what do i need to build a pc computer

Before y'all build a PC, you lot're obviously going to need the correct parts. That's why we're here.

Picking the right components for the build y'all need tin can be a daunting process at first, but once you dive in, you lot'll meet that it's not only surprisingly simple, it'south a heck of a lot of fun. This guide is by no ways meant to exist exhaustive, information technology'due south more than a primer on what you lot'll need to know to assemble upwards the right parts, and commencement putting your dream build together.

Nosotros'll generally be focused on edifice a gaming PC hither, simply this guide should cover the nuts for everything from a loftier-end piece of work rig for professional applications to a simple media figurer.

And if you'd rather buy a pre-built, rather than building your ain, we have a guide for that too.

Alright, let's go to it!

What Exercise You Need to Build a PC?

Processor (CPU)

The processor, or Fundamental Processing Unit, is the brain of the PC. It's what converts the instructions you provide into deportment the calculator tin can execute, and tells all the other parts of your build how to work together. If the CPU is the brain, the residue of the system is the body.

The CPU is probably the unmarried nearly important component for any computer, and as you lot'd expect there are nearly endless options at a multifariousness of price ranges. The two primary manufacturers in the consumer PC space are Intel and AMD, and even within those brands, at that place are plenty of choices. For AMD you'll near probable be looking at Ryzen, or Threadripper if you want high-end. Intel's i designated CPUs are all solid choices, though you'll probably desire to consider an 8th or 9th Gen i5 or i7 if you lot're looking to put together a serious gaming or streaming rig.

Motherboards

The motherboard is essentially a large circuit board that connects all the components that make up your PC, and allows communication between all the dissimilar hardware. As with anything in PC building, there are options galore, from simple motherboards at the lower-end of the cost spectrum all the way up to feature-rich boards with all sorts of bells and whistles.

The type of motherboard y'all need will largely depend on what CPU you purchased and what features you're interested in. Non every CPU works with every motherboard, so you'll want to make certain yous get the correct one. Features similar CPU overclocking capabilities, lighting, and connectivity options are all factors to keep in mind when purchasing a motherboard.

Check out this full breakdown on how to cull a motherboard for all the info yous'll demand to make an informed decision.

Video Card/Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) will take the nearly impact on your gaming feel. The GPU is substantially what allows your computer to exercise the complex graphics calculations that allow your PC games to look so expert. Though many CPUs have integrated graphics, a GPU is absolutely required if you lot desire to have a modern PC gaming experience.

The two biggest players in the world of graphics cards are AMD and Nvidia. Depending on how much you want to invest, you tin become with something on the lower-end of modern GPUs, similar the GTX 1050 Ti from Nvidia, or the Radeon RX570 from AMD. If you want a cut-edge experience, Nvidia's RTX 2080 Ti is the current king of consumer facing GPUs, with the Radeon RX Vega compages from AMD not far behind.

If you're looking for the best gaming feel, the GPU might be the priciest component you'll buy, only you're not going to desire to skimp hither, especially if you're looking to get into gaming at higher resolutions and frame rates.

To learn more than about what card will piece of work all-time for your needs, check out our guide on how to choose a graphics card.

Memory/RAM

Random Access Memory (RAM) is substantially your PC's short-term memory. It keeps data you apply regularly easily accessible, so your PC doesn't have to access a storage device every time you need to use that data. Information technology's different from your principal storage devices in that RAM resets when it doesn't accept ability, which is why y'all still need larger storage drives for long term information storage.

When information technology comes to RAM, the more the merrier. You can't really take besides much RAM, but for practical purposes, most gaming systems will be fine with 16GB, or 32GB if y'all want to go on your PC viable for several years.

RAM varies widely in speed, size, and design, so check out our RAM guide for answers to any questions you might take when it comes to retentivity.

Storage

Storage is where your data is…well, stored, so your PC can access it. This includes files, games, your operating organisation, any data that you need to access will be kept on a storage bulldoze. In the past, storage mostly consisted of difficult disk drives (HDD), just now solid state drives (SSD) are more than widely available. SSDs are significantly faster, quieter, and more durable, but besides cost more per gigabyte.

