Building your own gaming PC is something that should be attempted if you feel confident; however, saying it is completely difficult is just not true.
You can build your gaming computer easily if you follow the rules and get the right components. One of the major things to take care of is your budget and knowing the kind of gaming PC that you are trying to build.
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Needed Components for A Gaming Computer
Motherboard: Think clearly before choosing a motherboard as it is the part which will bring all other parts together.
Processor: This is the brain of the PC and thus controls all the tasks that are to be completed. Compare various processors which fit your need.
GPU: Graphics processing unit or popularly known as the graphic card is the necessity if you want a gaming PC. It will make the games look cool and photorealistic.
Memory: Choose the RAM, which you want to be installed on the PC. Keep in mind that RAM makes sure that the files are processed quickly and that there is no lag whatsoever.
Power supply: Choose the power supply unit for the computer which can harness the electricity properly without harming the other components. Also, avoid going completely cheap on the PSU.
Storage: For storage, you can either choose an SSD or hard drive or simply can use both depending on the kind of performance you would like from your PC.
Case: Obtain the right case and see if it has enough space for all kind of components and their connector wires as well. Also, there should enough room for airflow and should have proper ventilation as well.
13 Easy Steps to Build Your Own Gaming Computer
These are the following steps to follow to build a gaming computer:
Step 1: CPU installation
In the very first step, you will have to install the CPU. In this step, the requirement will be of the CPU and motherboard. First, prepare the gaming motherboard by removing it from its sleeve and then place it on a flat and clean surface. Then also remove the CPU socket covering from the motherboard.
Take out the processor from the CPU box and then match the notched arrows on the CPU bottom with the chip bottom. Make sure that the silver side of the chip is facing upward and then fit the CPU in the socket. As soon as the socket is put into place, you need to put the covering of it in place as well.
Step 2: M.2 SSD installation
Now the next step is to install the SSD into place which will enhance the overall performance of the PC. You can choose one of these high-quality SSDs available on Amazon.
Place and install it in the motherboard which will go into the M.2 slot given. If there are multiple slots given for the OS, then choose the very first slot.
Step 3: Place the I/O Shield
Now you will have to open the PC case by opening the thumbscrews which are in the back. Place it flat keeping it face up with the cavity side.
Then place the I/O shield on the motherboard by orienting it correctly and affix it on the back of the case by pressing it gently.
Step 4: Install Motherboard in a PC Case
Now is the time to place and install the motherboard in the PC case with the help of screws and nuts. The first thing is to place and fix the standoff into the right slot of the case, depending on the type of motherboard and the type of standoff.
If you have a preinstalled standoff, then much of the work will become easy. Now affix the motherboard on the standoff. Make sure that the ports like I/O are oriented correctly towards their shield properly. Now lock the motherboard into place using proper and correct screws.
Step 5: Connect the Wires
Place and connect all the right case wires to the motherboard. This is one of the trickiest steps as there are many wires from the case that has to connect to the motherboard and it can vary from motherboard to motherboard. Therefore, one should refer to the motherboard manual provided.
Find the front panel connectors of the case and also be aware of the power switch, the reset option, LEDs, etc. Plugging the USB, audio ports, etc. should be easy because they come labeled making the process simpler. Check the positive and negative connector cables properly and then connect them.
Step 6: Power Supply
The next thing is to connect and install the power supply, and for that, you will take the power supply and keep the wires and cable aside. It depends on the type of power supply you have, like whether it’s modular without any permanent wire attached to it, semi-modular or the nonmodular ones.
Then you must place the power supply unit at the bottom of the PC case and screw it tightly. It completely depends on the type of case you own.
Step 7: Connect Power
Connect the wires of the power supply unit to the motherboard and other parts of the case. You must connect the fans and the coolers with the power supply, but also try not to jumble the wires since it will take up a lot of space and will restrict proper airflow.
Step 8: Install CPU Cooler
First, check the specifications of the cooler and take into consideration the size of the cooler. Then, mount the cooler bracket to the case.
The most important step here is to orient the space variable and to decide the fans that need to be installed and also orient their location and position to make sure proper airflow is maintained.
After mounting the bracket, place the fans and then place the water block.
Step 9: Install the RAM
For this, firstly, take the RAM sticks out and then refer to the manual of the motherboard about the RAM slots.
Then, install it depending on the number of RAM sticks you must orient it properly in the slots and then press it down firmly.
Step 10: Install Hard Drives
Put the hard drives in place. If you have a larger M.2 SSD installed, then you can omit the step.
However, for higher capacities and larger space, you can add the hard drives for all kinds of backup processes and mass storage. Place them in the slots given for HDD and SDD cards and also check if the tray is connected to the power supply.
Step 11: Install Graphics Cards
This another important stage to build your own gaming computer, which will make the gaming PC work. First, find the PCIe slot on the motherboard and then uncover the slot from the cover plates.
Take the PCIe slot out and place the graphic cards perfectly oriented on it and then firmly press to place them in the slot. Then again, line up the slot tray and screw it properly before connecting it to the power supply.
Step 12: Powering It Up
Finally, power up the computer to check if it is working as it should. Also, do not close the case.
First, attach the monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc. and then connect it to the power and push the power button on the CPU.
If it starts up and shows the BIOS page, then you can be sure that it is working. Now tidy up the connectors and cables using Velcro strips and zip ties and close the case.
Step 13: Update the BIOS
Using another computer, you will have to update the BIOS using a USB drive. The process of the BIOS update depends on the type of motherboard used.
After the BIOS is updated, then start and enable the XMP setting of the memory along with setting the time and date and finally booting the device.
If you are unsure about how to access BIOS on your machine, check out this guide.
The last thing to do is to install an operating system and done! Your self-assembled gaming PC is ready for your enjoyment!
Congrats! You managed to build your own gaming computer.