Building a PC from Scratch: A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide

Building your own PC can seem daunting, whether it’s your first, second, or even third time. However, PC building is surprisingly intuitive. Components are generally designed to fit only where they belong – a graphics card fits in the graphics card slot, and you’d be hard-pressed to install the CPU incorrectly.

With a bit of patience, some time, and this comprehensive guide, you can build a PC without any major hiccups. We’ll walk you through each step of the process.

A disassembled PC with components laid out.

Essential Components for Your PC Build

Before diving into the construction process, ensure you have all the necessary components. Compatibility is key, so double-check that all parts will work together and fit within your chosen case. Here’s a checklist of the core components:

• PC Case
• CPU (Central Processing Unit)
• CPU Cooler
• Motherboard
• RAM (Random Access Memory)
• Storage: SSD (Solid State Drive) and/or HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
• PSU (Power Supply Unit)
• Graphics Card (GPU)

For guidance on selecting compatible components, check out our resources on choosing the right processor, graphics card, and motherboard. Prepare a clean, spacious workspace, preferably a desk at a comfortable height, to lay out your components and begin the build.

Tools and components for building a PC.

Prioritize Safety: Protecting Your Components from Static Electricity

Static electricity poses an invisible threat to PC components. This same static that gives you a shock can also damage sensitive electronics. Fortunately, preventing static discharge is simple:

• Use an anti-static wrist strap. Connect one end to your wrist and the other to the PC case to ground yourself. Alternatively, frequently touch the metal part of your PC case (with the PSU plugged in but turned off) to discharge any static buildup.
• Build in a static-free environment. Avoid carpeted areas and wear rubber-soled shoes.
• Keep components in their anti-static bags until ready for installation.

Preparing the PC Case

Before building, you need to open your PC case. Refer to your case’s manual for specific instructions, but generally:

1. Lay the case down and remove the side panel (typically the left side when viewed from the front). This will give you access to the case interior.
2. Clear any loose items or obstructions inside the case. If anything is attached, gently move it aside. Be mindful of pre-installed wiring.

Installing the Power Supply (PSU)

The PSU typically resides at the rear of the case, either at the top or bottom.

1. Consult your case manual to confirm the correct PSU orientation and mounting location. Usually, the fan faces down to draw in cool air.
2. Slide the PSU into place from the inside of the case and secure it with the appropriate screws.
3. If you have a modular PSU, connect the necessary power cables for your components. If not, the cables will already be attached. You can always connect them later if needed.

Installing the power supply unit in a PC case.

Connecting power supply cables inside the PC case.

Installing the CPU

While not strictly required, installing the CPU before the motherboard often simplifies the process.

1. Carefully remove the motherboard from its anti-static bag and place it on a flat, non-metallic surface.
2. Locate the CPU socket (a square area) and open the retention lever to remove the plastic cover.
3. Align the CPU correctly using the notches or markings (a golden triangle on Intel CPUs, markings on AMD CPUs) and gently place it into the socket. Ensure proper seating by gently nudging the CPU.
4. Secure the CPU by closing the retention lever firmly but carefully.

Opening the CPU socket on a motherboard.

Placing the CPU into the socket.

Closing the CPU socket lever.

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU.

Installing RAM

RAM installation is straightforward. Consult your motherboard manual to identify the correct slots for optimal performance.

1. Open the plastic clips at the ends of the RAM slots.
2. Align the notch on the RAM stick with the corresponding key in the slot.
3. Insert the RAM stick vertically and firmly press down until it clicks into place and the clips secure it.
4. Repeat for all RAM sticks.

Installing RAM modules into motherboard slots.

Opening RAM slots on a motherboard.

Asus ROG Strix X670E-I Gaming Wi-Fi motherboard.

Installing the Motherboard

The motherboard is the foundation of your PC, so careful installation is crucial.

