How to properly build a PC yourself?
List of components, tools and consumables
The process of PC building starts with the selection of components that must be compatible with each other in terms of connectors, technologies, characteristics. In this article there is no sense to dwell on these points in detail, as we have separate guides, links to which will be indicated. Instead, we will be driven by the fact that all the components of the build are already in hand and it is necessary to properly complete everything in the system unit. It is worth noting that the list of components may vary slightly depending on the level of the computer. Let's review two template options that are relevant for the majority of builds.
| Home/Office PC | Gaming PC |
|---|---|
| Motherboard | Motherboard |
| CPU with integrated graphics and box cooler | CPU |
| RAM | RAM |
| M.2 / SSD / HDD | M.2 / SSD / HDD |
| Power supply unit | Power supply unit |
| Case | Case |
| Fans | Fans |
| Tower cooler or liquid cooling system | |
| Discrete graphics card |
Now let's determine what tools and consumables may be needed to install and fix the components:
- Small Phillips screwdriver with magnetic tip (optimally PH1 about 20 cm long)
- Thermal paste (Arctic Cool MX4 is popular and universal)
- Polyethylene glove
- A clear mind, open eyes and no trembling hands
The installation procedure may vary slightly depending on the capabilities of the case, the components used and the habits of the installer. We offer the most popular algorithm of actions that is suitable for building most PCs. So, take out the motherboard and place it on a clean, flat surface. It is recommended to put a soft layer, for example, polyethylene foam.
Features of installing AMD and Intel processors
The first step is to install the processor. For this purpose, there is a special connector on the motherboard, which is also called a Socket. Different generations of chips from AMD and Intel have their own layout. If you haven't built a core yet, we recommend reading the specifics of choosing a motherboard and processor to make sure you won't make a mistake and ensure they are fully compatible and maximize your computer's efficiency.
For AMD and Intel, the connection principle is the same, the only difference is in the structure of the components. For the first, the contact pins are located directly on the processor, and the grooves for them are on the motherboard. With Intel, everything is exactly the opposite. The main rule is careful handling. It is necessary to exclude any pressure and force to avoid damaging the contacts. Installation should be effortless.
It is very simple to implement all this in practice. First you need to unlock the connector on the motherboard.
To correctly determine which side to insert the CPU, the manufacturers have provided special keys. They are represented by recesses in the case and triangle markers.
It is enough to combine them and smoothly lower the chip into place. After which the connector is locked in the reverse order.
What problems may arise at this stage? In fact, there is only one problem — the processor is not installed in the connector. The reason may be an incorrectly selected socket or bent contacts (relevant for AMD). In the first case, you will need to replace the components; in the second, you need a visual inspection from different angles and careful alignment of the pins.
How to install RAM correctly
Installing RAM shouldn't be a hassle. The difference between generations (DDR3 / DDR4 / DDR5) is only in the key, which will help to correctly position it in the connector.
But first you need to decide which slots to use to increase the efficiency of the build. There can be 2 or 4 of them (standard for home and gaming builds), unless of course we are talking about specialized server models.
Depending on the number of memory modules and slots on the motherboard, the correct connection diagram is as follows.
First you need to open the locks on the sides of the motherboard. Next, turn the memory module so that the keys match, insert it and press both sides with a little pressure until the locks automatically click into place.
If in the end the computer starts with a black screen, then you may have selected the RAM characteristics incorrectly, so it is not compatible with other components. We recommend you to read our RAM selection guide.
M.2 drive
It is worth noting right away that the presence of an M.2 format data drive is not a prerequisite, and some users are still looking towards more budget SATA 2.5” SSDs or even HDDs. But you need to understand that M.2 is superior to its predecessors in everything, and the difference in price is insignificant, so it is better to immediately give preference to this drive. You can find out more about choosing an SSD in the corresponding article, and we will proceed directly to the installation.
For M.2, the motherboard has a special slot, or maybe several. It is located between the processor and PCIe for the graphics card (additional ones are usually located at the bottom of the board) and looks like this.
You could choose one of two types of M.2 SSDs — with a PCIe or SATA connection interface.
