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Read articleBuilding your own computer may seem like a daunting project, especially for a first timer. You might be worried it’s too complex, expensive, or time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be!
In this guide, we’ll explain how to build a PC step-by-step, starting with understanding your PC needs, exploring the different components, and guiding you through the build process.
One of the main reasons people opt to build their own PC is the ability to fully customize and personalize it to meet their specific needs, requirements, and style. The way you plan to use your PC will dictate the amount of storage and memory you need, as well as the desired speed. For instance, a gamer would prioritize a high-performance graphics processing unit (GPU) for superior visuals, while a business PC might focus on having ample storage capacity to accommodate files, images, and data.
There is a sense of achievement and satisfaction in building your own PC. Seeing the hard work you put into the build and then being able to use it brings a new sense of accomplishment. Building your own computer is the perfect way to better understand how PCs work and to improve your technical skills and knowledge.
On a practical level, building your own computer can be a more cost-effective alternative to buying a prebuilt PC. Unless you are looking to spend thousands, prebuilt PCs don’t typically have the highest quality components and often you may need to make upgrades to improve the storage, memory or speed. Building a PC allows you to choose high-quality components to suit your needs and shop around for the best deals and prices.
As with anything you build, understanding what you want to create is usually the best place to start.
You might be a die-hard gamer looking for a custom gaming PC, a student doing research with large data sets, or a graphic designer needing high-quality editing software and applications.
Once you know what type of PC you want to build, it will be easier to know what hardware and performance capabilities you’ll need — and avoid paying for things you don't.
The amount of money you spend on building a PC can vary greatly, depending on what components you need, so it’s a good idea to have a realistic budget in mind ahead of time.
Since memory and storage take up a large chunk of the cost of a new computer, building your own PC gives you the flexibility to save on these components if you wish. While RAM and SSD costs rise with the amount of capacity they offer, they can be less expensive than buying pre-installed components that are often inadequate and need to be upgraded quickly.
Low-end build: $300 - $600
Mid-range build: $700 - $1,200
High-end build: $1,500 - $3,000+
Building a PC typically takes around 3 to 4 hours for beginners and 1 to 2 hours for experienced builders, once you have all the parts. This includes preparation, assembly, and following guides, but additional time may be needed for troubleshooting and installing the operating system. Make sure you set aside enough time to properly build your PC.
If you need to take a break while building your PC, it’s generally safe to leave the components on the table, but keep small parts organized and cover sensitive components to protect them from dust and static.
When building a PC, consider each component’s suitability and compatibility with your motherboard and case. With endless options and specifications, it can be overwhelming, so having a clear budget and a complete list of components is crucial. Below, we will list all the components you will need.
The first step to building a PC is choosing a PC case. This is where all the components will be housed and held together. When picking a PC case, it’s important to consider the size to ensure all the components will fit inside and it will fit on your desk.
There are five PC case size options, each designed to accommodate different motherboard sizes. From smallest to largest, these are: small form factor (the smallest option), mini-tower, micro-tower, mid-tower, and full-tower. The mid-tower case is the most common and widely used, especially among gamers. The full-tower case is the largest and can fit all motherboard sizes.
Before buying your computer case size you need to know what size motherboard you want and if you include a GPU make sure they fit inside. A GPU is an optional part, but it does take up a considerable amount of space. The larger the case the better the airflow and cooling will be and the more fans you can include for a quieter operation. There are also lots of styling options including various colors, a side-panel window to see your handiwork, or even bright lighting options.
The motherboard is the circuit board that connects everything together so it’s the first component you'll want to choose and be certain of. The motherboard also determines what other hardware the computer can use as not all components are compatible with all motherboards.
The motherboard establishes the power of the processor your PC can handle, the memory technology (DDR5, DDR4, DDR3, etc), the storage form factor (2.5-inch, mSATA, or m.2) and the storage interface (SATA or PCIe). By looking at the motherboard’s chipset you can see all its features and what components it will be compatible with; you will need to know this in order to purchase the other parts for your PC, further emphasizing the importance of being sure of the motherboard first.
There are several different types of motherboards, they differ in price, quality, and number of ports. Usage for your PC will determine what type of motherboard you will want but it is important to consider future purposes. The motherboard can be upgraded in the future; however, it will need to be compatible with the other hardware aspects of the PC.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of your computer and acts as the control center. The CPU processes all the PC’s data and instructions and is responsible for making the PC work and complete tasks.
When determining which CPU to install, pay attention to the gigahertz (GHz) — the higher the GHz, the faster the processor. Modern processors typically have a speed of between 1 to 3.8 GHz which refers to the number of cycles per second a CPU can complete. However, more GHz means the CPU consumes more energy, leading to higher system temperatures that require better airflow or heat dissipation.
Keeping your PC cool is an integral part of the build as overheating can cause performance issues, slow down the system, and potentially damage the motherboard. Most components will have their own internal cooling systems including the RAM and GPU. However, the CPU needs an additional cooler as it does not have its own.
