Building your own PC can be a rewarding experience, offering a sense of accomplishment and a machine tailored to your specific needs. While the process might seem intimidating at first, this How To Build A Pc Step By Step Guide will break down the process into manageable steps, suitable for first-time builders and those looking for a refresher.
Before diving in, remember that every build is unique. The order presented here is a suggestion, and you might need to adjust based on your components and case. Don’t be afraid to adapt – even experienced builders sometimes need to backtrack!
Prepare Your Workspace
Before you even touch a component, get organized. Having everything you need within reach will streamline the process and prevent frustration. At a minimum, gather these essentials:
- Phillips head screwdrivers (a #1 and #2 should suffice)
- Motherboard manual (absolutely crucial!)
- Zip ties or twist ties for cable management
- Flashlight (because you will drop screws)
- Thermal paste (if your cooler doesn’t have it pre-applied)
- A container for screws (a cup or magnetic tray works well)
- Installation media for your operating system (Windows, Linux, etc.)
- Band-aids (just in case!)
While anti-static mats and wrist straps are popular, they aren’t strictly necessary in most environments. As long as you avoid building on carpet or metal surfaces and refrain from generating static electricity, you should be fine. However, if you’re concerned, an anti-static wrist strap provides an extra layer of protection.
Connect Components to the Motherboard
Some builders prefer to mount the motherboard in the case right away, but it’s often easier to install components like the CPU, M.2 SSD, and RAM while the motherboard is on a flat, accessible surface.
Install the CPU
Whether you’re team Intel or team AMD, the process is similar. First, open the CPU socket by releasing the tension lever and lifting the metal retaining bracket.
Important Note: Modern Intel and AMD (AM5) platforms have pins in the socket, while older AMD (AM4 and earlier) CPUs have pins on the bottom of the CPU. Be extra careful handling AMD AM4 CPUs to avoid bending the pins.
Locate the arrow or triangle on one corner of the CPU. This needs to align with the corresponding mark on the CPU socket.
Gently drop the CPU into the socket. It should sit flush without needing force. If it doesn’t, pick it up and reseat it, making sure the alignment is correct. Do NOT force it!
Once seated, close the retaining bracket and push the tension lever back down. On some Intel 12th and 13th Gen boards, this may require more force than expected. Double-check the CPU is seated correctly before applying pressure.
Note: High-end enthusiast platforms like Intel Xeon/Core X and AMD Threadripper have different, more complex installation procedures. These are not recommended for first-time builders.
Install the CPU Cooler
Many CPUs come with a stock cooler in the box. If you aren’t planning on overclocking, the stock cooler might suffice. However, aftermarket coolers often offer better cooling performance and quieter operation.
If using the stock cooler, it will already have thermal paste applied. Many aftermarket coolers also have pre-applied paste. Before installing any cooler, remove the protective film from the cold plate or paste area. Forgetting this step will lead to overheating!
If your cooler doesn’t have pre-applied paste, you’ll need to apply your own. A pea-sized amount (about 3mm) in the center of the CPU is generally recommended for AMD CPUs. For recent Intel CPUs, a pattern of five smaller dots is recommended, as the heat-generating components are less centrally located.
Important: Less is more! Too much thermal paste is worse than not enough. You don’t want it squeezing out the sides.
Stock Intel coolers use push-pins to attach to the motherboard. Push in opposite corners to evenly distribute pressure. AMD stock coolers use metal arms that clip onto a plastic bracket around the socket. Aftermarket coolers have varying mounting methods, so consult the cooler’s manual. You may need to install a backplate behind the motherboard. Many cases have a cutout to allow backplate installation after the motherboard is installed, but this cutout doesn’t always align correctly.
Once the cooler is installed, plug the CPU fan connector into the “CPU_FAN” header on the motherboard. If your cooler has two fans, plug the second fan into the “CPU_AUX” header. A liquid AIO cooler will also have a pump that needs to be plugged into a “CPU_PUMP” header.
Install the RAM
Installing RAM is straightforward. Consult your motherboard manual to determine the correct slots to use, especially if you’re installing only two sticks in a four-slot board. Using the wrong slots can impact performance or prevent the RAM from being recognized.
Installing RAM into the motherboard.
Open the latches on the RAM slots. Some boards have latches on both sides, while others have a latch on only one side. Align the notch on the bottom of the RAM stick with the bump in the slot. If it doesn’t align, flip the RAM stick around. Press down on both ends of the RAM stick until it snaps into place and the latches close. This requires a bit of force. Make sure the RAM is fully seated.
