How to Build a Computer

Updated Oct 2, 2022

Building a computer might seem complicated for many users, but it is worth it once you are determined to do everything independently. You are the one who takes the responsibility of setting up an operational system that can quench all desires to have a supercharged computer. Unlike a generally built machine, there is no alternative or replacement of a system that carries the required specifications suitable for your job. In our quest of how to build a computer, the most important thing is to purchase every component yourself. Therefore, a thorough guide is given in this article to equip readers with the best in PC specifications.

Basic comprehension of all the PC components, some specific tools, a clean working area, and a passion for giving undivided attention to your work can help you achieve your goals reasonably. You must know how a particular PC component can help you charge working experience. Therefore, be critical about the nature and type of your duties, ranging from downloading documents and reading files to handling massive content creation-related programs and technicalities. For every task, you would need specific software and programs which demand relevant specifications in your system. After deciding on job behavior, come to the component election part of your computer build.

What do you need to build a Computer?

We are aware of the essence of PC modules; however, it is necessary to make a list of all the major and minor components which create a perfect network for the flow of information. Some central units like the CPU, GPU, storage, and motherboard, if appropriate with one another, can let you have an exhilarating experience on board. Randomly collecting different components is not good; you must adopt wise ways. A certain level of compatibility is unavoidable in making these units collaborate. Otherwise, they will be scattered pieces of a machine having no capacity to perform any task.

Recommended PC Builds:

For AMD

Component	Name with Amazon link
CPU:	AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
CPU Cooler:	ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO
Motherboard:	ASRock Phantom Gaming 4
Memory:	ADATA XPG GAMMIX D45 16 GB
Storage:	Silicon Power A60 1 TB M.2
Video Card:	PowerColor Radeon RX 6600 XT
Power Supply:	EVGA SuperNOVA 550 W 80+
Case:	Antec DF700 Flux ATX Mid Tower

For Intel

Component	Name with Amazon link
CPU:	Intel Core i5-12400
CPU Cooler:	ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO
Motherboard:	MSI PRO B660M-A
Memory:	Silicon Power GAMING 16 GB
Storage:	Silicon Power A60 1 TB M.2
Video Card:	PowerColor Radeon RX 6600 XT
Power Supply:	EVGA SuperNOVA 550 W 80+
Case:	Antec DF700 Flux ATX Mid Tower

Parts needed to build a Computer

Motherboard
Processor (CPU)
Graphics Card (GPU)
Storage
Memory (RAM)
Power Supply (PSU)
Case & Cooler
Operating System

Motherboard

This unit helps you integrate all other PC components in a shell that comes in varying form factors. All the working machinery sits directly in a motherboard, including your CPU, graphics processing unit, storage drives, and RAM. At the same time, the remaining input and command devices like keyboard and mouse have one end plugged into the motherboard ports. So purchasing standard for a motherboard is determined based on two factors. One is its compatibility, and the other is the figure of ports available. These parameters are crucial and must not be compromised as both help ensure flawless connectivity.

As told earlier, each component sits inside the motherboard casing; to do so; they must have a compatible switch, socket, and ports available. A CPU seeks a particular socket and chipset from a motherboard to operate. Whereas storage drives, RAM modules, and GPU need compatible slots, the remaining input devices require different plug points. If the plug points are fewer, the connectivity of components is hampered. Often we need to connect USB drives, extra RAM, and storage chips, which require plenty of plug-in slots. If the motherboard is deficient in spaces, your system would be restricted to the only component you have in the initial stage.

Hence, with a versatile motherboard, you can enhance the capacity of your system to welcome additional components from time to time and let them operate with full potential. While purchasing, do not decide to settle for a few ports as this is the only feature that can enable you to upgrade your computer in the future. At the same time, you must also give the form factor of the motherboard considerable importance. Ultimately, it has to harmonize everything you have been drafting so far. Pick a case according to the number and sizes of other PC units, and let them settle peacefully.

Buying Advice: The computer hardware harmonizes as it fits in the motherboard slots. A component is positioned inside the shell, or one end is connected to the port. So make sure it has sufficient area to fit in your current collection of units and future changes and additions.

