Everything You Need to Know About Gaming Pcs

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How to Build a Gaming PC

Assembling your own PC will supercharge your gaming experience and let you to upgrade components at any time.

Highlights:

• With the right preparation and instruction, anyone tin can build their ain PC.

• Building your own PC is the all-time fashion to ensure that your automobile will run across all of your needs and preferences.

• Carefully consider what kind of instance you want before choosing your components, equally well as your budget.

• To decide what components you lot want, you tin either enquiry each individual component or find a pre-made list online.

• Building a PC using dissever, easy-to-follow steps is a bang-up way to learn well-nigh how each individual component works.

BUILT IN - Commodity INTRO SECOND COMPONENT

Separating the gaming PC edifice process into manageable steps makes it much less intimidating. Fifty-fifty if y'all're a novice, fret not: No prior build feel is required.^{1 2 three}

Separating the gaming PC building process into manageable steps makes it much less intimidating. Even if you lot're a novice, fret not: No prior build experience is required.^{1 2 3}

Edifice a gaming PC from scratch is the only sure-fire mode to ensure that your organization is capable of satisfying all of your personal preferences. When you determine everything that goes into your PC from the power supply up, yous know that you lot'll exist able to play the games y'all want at the frame rates you want. In improver, a home-congenital PC keeps the door open for upgrades — every bit technology changes, as your gaming tastes and needs change, or as your budget allows.

Though building a PC tin seem intimidating, you might discover that it's easier than you think, particularly when broken into manageable steps. That'due south why nosotros've put together this comprehensive step-by-step guide to building your first gaming PC, complete with tips and tricks from our veteran builders.

See if a pre-built vs. custom pc is correct for you ›

PREP 1: PC Build Tools

The first thing y'all need to do to prepare is get together the tools you need to consummate the build. Preparing the materials below alee of time goes a long style to ensure that the build process goes smoothly.

• Workspace. You volition need a large surface to work on, such as a table. To prevent an accidental electrostatic discharge (which can harm sensitive components), make sure you stand on an uncarpeted surface.
• Screwdrivers. You will need a Phillips #ii screwdriver for just near everything. If you're installing an M.2 device, you lot'll too need a Phillips #0 screwdriver.

Pro-tip: Magnetic screwdrivers will prevent you from dropping screws inside your example (the magnetic tip is very weak and shouldn't accept any event on your components).

• Organization organisation. Most components come with additional parts; some optional, some required for installation in your build. You'll need a way to keep assorted screws, cypher ties, cables, manuals, etc. organized by individual components. Without proper organization, these items can easily get mixed upward.

Pro-tip: For assorted screws, we recommend magnetic hardware trays or trays with multiple small compartments such every bit empty egg cartons or vitamin containers.

• Multiple light sources. Build in a well-lit area with multiple light sources. You lot don't want to accept to worry about blocking your merely light source when you curve over the chassis. Pro-tip: A movable light source volition help yous illuminate the nooks and crannies of your example. The ideal option is a headlamp, because it leaves your hands gratuitous, but y'all tin can also use a flashlight, your telephone, or a desk-bound lamp.
• Anti-static wrist-strap. This isn't strictly necessary, simply information technology'south useful in ensuring you lot don't accidentally harm sensitive components with electrostatic discharge. (Though this isn't a very common occurrence, information technology'due south better to be safe, and anti-static straps are inexpensive.)
• Nada ties. While these aren't a must, tying your cables together will make the inside of your PC look much better. If you don't want to buy zip ties, yous tin tidy things upwardly with twist ties (you lot'll likely take a surplus from your components' packaging). You can also use Velcro straps — some cases even take them integrated.
• Scissors. Lastly, yous'll demand scissors for cutting nil ties and unpacking components.

PREP 2: Gaming PC Cases

Before you showtime picking out components, you should have a case — or, at least, a case size — in mind.