There are two different types of cooling systems: an air cooler and a liquid cooler. Air coolers are the most common and cheapest cooling option. They are easy to install, require little maintenance, and are more reliable, but they are larger and can take up more space. Air coolers conduct heat away from the CPU by using fans to blow air across the heatsink.
In comparison, liquid coolers are better for overclocking, are quieter, and more efficient as they use a pump to circulate a water-based coolant through tubes, absorbing and dissipating the heat as it travels. However, they are more expensive, require regular maintenance, and are trickier to install. The most common type of liquid cooler is an all-in-one cooler or closed-loop water cooler.
Memory (RAM or random access memory) is a PC’s short-term memory that stores data the CPU needs to load applications, browse the internet, and open files. RAM has lots of different functions and is an essential component of any PC. Including high-performance RAM in your PC build is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to boost the performance of a computer.
Choosing the best RAM for your system involves two things: compatibility and how much RAM your system can support. First, identify the kind of module your system uses by the form factor within the motherboard. This is the physical form of the module — generally, desktops use UDIMMs and laptops use SODIMMs. From this, you can figure out the memory technology (DDR5, DDR4, DDR3, etc.) your system supports.
Secondly, your system can only handle so many GBs of memory. If you buy 64GB and your computer can only handle 16GB, that's 48GB wasted. Think realistically about how much RAM you need for your computer usage before purchasing and spending more than you need.
All your computer files and data will need to be saved on a storage drive — either a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). Although HDDs have traditionally given more storage space while remaining more affordable; SSDs have made them outdated. SSDs are faster, performing 6x faster on average, and are more reliable than HDDs. You can opt for a combination of both to keep costs lower while still having a high-performing laptop.
Similar to RAM, it is important to check the specifications of your motherboard to know what slots are available and make sure you choose the correct HDD or SSD for your PC. There are various SSD types including an NVMe and SATA. NVMe is larger and has more bandwidth to provide higher speeds; however, a SATA is more affordable.
The power supply unit is a hardware device which provides electricity from the outlet and distributes it to the rest of the computer. There are several different types of PSUs, and it is important you choose the correct one by determining the minimum wattage needed to power all your components to ensure you are exceeding it.
The most common PSU is the ATX Standard which fits any standard computer case and motherboard, and the one we recommend using. Other PSUs include Entry-Level Power Supply (EPS), Small Form Factor, and Thin Form Factor; each of which is designed for smaller PC cases and motherboards.
The graphics processing unit (GPU) processes images and videos at high speeds, quicker than the CPU. It is an optional component as most CPUs will have their own built-in graphics card. But if you are using your computer for gaming. video editing, machine learning, or other intensive tasks, it is recommended you install an additional GPU to maximize your computer's performance.
Learn more about Integrated vs. Dedicated Graphics Card
The final must for your PC build is the operating system (OS). This is the software that runs on your computer and acts as an interface between the hardware and the user. It determines the computer’s display and functionality and without it you will not be able to use your computer. There are several OSs to choose from and they all have slightly different functions and interfaces. If you don’t have a preferred OS, understanding each style and compatibility with your applications will help you determine which one is best for you. The most popular operating systems include Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS. Once you have decided on your OS, download the installer onto a USB to make it easier and quicker to load onto your new PC.
You will also need a monitor, keyboard, and mouse but it is a personal preference as to which ones you pick. Monitors come in various resolutions, refresh rates, and sizes. Gamers and graphic designers may prefer a higher refresh rate for a smoother experience; whereas if you are using your PC for work you may prefer a monitor with several USB and HDMI ports to connect additional screens or a laptop. Similarly, with a keyboard and mouse; there are ones designed specifically for gamers to provide more comfort and support, but most are perfect for everyday use.
Once you have researched and purchased all your components, you are now ready to put them all together and build your PC. This is where it really starts to get exciting, and it all comes together. The order can vary slightly depending on your case, but this is a general order we recommend.
It is important to note that when installing each component, they should click as they slot in. If you do not hear a click, do not force it in and instead take the component out and gently try again.
Prepare a large workspace so you have lots of room to work and are comfortable standing for long periods of time. Consider laying a towel or soft pad down to protect the PC case as it will be on its side for most of the build and you don’t want to scratch it. Ensure the area is well lit or have a flashlight to hand to help you see inside the case and in the narrow corners.
Carefully take each component out of its packaging. Be sure not to damage the components as some are very fragile. Line each component on your table so you know where everything is, and they are easy to reach once it comes to installation.
Be careful of static electricity which can not only harm you but also your build by destroying components. Wear an anti-static wrist strap to ground yourself and work on solid floors rather than carpet, if possible; if you have to work on carpet do not wear socks.
Other equipment you may need includes pliers and a screwdriver, we recommend a Phillips head screwdriver. Never use power tools when building a PC as they can overtighten and damage components.
The first step is to prepare the PC case before installing all the other components inside. You will need to remove the side panels and set them aside, with the screws, safely as you will need to add them back at the end of the build.
For the next few steps, we will be working outside of the case before installing all the components inside.
