Stuck at home? It’s a perfect time to build a PC! Here’s how to get started
Building a PC remains a daunting endeavor for many, but it doesn’t have to be. Even if you’ve yet to pick up a screwdriver and toss together a few components, this comprehensive guide will make you a PC building master in no time at all. We’ll also save you money in the process.
Picking the right parts
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Looking inside a PC case can reveal a mess of electronics to someone who doesn’t know what does what. Fear not, as we’ve got you covered when it comes to picking the right parts, even if you don’t know the difference between a CPU and GPU. Check out our best guides for each component and then check for incompatibilities using our brief checklist below.
Products used in this guide
Compatibility
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- Case: Cases come in different form factors, depending on the size of the PC you wish to build. Less important overall.
- PSU: This is what converts AC to DC power from your home socket to components. Needs to supply enough stable power (500W is usually great to start with).
- CPU: You have the choice of AMD and Intel for desktop processors. Take a look at our best guide and note the sockets they use as you’ll need to match the socket for the motherboard.
- Motherboard: A motherboard simply needs to match the same socket type of the CPU. Chipset and other features are all down to pricing and preference.
- RAM: Faster frequencies and lower latencies generally mean better the RAM, though you’ll need to make sure your motherboard can support the same clock speed, or it’ll be limited. Most new boards support DDR4. DDR4-3200 is a safe bet for most CPUs.
- Storage: Entirely down to personal requirements, though we always recommend an SSD for installing the OS.
- GPU: This is optional and is only really needed if you plan to do some gaming or intensive workloads. In that case, spend as much as you can.
But wait! Even after double and triple-checking that everything will place nicely together, it’s recommended you use an automated tool that checks entered components against a database to confirm that there are no conflicts. It’s worth visiting PC Part Picker, entering in all your components, and then checking everything over.
Not only does the website allow for comparison between other options available — potentially allowing for even more savings to be made — it will also provide warnings for any issues detected. After a few PC builds, you’ll be able to tell components apart by just looking at the specs and streamline this process without using such websites.
All the products in this guide are compatible with one another so if you fancy building yourself a capable gaming PC, take up our recommendations as you move through the guide.
Trusted tools
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- Toolkit.
- LED light source.
- Flat workspace (no carpet).
- Anti-static mat.
- Anti-static wristband.
- Magnetic parts tray.
- Free workspace (never use carpet).
Did I mention you shouldn’t use carpet to build a PC?
Build it better
We’ve arranged this guide in an order that makes sense for most builds, though it may not be optimal for every PC. You’ll need to check the layout and see which components will need to be installed first, but usually, the power supply is the best way to go. You’ll first want to put aside the box/bag of screws that come with the case as we’ll need these for the steps ahead.
Case
NZXT H510i
Great all-rounder case that offers excellent value
NZXT makes some of the best PC cases around and the H510i is one of my favorites. It’s a breeze to build a PC inside, has ample space for your favorite AIO cooler, and even helps you manage cables to make everything look neat and tidy.
Installing the CPU
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Unpack your PSU, CPU, RAM, and motherboard for this. The first step here is to install the CPU, which requires you to remove the motherboard from its packaging too. This is a super-easy process, regardless of whether you’re rocking an AMD or Intel chip.
- Unpack the motherboard from its packaging.
- Place the motherboard atop its cardboard box. (It’s safe here. Never place on carpet.)
- Open the CPU latch.
- The plastic cap will pop off once we install the CPU. Keep this safe! Just in case you need to return the motherboard to the manufacturer.
- Insert the CPU, matching notches and indicators to the socket. (Do not apply pressure, it should lie flush without force.)
- Close the latch to secure the CPU. (This step will require some amount of pressure, popping off the plastic cap.)
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Especially with aftermarket coolers — both water and air — you’ll need to pay close attention to the manual that comes with the product. This is why it’s better to do all these steps with the motherboard outside the PC case for easier handling.
CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
A stunning performance from AMD
AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600X is a fantastic processor for most consumers. It’s not too expensive but is more than capable of gaming and other intensive tasks. And because all AMD CPUs are unlocked, you’ll be able to extract even more performance, though you may need to replace the included stock cooler.
Installing the RAM
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- Unclip the RAM locks on the motherboard module slots.
- Match the RAM module notches to those found in the slots on the motherboard.