The main thing to keep in mind when picking a example is where you're going to put the computer. Your PC's final location will dictate how large you can (or cannot) go, and it volition likewise help make up one's mind whether various premium example features are worth splurging on. You probably don't want to pay for a tempered drinking glass side panel if the reckoner will exist hidden under your desk, for example.

Cases typically come in 3 sizes: Full-belfry, mid-belfry, and mini-tower. These are very general categories (instance sizes are non standardized amid manufacturers), but they're based on motherboard size.

Full-tower cases

Full-tower cases are designed to fit both Extended-ATX motherboards and standard full-size ATX motherboards. They usually measure around 22-24 inches tall, 18-20 inches long, and more than than eight inches wide.

You'll most probable desire a full-belfry case if you want to use an Extended-ATX motherboard (although select mid-tower cases exercise fit Extended-ATX motherboards) or if you want to put in an extensive cooling arrangement or additional storage. Though full-tower cases can also house Mini-ITX motherboards, there'south no clear advantage to structuring a build in that way.

Mid-tower cases

Mid-tower cases are designed to fit standard full-size ATX motherboards. Generally speaking, mid-tower is the nearly mutual case size. Their dimensions can vary quite a bit, but these cases usually measure around 18-xx inches alpine, 17-twenty inches long, and half dozen-viii inches broad.

These cases are commonly roomy enough for a gaming setup with a couple of graphics cards, several difficult drives, and a modest cooling system.

Mini-tower cases

Mini-belfry cases, or small form factor (SFF) builds, are compact and designed to fit a number of smaller motherboards, such as mini-ITX motherboards.

While SFF builds accept come a long way in the concluding few generations, mini-towers — specifically those using mini-ITX motherboards — require you to carefully plan components (y'all may demand to use components that are specifically made for small builds, such as half-length GPUs) and cooling, leaving little room for upgrading one time the build is finished.

For this reason, nosotros don't advocate SFF builds for new builders, but they tin can be a fun challenge if you lot already accept a build or ii nether your belt.

One time y'all figure out how large you want to go, wait for a case that's close to that size. If you're non assail a specific size, it's ameliorate to err on the larger side. You'll likely notice that it'south easier to work with a bigger instance and volition accept a smoother time upgrading your PC in the future.

That said, while a little bigger is good, significantly bigger isn't necessarily ameliorate: Large cases tin end up with hotspots if not properly cooled.

All case sizes are bachelor at different cost points, so finding a case that fits your budget shouldn't be hard. More than expensive cases may have premium and convenience features such every bit noise dampening, higher-quality build materials, removable drive cages, and more bonny cable management, but these features typically won't noticeably affect performance.

PREP 3: Gaming PC Parts

Now it's time to get your components together. This step tin be as hands-on or equally hands-off every bit yous similar; yous can thoroughly inquiry each individual component on your own and create a custom build from scratch, or y'all can find a pre-made build online and adjust information technology to adjust your specific budget and needs.

We definitely recommend coming upwards with a upkeep earlier you start picking components (it's easy for component shopping to become out of hand). Call back, you tin can ever upgrade individual components later.

Pro-tip: Make a build list earlier you make any purchases — all components need to be compatible with all other components.

Pro-tip: If you're building this PC because yous desire to play a certain game, check that game's recommended system requirements and program appropriately.

In addition to your case, here are the components yous need to build a gaming PC:

• Central processing unit of measurement (CPU)
• Motherboard
• Memory (RAM)
• Graphics processing unit (GPU)
• Storage
• Power supply unit (PSU)
• System cooling
• Gaming peripherals
• Operating system (OS)

Let'southward take a wait at what each component does, why it's necessary, and what you need to look for while shopping around.

Central Processing Unit of measurement (CPU)

The Central Processing Unit (CPU), also known as the processor, is basically the brain of your PC. This is where the magic happens — when a computer program runs, information technology sends a list of instructions (which are actually more than like tasks) to the CPU. The CPU performs each "instruction" and sends signals to other components to permit them know when they need to perform a task.

There are two main performance metrics that can assist you choose the right CPU for your needs: Core count and clock speed.