Install an M.2 SSD
Installing an M.2 SSD is easier now than it has ever been. If your board has multiple M.2 slots, consult your motherboard manual to determine which one to use. The slot closest to the CPU is generally the best choice for your boot drive, especially if it’s a fast PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 SSD.
You may need to remove a heatsink or cover to access the M.2 slot. Remove the screw securing the heatsink, then carefully lift it off.
If there is one installed, remove the screw located across from the M.2 slot and slide the SSD into the slot at an angle. Make sure the notch on the SSD aligns with the slot. Lay the SSD flat and secure it with the mounting screw. Some boards use a plastic tab instead of a screw. Replace the heatsink, remembering to remove the protective plastic sheet from the thermal pad (if applicable).
Mount the Motherboard in the Case
Now it’s time to move the motherboard into the case. Remove the side panels from your case.
Install Standoffs
Motherboard standoffs are small, threaded posts that elevate the motherboard above the case, preventing shorts. Many cases have standoffs pre-installed. If not, install them in the correct locations based on your motherboard size (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX). The holes in the case are usually marked.
Some cases include a special standoff or post for the center mounting hole, which helps align the board.
Install the I/O Shield
The I/O (input/output) shield is a metal plate that fits into the back of the case, surrounding the motherboard’s rear ports. It comes with your motherboard. Snap the I/O shield into place from inside the case. Be careful of sharp edges.
An I/O shield.
Note: Some mid-range to high-end motherboards have the I/O shield pre-attached.
Secure the Motherboard
Carefully lower the motherboard into the case, aligning the ports with the I/O shield and the screw holes with the standoffs. Secure the motherboard to the standoffs using screws.
Install the Power Supply and Storage
Now it’s time to install components that mount to the case itself.
Install the Power Supply
The power supply (PSU) typically mounts at the bottom-rear of the case.
If you’re using a modular PSU, connect the necessary cables to the back of the PSU before installing it in the case. This is easier than trying to connect them later in a cramped space. Secure the PSU to the case with screws. Route the 24-pin power connector and the CPU power connector through the case and plug them into the motherboard. The 24-pin connector is usually located on the right side of the motherboard, while the CPU power connector is typically at the top-left.
Install SATA Storage
If you’re using a traditional 2.5-inch SSD, 3.5-inch hard drive, or a SATA-based SSD, connect the SATA data cable to the motherboard and the drive. Connect the SATA power connector from the PSU to the drive. Mount the drive in the appropriate bracket within the case.
Install the Graphics Card
Connect the graphics card into the PCIe X16 slot on the motherboard (the longest slot, usually closest to the top). You’ll need to remove the appropriate slot covers on the back of the case so that the graphics card ports (DisplayPort, HDMI) are accessible. Push the graphics card firmly into the PCIe slot until it clicks into place. If necessary, connect the PCIe power connectors from the power supply to the graphics card. High-end cards may require two or even three PCIe power connectors. If you’re using an RTX 4090 or similar high-end card, consider investing in an ATX 3.0 power supply with a 12VHPWR connector.
Connect Case Cables
Connect the case fans to the motherboard fan headers. Then, attach the front-panel audio, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB-C connectors to their corresponding headers on the motherboard.
Lastly, connect the tiny front-panel connectors for power, reset, HDD activity light, etc., to the appropriate pins on the motherboard. This can be tricky, so consult your motherboard manual carefully. Some cases provide these connectors in a single block for easier installation.
Power On and Initial Setup
Double-check all connections before plugging in the PC. Connect your monitor to the graphics card (if installed), keyboard, and mouse. Turn on the power supply switch on the back of the PSU, then press the power button on your case.
If everything is working, the PC should power on and run its POST (power-on self-test). Since your operating system isn’t installed yet, you may see an error message about a missing boot drive, or you may be sent directly to the UEFI/BIOS.
Cable Management
Good cable management improves airflow and makes your build look cleaner. Shut down the system, unplug the power cable, and tidy up the cables inside the case. Route cables through the back of the case, use zip ties to bundle them together, and tuck away any excess slack.
Install Operating System and Drivers
Create a USB install drive for Windows 11 or your operating system of choice. Boot from the USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions to install the operating system. Once the OS is installed, install the latest drivers for your components, especially the graphics card.
Enjoy Your New PC!
Congratulations! You’ve successfully built your own PC. Now it’s time to install your favorite games, software, and enjoy the performance of your custom-built machine.
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