Summary
How to construct a personal computer.. A personal computer (PC) that is being constructed for the first time, or even for the second or third time, might be a bit scary. On the other hand, one of the most enjoyable aspects of constructing a computer is that, for the most part, the components are able to fit at the appropriate locations and do not fit at the incorrect locations. It is possible to install a graphics card in the slot designated for graphics cards, but you will have a difficult time installing the central processing unit in the incorrect socket.
With a little bit of attention, some effort, and this helpful tutorial, you can construct a personal computer without any problem. We will be here to guide you through the process.
How to construct a personal computer
Obviously, putting together a personal computer is not a simple operation that can be completed in a few minutes. When it comes to setting up their rig, the majority of individuals will spend a few hours doing so. This does not include the time they spend searching for the finest components and most affordable rates.
What you need to know if you are considering constructing a personal computer from the ground up is included in this article. An examination of all the necessary components, essential safety equipment, and instructions on how to install each and every piece of hardware is included in this.
Be sure to take a look at our roundups for the best graphics card, best CPU, and best motherboard for more help.
What you need to build a PC?
Although this is a tutorial on how to construct a computer, you won’t be able to do so until you have all of the components that are required for a computer. It is imperative that you start by selecting and purchasing all of the necessary gear if you have not already done so. Additionally, check to see if everything is compatible with one another and that it can be carried within the case that you want to construct it in.
The following are the fundamental elements that are required to construct a personal computer:
- The case
- CPU Cooler for the CPU
- RAM on the motherboard
- A hard disk and/or a solid state drive (SSD) are also options.
- Provider of power
- Card for graphics
Multiple components of a personal computer need to be compatible with one another, which may be a source of frustration for those who are just starting out. In an effort to be of assistance to you, we have compiled tips on how to purchase a graphics card and how to purchase a CPU. If you are interested in purchasing a motherboard, we also have some advice on what to look for.
Make sure there is a clean workplace with enough of area to open boxes and put pieces together before you get started. Ideally, the desk should be at a height that is comfortable for working on.
First and foremost, safety?
When constructing a computer, there is an unnoticeable danger that you almost never have to be concerned about when using a pre-assembled personal computer: static electricity. In a single heartbeat, the same power that enables you to startle your peers by wearing wool socks may also result in the destruction of components. In a few simple measures, static may be almost eradicated, which is a fortunate development.
It is possible to solve the problem by purchasing an antistatic wristband. Maintaining a steady connection to the earth is accomplished by having one end of the cable wrap around your wrist and the other end clip someplace on the computer casing. The similar effect may be achieved by touching the casing on a regular basis when the power supply unit (PSU) is connected in and switched off.
Make sure that you are creating your personal computer in a room that has a bare floor if at all possible, since carpets produce a great deal of static electricity, and wear shoes with rubber soles rather than socks. It is recommended that you wait to bag many components until right before installation since they are sent in antistatic bags.
Are you going to open the case?
Building a personal computer inside of a case requires first opening the case. In the instructions that come with the particular case that you have bought, you should be given an introduction to its fundamental layout, as well as a list of specific instructions for the installation of components.
Put the case down in the location where you will be working, then take off the side panel. As seen from the front, this refers to the panel on the left side of the majority of personal computer casings. Access to the inside of the casing may be gained via this panel.
It is also important to remove anything that is hanging within the casing. It should be pushed aside if it is connected. There are a lot of examples that have permanent internal wiring that causes problems in the far future.
How to install the power supply?
It is recommended that the power supply (PSU) be the first component to be inserted into the casing and installed. The majority of the time, it is situated at the back of the chassis, more specifically at the bottom. However, in earlier chassis, it may be situated at the top. Please refer to the instructions that came with your case if you are having difficulties locating the correct spot.
Step 1: The majority of cases are intended to have the power supply unit (PSU) placed with the fan facing down. This allows the PSU to take cool air from outside the case. If you are uncertain, consult the instructions that came with your case. Although the mounting plate for the power supply unit (PSU) may need to be removed depending on the case, the majority of cases will need you to insert the PSU into the back of the case from the inside.
The second step is to use the proper screws or thumb screws in order to attach it to your case.