Core count tells us how many processors the CPU has — in other words, how many tasks the CPU can perform simultaneously.

Clock speed tells united states of america how speedily the CPU is performing each task.

Some higher-finish CPUs feature hyper-threading, which allows each core to run multiple threads and offers improved performance on threaded software.

Pro-tip: Most modern CPUs are multi-core and many modern games are designed to take advantage of this, so you should await for a CPU with at least four cores. Additional cores can exist helpful every bit you start layering on more tasks, such as recording and streaming your gameplay.

Motherboard

The motherboard is the main circuit board and is connected to everything. The CPU sits direct on the motherboard (your CPU and motherboard must be compatible — Intel® Desktop Compatibility Tool can assistance) and every other component — graphics cards, difficult drives, retention, optical drives, wireless cards — integrates into the motherboard.

1 way to narrow down your pick of a motherboard is to shop by size. The near mutual grade factors are Extended ATX, ATX, microATX, and Mini-ITX.

• Extended ATX motherboards are the largest (12 past thirteen inches or 12 by 10.i inches) and can frequently accept viii RAM slots (for up to 128GB of RAM).
• ATX motherboards are simply slightly smaller (12 by 9.half-dozen inches) and ordinarily top out at four RAM slots.
• MicroATX motherboards (9.half-dozen by nine.6 inches) can also have upwardly to four RAM slots.
• Mini-ITX motherboards sport the smallest class gene of the four (six.seven by half dozen.vii inches) and often have two RAM slots.

Pro-tip: Every component needs to plug into the motherboard, and so pick a motherboard that'south big enough to fit current and future hardware.

Memory (RAM)

Random Access Memory (RAM) is your PC'southward brusk-term retentivity. Information technology's faster and easier to access than your PC'due south long-term memory (storage, due east.one thousand. an SSD or hard drive), only it'southward as well temporary.

This is where the PC stores information that it is actively using (those "education lists" that the CPU needs to read and execute). Figuring out how much RAM you need can exist catchy considering having more RAM than you use will exercise nothing (except waste coin) while having also picayune RAM will negatively touch on functioning.

Ideally, you lot want the perfect amount of RAM for you/your build. Generally speaking, notwithstanding, the boilerplate gaming rig needs 8-16GB of RAM.

The nigh important thing to go along in mind when shopping for RAM is what your motherboard and processor tin can support. RAM that's faster than what your organization supports will downclock to run at your system'southward capabilities.

For a more comprehensive guide to purchasing RAM for your system, cheque out our RAM guide.

Pro-tip: If you decide to get with high-speed RAM, expect for RAM with Intel® Extreme Memory Contour (Intel® XMP) back up. High-speed RAM will run at a standard (lower-than-advertised) speed unless it's overclocked, and Intel® Extreme Memory Contour (Intel® XMP) makes this easy to do with predefined and tested profiles.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

There are two types of graphics processors: Integrated and detached.

Integrated graphics processors are integrated with the CPU. Integrated graphics accept improved significantly throughout the years, though they are even so generally less powerful than discrete graphics.

Discrete graphics cards are large, powerful components that plug into the motherboard via PCIe*, and come with their own resources, including video memory and (usually) an active cooling arrangement. A discrete graphics carte du jour is a must-have for gamers who play any of today'due south demanding, graphics-heavy games. Serious gamers will desire to look for graphics cards that produce consistent frame rates of at least lx frames per second (FPS) at your desired resolution (anything lower may expect choppy), while gamers looking to play in virtual reality should wait for cards that produce consistent frame rates of at least 90 fps.

Pro-tip: The GPU isn't the just component that affects frame rate, and so it's important to residual out your build or y'all'll run into performance bottlenecks elsewhere.

Pro-tip: Loftier-end graphics cards are expensive. If you need to cut costs, look to the last generation — the previous generation's GPU may offer similar results at a lower price point.

