Gathering PC Build Tools
Preparing the right tools before you start your PC build is essential for a smooth and efficient process. Having the necessary tools at your fingertips will make the assembly tasks less overwhelming. While you can potentially “get by with just the bare essentials,” having the right tools will make the process easier and ensure a better outcome.
1. Workspace:
* You’ll need a clean, dust-free workspace with ample room to maneuver. A workbench or table with a minimum size of 5ft in length and 3ft in width is recommended.
* Make sure you stand on an uncarpeted surface to prevent accidental electrostatic discharge, which can damage sensitive components.
* Multiple light sources are important to illuminate all areas of the case. A movable light source, such as a flashlight, headlamp, smartphone, or desk lamp, can be useful for illuminating those hard-to-reach areas.
2. Screwdrivers:
* A Phillips #2 screwdriver will be your primary tool for most of the system assembly. A magnetic tip is highly recommended to prevent screws from dropping inside the case.
* A Phillips #0 screwdriver may be needed for installing M.2 devices.
* Consider a torque or ratchet screwdriver with interchangeable heads as a good investment.
3. Organization System:
* Most components come with additional parts, some optional, some required for installation in your build. You’ll need a way to keep assorted screws, zip ties, cables, manuals, etc. organized by individual components.
* Magnetic hardware trays, tackle boxes, or even empty egg cartons can be used to keep screws organized.
* A bowl or small container can be useful for holding screws and small items.
4. Anti-Static Protection:
* An anti-static wrist strap helps prevent accidental damage to sensitive components from electrostatic discharge. While not strictly necessary, it’s a cheap way to ensure you don’t damage any components.
* Ground yourself frequently by touching the computer case to discharge any static electricity.
5. Cable Management:
* Zip ties, twist ties, or Velcro straps will help you tie your cables together and make the inside of your PC look neater. Some cases even have Velcro straps integrated.
* Scissors or wire cutters will be needed for cutting zip ties and opening component packaging.
6. Other Useful Tools:
* Scissors and a craft knife (box cutter) are useful for opening packaging.
* Pliers can be helpful for certain tasks.
* Wedges and prying tools can be used if needed.
* Isopropyl alcohol can be used for cleaning.
* A USB flash drive (8GB or larger) is needed to store the operating system installer.
Essential Gaming PC Parts
To assemble a working gaming PC, you absolutely need these core components:
1. Graphics Card (GPU): The GPU is one of the most important parts of a gaming PC, providing top-tier graphics for smooth gameplay. A more powerful graphics card means better-looking games. The GPU handles the visual aspects of the game.
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU is the “brain” of your computer, performing all the calculations to keep everything running. For the best gaming performance, a multi-core CPU with a high clock speed is recommended.
3. Motherboard: The motherboard is the backbone, connecting and facilitating communication between all the PC’s components. It houses the CPU, RAM, GPU, and other components, ensuring they work together.
4. RAM (Memory): RAM temporarily stores data and provides fast read and write access. If you plan on heavy gaming, you’ll want enough RAM to support smooth gameplay and powerful graphics. The RAM moves data from your storage drives to your graphics card and CPU and back again.
5. Storage (SSD & HDD): An SSD significantly decreases loading times compared to conventional hard drives. Storage is vital, as there’s no way to run a game if you can’t store it.
6. Power Supply Unit (PSU): You won’t have a gaming PC without a Power Supply Unit. The power supply is responsible for providing adequate voltage to the components. Gaming PCs particularly require reliable power supplies that are built using premium components and come with heavy-duty protection.
7. CPU Cooler: A powerful CPU needs to match that with a powerful CPU cooler.
8. PC Case: All the components of a high-end gaming computer need adequate housing.
Other components that are often considered essential:
* Monitor
* Keyboard
* Mouse
Installing the CPU
Installing the CPU is a critical step in building or upgrading a PC, but it’s simpler than many think. Proper installation ensures optimal performance and longevity.
1. Preparation:
* Gather Tools: You’ll need your motherboard, CPU, thermal paste (often included with the CPU cooler), CPU cooler, and the motherboard manual. An anti-static wrist strap and a well-lit workspace are also recommended.
* Static-Free Area: Work in a clean, static-free area. Avoid carpeted surfaces to prevent electrostatic discharge.
2. Open the CPU Socket:
* Locate the CPU socket on your motherboard.
* Open the socket carefully by lifting the lever or releasing the latch. Some sockets may have two levers or a metal cover.
3. Align the CPU:
* Hold the CPU by its edges to avoid touching the pins or contacts on the underside.