If your power source is a modular power supply unit (PSU), the third step is to connect in the power cables that are required for each of your individual components. Do not worry if you are unsure, however, since you will be able to plug them in at a later time, whenever it is required. If the power supply unit (PSU) you have is not modular, then all of the wires will already be placed.
How to install the processor?
In spite of the fact that it is not required, it is recommended that you install the CPU before you place the motherboard in the case. This will make accessing the processor much simpler.
The first step is to carefully take the motherboard from its antistatic bag and place it on a solid, level, non-metal surface. This might be a wooden desk or the top of the motherboard box itself.
The method is not intended to be difficult, and as long as you follow the directions precisely and keep a close check on the chip to make sure it is completely placed before you clamp it in place, you should have no problems. On the other hand, the method might vary somewhat depending on the manufacturer of your central processing unit (CPU), and processors are fragile, so it is important to exercise caution.
Location of the square CPU socket is the second step. A plastic cover will be placed on the motherboard if it is a brand new purchase. For the purpose of removing the plastic cover, first unhook the metal retaining lever, then raise it up and remove it.
In order to successfully install the central processing unit (CPU), you must first ensure that it is properly aligned. There are notches on the side of the majority of Intel central processing units (CPUs) that enable you to only position the CPU in one direction. You will find a little golden triangle in one corner of the most recent Intel central processing units (CPUs) to assist you in correctly aligning it. Each and every current AMD CPU is the same in this regard.
You should carefully pick up the processor by its sides, taking care not to touch the bottom, and then perfectly position it with the assistance of any tools that are provided to you. After that, carefully insert it into the socket for the central processing unit. By giving the central processing unit (CPU) a little push from side to side, you may verify that it is in the correct location. There will be a very little movement if it is in place. If the orientation is not correct, it will slip out of position and become disorganized. Remove the central processing unit (CPU) and verify the alignment before reinstalling the software.
Step 4: Once you are certain that the central processing unit (CPU) has been placed properly, carefully and firmly push the retaining arm down until the CPU is securely fastened in place. Although this may need a significant amount of pressure, it shouldn’t be too difficult. If you are unsure, double-check that the central processing unit (CPU) was placed properly before locking it down.
How to install RAM
The random access memory, often known as RAM, is one of the components that is the least difficult to install since it does not need any meticulous glue positioning or cables. There is one exception to this rule, and that is selecting the appropriate slots. The majority of motherboards come with four slots, and the better ones to use vary from motherboard to motherboard. Therefore, it is important to consult the manual to determine which spaces you should put your new RAM in.
Make sure that your motherboard is firmly supported throughout its whole surface before you begin the process of installing RAM. If you push too hard, you may put too much pressure on the motherboard, which might result in the installation of RAM being unsuccessful. This is very improbable; nonetheless, like with all of the stages in this tutorial, use caution and, if you are unsure about something, verify it twice before moving further.
The first thing you need to do is push the plastic wings at each end of the slot down and outward (some motherboards only have one of these wings). This will allow you to insert your RAM in the slot that you have chosen. It is therefore necessary to check that the gap in the metal connections of the RAM stick is aligned with the notch in the slot in order to verify that you have the stick turned around in the correct direction.
The stick should be inserted into the slot so that it is facing upward. When the RAM clicks into the slot, the plastic wings will click back into place and clamp the ends of the sticks. Continue to press down hard until the RAM arrives.
Step 2: If you have more than one stick of RAM, use the same procedure for each of them until all of your RAM is installed.
In the event that you want extra information, we have compiled a more comprehensive tutorial that explains how to install RAM.
How to install the motherboard
Despite the fact that the motherboard is the most cumbersome component in your system, it is of the utmost essential to ensure that it is installed properly since it serves as the basis for everything else in your case.
In the first step, if your motherboard does not have an integrated rear panel, remove it from its packaging and place it in the back of your case by ensuring that it is oriented correctly and pressing it in. The rear panel should resemble a little cutout that contains all of the numerous ports that are found on the motherboard. If you are unsure of which direction it should be plugged in, you should check it twice to ensure that it is aligned with the outputs of your motherboard before you connect it in.