Storage: Solid-State Drives (SSDs, Including Intel® Optane™ Memory), Hard disk drive Drives (HDDs)

There are 2 primary types of storage: Solid-state drives (SSDs, including Intel® Optane™ Memory) and hard disk drive drives (HDDs). In that location are pros and cons to choosing either an SSD or HDD, though the good news is that you don't have to choose only one.

HDDs store data on a spinning platter. These platters use magnetic material to store information, which is subsequently retrieved with the utilize of a mechanical arm.

HDDs come in two form factors:

• 2.5 inches, which are more mutual in laptops and ordinarily spin at a rate of 5400 RPM (revolutions per minute)
• iii.5 inches, which are more than common in desktops and spin at faster rates, ofttimes upwards of 7200 RPM

SSDs utilize NAND-based flash memory — similar to, simply faster and more reliable than the flash retentivity used in a USB flash drive — to shop data. In lieu of a mechanical arm, they employ integrated processors to access stored data, making them much faster and less decumbent to mechanical failure than HDDs. The speed and convenience of SSDs come up at a cost, notwithstanding; SSDs are more than expensive per gigabyte than HDDs.

Modern SSDs come in two protocols:

• Serial Avant-garde Technology Zipper (SATA), which is the older protocol of the two and operates with college latency and lower peak bandwidth
• Non-Volatile Retention Express* (NVMe*), which uses the PCI Express* interface to attain higher performance

In addition to traditional SSDs and HDDs, there's as well an option that helps span the speed gap: Intel® Optane™ memory storage acceleration. Intel® Optane™ memory uses 3D Xpoint memory technology to accelerate slower drives (primarily HDDs) past storing oft used data and access patterns. Intel® Optane™ memory learns which games you use nearly oft and uses that data to boost game launch and level load times.

Pro-tip: Yous don't have to choice one. Many people use a small SSD as a boot bulldoze (for the operating organisation, games, and other programs) and fill the rest of their bays with cheap HDDs for maximum storage chapters.

Ability Supply Unit of measurement (PSU)

Selecting a power supply unit (PSU) is a disquisitional step in any build. The PSU needs to be well-made and powerful enough to handle all current and future components, and it doesn't hurt to have a warranty.

PSUs come in non-modular, semi-modular, and full-modular styles.

• Non-modular PSUs accept all cables permanently attached. This is the cheapest option, but you'll need to observe a place to store all the cables that you know y'all're not going to use. Too many unused cables upshot in poor cablevision direction, which can obstruct airflow and end upwards affecting your PC'due south performance.
• Semi-modular PSUs are the all-time option for well-nigh people. These units come with a handful of essential cables attached and are cheaper than total-modular styles.
• Full-modular PSUs are even easier to work with than semi-modular PSUs, but the added convenience usually comes shouldered with a higher cost.

System Cooling - CPU Cooling and Chassis Airflow

There are ii master ways to cool your PC: Air cooling and liquid cooling.

Air cooling uses fans to funnel hot air through your system and away from components to prevent overheating. The principal benefits of air cooling are cost and ease-of-installation (fans are smaller and easier to fit inside a crowded chassis). The biggest drawback to air cooling is its limitations: Air cooling depends on efficient airflow within the case to move hot air away from components, so any airflow brake can be problematic.

Liquid cooling uses a liquid coolant (such equally distilled h2o) to soak up heat from components and move it to an surface area that's less restricted (where the radiator is placed). Liquid cooling is less dependent on airflow inside the chassis, and therefore more efficient at cooling specific components. The downside to liquid cooling is that liquid cooling systems are contained, which means they're usually larger and more difficult to install than a typical air-cooled setup (they're also more expensive).

In add-on to general system cooling, you'll also need to purchase a dedicated CPU cooler. CPU coolers come in both air and liquid class factors and mount directly onto your CPU. When shopping for a CPU cooler, it's important to brand sure it's compatible with your CPU and sized to fit your build.

Pro-tip: In an air-cooled arrangement, more fans does not necessarily hateful better cooling. Fan quality and placement make a difference.