- Insert the module carefully, using light even force across the stick.
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- After it inserts into the slot, push down on either side of the RAM module until it securely clicks into place.
RAM
G.Skill TridentZ RGB Series 16GB
Smart RAM with RGBs
G.Skill TridentZ RAM modules not only perform well with satisfactory latency, frequency, and capacity; they also look pretty awesome with built-in RGB lighting. Yes, you can now have your RAM modules glow in the dark.
Check everything works
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Unpack the GPU from its box and carefully seat it into the top-most PCIe slot. Press down until you hear it click. The GPU should be fine sat atop of the motherboard, but you may need to allow the backplate to hang over the edge of the motherboard box so it can lie flush with the board itself.
All we require now is power. Reference your motherboard and PSU manuals to sort through the right cables and connectors.
- Hook up the main 24-pin ATX cable to the PSU and motherboard (it’s the largest one in the bundle).
- Connect the CPU ATX power cable (usually a 4+4 pin connector, some motherboards take two or three) to the PSU and motherboard.
- Install any PCIe power cabling for the GPU if it requires it.
- Connect an HDMI or DisplayPort cable to an available port on your GPU (or motherboard if your CPU has an integrated GPU).
Usually, to turn on a PC, you’ll want to hit the power button, but since our PC is not technically inside a case yet, we have no power button. Luckily, we don’t require the power button to turn everything on. We can emulate a physical button by simply using a screwdriver to create a bridge between the to POWER_SW pins on the motherboard.
Again, consult your motherboard manual to locate these pins. By simply making contact with the + and – pins for POWER_SW we’re telling the motherboard to turn the system on. It’s precisely what happens when you hit the power button on your PC case.
If everything boots through the BIOS and you see the splash screen, go into the setup by hitting the DEL key as the system cycles. Check that all your RAM is registered here. All good? Shut everything down and disconnect all the cables, removing the GPU and placing it back into its protective wrapping. It’s now time to install the PC inside the case.
Installing the PSU
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The PSU is the most critical component of any PC. It provides the juice required for all the computing magic to take place. Depending on the case you’ve purchased, we’ll need to install the unit with the fan facing up or down. To determine which is most optimal, check if you have a vent at the bottom of the case. If so, face the PSU fan downwards.
You’ll want to have all your cables connected to the PSU prior to installing it to make your job easier. Depending on the PSU you’ve purchased, it may be one of the following:
- Fully modular: No cables are permanently connected to the PSU.
- Semi-modular: Some cables are permanently fixed, usually ATX and CPU power.
- Non-modular: Every cable is connected and cannot be removed from the PSU.
Fully and semi-modular PSUs are the easiest to work with as you’ll have an easier time making sure all cables look neat and tidy.
- Slide the PSU into the mounting area with the fan facing up or down.
- Screw in the bundled screws (should come with the case) in the four holes at the rear of the case.
- Ensure the unit is switched off using the rear switch.
- Plug the PSU into a power socket to ground the PC.
- Bind all the power cables coming out of the PSU together and put them to one side.
PSU
NZXT C650
Stable, reliable, affordable power
NZXT has ventured into making more than just cases. The company has a motherboard you can mod easily and now a line-up of PSUs. Usually, you wouldn’t expect the first generation of power supplies to be excellent, but NZXT teamed up with renowned PSU maker Seasonic.
Installing the motherboard
With the CPU, the cooler, and RAM modules installed, the motherboard is ready to be screwed to the backplate inside the case. First, we need to install the I/O shield, a long piece of metal that has cutouts for all the rear ports and connections. This is optional, but recommended accessory helps provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection.
- Place the I/O shield to the rear cutout in the PC case and click into place. (This can be super-fiddly so bear with it.)
- Hover the motherboard atop the backplate to see where standoffs need to be screwed in. Different sizes need different holes.
Standoffs are the screws that are installed on the motherboard backplate, which then allows the motherboard to rest atop them and for screws to secure the board. Some cases have them pre-installed.
- Install the standoffs for the motherboard, if not already pre-installed. (Some backplates may feature ATX labels next to holes to guide you.)
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Lower the motherboard onto the standoffs.
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- Tighten the screws, but do not overtighten them — just enough to secure the board in place.
- Check the sides of the motherboard by lightly pulling to make sure every inch has been secured.
Motherboard
MSI MPG X570 Gaming Plus
Ryzen up again.