As with other components, keys are provided here that will help you correctly place the modules in the connectors. If the motherboard comes with a cooling heatsink for M.2, you must first remove it. Now, screw the stand for fixation into the hole that corresponds to the size of the SSD. The standard is 80 mm.
Next, insert the drive into the connector so that the keys match (this needs to be done at an angle of about 30º relative to the board), and press it. If there was a heatsink, then remove the protective film from it and put it back, screw it and the SSD.
CPU cooling system
Now it's time to prepare the area for CPU cooling. If you plan to use a box cooler, the mounting slots for it are usually already present on the motherboard. It is worth noting that the red team (AMD) took care of maximum user convenience in this matter.
While the blue ones (Intel) will make you sweat a little.
Standard cooling systems are quite compact, so they can be fully installed at this stage. In the future they will not interfere.
There are many options for installing more advanced cooling systems, depending on the socket and type (tower or liquid). First of all, you need to follow the manual provided by the cooler manufacturer. For example, here is the installation sequence for the popular Deepcool GAMMAXX 400K tower (https://www.deepcool.com/download/pdf/GAMMAXX400Series.pdf). It is important to choose the right cooling system. Pay attention to the delivery package so that it includes fasteners for different sockets. The appropriate guide will help you make your choice.
It must be remembered that not all cases have a backplate window (a metal reinforcing plate that is attached to the back of the board), so its installation must be completed before installing the motherboard. Do not clamp the parts too tightly to avoid damaging the printed circuit board.
Also, don't forget the importance of applying thermal paste. This will ensure improved heat dissipation and normal operating temperatures. Squeeze out a small amount, put on a polyethylene glove and use your finger to spread the paste evenly over the CPU surface. When installing the cooler, the paste will fill all the pores, and the excess will be squeezed out. In some cases, the manufacturer has already applied thermal paste to the base of the cooler and all that remains is to install it and connect it to the board.
Installation of the motherboard into the case
The next step is to install the completed motherboard into the case. First, install the locking platforms to match the slots on the board.
Next, install the metal plug into the rear wall of the case. In the mid-range and high-end segments, it can be built into the board.
Now the only thing left to do is to insert the motherboard and screw in all the fixing screws with a screwdriver.
SSD and HDD
If you have decided not to use M.2 or to use an additional drive, you should decide on the space for a 2.5“ SSD or 3.5” HDD. To do this, you will have to study the specifications of the case, as there is no specific standard, and the internal layout can be very different. Quick-release fasteners or standard screws can be used for fixation.
For hard drives in modern cases there is a separate basket at the bottom. It can be either removable or not. You just need to insert and fix with screws on the sides.
The 2.5” SSD slots may look like this.
General recommendations: HDD and SSD will require connection of power and data cables, so it is necessary to place them in the case so that it would be convenient to make wiring in the future.
Power supply installation and cabling
The PSU slot is standard and assumes a 4 screw mounting.
If you have fixed cables, then the power supply unit can be safely mounted. Most modern cases are oriented towards the bottom location of the power supply, but there are modifications with the top one.
For modular models, you can do the same if you have a large case (Full or Midi Tower) with enough space for manipulation. If the build is compact (Mini Tower), you will first have to separate all the cables, connect them to the power supply unit, and then fix it in the case. The fan should be located at the bottom for unobstructed access to air.
Now it is important to understand what and where to connect. Manufacturers have made the process as simple as possible by providing different shapes of connectors and locks. It is impossible to mix something up or put it in the wrong way.
The processor power connector is located at the top of the motherboard. Its configuration may vary, since different levels of CPU require specific power to operate. You can see the popular pin-out options, the opening at the top for cable entry, and the locks for proper positioning and fixation in the image below.
The corresponding outputs on the power supply unit look like this.
The connection is made before the click that will notify that the lock is closed.
The next step is to connect the power to the motherboard. For this purpose, a 24 PIN connector is used, which is shown below along with a opening in the case for cable entry.
Find the appropriate module on the power supply, reach in, push until it clicks into place.
