherboards and AMD’s AM5 platform have pins in the socket, while older AMD platforms have pins on the CPU. Handle AMD CPUs with care to avoid bending pins.
- Align the arrow/triangle on the CPU corner with the corresponding marker on the socket. Incorrect installation can cause damage.
- Gently drop the CPU into the socket. If it doesn’t seat easily, re-align it. Do not force it.
- Secure the CPU by lowering the retaining bracket and tension lever. Intel 12th and 13th Gen boards may require significant force.
For enthusiast platforms like Intel Xeon or AMD Threadripper, CPU installation is more complex and not recommended for first-time builders.
CPU Cooler Installation
Processors often include stock coolers. However, aftermarket coolers offer improved cooling and quieter operation.
If using the stock cooler, it usually has pre-applied thermal paste. Aftermarket coolers may also have this.
Key Steps:
- Remove the protective film from the cooler’s cold plate/paste area. Failure to do so will cause overheating.
- If applying thermal paste, use a pea-sized amount in the center for AMD CPUs, or five smaller dollops for Intel CPUs. Avoid applying too much.
- Intel stock coolers use push pins. Push opposite corners simultaneously for even pressure.
- AMD stock coolers snap into notches on a plastic bracket. Aftermarket coolers have various mounting methods, so consult the manual.
- Plug the CPU fan connector into the “CPU_FAN” header on the motherboard. For coolers with multiple fans or AIOs, connect additional fans and the pump to appropriate headers.
Consider installing memory before the cooler if you’re using a large air cooler that overhangs the RAM slots.
RAM Installation
Installing RAM is straightforward. Ensure your board uses the appropriate RAM type (DDR4 or DDR5).
Correct RAM installation ensures optimal performance.
Steps:
- Consult the motherboard manual for the correct RAM slot configuration if using two sticks in a four-slot board.
- Open the latches on the memory slots.
- Align the divot on the RAM stick with the bump in the slot.
- Push down on each end of the DIMM until it snaps into place and the latches close. Apply even pressure.
If you encounter resistance, ensure the module is correctly aligned.
M.2 SSD Installation
Install your M.2 SSD now as it is easier to do before installing other parts.
Steps:
- Check your motherboard manual to determine which M.2 slot to use based on your drive type (SATA or PCIe/NVMe). Use the slot closest to the CPU for your PCIe boot drive.
- Remove any heatsink/cover from the M.2 slot.
- Remove the screw opposite the M.2 slot.
- Slide the SSD into the slot at an angle, aligning the notch.
- Lay the SSD flat and secure it with the mounting screw or plastic tab.
- Reinstall the heatsink, ensuring the protective plastic sheet is removed from the thermal pad.
Motherboard Installation in the Case
With the core components installed, it’s time to mount the motherboard in the case.
Installing Standoffs
Gather the standoffs included with your case. They create space between the motherboard and the case.
Steps:
- Identify the correct holes in the case based on your motherboard size (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX).
- Install standoffs in the appropriate holes. Some cases have pre-installed standoffs.
- A central post helps align the board within the case.
Installing the I/O Shield
The I/O shield covers the rear ports and comes with your motherboard.
The I/O shield provides a clean finish and protects rear ports.
Steps:
- Fit the shield into the chassis before installing the motherboard, orienting it correctly.
- Snap all four corners into place. Be careful of sharp edges.
- Some motherboards have a pre-attached I/O plate, eliminating this step.
Securing the Motherboard
Now, carefully place the motherboard into the case.
Steps:
- Align the holes on the motherboard with the standoffs.
- Ensure the ports align with the cutouts on the I/O shield.
- Secure the motherboard with screws through the holes into the standoffs.
Standing the case up at this point can make the rest of the build process easier.
Installing the Power Supply and Storage
Next, install components that mount directly to the case.
Power Supply Installation
The power supply (PSU) typically mounts at the back of the case, usually at the bottom.
Steps:
- If using a modular PSU, connect necessary cables before installing.
- Secure the PSU with four screws at the back of the case or reinstall the bracket.
- Route the 24-pin power connector and supplemental/CPU power connector and plug them into the motherboard. The CPU power connector is one of the harder cables to install later on, making it progressively difficult to do later on.
SATA Storage Installation
Install SATA drives such as 2.5-inch SSDs or 3.5-inch HDDs.
Steps:
- Connect SATA data cables to the motherboard and drives.
- Connect SATA power connectors from the PSU to the drives.
- Mount the drives in the appropriate brackets, securing them with screws or snaps.
Graphics Card Installation
The graphics card connects to the PCIe X16 slot on the motherboard.
Steps:
- Remove any slot covers on the back of the case to expose the ports.
- Push the graphics card into the PCIe X16 slot, closest to the top of the board.
- Connect PCIe power connectors from the PSU to the card, if required.
- For high-end cards, you’ll need to connect two or even three PCIe power connectors, sometimes with an adapter that comes with your card.
Consider an ATX 3.0 power supply with a 12VHPWR connector for high-end cards like the RTX 4090 for simplified cabling.
Wi-Fi Card Installation (If Necessary)
If your motherboard lacks built-in Wi-Fi, install a Wi-Fi card in a PCIe slot, M.2 slot, or use a USB dongle. Ethernet is preferred for gaming.
Final Cable Connections
Connect the remaining cables.
Steps:
- Connect fan connectors to the motherboard fan headers.
- Attach front-panel audio, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and 3.1/3.2 case connectors to their respective headers. Consult your motherboard manual.
- Connect the tiny front-panel connectors (power, reset, HDD activity light) to the appropriate pins on the motherboard. Refer to your motherboard manual.
Double-check all connections before proceeding.
Power On and Initial Boot
Plug in the PC, connect your monitor (to the graphics card), keyboard, and mouse. Turn on the power supply switch and press the PC’s power button.
If everything is working, the PC should turn on and run its POST (power-on self test). You may see an error message about a missing boot drive or be sent to the UEFI/BIOS.
Cable Management
Optimize airflow and aesthetics by managing cables.
Steps:
- Route cables through the back of the case.
- Use zip ties to bundle and neaten cables.
- Tuck excess cable slack behind the back panel.
Operating System and Driver Installation
Create a USB install drive for Windows 11 (or your preferred OS).
Steps:
- Download the Media Creation tool from Microsoft.
- Use the tool to create a bootable USB drive.
- Plug the USB drive into your new computer and power on.
- Boot into the OS installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
Once installed, update device drivers by visiting the manufacturers’ websites.
Congratulations, you have built your PC! Enjoy gaming, streaming, editing, and more.