Best Selling Motherboards on Amazon

Processor (CPU)

Let us talk about the brain of your operating machine. We use an input device to command our computer to perform any task, and within a few seconds, it gets the things done. No doubt, other units contribute, but the information processing and transferring part is the headache dealt with solely by the central processing unit. It receives the list of instructions from you and informs all components when each division will play its part in accomplishing a single task. The first key determiner of a brilliant CPU is its socket, which is compatible with the motherboard. Next comes the functional indicators, core count, and clock speed.

These metrics help you find a processor having features linked directly to the specific demands of your job. The first one, core count, tells about the number of processors disposed of in a single CPU. A single processor can, no doubt, operate a computer modestly, but as the core count increases, the efficiency of performing multiple tasks increases many folds. At the same time, better clock speed enables improved performance for fulfilling duties. Here it is worthy of highlighting that better clock speed coupled with a modest core count is something that can upscale gaming potential to newer heights of thrill.

Buying Advice: For skillfully accomplishing tasks at a faster velocity, a CPU with at least four cores is considered sufficient. However, for more laborious tasks, such as graphics-intensive work, recording, and live streaming gameplays, you can surely opt higher core counts.

Best Selling CPUs on Amazon

Graphics Card (GPU)

A highly persuasive performer accelerates graphics rendering and other significantly demanding computer processes. Other tasks such as video gaming, content editing, and graphic design have system demands above the standard metrics. An average PC with a low-key video card can not handle these hefty instructions. They require a GPU that can process bulky data simultaneously to render tasks at a much brighter pace. The basic form of functioning of a GPU is manipulating and altering the system’s memory to upscale its frame rate production. Frame rate is the metric used to describe the functioning potential of a graphics card.

Here it is crucial to describe the types of graphics cards and their capabilities for a particular purpose. Two types are generally recognized, integrated GPU and discrete GPU. An integrated graphics card is the built-in feature of a computer and is commonly coupled with the central processing unit. Continuous struggles to improve integrated GPUs have made them more compelling but not greater than discrete units. They are far less powerful and show a limited capacity to support arduous tasks. On the other hand, it is the discrete GPU, which users love for its potentially impactful performance and reliance on its resources.

The unit comprises unique resources like an effective cooling system and video memory. Like all other components, a video card connects with the motherboard availing one of its PCIe slots. The frame rate is the most exciting feature of a graphics card, which holds paramount value for gamers. A video card processes and passes on images swiftly on a display panel. A reasonable frame rate means its aptness to convey pictures is excellent and can be even more augmented with some easy tweaks. To enjoy outstanding frame figures, snap up a high-end graphics processing unit or try effortless tweaks to revamp its performance.

Buying Advice: In pursuit of a magnificent GPU, do not rush to grab an expensive one. You can rely on an old video card and still enjoy a polished frame rate by making some swaps in your system features. Try one or more of these manoeuvers to eke out more frame rate tendency. However, if you are standing on the edge of buying decisions, try out the previous generation, as it would not be that expensive and dispatches almost competitive features.

Best Selling GPUs on Amazon

Storage

Let us chew over discrete storage types, each performing in its particular potential and mechanism. Two genres are most commonly known to be the intricate component of a computer, each having a sorted list of pros and cons. One is Solid-State Drive which employs NAND technology-based flash memory for preserving information. The other is Hard-Disk Drive which administers its data retaining tasks through a spinning platter. NAND indicates the flash memory practiced by an SSD unit is more reliable in terms of a performance rate. No doubt, the speed benefit you relish with an SSD chip comes with a fair cost payment.

The traditionally built component, which comprises mechanical parts, is known as the Hard-Disk drive. It consists of internal mechanically rotating units which help preserve and redeem data when required. A magnetic shield and a spinning platter assist in retaining data, which is then approached back by a mechanical arm. Like all other units, HDDs have progressed over time and diverge in form factors. One is a small 2.5 inches chip, most suitable for close-packed devices such as laptop. Another form factor is 3.5 inches, a perfect pair for computer desktops. The most pleasing thing is that you can simultaneously furnish your computer with both storage categories.

Buying Advice: Opting for a single storage unit is never an option when you can have multiple. An SSD card is indispensable for getting supercharged features such as games. So to store tremendous data, a huge storage capacity is easily achievable with many hard disk drives.

Best Selling SSDs on Amazon

Best Selling HDDs on Amazon

Memory (RAM)

The Random Access Memory plays a temporary gambit and relies on a power source to be in service. Its property to keep data for a short term is helpful for faster access to stored figures. Whereas hard disk drives or solid drives, the permanent storage chips independent of power supply, have a much slower tempo in pooling and reclaiming data when ordered. RAM helps execute the functions actively sliding on your computer screen, that might be your favorite games, document files, or any application. It keeps the pertinent data for the short term and quickly delivers it back when we instruct any activity.