Peripherals

Monitors, keyboards, mice, headphones, and other peripherals mostly come down to personal preference. You don't need to purchase these items with your components, but you will need a display, a keyboard, and a mouse to fix your system after y'all build information technology.

Pro-tip: Proceed build remainder in mind when picking peripherals — if y'all've got the all-time components in the globe but you're even so using a 1080p, 60Hz monitor , yous won't be taking full advantage of your hardware.

Operating arrangement (OS)

Last but non least, you'll need to prepare to install an operating arrangement one time all the other components take been assembled in the case. An operating system is a critical piece of software that assists in managing communications betwixt a computer's hardware and programs.

To set your PC'due south OS alee of time, determine which Os you want to install on your PC and download the installer on a USB flash drive. You can download the installer for Windows* 10 hither. If you are installing a paid OS such as Windows, yous will need a product key.

STEP 1: INSTALL CPU

Parts/tools: Motherboard, CPU

Take the motherboard out of its antistatic packaging and put it on your work surface. Find the CPU socket, which will be covered with a protective plastic cap. In one corner of the plastic cap, or more normally, on the socket itself, yous'll come across a small-scale arrow — take note of where this arrow is.

Side by side to the CPU socket, y'all'll see a small metal lever. Press down on the lever and pull it gently to the side (abroad from the socket) to open the socket tray.

Open the CPU and remove it from its packaging. Exist very careful when handling the CPU — both the CPU and the CPU socket are extremely susceptible to concrete damage. Agree the CPU on the edges — never affect the pins on the lesser of the chip, because your fingers can add dust or oil, and endeavour non to touch the top of the chip either.

In one corner of the CPU, yous'll meet an arrow. Line this arrow upwards with the arrow on the socket, and gently identify the CPU onto the socket. In one case the CPU has beengentlyseated, you can lower the retentivity lever down and push it back into place. Lowering the lever may crave some forcefulness, merely seating the CPU volition not!

Pro-tip: You do not need to remove the plastic cap — when you install the CPU, the tension of the installation volition cause the cap to pop off. If you try to remove the cap yourself, you could terminate up striking and damaging the fragile pins underneath.

Pro-tip: The CPU only fits 1 style, and does not require any force to be seated. You can gently move the CPU to seat it, just exercise not jostle, push, snap, or otherwise effort to force the CPU into the socket.

Step ii: (OPTIONAL) INSTALL Yard.2 SSDs

Parts/tools: Motherboard, Thou.two SSD, Phillips #0 screwdriver, motherboard user manual

If you want to install an M.2 SSD, now is a good fourth dimension to practise and then. Outset, find the Chiliad.2 slot on your motherboard. It's a modest, horizontal slot with a tiny spiral across from it. If you can't find it, if y'all find multiple M.2 slots, or if you are planning on installing more than than 1 M.2 SSD, consult the user transmission that came with your motherboard.

Remove the tiny screw with a Phillips #0 screwdriver. Don't lose it.

Slide the M.2 SSD gently into the slot. When it'south fully seated, it will stand off the motherboard about a 35-degree angle. Button the SSD down and replace the tiny screw to lock it in place.

Pro-tip: Installing a 1000.two SSD may limit other storage configurations (especially SATA-based and PCIe* AIC storage), so consult your motherboard's user transmission while planning storage.

Troubleshooting: If your motherboard doesn't recognize this newly-installed M.2 SSD equally storage, you may need to manually configure information technology in BIOS (consult your motherboard'south user manual for BIOS instructions).

STEP 3: INSTALL CPU COOLING

Parts/tools: Motherboard with installed CPU, CPU cooler, thermal paste, CPU cooler manual

There are different types of CPU coolers. For verbal installation instructions, nosotros recommend you consult the manual that came with your CPU cooler.

Some coolers require a mounting bracket. The motherboard may have a subclass pre-installed; you may demand to remove this bracket if your cooler doesn't need a bracket, or replace this bracket if your libation uses a different subclass. Practice this earlier putting the motherboard inside the case.