The right storage solution will vary, though a common configuration is a smaller NVMe or SATA SSD for your operating organization and most commonly used files, and a larger HDD for your larger files. Y'all can also rely on external storage solutions, which accept the reward of being portable.

The Samsung 970 Pro M.ii SSD is i of the most popular solid state solutions, and the 3TB Seagate BarraCuda HDD will work great for larger installations and file storage.

If you want to learn more well-nigh all the different types of storage, cheque out our guide on choosing the right storage.

Cases

This is where all of your precious parts are going to live, and what most people think of when they imagine a PC. Cases are one of the about customizable parts of a PC, then y'all can get cases in just about every shape and size you tin imagine. Though every case is different, they are all designed for roughly the same components, meaning they share similarities across brands and layouts. In that location'southward always going to be a place to install the motherboard and power supply, for example, though the configurations of where everything is located may vary.

Unless you're looking to build something small, or with avant-garde features like custom cooling loops, most cases will piece of work just fine. Just find one that'southward the right size, and looks the style you want it to, and you should be proficient to get.

Another of import feature to consider when it comes to cases is cooling. Many cases will come with fans already installed, which can be useful, but if depression temperatures are important to you, you lot'll want to brand sure there's room for the cooling solution you lot need. A unproblematic dominion of thumb is that if you're wanting to do a lot of custom work, the bigger the example, the amend.

If yous're looking for a unique open air design, check out the Thermaltake P5. If you want lighting options, have a wait at the Carbide Spec-Omega RGB from Corsair. For something simple, attractive, and reliable, keep the Rosewill Cullinan in mind.

Ability Supply Unit (PSU)

As you probably guessed by the name, the Power Supply Unit (PSU) provides the power that allows your build to office. The PSU is oft disregarded, because if you lot have a relatively simple build, whatever power supply volition commonly piece of work. That said, it'due south absolutely worth doing your research on efficiencies, wattage, and quality, peculiarly if you're putting together a more complex arrangement. If you are using high-stop video cards (or multiple video cards) or a custom cooling loop, you'll definitely want to make sure you have a PSU with plenty wattage.

A good reference is this ability supply calculator, which allows you to run across what kind of power requirements you'll demand based on your organization.

If you're looking for a beefy PSU for a super fancy system, you lot can go to the high-end of the spectrum like the be tranquility! Dark Power Pro 11. If something simpler is more in line with what you lot need, the EVGA SuperNOVA 550 watt power supply might be a good fit.

CPU Heatsink/Fan

Your CPU works incredibly hard, and that creates heat.

Keeping your CPU cool is critical to your system running properly, and though many CPUs come with a libation, oftentimes times yous'll want something a niggling more powerful. These options can range from simple fans and heatsinks to elaborate liquid cooling solutions. For your first build, you'll probably want either a fan based solution, or an All In One (AIO) liquid CPU cooler if you're planning on overclocking your CPU. The process of installing these cooling solutions varies from production to production, simply normally involve attaching it to your motherboard, and using thermal paste to make certain heat is dissipated properly from your CPU.

Information technology sounds complicated, but it's really not. Even the AIO liquid coolers are self-independent, and y'all don't ever accept to really deal with the liquid inside. Simply make sure the cooler is uniform with your CPU and motherboard, and that you accept enough room in your case. The rest is just a matter of following the included instructions.

One of the most popular entry-level air coolers is the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO, perfect if you want to upgrade from your stock fan. If yous're looking to become into AIO liquid coolers, check out the NZXT Kraken X52. Not just is it a smashing CPU cooler, it has some awesome lighting options also.

Monitors

At present that yous've picked out the parts for your build, information technology's time to talk virtually everything else you'll need for a quality gaming feel. Let's beginning with a monitor. After all, a sugariness gaming PC isn't much practiced if you can't see anything.