1. If your motherboard requires a separate I/O shield, install it into the rear of the case.
2. Ensure the case standoffs (small metal screws with another screw hole on top) are correctly positioned for your motherboard size. Install them if needed.
3. Carefully lower the motherboard into the case, aligning it with the I/O shield and standoffs.
4. Screw in the motherboard using a star pattern, tightening each screw gradually to avoid damage.
5. Connect the main power connector (20-28 pin), CPU power connector (4-8 pin), case buttons and LEDs, USB headers, and front panel audio connectors to the motherboard. Refer to your manual for their locations.

Installing the motherboard into the PC case.

Motherboard installed in the PC case.

Screwing the motherboard into the PC case.

Connecting the 24-pin power connector to the motherboard.

Connecting the front panel USB connectors to the motherboard.

Front panel connectors attached to the motherboard.

Installing the CPU Cooler

CPU cooler installation varies depending on the model. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions.

1. If reapplying thermal paste, clean the CPU with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Apply a pea-sized amount of thermal paste to the center of the CPU.
2. If your cooler requires a backplate, install it.
3. Position the cooler over the CPU and secure it using the appropriate mounting mechanism. Tighten screws gradually in a cross pattern.
4. Connect the cooler’s fan connector to the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard. For AIO coolers, also mount the radiator and connect the fan and pump headers.

Applying thermal paste to the CPU.

Installing the CPU cooler bracket.

Installing the AIO CPU water block.

CPU with mounted AIO water block.

Connecting CPU cooler cables.

Installing a CPU cooler.

Installing the Graphics Card (GPU)

A dedicated GPU is essential for gaming PCs.

1. Locate the top PCIe x16 slot on your motherboard. Remove the corresponding rear case brackets.
2. Align the GPU with the slot and firmly press down until it’s securely seated.
3. Secure the GPU to the case using the bracket screws.
4. Connect the necessary PCIe power connectors from the PSU to the graphics card. Use an adapter if needed.

RTX 4090 GPU.

Inserting the graphics card into the PCIe slot.

Securing the graphics card to the case.

Connecting power cables to the graphics card.

Installing Expansion Cards

Other PCIe cards (Wi-Fi, sound, etc.) install similarly to the GPU.

1. Remove the appropriate rear case bracket.
2. Insert the card into the correct PCIe slot and press down firmly.
3. Connect any necessary power cables.
4. Secure the card to the case with screws.

Installing a PCIe expansion card.

Installing Storage Drives (HDDs, SSDs)

Storage drives come in various formats.

1. HDD/SATA SSD:
   • Locate the appropriate drive bay (3.5-inch for HDDs, 2.5-inch for SATA SSDs).
   • Secure the drive with screws or the case’s mounting system.
   • Connect the SATA data and power cables.
2. M.2 NVMe SSD:
   • Locate the M.2 slot on the motherboard.
   • Insert the SSD at a 45-degree angle and push down until it clicks into place.
   • Secure it with the retaining screw.
3. PCIe SSD:
   • Insert the drive into the appropriate PCIe slot, ensuring proper alignment.
   • Connect any required power cables.

WD Black SSD.

Installing a hard drive in the PC case.

Connecting a SATA cable to a hard drive.

SATA power cable plugged into hard drive.

Installing an SSD in the PC case.

Connecting a SATA cable to an SSD.

SSD installed in a PC motherboard.

Powering On and Setting Up Your PC

1. Turn on the PSU and press the power button. The system should display the POST screen or manufacturer logo, followed by the Windows installation or login screen. Initial boot may require a few restarts or take several minutes.
2. Install your operating system (Windows).
3. Install necessary drivers. Windows often handles this automatically, but you may need to install chipset, graphics, and other drivers manually from the manufacturer’s websites.

Logitech MX Mechanical keyboard.

Choosing Your Peripherals

Don’t forget essential peripherals like a keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

After a few weeks of use, you’ll become more familiar with your system and confident in its capabilities. And most importantly, you’ll be equipped to handle any future upgrades or troubleshooting.