Some coolers come up with thermal paste pre-applied to the conductive material (which sits on the CPU) and some coolers do non. If your cooler does not have pre-applied thermal paste, you will need to manually apply thermal paste before y'all seat the cooler. To apply thermal paste, squeeze a small dot (no larger than a grain of rice) onto the middle of the CPU. And so, identify the libation on the CPU — the pressure volition spread the thermal paste adequately.

Pro-tip: The first squeeze of thermal paste should be onto a piece of chip paper, just in case a large glob accidentally comes out.

Pro-tip: If your libation has pre-applied thermal paste and you desire to apply a different thermal paste, you can remove the thermal paste with 90% isopropyl alcohol and a lint-complimentary cloth — we recommend an automotive-grade paper towel.

Pro-tip: When attaching the cooler to the motherboard, tighten the screws in a cantankerous pattern to ensure evenly-distributed pressure level. If you lot get confused, this process will likely be described in detail in your manual.

Troubleshooting: If you mess up the installation, don't panic. Make clean off the thermal paste (from both the CPU heat spreader and the cooler) and re-apply, then install again.

STEP 4: INSTALL Retentivity (RAM)

Parts/tools: Motherboard, RAM, motherboard user manual

Determine how many RAM slots your motherboard has (almost have either two or four). If you're going to make full all available RAM slots, but snap the RAM into identify. If you're not going to fill up all of the RAM slots, consult the user manual to observe the correct configuration and populate the RAM slots accordingly.

Pro-tip: The notch betwixt the gilded fingers is not centered. Make sure you're aligning the RAM correctly using this notch to make up one's mind which side is up versus downward.

Troubleshooting: While RAM is relatively easy to snap into identify, it doesn't always snap in perfectly the start time. If you effort to turn your PC on and information technology doesn't turn on, the kickoff thing you should do is re-seat the RAM. Some motherboards have a captive tab (i yous don't have to motion) that helps with installation. All motherboards take at least i tab that does movement — usually, it will snap into place and attach onto an indent on the side of the RAM.

STEP 5: (OPTIONAL) Practise A Exam RUN OUTSIDE THE CASE

Parts/tools: Motherboard with CPU and CPU cooler installed, RAM, GPU, PSU, screwdriver, motherboard user manual, PC monitor (attached to GPU)

Now that y'all've installed the CPU and the CPU cooler, you may desire to perform a quick exam run of your components merely to make sure they all piece of work. This test is much more difficult to perform (and troubleshoot) once everything is installed in the chassis. To exercise this, install GPU and connect everything to the ability supply (if y'all don't know how to install the GPU, see department beneath). Make sure the ability supply is connected to the motherboard (both CPU 8pin and 24pin) and GPU, and then plug it in and turn it on.

Some higher-terminate motherboards accept power buttons, simply many do not. If you don't see a power push button, locate the power switch pins — pocket-size pairs of prongs sticking out of colorful nodules. The power switch pins may be labeled (something like "PWR_ON"). To turn the motherboard on, use a screwdriver to tap both power switch pins at in one case.

Y'all should now be able to tell if any of your components are dead or otherwise malfunctioning. If your motherboard is blinking lights or beeping at you, information technology'southward probably trying to tell y'all something. Some motherboards have a postal service lawmaking display (two digits) to help you identify what the problem is. To figure out what it'southward trying to tell you, consult your user transmission. If your motherboard has no post code display, connect a display to the GPU and see if your organization "posts" or starts upward and displays the motherboard'southward logo.

When you are finished with the test run, turn off the power supply and wait for any LEDs on the motherboard to get dark to ensure there'southward no residue ability in the organization. Then, uninstall the GPU and unplug all power cables before proceeding with the side by side pace.

Footstep 6: Mount POWER SUPPLY

Parts/tools: PSU, example, PSU cables, Phillips #2 screwdriver

Unpack the PSU (or unplug information technology from the components if y'all opted for a test run) and set its cables aside (if yous tin can).