Now it's time to power up the HDD/SSD, if you have them. The connector on the power supply unit looks like this, called SATA (usually there are at least 4 of them).
It has a peculiar cutout on one edge that forms an angle. A similar implementation is provided on disks, so it won’t be possible to confuse them.
The long connector is for connecting power from the power supply, and the short one is for the SATA data cable. The latter does not belong to the power supply and is synchronized with the motherboard.
Don’t forget to pull out the remaining wires back so that they don’t get tangled and spoil the aesthetics of the build.
All devices are now supplied with power. If you used a modular power supply, then it's time to connect all the cables to it and install it in the case.
Case fans
Additional fans are not a requirement, but it is advisable to have at least a couple. They are designed for air circulation inside the system unit and effective cooling. The availability of slots and their number in the case varies from model to model, but the general principle of correct installation is shown in the illustration below.
The front, bottom and side panels are used for air intake, while the top and rear panels are used for air exhaust. Even in compact cases, two 120 / 140 mm fans can be placed behind the removable front panel. It is enough to determine the direction of flow and fasten the fans with screws.
Next you will need to connect the equipment. There are 3 connector options: 3 PIN, 4 PIN and Molex. The latter is the most primitive and does not support any adjustments; the current is supplied directly from the power supply through the contact of the same name.
The difference between 4 PIN and 3 PIN is the presence of an additional control channel that allows automatic speed control. In practice, both motherboard connectors for case fans are signed as SYS_FAN and are mutually compatible, and the connection diagram is as follows.
If you have a gaming computer with a top-end processor, then it is more practical to use a liquid cooling system, the installation of which is best done before installing the motherboard in the case.
Case panel
A typical set of case panel connectors looks like this.
Looking from right to left, the first one is the audio cable, which has its own place on the motherboard.
The second is USB 3.0, the connector for which looks like this.
Next the USB-C, and you need to install it in this connector.
The panel of almost all cases is standardly equipped with the outdated USB 2.0, which is connected to the appropriate connector.
Now it's time to deal with the last cables, which many beginners are stumped by. We are talking about connecting buttons and indicators.
It's actually very simple, and pin-out manual for each motherboard is provided by the manufacturer. The order of connection does not matter, the slot is signed as F_Panel, and the diagram is like this.
Please note that the Power SW and Reset connectors do not have polarity, so they can be inserted arbitrarily. As for the Power LED and HDD LED indicators, it is necessary to place the “plus” and “minus” correctly.
Discrete graphics card
The discrete graphics card is installed in the PCIe x16 slot. It is worth noting that there may be several of them, so you need to choose the top one. It is located under the processor and usually supports modern standards and technologies, guaranteeing high hardware performance.
First you need to remove the extra plugs on the back wall. The quantity depends on the selected graphics card; manufacturers indicate the number of occupied slots in the specifications.
The next step is to open the lock on the right side of the slot.
Now take the graphics card, insert it into the slot evenly without any inclination and gently press it until you hear the click of the closed lock. Fix the device with screws.
You need to find the appropriate cables on the power supply unit and connect them for normal power supply.
It is important to know that powerful graphics cards may require connecting several phases at once. To prevent overheating and overload of the power supply unit, it is recommended to use separate lines rather than combined ones, as shown in the diagram.
If you use integrated graphics and are just planning to purchase a discrete graphics card, we recommend you to read the practical guide to choosing the best option.
Cable management
Not everyone cares about the internal beauty of the system unit, but in the presence of a viewing window and in powerful PCs, cable management is a sign of good design. Moreover, competent cable management contributes to efficient cooling of all computer components. Each PC maker sees this process differently, and many points depend on the design of the case. If there is a separate recess for concealed cable management, the result can look like this.
In general, ease of build depends largely on a properly selected case. The corresponding article will help you make the right choice.
Conclusions
As you can see, building a PC is easy enough, but only if you choose the right components. The order of installation of components also matters, if you do not want to remove and install them several times. The article did not take into account some points that relate to professional gaming builds, where liquid cooling system, backlight styling and optimization of internal space are often used.
Articles, reviews, useful tips
All materials