* Alignment Indicators: Look for a gold triangle on one corner of the CPU. The CPU socket on your motherboard also has a matching triangle. Align the two triangles to ensure the CPU is oriented correctly. For LGA 1700 and AM5 sockets, there are triangles and notches.
* Gentle Placement: Gently place the CPU into the socket. It should fall into place easily without force. If you feel resistance, stop and double-check the alignment.
4. Secure the Socket:
* Close the lever or latch on the CPU socket to secure the CPU in place.
5. Apply Thermal Paste:
* Thermal paste helps transfer heat from the CPU to the cooler.
* Apply a small, pea-sized amount of thermal paste to the top of the CPU. Refer to your CPU cooler’s instructions for specific guidance.
6. Install the CPU Cooler:
* Align the cooler with the mounting holes on the motherboard.
* Gently place the cooler on top of the CPU.
* Secure the cooler using the provided screws or clips.
* Connect the cooler’s power cable to the motherboard’s CPU fan header.
7. Double-Check Your Work:
* Make sure the CPU is properly seated and secured in the socket.
* Ensure the cooler is firmly attached and the fan is connected.
Important Considerations:
* Do not force the CPU! It should fall into place easily.
* Consult the manuals for your motherboard and CPU cooler for additional instructions or recommendations specific to the components used.
* Touching the underside or the metal lid can get undesirable residue on them that may affect performance.
* After placing down the processor, it should be laying flat. If at anytime you feel a bit of force pushing back on to your finger then that means the CPU is not properly seated.
Mounting the Power Supply (PSU)
After you’ve gathered the necessary tools (primarily a Phillips head screwdriver and perhaps an anti-static bracelet), mounting the PSU involves these steps:
1. Locate the PSU Bay: Identify the designated space for the PSU inside your computer case. In most modern PC cases, this is at the bottom, but in some older or cheaper cases, it might be at the top. The PSU bay will be a rectangular or square area, sometimes with a removable cover.
2. PSU Orientation: Slide the PSU into the bay, ensuring the fan aligns with the ventilation cutout in the case. Typically, the PSU is installed with its fan facing downwards. However, if the fan is blocked in that orientation, change the PSU’s orientation to ensure proper cooling.
3. Secure the PSU: Align the four mounting holes on the back of the PSU with the corresponding holes on the case. Use a screwdriver to secure the PSU to the case with screws. Avoid using a drill.
Connecting the PSU Cables
1. Cable Management: Route each power connector to the nearest cable management hole on the back side of the case, depending on where it needs to be plugged into the motherboard. Refer to your motherboard manual to find the right locations.
2. Essential Connections: Start by plugging in the 24-pin motherboard power cable and the 8-pin CPU power connectors into their corresponding connectors. Push the cable in firmly to ensure it is installed perfectly. The highlighted notch on the cable and the motherboard’s side should snap into place.
3. Cable Types: The ATX connector supplies power to your motherboard. Most modern motherboards require a 24-pin cable. Some ATX connectors come in a 20+4 style.
4. Switching On: Connect the main power cable to the back of the power supply and connect its plug to an outlet. A line (-) on the power supply switch represents the ON state, and a circle (O) represents the OFF state.
Installing the Motherboard
Installing the motherboard is a crucial step in building a PC, essentially bringing everything together. Before you begin, make sure you have already installed the CPU, cooler, and RAM, as it’s easier to do this outside the confines of the case.
1. Prepare the Case:
* I/O Shield: Check if your motherboard has an integrated I/O shield (the metal plate surrounding the USB, audio, and network ports). If it’s separate, snap it into the rectangular opening at the rear of the case from the inside out. Be careful, as the edges can be sharp.
* Install Standoffs: Inspect the computer case to see if the motherboard standoffs (also known as motherboard pegs) are pre-installed. These brass-colored objects secure your motherboard to the case. If not, screw them into the case now, tightening with pliers.
2. Position the Motherboard:
* Carefully lower the motherboard into the case, aligning it with the standoffs and the I/O shield. The motherboard should hover over the standoffs. Ensure no cables or metal tabs are trapped underneath.
3. Secure the Motherboard:
* Using the correct screws (usually included with the case), fasten the motherboard to the standoffs.
* Use at least four screws to properly secure the motherboard.
* Tighten the screws in an “X” pattern, working diagonally opposite screws. Avoid overtightening.
4. Connect PSU Cables:
* Connect the main ATX power cable (usually 24-pin) and the CPU power connector (usually 8-pin) to their corresponding locations on the motherboard. Consult your motherboard manual to find the right locations. Some motherboards may have an additional 4-pin or 8-pin CPU power connector, which you only need to connect if you plan on serious overclocking.