First, you will need to screw the motherboard into the insulating standoffs that will prevent your components from shorting out. This is the second step in the installation process. There are some cases that already have them installed, while there are others that need you to install them on your own. Due to the fact that they have an odd appearance, it is simple to recognize them. In essence, these are screws that have an additional screw hole on top of them rather than the standard screwdriver notch. They often have a gold or black color.
If it is required, screw the standoffs of your motherboard into the appropriate holes, which will vary depending on the size and layout of your motherboard at the time. In order to figure it out, you may either look at your motherboard or place them in the location that is suggested by the handbook.
Step three involves inserting your motherboard into your case and then pushing and wriggling it into position so that it can be inserted into your input/output panel and all of its screw holes are aligned with the motherboard standoffs that are located beneath.
You will need to screw your motherboard into the casing in order to fix it. To begin, make sure the screws are well seated and then give them a couple of quick rotations. The next step is to carry out the process in a star pattern, gradually tightening each screw gradually. Be careful not to overtighten the board since you might potentially cause harm to it. All that is required is sufficient torque to keep the board in place without causing it to move about.
Step 4: Once the motherboard has been positioned in the case in a manner that is comfortable, there are a few connections that are required.
The primary power connection for the motherboard is a cable that is two rows wide and fits snuggly into a place on the board itself that seems to be quite similar to the one described above. This connection, which ranges from 20 to 28 pins, supplies power to both the motherboard and the central processing unit. Some boards, on the other hand, contain one or two additional four-pin or eight-pin connections for the processor, which is located next to your central processing unit (CPU), often in the upper right-hand corner. Additionally, you will be required to plug them in if you own them.
Establish a connection between the motherboard and the case connectors and buttons. The reset and power buttons, as well as the activity LEDs for power and storage, are all managed by a row of pins that is twice as broad as the row of pins that will be indicated in your manual. These may be particularly difficult to work with, but in order to switch on your personal computer, you must at least have the power button attached.
It is expected that the USB headers and audio connections on the front panel would be independent. The pins that make up these connections measure around eight by two, and they are secured inside a larger plastic shell. The direction in which this header is plugged in should be made abundantly evident by the notch that is located on one side of it.
How to install the CPU cooler?
Due to the fact that the process of installing a CPU cooler varies depending on the cooler that you are using, it is recommended that you consult the manufacturer’s handbook or the support site for detailed instructions. The following are some straightforward guidelines that are applicable to almost any cooler.
Note: Although the graphic below depicts the installation of an all-in-one (AIO) water cooler, the advice shown here is applicable to the majority of air coolers as well.
Thermal paste is an essential component of any cooler. Although it is not required that you use the finest thermal paste, you should still be sure to apply some. It comes either pre-applied to the cooler or in a small syringe tube, and it has a characteristic appearance similar to that of a liquid silver paste.
If you are going to reapply heat paste, you need to make sure that you remove the previous heat paste using a cloth that does not contain lint and a solution of isopropyl alcohol.
Take a pea-sized quantity and apply it to the middle of your central processing unit (CPU) when it is ready.
Step 2: If your CPU cooler demands it, remove the other side panel from your case and attach the backplate design that you have designed, if it is required. To begin, it is possible that you will need to remove the stock backplate from the motherboard.
The third step is to position the CPU cooler on top of the processor and apply a little amount of pressure. When placing the CPU cooler on the motherboard, make sure that any retention brackets or bolts are aligned with the mounting holes.
It is necessary to secure the cooler in place by installing the retaining screws and brackets. If you need to tighten many screws, be sure to do it in a cross pattern or a couple of turns at a time. This will ensure that you do not place an excessive amount of pressure on a single section of the central processing unit (CPU). Ensure that they are sufficiently tight so that the central processing unit (CPU) cannot move about, but avoid overtightening them.
Step 4: If your cooler has a separate fan, attach it now and plug its three-pin or four-pin connection into the CPU cooler port on the motherboard. If your cooler does not have a fan, go to the next step. It need to be situated close to the central processing unit cooler. Additionally, if it has several fans, you may either use a fan splitter to power both of them from the CPU fan port or connect the other fans into the additional headers on the motherboard respectively.
Mounting the radiator at the suitable location in the case (at the front or rear air intakes/exhaust is usual) and connecting the fan’s header to the appropriate port are both necessary steps in the process of installing an all-in-one watercooler water cooler. Additionally, it is possible that you may need to connect the pump header, which is a port that is reserved for particular motherboards.
