LEARN TO BUILD

Before beginning your build, it's essential to gather all necessary tools and prepare your workspace. This preparation will ensure a smoother build process.

Workspace:Set up a large, stable surface such as a table for your work area. To avoid accidental electrostatic discharge, which can damage sensitive components, stand on an uncarpeted surface.

Screwdrivers:A Phillips #2 screwdriver is necessary for most tasks. Additionally, a Phillips #0 screwdriver is required for installing an M.2 device. Tip: Using magnetic screwdrivers can help prevent screws from falling into the case and will not damage the components.

USB Flash Drive:An 8GB or larger flash drive is needed to store the operating system installer.

Before selecting your components, it's crucial to decide on a case or at least determine the size of the case you need.

The primary consideration when choosing a case is where you plan to place your computer.

The intended location will influence the maximum size of the case and help you decide whether certain premium features are necessary. For instance, if the computer will be hidden under a desk, investing in a tempered glass side panel might not be worthwhile.

Cases generally come in three sizes: full-tower, mid-tower, and mini-tower. While these categories are broad and not standardized across manufacturers, they are typically based on the size of the motherboard.

Now it's time to gather your components. You can approach this step in various ways: either by researching and selecting each part individually to create a custom build or by starting with a pre-made build and adjusting it to fit your budget and requirements. Here are a few important considerations as you begin:

Budget: Establish a budget before selecting components. Remember, you can always upgrade parts later.

Compatibility: Create a build list before making any purchases to ensure all components are compatible with each other.

System Requirements: If you're building a PC to play a specific game, check the game's recommended system requirements and plan your build accordingly.

In addition to the case, you will need the following components to build a gaming PC:

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
• Motherboard
• Memory (RAM)
• Storage
• Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• System Cooling
• Gaming Peripherals
• Operating System (OS)

Parts/Tools: Motherboard, CPU

Take the motherboard out of its antistatic packaging and place it on your work surface. Locate the CPU socket, which will have a protective plastic cap with an arrow in one corner.

Next to the CPU socket, there is a small metal lever. Press down on the lever and gently pull it to the side to open the socket tray.

Carefully remove the CPU from its packaging, handling it by the edges to avoid touching the pins or the top surface. Align the arrow on the CPU with the arrow on the socket and gently place the CPU into the socket.

Lower the retention lever back into place. While some force may be required for the lever, the CPU should seat easily.

Parts/Tools: Motherboard, M.2 SSD, Phillips #0 Screwdriver, User Manual/ Motherboard Manual

To install an M.2 SSD, locate the M.2 slot on your motherboard. It's a small, horizontal slot with a tiny screw across from it. If you can't find it or if you see multiple M.2 slots, refer to your motherboard user manual.

Remove the tiny screw with a Phillips #0 screwdriver, being careful not to lose it.

Slide the M.2 SSD gently into the slot. It will stand at a slight angle when fully seated. Push the SSD down and secure it with the tiny screw.

Parts/Tools: Motherboard, RAM, User Manual/ Motherboard Manual

Determine the number of RAM slots on your motherboard (typically two or four). If using all slots, snap the RAM into place. If not, consult the user manual for the correct configuration and populate the slots accordingly.

Parts/Tools: PSU, Case, PSU Cables, Phillips #2 Screwdriver

Unpack the PSU (or disconnect it if you tested it) and set the cables aside if it’s a modular unit.

Locate the PSU mounting area in your case (usually at the bottom, near the back). Aim to orient the PSU so its fan faces outside through a vent. If there’s a bottom vent, you can mount it upside down.

If there are no vents, mount the PSU with the fan facing up, ensuring it has enough clearance.

Secure the PSU to the case with the four screws provided.

For non-modular or semi-modular power supplies, route the attached cables through the case to their destinations, utilizing any cable management features available.

Parts/Tools: Case, Motherboard, I/O Shield (if separate), Phillips #2 Screwdriver, Screws, User Manual/ Motherboard Manual

If your motherboard has a separate I/O shield, snap it into place at the back of your case, ensuring it’s oriented correctly. Be careful of the sharp edges.

After installing the I/O shield, place the motherboard into the case, aligning it with the I/O shield. Secure the motherboard by first installing the center screw with a Phillips #2 screwdriver. Ensure you don’t drag the motherboard across the standoffs.

The number of screws needed can vary, but a full-size ATX motherboard typically requires nine. Install screws in all available holes.

Finally, connect the power supply to the motherboard with the 8-pin CPU connector at the top and the 24-pin connector from the side.

Parts/Tools: Motherboard, GPU, Phillips #2 Screwdriver, Screws, User Manual/ Motherboard Manual

Locate the PCIe x16 slot on your motherboard, which is the longest slot and may be a different color. Consult the user manual if multiple slots are available to determine if a specific slot should be prioritized. Choose a slot that allows for adequate airflow around your GPU.

If needed, remove I/O covers from the case to ensure the GPU's ports (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) are accessible.

Remove the GPU from its packaging, align it with the rear bracket and PCIe x16 slot, and gently push it into place until it clicks. The PCIe tab on the motherboard may lock the GPU in position.

Parts/Tools: Motherboard, SSDs, HDDs, Phillips #2 Screwdriver, Screws, User Manual/ Motherboard Manual

Inspect your case for drive bays, which can vary in design. Tool-free bays will have plastic levers or switches, while metal brackets will require screws.

Drive Sizes:

• 2.5-inch: Usually for SSDs and some HDDs.
• 3.5-inch: Generally for HDDs but can accommodate 2.5-inch drives with an adapter or tray.

For tool-free bays:

• Open or unlock the lever or switch and pull out the tray.
• Place your drive in the tray. If using a 2.5-inch drive in a 3.5-inch tray, secure it with screws if necessary.
• Slide the tray back into the bay until it clicks into place.

For screw-mount bays:

• Slide the drive into the bracket or mounting area.
• Secure it with screws as specified by the chassis manual, typically using two screws.

Finally, connect each drive to the motherboard with a SATA cable and to the power supply.

Parts/Tools: PC, Monitor, Mouse, Keyboard, OS Saved To A USB flash Drive

If you haven’t prepared your operating system (OS) on a USB flash drive yet, do so now. (Refer to the section on operating systems under “PREP 3: Select your components” for details.)

Plug in the USB flash drive with your OS, along with a monitor, mouse, and keyboard, and turn on your PC.

The initial screen will prompt you to press a key to enter the system setup or BIOS. Press the key to access BIOS. If the screen goes by too quickly, consult your motherboard's user manual for the correct key.

In BIOS, check that all your components are recognized by finding the system info page. Then, locate the Boot page (sometimes labeled "Boot Order" or "Boot Priority") and set the USB flash drive as the first boot device and your OS installation drive as the second.

Restart your computer. It will boot from the USB flash drive, and the OS installer will appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Congratulations on completing your build, especially if it’s your first time! But remember, the journey doesn’t stop here.

Building a gaming PC is an ongoing process. You can continue to customize and upgrade your system to keep up with evolving gaming requirements. Your new PC is just the start, and tweaking and upgrading components will be part of the exciting experience of gaming.