* Push the cables firmly to ensure a secure connection.
5. Front Panel Connectors:
* Connect the front panel connectors (USB, power switch, reset button, audio) from the case to the front panel header on the motherboard. Consult your motherboard manual for the correct configuration, as manufacturers use abbreviations to label these connectors.
Installing the GPU
Installing the GPU is a straightforward upgrade that significantly impacts gaming performance. It’s a simple process with the right tools and a bit of help.
Before You Begin:
* Check Compatibility: Ensure the GPU fits inside your case, the PSU provides enough power, and the hardware is compatible. Check the GPU dimensions and compare them to the maximum GPU length your case supports. Three-slot GPUs need a case with at least three PCIe slots at the back.
* Power Requirements: Verify your PSU can handle the GPU’s power draw, potentially requiring a PSU upgrade.
* Prepare Your PC: Turn off the computer, unplug it, and switch off the PSU. If replacing an existing GPU, unplug all cables from it.
* Gather Tools: You’ll need a screwdriver. A four-head screwdriver is useful.
Installation Steps:
1. Open the Case: Lay the PC case horizontally. Remove the side panel. Some cases have knurled screws for hand removal, while tempered glass panels might unclip.
2. Prepare the Expansion Slot: Locate the PCIe x16 slot on your motherboard, usually the top slot. Remove the PCIe expansion slot brackets (metal strips) from the back of the PC case, making room for the GPU’s display outputs. Secure with screws.
3. Unlock the PCIe Slot: Find the little plastic latch to the right end of the PCIe x16 slot. Push this backwards to permit the graphics card entry.
4. Install the GPU: Align the GPU’s PCIe connector with the PCIe slot. Push down firmly until the graphics card is fully in place and the latch snaps back into its original position. Listen for a click. The GPU bracket should align with the expansion slot on the chassis.
5. Secure the GPU: Screw the rear bracket of the GPU onto the case to fully secure it.
6. Connect the Power: Connect the required PSU cables to the graphics card to deliver power. These cables are bundled with the PSU, although some GPUs also come with a required adapter. The GPU could have 8 or 16 pins. Hold the clip on the cable, insert it into the GPU port, and release the clip, which should secure it in place.
7. Close the Case: Attach the side panel on the PC case and tighten the screws.
Finishing Up:
1. Connect Display: Take out the placeholder from the back of the GPU and insert an HDMI cable or Display port cable, depending on your monitor.
2. Power On: Plug the power cable into the wall socket, connect it to the PSU, turn on the switch, and power up the PC. If it boots fine, that means that the stability check for all components has passed.
3. Install Drivers: Download the latest drivers for your GPU to ensure it operates at full performance. For Nvidia, download the Geforce Experience, and for AMD, their Adrenalin software. The software should automatically bring the graphic drivers up to date.
Important Considerations:
* Modern graphics cards like the NVIDIA RTX 3090, RTX 4080, and RTX 4090 are huge and may require bigger cases and possibly vertical mounting kits.
* When building a gaming PC, install your GPU last because it can get in the way when you try to install other components or do cable management.
* If you have questions or need an opinion or two from the Red Team Community, please be sure to start a new Discussion in the Red Team PC Building sub-forum.
FAQ
Is building a PC difficult? Building a computer is surprisingly easy2. With a little guidance, anyone can build their own PC. If you can build ready-to-assemble furniture, you’ll be able to build your own PC.
Will building a PC save me money? Generally speaking, building a PC will initially be more expensive. In the long run, however, you’ll save money because it’s less likely you’ll need to replace components, and, if you do need to, they’re easier to fix.
How do I select compatible components? Make a build list before you make any purchases—all components need to be compatible with all other components1.
What parts do I need to build a PC? You’ll need various components to build your own PC, including a PC case, motherboard, Processor/Central Processing Unit (CPU), CPU cooler, Memory (RAM), Graphics card (GPU), and storage2.
What tools do I need to build a PC? You will need a Phillips #2 screwdriver for just about everything. If you’re installing an M.2 device, you’ll also need a Phillips #0 screwdriver. Also useful are an anti-static wrist strap, zip ties, and scissors
How can I prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD)? Wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap or ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface to prevent static electricity, and work on solid floors rather than carpeting, if possible. Static energy is one of the few ways in which hardware can get damaged.
Are magnetic screwdrivers safe to use? Magnetic screwdrivers help prevent screws from dropping inside the case and shouldn’t damage components.