How To Build a Computer

Why should you build your own computer?

Building your computer is cheaper than buying a pre-built one from Best Buy or Amazon. It also allows for upgrades which you could do by yourself because you already know how to build your own computer already. In addition, building a computer will allow you to obtain the skills and gain the accomplishment for a lifetime. These are some of the reasons why you should build your computer. It is also just a really fun project to do and it makes you feel like a kid again because it's like building an advanced lego set.

How much does building your computer cost?

The cost of your own computer really depends on how high end you want your computer to be. For example, it depends on your preference on how well you want your computer to perform, which is dependent on the different parts that you choose to use to make up that computer. In my opinion, the average decent computer is around 800 to 1000 dollars. On Best Buy, there is a pre-built computer that costs $1250 (without tax), you can find that on this link. I have put together a pc part picker and for all the parts in this computer, which you can find that on this link. The materials listed will allow you to build a computer that costs $914.89, tax not included. This means that building your own computer saves the average consumer a lot of money. 

What components are needed to build your own computer?

Of course, when building your own personal computer, you will need pc parts. When you are completely new to the idea of building your own computer, you might think that the computer must need a lot of components. However, you really only need 7 main components, which include the CPU, the motherboard, ram, storage, graphics card, a case, and a power supply. 

Step by step process on how to build your own computer

Step 1) Cpu installation

The process of installing your CPU is extremely easy but it is also easy to mess it up. First off you have to install your CPU into your motherboard. The first step to install the CPU is lifting up the retention arm. After this step, you have to be careful to not bend any of the pins on the bottom of the CPU. For this step, you need to align the yellow arrow on the CPU with the yellow arrow on the motherboard. After succeeding this step, lower down the retention arm and move on to the next step.

Step 2) Ram stick snapping

The second major step is installing the memory into your motherboard. The memory of the tasks your computer opens is stored on a device called the ram. Installing the ram involves just clicking and snapping some ram sticks together. This process requires the user to align the ram sticks in a certain direction and then pressing them down until you hear a snap. The snapping noise isn't a bad thing, it just means that the ram sticks are in place.

Step 3) Cooling the CPU

The third major step of building your computer is installing your cooling for your CPU. If you are trying to install the regular CPU cooler that came with your CPU, installing it is simple. Just put the fan onto your CPU and screw the fan onto the motherboard. Before installing your CPU fan, make sure that on the bottom of the fan, where the CPU touches the cooler, there is a pre-applied thermal paste. This is important because if you do not have the thermal paste, the CPU will run really hot and heat isn't good for any machine.

Step 4) PSU alignment

The fourth major step is to install your power supply. There is a specific slot to install your power supply. There is a fan located on one side of the power supply. It is important to position the fan to face the bottom of the case. This allows the fan to blow the hot air of the power supply outside of the case instead of inside the case. After positioning the power supply correctly there are 4 screws to install the power supply. Screw the power supply in.

Step 5) Motherboard installation

The fifth step is to install your motherboard into your case. This part is a crucial component as it holds all of your parts together. There are some screws that are in your motherboard called motherboard standoffs. Although some of the cases do not need motherboard standoffs to install the motherboard, these screws will allow you to install your motherboard. The main screws you would want to install are the 4 corner screws and the middle screw. This will keep your motherboard from moving anywhere.

Step 6) The pride of every computer

The sixth step is to install your graphics card. The graphics card is what you can flex when your friend asks you what specs are on your computer. The installation of this card is simple. First, locate where you want to install your graphics card this should be the first PCIe slot.  Secondly, remove the screws holding in the PCIe slot covers. Thirdly, pull back the latch and install the graphics card into the slot that had just been opened. Lastly, the graphics card should have the same snapping sound as the ram sticks. There is also only one way you can install the graphics card. The display ports or HDMI outputs should all be facing the outside of the case.

Step 7) Power

The seventh step is to plug everything in. The power supply has a lot of cables but that is no reason to be scared. There are normally 4 cables to power your system: 24 pins cable, 8 pins cable, graphics card 8 pin cable, and SATA power cable. The 24 pins and the 8 pins are located on the motherboard. The power cable for the graphics card varies. Some graphics cards are 4 pins or 6 pins or 8 pins. The next power cable will be used to power the storage such as SSD and HDD. 

Step 8) Plugin I/O power buttons

Your next step is to plug in your I/O power buttons. To get your front I/O power buttons working properly, you need to plug in the correct cables. There is a chart shown in the picture to show you how to plug in the cables to its correct location. Although you do not need to plug these in, it will save you a lot of time since this is the one way to turn on your computer. The alternative to turn on your computer would be to grab a screwdriver and manually turn it on.

There are other cables your case has that you have to plug into your motherboard. The case has usbs in front of the case and these cables are used so that they can be used. This cable is plugged into the bottom of the motherboard.

Step 9) Cable management

The ninth step is to manage your cables. This step isn't mandatory, but if you want your computer to look as clean as possible then you might not want to skip this step. From the case that you have bought, there may be some cable zip ties to keep things tidy. There is no real step by step to organize your computer. This is completely up to how you want to organize your computer.

Desktop acquired

After completing all these steps you have finished building your very own computer. The very last step is for you to plug in your computer, flip the switch on the power supply, and press the power button. Once this is done you are bestowed with your brand new computer. I hope this blog has helped you build your first computer or has persuaded you to build your own computer.