How to install the graphics card
If you are constructing a personal computer for gaming, you absolutely must have a dedicated graphics card, often known as a separate graphics processing unit (GPU).
The majority of Intel CPUs come with integrated graphics, which means that if you are not looking to play games, you do not need a separate graphics card. Keep an eye out for processors that have a “F” at the end of their name since these processors do not come with integrated graphics.
In the first step, a PCI Express (PCIe) x16 slot is used by contemporary graphics cards. It is a long and thin connection that may be found on the back of the motherboard, directly just below the CPU. It is recommended that you make use of the top PCIe x16 slot for the overwhelming majority of these motherboards.
To insert the card into that slot, you will need to remove one, two, or even three rectangular backplates from your case. In certain circumstances, you may need to remove all three backplates. To ensure that the case remains sealed, it is one of the numerous tiny metal brackets that are lined along the rear of the casing. To do this, remove the screw or screws that are securing the backplate or backplates to the chassis. After being removed, the plate ought should be able to glide (or fall) out naturally.
You will need the screw in a minute, so make sure you save it.
Step 2: Obtain your graphics card and carefully insert it into the motherboard, ensuring sure that the ports are oriented so that they face the back of the chassis and that the PCI Express connection is pointing downward. On certain motherboards, you should hear a click as the motherboard locks it into place; however, this is not always the case regardless of the motherboard.
You do not need an excessive amount of effort; thus, if you come across a significant amount of resistance, you should take a second look at the backplate and the PCIe slot to ensure that both are free of obstructions and that the motherboard is positioned correctly. Be careful to take note of whether or not there is a pushpin that secures the card in place, similar to the way that your memory slots do, since certain motherboards use this safety feature.
Proceed to the third step, which is to secure the back of the card into the same location in the case by using the screws that were removed from the metal brackets. To reiterate, they do not need to be exceedingly tight; rather, they should be just enough to provide a secure grasp on the card.
Step Four: The majority of graphics cards need more power than what is provided by the PCIe slot. One, two, or even three PCIe power connections will be visible on the side of the card that is facing away from the motherboard, or in some instances, they may be located on the top of the card. This indicates that your card requires more power. This might be a conventional PCIe power connection with six or eight pins, or it can be a new compact design with twelve or sixteen pins for new Nvidia graphics processing units.
Find the proper connection on your power supply, which may be branded VGA at times, and replace it with the appropriate one. Because of the design of the connector, incorrect installation is prevented; therefore, if the connection is difficult to establish, you should double-check your alignment to ensure that it is accurate. You can be needed to make use of an adapter, which ought to have been included with your graphics card, in the event that your power supply unit does not contain the necessary native connections.
In the event that you want more assistance, we offer a comprehensive tutorial designed to teach you how to install a graphics card that includes extra information.
How to install expansion cards
PCI Express slots are used by a variety of components in addition to graphics cards. The addition of wireless networking, sound, video capture, and even storage are all examples of additional add-in cards. Their installation is identical to that of a discrete graphics processing unit (GPU).
One might choose from a few distinct varieties of PCI Express slots. In comparison to the full PCIe slot that is used by video cards, the “PCIe 4x” slot, which is utilized by many expansion cards, is much shorter. When you do a quick examination of the connection of your motherboard and the dimensions of the connector on your card, it will become immediately apparent which slot is suitable. When in doubt, consult the handbook that came with the expansion card.
The first thing you need to do is remove the metal bracket that is located at the back of the casing and corresponds with the expansion slot playing host that is connected to your add-in card. Maintain the bracket screw in a convenient location so that you may utilize it to attach your new card.
Proceed to the second step, which is to align the row of contacts on the card with the slot and then press down firmly. In the event that the card demands any extra power from SATA or four-pin Molex connections, locate the appropriate cables and use them to attach them to the card.
Step 3: Install the card by screwing it into the rear of the case to ensure that it remains in place.
How to install hard drives and SSDs
There are three distinct sizes of storage drives that you are likely to come across, and each of these drives use a unique mounting and connecting method. When it comes to storage devices, hard disk drives (HDD) often come in a bigger 3.5-inch dimension, but solid-state drives (SSD) are typically smaller, measuring 2.5 inches. In addition, there is the even more compact M.2 format and the PCI-Express drive format, both of which are often described as thin sticks with bare chips that are around a few inches in length.