Take a look at your case and figure out where the PSU is supposed to go (probably on the bottom, near the back) and how it can exist oriented. Ideally, you want to orient the PSU and so that its fan faces outside the case (via a vent). If your case has a vent on the bottom, you can mount the PSU upside downwards, so long equally the bottom vent will receive decent airflow when the PC is finished.

If your example has no vents, mount the PSU so the fan is facing up (into the case) and make sure information technology has enough clearance.

Adhere the PSU to the case using the four screws that came with the PSU.

If you're using a not-modular or semi-modular ability supply, now is the time to run the attached cables through the example to where they'll demand to cease upward (make use of cable management features if your example has them).

Stride 7: INSTALL MOTHERBOARD

Parts/tools: Example, motherboard, I/O shield (if not fastened to the motherboard), Phillips #2 screwdriver, screws, motherboard user manual

If your motherboard came with an unattached I/O shield — a rectangular sheet of metal with cutouts for the motherboard'southward ports — you should offset snap it into place in the dorsum of your case (make certain it'due south oriented correctly). I/O shields usually have sharp edges, and so watch your fingers.

Once the I/O shield is in place, you can install the motherboard. Double-check to brand sure your cables are all threaded through to the correct place, and then place the motherboard (marshal it with the I/O shield, showtime). Using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, mount the first screw — the center spiral — to concur the motherboard in place. Make sure you lot do not drag your motherboard across the standoffs fastened to the chassis.

The number of screws you volition need to mount the motherboard will vary based on the board, but a full-size ATX motherboard commonly takes ix screws. Make full all bachelor spiral holes.

Connect the power supply to the motherboard. There are 2 primary connections — an 8-pivot CPU connector toward the top of the board and a 24-pin connector from the side.

Pro-tip: Before you mount the motherboard, check to brand sure the case has motherboard standoffs installed. These normally look like a nut with threading on the end. Practice not insert unnecessary standoffs.

Pace 8: INSTALL GPU

Parts/tools: Motherboard, GPU, Phillips #2 screwdriver, screws, motherboard user manual

Find the PCIe* x16 slot on your motherboard. It will be the longest PCIe* slot and may be a unlike color than the others. If your motherboard has more than i PCIe* x16 slot, check the user manual to see if one slot needs to be prioritized. If whatsoever slot can be used, determine which slot you'll be using based on where other components are placed — you want your GPU to have some breathing room.

Depending on your example, you may need to remove I/O covers (pocket-size metallic tabs blocking the dorsum console of your case) to accommodate your GPU's I/O (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, etc.) and make it accessible to the outside of the chassis.

Remove the GPU from its antistatic packaging and carefully marshal it with both the rear retention subclass and the slot itself, and and so gently button it into the PCIe* x16 slot (you may hear a click). The PCIe* tab on the motherboard may motility into a locked position should you lot need to reseat the GPU.

In one case the GPU is fully seated, secure it to the dorsum of the case using i or ii screws. If your GPU requires auxiliary ability connectors, connect information technology to the ability supply.

STEP 9: INSTALL STORAGE

Parts/tools: Motherboard, SSDs, HDDs, Phillips #two screwdriver, screws, instance/chassis user manual

Firstly, inspect your case. Every instance is a little unlike when it comes to drive trophy.

You should be able to find a stack of bays in different sizes somewhere within your case. They may have piddling plastic switches, in which case they are tool-gratis bays, or they may only await similar metal brackets.

Storage by and large comes in 2 sizes, ii.5-inch (HDDs and SSDs) and 3.5-inch (HDDs). Nigh three.five-inch bays can accept 2.5-inch drives, but non vice versa (some three.v-inch bays will have trays that aren't designed for 2.5-inch drives, but they can still fit 2.v-inch bays). You may likewise see larger bays in your case — these are for larger drives such as optical drives and are unremarkably located in the front of the instance, near the top.