The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Plus is a reliable option, supporting up to 64GB 3200MHz DDR RAM, the latest Ryzen processors, and coming with the range-topping X570 chipset. This board supports fast networking, armored PCIe slots, and MSI’s RGB lighting system.
Installing storage drives
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M.2 PCIe NVMe drives are the fastest with SATA M.2 and 2.5-inch drives coming in second. 3.5-inch drives come in last for speed but are the most affordable, especially at higher capacities.
Depending on the case and how drive bays are configured, M.2, 2.5- and 3.5-inch drives may be able to be installed at the same points or using dedicated brackets. Be sure to double-check the PC case manual. We’ll go over how your PC case may have both configured below.
M.2 SSD
- Unscrew and remove the M.2 SSD plate, if your motherboard has one.
- Install a standoff for the M.2 module, if not already installed.
- Place the M.2 drive atop of the slot and secure it with a screw.
- Re-install the M.2 plate (if applicable).
2.5-inch SSD
Some cases will simply allow you to screw in a 2.5-inch drive to a bay that also supports larger 3.5-inch drives, though more modern PC cases allow you to use brackets to the rear of the motherboard tray. For the latter:
- Take the SSD bracket and attach the drive to it, lining up the screw holes.
- Screw in the drive using appropriate screws.
- Attach the bracket and secure it to the case.
3.5-inch HDD
- Extract the HDD bracket from one of the bays.
- Slide the mechanical drive into the bracket.
- Secure the drive to said bracket using screws or screwless mechanism.
- Slide the bracket and drive back into the bay.
SSD
Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB
Insane performance at an affordable price
Samsung has long been at the forefront of the SSD market, and its latest is certainly the greatest, with an incredible performance backed up with a great warranty and reliability.
Plugging everything in
With all significant components now installed, it’s time to hook everything up to the power supply and motherboard. Generally speaking, it’s best to start with the power to the motherboard itself.
- Motherboard: The PSU has multiple cables for the board: 24-pin ATX and 8-pin CPU — the same cables we used earlier to test the motherboard, CPU, and RAM. Route these behind the backplate, using available grommets and cutouts.
- Storage drives: Most SSDs and HDDs today use SATA connectors. These are 15-pin flat connectors with a dip on one side to prevent plugging them in the wrong way. Route these from the PSU to the drive bays and mounts, using more than one lead from the PSU if required.
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We now have power to our storage drives and the motherboard, as well as data channels between drives and the mainboard. All that’s left is to connect front panel I/O and other optional connectors (front panel USB, HD audio, etc.). Connecting the front panel I/O, which includes the power switch, reset switch, HDD activity LED, and power LED can be a tricky step.
These pins stand up from the motherboard, which requires a careful approach when plugging in the small connectors. The motherboard manual should provide information as to the layout of these pins and what they correspond to — though usually the below layout is used:
Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central
Adding case fans
For added cooling capacity (and room for overclocking or more stable operation), throwing in an extra fan or two is worthwhile. PC cases may come with fans pre-installed, but if not, it’s simple to screw them into fan mounts. Just be sure to align them correctly and have the blades pointing the correct way. Fans can have small arrows on the side that show which way the blades spin and where airflow will be directed.
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Fan headers can be located on the motherboard itself, where the 3 (or 4) pin connectors can be inserted.
Installing a GPU
Source: Harish Jonnalagadda / Windows Central
Need some extra power for gaming and intense workloads? The best graphics card is a must-have. As a bonus, it’s straightforward to install a graphics card. We usually leave the GPU until last because of how much space they typically take within the chassis.
- Unscrew the rear PCI case brackets that align with the PCI slot you will use.
- Check that the motherboard GPU card latch is open.
- Line up the GPU to the PCIe slot on the motherboard.
- Carefully insert the card and push down once it has made contact with the slot, listening out for a click of the latch securing.
- Use the rear bracket screws to secure the GPU to the PC case for added stability.
- If the GPU requires additional PSU power, connect the necessary cables.
GPU
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
Glorious graphics
Our PC build so far is best suited for 1440p and 4K gaming, and so we need a GPU that can match this level of performance. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 is an amazing GPU that uses NVIDIA’s latest graphics technology.
Power up
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Additional Equipment
As well as all your PC parts, we strongly recommend the following additional equipment.
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