You tin go with a unproblematic, entry-level 1920×1080 monitor or Idiot box if you want, simply part of the fun of PC gaming is that you lot accept more than options. If you invested in a good system thus far, you might want to motion up to higher resolutions, like 2540×1440, or even 3840×2160 (4K) for truly crystal clear images. Y'all can too upgrade to a college refresh rate like 144Hz or fifty-fifty 240Hz, which will make everything await significantly smoother. Depending on your GPU, you may want to invest in a monitor that supports either Nvidia's Thousand-Sync or AMD's Freesync, equally this volition reduce screen tearing and further better your gameplay experience.

All of these factors, including others like brandish size or aspect ratio, are going to increment toll. That said, there'southward non much betoken in having a powerful PC if what you're seeing doesn't look great, so information technology'south probably worth the investment.

If you're looking for a moderately priced entry-level gaming monitor, the curved Acer ED242QR has Freesync and a 144Hz refresh rate, a perfect friction match for your AMD GPU. If you want to go super high-end, the Asus ROG Swift PG348Q has just near everything you demand for a luxurious gaming experience.

Mouse

A mouse is merely a mouse right?

Nope. Similar everything else we've been talking about, y'all can get a mouse that perfectly matches your style. If you're a gamer, having mappable buttons might exist of import to you lot, as well as being able to conform the DPI (essentially the speed of the cursor) on the wing. Mayhap you want a wireless mouse, or an outside-the-box design.

The nigh important thing is probably condolement, so make sure you find a mouse that feels correct. One of the near popular gaming mice (for skillful reason) is the Logitech G502 Hero, but at that place are lots of great mice out there from companies similar Corsair, Razer, and plenty of others.

Check out our breakup on how to find the correct mouse for more info.

Calculator Keyboards

Even with something as seemingly straightforward as a keyboard, there are a ton of options. Practice you desire the traditional experience of a membrane keyboard, or the precise tactile feedback of mechanical switches? Practise yous want wired or wireless? Do you lot need macro keys? How of import is RGB lighting?

In that location's a lot of great keyboards out there, so you tin can find exactly what works for you. I of the most popular mechanical keyboards is the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum. The HyperX Alloy FPS is a bully entry-level mechanical board with high-quality Cherry switches.

The best way to acquire your ain preference is by testing different keyboards, just this guide on how to choose the right keyboard is also a neat place to kickoff.

Operating System

The Operating Organisation (Os) is the software that allows you to interact with your computer. One time it's installed on your storage device (preferably a SSD,) you lot can then showtime installing all of your programs, games, and whatever else you're going to utilise your estimator for.

There are several operating systems to choose from, but by far the most pop for the average person is Microsoft Windows, due to its widespread employ and straightforward user feel.

Linux is as well popular, and has the added advantage of being free, though it too has a bit more than of a learning bend.

Putting Together Your PC

Once you have everything prepare to go, it's time to actually showtime building.

This is the part that many people find intimidating, but once yous get started, yous'll see that these components are designed to exist put together hands. Every bit long as you've done your enquiry and know everything is compatible, it actually is like putting together a fancy Lego kit.

This video will walk yous through the unabridged process:

Hither are few more than tips to keep in listen while you get started.

Installing Retentiveness (RAM)

Memory is i of the more than straightforward components to install. Kickoff past pushing open the two tabs on either side of the RAM slot on the motherboard slot. Look to the memory guide to check that you're installing with the correct orientation. Once the RAM module is lined up with the slot, just push down until you hear a click, then make certain the tabs are closed. Repeat those steps for any additional memory.

Depending on your instance, it might be easier to practice this earlier y'all install the motherboard into the instance.

Installing the CPU

Near CPUs today don't accept pins, every bit the connector pins are usually located on the motherboard. This is great, because damaging the expensive CPU is much worse than the (unremarkably) cheaper motherboard.

The process may vary slightly depending on the CPU and motherboard, but usually installation follows a similar pattern.