The CPU needs to be installed into the motherboard. So, the first step is to find the CPU socket which should be covered by a protective plastic case. Next to the case you’ll see a small metal lever, press down on this gently to open the socket tray.
Next, take the CPU extremely carefully by only holding the edges. Do not touch the pins or the top of the chip as this can imprint them with dust or oils from your fingers and cause damage.
On the motherboard socket, you will see a small arrow, this arrow needs to line up with the arrow in one of the corners of the CPU. Gently place the CPU in the motherboard, with the arrows lining up, and lower the lever back down; the lever may require some force.
If you are using an M.2 SSD this will need to be installed directly into the motherboard’s M.2 slot, located next to the CPU, and should be done after installing the CPU chip.
The CPU cooler also needs to be installed onto the motherboard. Before installing you will need to check if the cooler requires a mounting bracket. If it does not need one you may need to remove the pre-installed bracket in your motherboard, if it has one.
Refer to the installation instructions that came with the CPU cooler but generally, they are installed around the CPU socket that you just installed in the motherboard. If your CPU cooler does not come with a pre-applied thermal paste, you will need to manually apply a small, pea-sized dot to the middle of the CPU. The pressure when installing the cooler will spread the thermal paste.
RAM is one of the most straightforward components to install when building a PC. Firstly, locate the memory slots on the motherboard and determine how many, if all, will be filled; this will depend on how much memory your PC will hold and can be upgraded in the future. If you are not using all the RAM slots, check the instructions to find the correct configuration. Hold the memory modules on the side and avoid touching the chips and gold pins. Align the notches on the module with the ridge in the slot and press down firmly until it clicks into place. For more details on installing RAM, read our guides on how to install memory on a laptop or on a desktop.
We are now ready to start installing components into the PC case, starting with unpacking the PSU and setting the cables aside. Identify where the PSU goes in the PC case; this is usually on the bottom near the back of the case. Place the PSU in the case with the fan facing outside. If your PC case has ventilation holes and a dust filter on the bottom we recommend installing the PSU upside down for better airflow.
Attach the PSU with the four screws it came with, being careful not to overtighten. If you are using a non-modular or semi-modular power supply, run the attached cables through the case.
Before installing the motherboard you need to install the IO plate and the motherboard standoffs to the back of the PC case if they aren’t already pre-installed. Keep the cables behind the motherboard tray to keep it tidy and clean.
Fasten the motherboard down starting with the middle screw and then install each screw diagonally from the other. Be careful to not apply too much force as the board should be secure but not over-tightened.
Connect the power supply to the motherboard by attaching the 8-pin CPU connector to the top of the motherboard and the 24-pin connector to the side.
If you have chosen to install a GPU, first find the PCIe x16 slot on the motherboard; this will be the longest slot and could be a different color. If there are two x16 slots refer to the user manual to see which slot should be used. Secure the GPU to the back of the PC case using two screws.
Within your PC case, you will see a stack of bays in different sizes, this is where the SSD goes. Typically there are two storage sizes, 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch. The 3.5-inch bays can usually hold both sizes but the 2.5-inch bay can only hold that size.
Each bay has its own lever or switch to open the tray which you can then place the drive into. If you place a 2.5-inch drive into a 3.5-inch tray you will need to screw it in so it doesn’t move around. The type of installation can differ depending on the SSD you've purchased (2.5-inch, mSATA, or M.2) so be sure to check the owner's manual and refer to our how to install a Crucial SSD.
Once all your SSD drives are in place, connect them to the motherboard, using a SATA cable, and to the power supply.
Double-check that all internal components are securely connected. Once confirmed, reattach the side panel of your PC case. Now, it’s time to assemble the rest of your setup. Start by placing your monitor on a stable surface and connecting it to your PC using the appropriate cable, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA. Plug the monitor’s power cable into an outlet.
Next, connect the keyboard and mouse by plugging them into the USB ports on your PC. Ensure all cables are securely connected before plugging the PC’s power cable into an outlet. Press the power button on the PC case to power up your system.
Your PC should start up, and you will need to follow the on-screen instructions to install the Operating System (OS) of your choice. By following these steps, your PC should be ready for use. Enjoy your new setup!
The final step is to install your chosen Operating System (OS). Having the installer already prepared on a drive will make it easier and quicker to install on your new PC. Follow the instructions provided for your specific OS for a smooth installation.
Once you turn on your PC you will be asked to open BIOS. Here you will want to find where it shows all your PC system information to confirm all the components are being recognized. Then locate the Boot page and select the drive and the internal SSD drive you want to install the OS on. Reboot the computer and the OS installer should pop up. For any issues refer to our helpful guide on what to do if your operating system will not install on your SSD.
Congratulations, you've now built your own PC!
The hard work doesn’t stop here, it’s important you provide regular maintenance to your new PC by keeping the components clean and dust free for a smooth performance and checking for OS updates. You may also want to upgrade your PC in the future including the memory or storage to increase your computer’s capabilities.
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How much RAM do you need? 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB - or even 64GB? Find out if you need to increase your computer memory with the experts at Crucial.
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