If you have tool-free bays, each bay will have its own plastic lever or switch. Open or unlock the lever or switch and you should exist able to pull out the tray. Place your drive in the tray — some 3.5-inch trays will be designed to take 2.5-inch trays. If they are, you'll need to spiral the 2.v-inch drive to the 3.5-inch tray so it doesn't motility effectually.

Slide the tray back into the bay. It should click into place.

If you don't have tool-free bays, you'll see a metal bracket (information technology volition be big, like a sheet), with slats or holes in it. To put a drive in i of these "bays," all you take to do is slide the drive between the metallic bracket and the side of your case and screw information technology into identify. Use every bit many screws as the chassis manual recommends, but if you lot don't take enough screws most drives will be fine with simply two screws.

One time your drives are all in place, connect them to the motherboard (using a SATA cable, which should have come with either your bulldoze or your motherboard) and to the power supply.

Pro-tip: If you have trouble finding the bays or figuring out what blazon of bays your case has, consult your example's user manual.

Footstep 10: INSTALL OPERATING SYSTEM

Parts/tools: PC, monitor, mouse, keyboard, Os saved to a flash bulldoze

If you oasis't already prepared your operating organisation (Os) on a USB flash drive, now is the time to do and then. (See the higher up section on operating systems under "PREP iii: Select your components" for more details.)

Plug in the USB wink drive that contains your OS, every bit well as a monitor, mouse, and keyboard, and plough on your PC.

The starting time screen y'all see will tell you lot to press a key to enter the system setup or BIOS. Printing the key to open BIOS. (If the screen flashes off besides quickly for you to see the key, consult your motherboard'due south user manual.)

First, you'll desire to bank check to makes sure your components are all installed and being recognized. Find the page in BIOS that shows your PC'south organisation info (dissimilar motherboards have dissimilar BIOS setups, merely y'all should be able to find a screen that gives you this data) and check to brand sure the system is recognizing everything y'all've installed so far.

Next, poke around BIOS until you observe the Boot folio (may be chosen "Boot Order" or "Boot Priority"). Change the boot order so that your wink drive is kickoff and the bulldoze y'all want to install your OS on (if you're using an SSD equally a kicking drive, you will desire to install the OS hither) is second.

Restart your computer. Your reckoner will kick from the USB and the OS installer will popular up. Follow the instructions to cease the installation.

Pro-tip: Create the Bone installer ahead of time.

Troubleshooting: If the PC doesn't turn on at all, you might have a problem with your power supply.

Troubleshooting: If the PC turns on but yous don't see annihilation on the screen, or it doesn't seem to showtime up, check to make sure all cables, peculiarly power cables, are connected.

Pro-tip: If you're trying to enter BIOS with your keyboard and it'southward not working, it'south probably your keyboard that's not working. Check your peripherals to make sure they're working earlier you panic.

Troubleshooting: If you have trouble booting to the USB drive, ensure the motherboard is gear up for the installation type you are attempting. Most UEFI-enabled platforms will kick to the UEFI sectionalisation scheme first before attempting Legacy.

IT DOESN'T Stop Hither

If y'all've fabricated information technology all the way through our guide, congratulations on finishing your build (especially if this is your outset fourth dimension)! The work, withal, doesn't necessarily accept to end hither.

The best thing about building your own gaming PC is that the job is never truly finished. Every bit advancements in hardware continue to emerge, a custom PC'due south capacity for customization is nearly limitless, and your own rig tin be as up-to-date every bit you want according to both your needs and budget.

When you're next checking the recommended specs for a new game you desire to play, keep these possibilities in mind. The PC yous just built volition serve equally your foundation for all the gaming experiences alee, and fine-tuning your components is all function of the fun of owning it.

At present that y'all know how to build a gaming PC, consider integrating your automobile into a fully fledged battlestation. You can too learn how to become the most out of your build via advanced techniques like overclocking your CPU.

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Source: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/gaming/resources/how-to-build-a-gaming-pc.html

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