Let us figure out how much RAM we need. Is a fair capacity RAM worth having, or are we just misspending our capital? The debate is not much longer as the purpose is clear-cut. RAM is an obligatory unit if you desire a computer system fluent in accessing data and augmenting performance. Otherwise, you are just lavishing your system with surplus RAM potential as it would be of no use for you. You may also come across another arena in which you have too little RAM capacity that it starts negatively impacting your computer performance. So basically, relying on sensible solutions is the ideal choice.

Generally, it has been a common observation that 8 GB of RAM is ample for standard users. However, gaming persons may require some extra momentum to magnify their gaming event, and 16 GB is the best bet to get outstanding outcomes. Before purchasing a RAM chip, check your processor and motherboard specifications quickly. If these two components cannot keep up with a powerful RAM, it will result in downclocking RAM capabilities, and ultimately, its performance efficiency will shrink. So avoid this waste of money and abilities, and buy a suitable chip for your working system.

Buying Advice: Some competent RAM units run only on an average level if you do not overclock them. So purchase a chip with already built-in features to overclock, such as Intel Extreme Memory Profile, which provides prearranged features to bring out RAM maximum capacity.

Best Selling RAM on Amazon

Power Supply (PSU)

A power supplying unit comes in different styles to ensure a muscular and interruption-free current input. This step is critical in the final computer build-up, and you must pay full attention here. A PSU connection must be solid and capable of fulfilling the power needs of current and future units. It is responsible for converting the primary high-voltage current to lower voltage distributed to all PC components. Let us peek over its different styles and grab the finest one. First comes the cheapest option, the Non-modular power supplying unit, which possesses permanently attached cables.

With this option, you may encounter some management issues because some cables are pretty useless, so you must keep them aside neatly. With so many unused wires inside your system, it will hinder the airflow and impair the system’s performance. The second option is the semi-modular PSU type, which gets an advantage over the non-modular units. This unit comprises only necessary cables with no surplus supplies to create a mess. However, the last type, Full-Modular power units, are considered the most qualified owing to their added ease of use. But the extra comfort needs you to pay some more finances.

Buying Advice: Make sure all the cables are sorted within the computer casing, and there are no useless wires occupying the free space. Otherwise, there would be little to no headroom for heat and airflow.

Best Selling PSUs on Amazon

Case & Cooler

All the stuff, including the core PC components, cables, and cooling machinery, needs to be neatly assigned a specific position in its case. A random and rough assortment can lead to overheating and downclocking PC performance, as there would be no area for heat clearance and inside the flow of air. When a computer strives to fulfill a heavy-duty job, its components, in a struggle to perform up to the par, churn out unrestrained heat volume. To curb this situation, effective cooling systems are introduced in the computer that may be liquid or air-based. Air-based cooling uses fans to debar heat and sustain an incredible working field for components.

An air cooling system finds an untroubled place inside a crowded chassis because of the small size of the fans. Fans are a decent option to buy, and you can conveniently install many of these in the PC capsule. However, there are always some cons on the other corner, which is the case due to airflow restriction. In a system, perfect cooling is ensured only when there is no hindrance in the flow of air. If the path is restricted, heat finds no funnel to vent its course out, resulting in heat build-up and performance breakdown.

If you cannot overcome airflow restrictions, liquid cooling might help you tackle this issue. It soaks heat from all components using a liquid that may be distilled water. Due to the liberation from airflow constraints, liquid cooling better cools some components than air cooling. However, you must invest more hard cash and physical effort to install this system. A CPU cooler is a mandatory component to achieve a flawless cooling system. This cooler is fitted on the CPU, so make sure its size will get included in the chassis. Moreover, it features both cooling variants, air, and liquid coolers. So grasp the one you like and can easily install.

Buying Advice: For advanced air cooling, do not rush to install more and more fans. It would not help you out in achieving better results. Instead, you must redefine the quality of fans and placement direction.