Find the 3.5-inch drive mounting point(s) in your case. This is the first step in the process of installing a hard disk. There is the possibility that these are whole hard drive cages that have numerous mounting points, or they might just be room for a single drive that has screw holes built directly into the chassis. When in doubt, consult the handbook that came with your device.
Using the mounting method that is included with your case, either screw or lock your drive into place once you have inserted it into the right slot. Once the drive is in position, the SATA data cable should be attached to both the drive and the motherboard. Additionally, the SATA power connection should be attached to the drive.
Installing a SATA solid-state drive (SSD) requires you to perform the same processes as installing a bigger hard drive. The only difference is that you will need to change the mounting point to a suitable 2.5-inch cage or slot. These cages and slots may often be located underneath the motherboard tray. The SATA power cable and the data cable should be attached once you have ensured that it is securely fastened in place.
To install an M.2 NVMe solid-state drive (SSD), the third step is to identify the suitable slot on your motherboard. It is going to be labeled, but since it is so little, you should consult your handbook if you are confused about it.
The holding screw should be removed, and the drive should be inserted at a 45-degree angle now. The drive should be pushed down in a gentle but strong manner until it snaps into place, and then the retaining screw should be replaced.
To install a PCIe solid-state drive (SSD), the fourth step is to choose a suitable PCIe slot on your motherboard. It is possible that the 16x slots will not be required for the bandwidth of your specific drive, despite the fact that they will provide the highest bandwidth. If you want to know which one is the best for your specific motherboard, you can check the handbook that came with the drive.
First, position the drive so that the gold contacts are facing downward, and then carefully insert it into the PCIe slot. After it has been locked in, it ought just simply snap into place. Because it shouldn’t need a lot of force, you should examine the alignment if it becomes stuck.
Any extra power cords that are required should be attached.
Do you want to turn on the computer?
Initial Step: Activate the power supply by pressing the Power button located on the front of the device. The post screen or the manufacturer logo should be shown on the monitor if everything is functioning properly. After that, it should go to the Windows installation screen or the login screen. Don’t worry about it if it doesn’t happen, however. It is not unusual for personal computers to need a number of restarts during their first starting. As a matter of fact, some computers may even require a couple of minutes to boot up for the first time since they are configuring RAM and other components initially.
In the event that you come across any error messages or beeps, consult the handbook that came with your motherboard in order to decipher the message and determine what it is that you need to correct.
In the event that you do not get any electricity at all, you should switch off the power supply and verify each and every one of your connections. Additionally, check to see that the electrical socket is switched on. Please refer to our Windows PC Troubleshooting tutorial for more assistance.
In the second step, you will need to install Windows after the computer has successfully booted up. This is a fast instruction that will walk you through the process of downloading and installing Windows if you are unsure how to do so.
It is necessary to install drivers after you have reached Windows, which is the third step. Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 11 already support current chipsets and, in most circumstances, will automatically download and install any remaining drivers to your computer. To get further information about this procedure, please go to the Update and security menu located inside the Settings pane.
In the event that this does not work, the chipset driver for your motherboard will be responsible for handling the majority of the connection and onboard functions. However, this might vary widely depending on the manufacturer of the motherboard and the component. You are able to get the most recent version(s) by visiting the website of the manufacturer of your motherboard.
In the event that you own a discrete graphics card, you will be required to download your graphics drivers from either the AMD website for Radeon drivers or the Nvidia page for GeForce drivers at your earliest convenience.
Remember to include the peripherals!
Once you get caught up in the excitement of constructing a gaming personal computer, it is simple to overlook that you will need accessories in order for it to operate properly.
It is possible that you will have a completely functional system if you are fortunate and pay a great deal of attention to detail. If you want to be sure that all of the coolers in your system are functioning properly, you should monitor the temperatures of your system for a few days and take the necessary steps to fix any errors that may appear. As time goes on, you will get more familiar with your computer and will have a greater sense of self-assurance about the capabilities it has. In the event that anything fails or there is a need for an update, you are well prepared to deal with it.