Start by unlocking the CPU bar. Then, open the CPU door, place the CPU in the right direction, (arrows marked on both will assist you lot line it upwardly), close the door, and lock the bar down. Mounting the heatsink is also dependent of your hardware, simply it by and large connects through the four holes closest to the CPU socket. Usually this is done through screws or locking/twisting plastic pins. Remember to apply a sensible portion of thermal paste when mounting the heatsink; an amount roughly the size of a pea is a skilful reference.

Likewise, exist sure to plug the CPU cooler into the motherboard so it will have the power it needs to function. The exact process should be clearly articulated in the instructions that come up with your cooler.

Again, installing the CPU and CPU libation is best done before the motherboard is placed in the case to keep things as simple as possible.

Preparing Your Case

The first footstep to getting your motherboard in your case is installing standoffs. Standoffs are pocket-sized contumely spacers that match up with the screw holes on your motherboard, and work to go on the metal on the motherboard from touching the metal in your case. Make certain to install them where screw holes are present in the case, and consult your case manual if information technology isn't obvious where these holes are.

Your motherboard volition come with a embrace called an I/O shield. This embrace should exist placed over all the external connections that are visible from the outside of the case. Make certain yous line it upwardly properly and snap information technology on. It's easy to forget this step, and it can be a hurting to go back to install it, and so do your best to remember the first time.

Installing the Motherboard

Remember, your motherboard is essentially a huge circuit board, which means it'south delicate.

Information technology's important to be careful as you line up the holes and add together screws to all of the standoffs you placed inside your case. Y'all want the motherboard to be secure and not loose, but y'all as well don't desire to over-tighten the screws. If the board is bending at all, you've over-tightened.

Y'all may need to push the motherboard slightly back towards the expansion slot cover before screwing information technology in, only every bit long every bit you lot line upwards all the screws, y'all should exist good to go.

Install Everything Else

Once your motherboard is mounted, everything else is adequately straightforward. Use the video we shared above for more than detail.

The GPU volition live in the PCIe slot. Make sure you remove any expansion coverings, and be sure it clicks into place properly and is secured with screws in one case installed.

If you have an G.2 drive, carefully install it into the appropriate slot on your motherboard, and use the small spiral to keep it secure. Again, do not over-tighten.

A practiced rule when installing components is to use a flake of force, but if you feel like something isn't fitting, information technology's good to double check that it's in the right place. This stuff is designed to fit together, then y'all shouldn't have to push button too hard.

Your video carte, storage devices, and motherboard volition all demand power from the power supply.

The proper cables should be included with your PSU. If not, use the adapter provided with the video carte du jour box. Your hard drive or SSD will besides demand a power cable, as well as a SATA or data cable, unless you're using an M.2 every bit described above. All of these cables should exist included with your devices.

The right cable to use from the power supply to the components that need that ability should be fairly obvious. Only match the plug to the connectedness the component needs, and check any manuals if it isn't super clear.

Installing fans volition vary on your cooling setup, but again, information technology should exist adequately articulate what goes where. Simply match the cable to the input on your motherboard, and cheque your manual if y'all encounter any issues.

Burn It Up

Once everything is wired upwardly and looks the way you desire it to, it's time to plug in the power supply, striking that power button, and plow on your new estimator. If everything is connected properly, you should meet your motherboard's BIOS screen.

The final step is to install your operating system of selection, and beginning using your new PC!

Error Messages

If everything didn't come together on your first try, don't panic, this happens to the all-time of us. It'south almost ever an easy prepare.

Luckily, your figurer volition frequently tell you what is incorrect, whether in the BIOS carte du jour, or via an error bulletin from your motherboard. This is where inquiry comes in handy, as any error you're running into will exist something someone else has probably encountered and resolved besides.

Nosotros put together a handy guide to five common PC problems and how to fix them, so take a look at that before yous spend also much time researching.

Congratulations!

Whether this is your first PC, or your fiftieth, congrats on taking the fourth dimension to larn how to put a PC together. There'south e'er more to learn, just if you've come up this far, you're well on your fashion to becoming a DIY principal.

Take fun, and happy PC gaming!

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Source: https://www.newegg.com/insider/building-a-gaming-pc-for-the-first-time-dont-panic-this-guide-can-help-you-out/

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