Best Selling CPU Air Coolers on Amazon

Best Selling CPU Liquid Coolers on Amazon

Best Selling Computer Cases on Amazon

Operating System

Finally, when you are over with the assortment of PC components, now is the time to enable communication between self-built PC hardware and programs. Usually, when we start some activity, in the end, we are so messed up that the final step gets the least of our input and care. But for a computer, any negligence in installing the operating system can cost you louder. For this, a pre-requisite step is considered ideal: to decide on the operating system you fancy for your computer and install it on a USB drive before commencing this build-up.

Putting It All Together

It is time to be precise and responsible for assembling everything we discussed in our guide on building a computer. Gradually start and set the components together in place sequentially. You can follow any order depending on your understanding and ease of access. However, before starting, it is wise to make some early preparations. Allocate a neat and calm area in your home for handling all components, tools, screw dishes, and boxes. Grab tools like scissors, screwdrivers, etc., and start mustering components individually. Each part is lodged in the motherboard sheathing; therefore, its size and room must be immense to take in all the units.

Installing Your CPU

First, get the envelope of our computer, the case, out of its box. Some units may come in antistatic packaging to avoid shock and keep users safe. Lay it down on your working surface and evacuate it. Get all the stuff and tiny components already installed out of its cover. We need an empty shell in which we assign all the units a specific position according to our wish. Pick up the CPU socket and remove its plastic protective covering. This socket possesses a metallic lever, which opens the socket tray if pressed softly and moved on the far side from its surface.

Next, lay your hands on the CPU pack and bring it to your working place. The CPU and CPU socket comprises a sensitive structure highly vulnerable to damage, so be mindful of the details while handling them. The best way is to avoid touching its pins; you can take hold of the solid sides instead. Pick up the processor, align its arrow with the socket arrow, and seat it staunchly. The lever can help if you press it back to its original position to bar the CPU. But you must think twice before applying force on the CPU, as it can be yoked only one way. Trying any other direction and then putting pressure can damage the unit.

Installing Your Storage and Memory

Often when we chatter about system storage and memory dimensions, the motherboard grabs the central focus of our actions. These units are situated in the discrete slots on the motherboard, and their number lies in a range. You can host as many RAM units as the spaces are handy on your motherboard. However, while installing more than one RAM chip, the proper configuration of chips and slots must be a concerning topic. For this, the motherboard manual for users can give the best advice. After situating the module in its place, try reinstalling it if it does not work.

Moreover, do not confuse the notch inscribed on the RAM chip, as it is not symbolic of the center point. You must be alert while centering the RAM and lining it up with the slot. On the other hand, a motherboard embodies an array of shields with switches or simply open brackets for mounting SSD and HDD modules. As already mentioned, storage elements spotlight two main form factors, 2.5 inches for condensed devices and 3.5 inches suitable for PCs. A metal bracket designed for 3.5 inches hard drive can allow a 2.5 inches drive to sit in, but the opposite pitch is not practical.

These brackets and bays vary in size; the larger ones are supposed for bigger drives, whereas smaller spaces are destined for memory chips. Some bays come with a switch to envelop the opening. You must press it to the side to get the tray out and mount our device. A 3.5 inches chip will perfectly slouch in the corresponding slot; however, if you got a 2.5 inches chip to notch in 3.5 inches bay, durable secure it with the help of a screwdriver so that it does not keep on twerking in the free space.

Once you have populated the bay with chips, put the tray back in its position. Turn the lever towards the surface, and pin it back to stabilize the memory drive. In some motherboards, you would not get switched bays; instead, open brackets serve the purpose of supplying a place to other units. Installing a team in one of these sheet-like holes is much more favorable than handling switches. You just have to glide the drive in the bracket and fasten it using multiple screw pins. When the storage part is all set in the motherboard, building a connection with the central computer network is a crucial moment.

A SATA cable can bridge the link between a motherboard and drive bays. This wire comes with a motherboard or storage device. Another connection is built with the power supplying unit to light up these drives and bring them into service. You can conveniently address any misunderstanding or confusion by consulting the motherboard’s manual for guiding users. The ideal practice is to have a single logical and powerful RAM element supplemented with voluminous hard disk drive capacities to save vast data.

Installing Your Motherboard and Power Supply

You can proceed with the motherboard installation procedure, but first, prepare it for letting other ports and drives put in place a strong connection. We trust and draw out ports regularly, often weakening the physical parts and losing connection reliability. All the efforts we have put into our words to explain how to build a computer need some solid basis for long-lasting existence. The problem brings a solution with it in the form of an I/O shield having metal cutouts on a rectangular block. This metallic layer surrounds the back side of the board and is supposed to protect the outside slots and margins from randomly plugging and unplugging devices.

Some motherboards have this protective makeup in their packaging; however, you have to procure it in other cases. This sheet has sharp and piercing edges, so be vigilant while laying hands on it. After appropriately parking the shield in its destined place, you can chair the motherboard in a computer case. Inside, the chassis comprises standoffs for actual units, so do not drag any stuff along the wall. So just place it in the allocated area and pin it with the screwdriver. You probably would not need more than nine screw pins to fill up all the staging holes. In the end, tie up the power supplying unit to this competently locked motherboard availing power connectors.

Installing Your Graphics Card

We hope you have hand-picked a graphics card that addresses your professional and fun requirements. Now is the time to slide it into one of the PCIe slots on your motherboard. Get the graphics processing unit out of its antistatic packing and place it in the workplace. The PCIe slot specified for a video card is the longest and differently colored than the resting slits. You can go over the user manual guide to explore this space and get to know whether one needs to be preferred over the other or all contribute an equal share.

If you are authorized to use any slot, keep balance in space among the nearby plugged-in components so that they get enough area to breathe and work. Some motherboards may have I/O covers engraved on the back panel of your computer case. You must remove these metallic bars to allow the GPU to connect with the outside world. Here I/O shield of GPU is fitted, enabling it to communicate with other necessary elements such as HDMI and DVI. Mark one PCIe x 16 slots you want to occupy and line up your video card with the rear panel and the slot itself.

A click sound pops up when you slightly push the card inside its slot and validates the unit is safely locked. That might not be accurate in some motherboards, and the module quietly gets to the point. If you face any restraint in accommodating the card, recheck the slot and card dimension lining up or not, and give it another try. you can also use screw pins to fasten the unit. However, some boards feature pushpins as padlocks to seal the chip completely. Once it has modestly seated, connect the electric source to make it work.

Ribbon Cables

Almost all the pivotal components of a computer have been securely placed inside the shell. But the things inside the PC envelope might appear messy because of the ribbon cables interconnecting all the units. If you have worked rationally from the beginning and summed up all the peripheries used along with each component from time to time, this headache is not meant to bother you anymore. But if you have been critical to shaping place for elements and have left the cables scattered, this discussion will help you summarize everything in appropriate areas.

Boot It Up and Install Windows

Finally came the segment we had been waiting and struggling for so long. Our machine is ready to operate and carry out our most loved tasks. A computer needs an operating system as internal hardware to receive commands and install programs. Moreover, plug the commanding devices like keyboard and mouse in the motherboard slots. We hope so you have already kept a suitable operating system already installed in a flash drive. If not, then you can prepare it right now. Plug in the flash drive in your computer motherboard and install the OS. Before turning on the device, check out all the aptly placed components.

Now plug in the USB and unlock the electric source and let the power flow in the system. When the computer switches on, an interface will allow you to click the enter key and jump up to the system BIOS. Every motherboard shows a different BIOS interface, and you must inspect where the system information lies. Get to the concerned page and check out whether our machine has recognized all the installed components or not. Once you know your system’s accuracy and optimal settings, go to the boot option and install OS from the flash drive.

You must restart your computer; when it comes back on charge, the OS installer will automatically start installing the drives. The computer will show no complex pages, just follow the system instructions, and you will be done with all the details. If you are giving commands to your system using a keyboard, and the computer does not show any response, try unplugging and re-plugging the device. You might not aptly place the keyboard connection; therefore, it is not responding. If you have accomplished everything and it is working perfectly fine, you have successfully built your first machine.

You Did It!

Finally, the struggle ends with the invention of the new self-built working machine. You are the one plotting the thought behind its structure, arranging components, and tools, assembling real stuff in a proper pack, and enjoying the creation that took to your nerves. Though solving the puzzle of how to build a computer is not tricky, it is also not a leisurely cup of tea. The role manufacturers discharge with the help of multiple tools and machines is done by a single person in the comfort of a cozy room. But devoted gamers and fervent tech people love to take the headache of accomplishing this meticulous process.

Whether gaming or managing robust stuff, the pleasure of relishing a self-made gadget that can rouse our favorite ventures is something matchless. But note it down, if the components you hand-picked for this build-up are not up to the mark, performance may clock down instead of getting amplified.