what do you need to build your own computer

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How to Build a Gaming PC

Assembling your ain PC will supercharge your gaming experience and permit y'all to upgrade components at whatsoever time.

Highlights:

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

• Edifice your own PC is the best way to ensure that your machine will see all of your needs and preferences.

• Carefully consider what kind of case you lot desire before choosing your components, as well equally your budget.

• To decide what components you desire, you can either research each individual component or find a pre-made list online.

• Building a PC using separate, easy-to-follow steps is a great way to learn about how each individual component works.

BUILT IN - Commodity INTRO 2d COMPONENT

Separating the gaming PC building process into manageable steps makes information technology much less intimidating. Even if yous're a novice, fret non: No prior build feel is required.^{i 2 3}

Separating the gaming PC edifice process into manageable steps makes information technology much less intimidating. Fifty-fifty if you're a novice, fret not: No prior build feel is required.^{1 two iii}

Building a gaming PC from scratch is the simply sure-burn way to ensure that your organisation is capable of satisfying all of your personal preferences. When you make up one's mind everything that goes into your PC from the power supply up, you know that you'll be able to play the games you want at the frame rates you desire. In addition, a home-congenital PC keeps the door open up for upgrades — as technology changes, equally your gaming tastes and needs alter, or equally your budget allows.

Though building a PC can seem intimidating, you might discover that it'southward easier than you think, specially when broken into manageable steps. That's why we've put together this comprehensive step-past-stride guide to building your start gaming PC, complete with tips and tricks from our veteran builders.

Encounter if a pre-congenital vs. custom pc is right for you ›

PREP ane: PC Build Tools

The first thing you demand to practice to prepare is get together the tools you need to complete the build. Preparing the materials below ahead of fourth dimension goes a long way to ensure that the build process goes smoothly.

• Workspace. You lot will need a large surface to piece of work on, such every bit a table. To prevent an accidental electrostatic belch (which tin can damage sensitive components), make certain you stand on an uncarpeted surface.
• Screwdrivers. You will need a Phillips #two screwdriver for just about everything. If you're installing an 1000.2 device, you'll also need a Phillips #0 screwdriver.

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

• Organization arrangement. Near components come up with additional parts; some optional, some required for installation in your build. You'll need a way to continue assorted screws, zip ties, cables, manuals, etc. organized by private components. Without proper organization, these items can hands get mixed upwards.

Pro-tip: For contrasted screws, we recommend magnetic hardware trays or trays with multiple modest compartments such as empty egg cartons or vitamin containers.

• Multiple lite sources. Build in a well-lit area with multiple light sources. You lot don't want to have to worry most blocking your only light source when yous bend over the chassis. Pro-tip: A movable calorie-free source volition assist yous illuminate the nooks and crannies of your case. The platonic option is a headlamp, because information technology leaves your hands gratuitous, simply you can likewise use a flashlight, your telephone, or a desk lamp.
• Anti-static wrist-strap. This isn't strictly necessary, but information technology's useful in ensuring yous don't accidentally damage sensitive components with electrostatic discharge. (Though this isn't a very mutual occurrence, it'south improve to be safe, and anti-static straps are inexpensive.)
• Zilch ties. While these aren't a must, tying your cables together will brand the inside of your PC expect much better. If you don't want to purchase zip ties, you can tidy things upwards with twist ties (you'll likely take a surplus from your components' packaging). You lot can also use Velcro straps — some cases even have them integrated.
• Scissors. Lastly, you'll need pair of scissors for cutting zip ties and unpacking components.

PREP ii: Gaming PC Cases

Before you kickoff picking out components, you should take a instance — or, at least, a case size — in mind.

The primary affair to continue in mind when picking a case is where y'all're going to put the computer. Your PC'south final location will dictate how large you tin can (or cannot) go, and it will also help determine whether various premium case features are worth splurging on. Yous probably don't want to pay for a tempered glass side console if the computer will be hidden under your desk, for example.

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

Full-tower cases

Total-belfry cases are designed to fit both Extended-ATX motherboards and standard full-size ATX motherboards. They commonly measure effectually 22-24 inches tall, eighteen-20 inches long, and more than viii inches wide.

You'll nigh likely want a total-tower case if you want to use an Extended-ATX motherboard (although select mid-tower cases do fit Extended-ATX motherboards) or if yous want to put in an extensive cooling system or additional storage. Though full-belfry cases can as well house Mini-ITX motherboards, there'south no clear advantage to structuring a build in that way.

Mid-belfry cases

Mid-tower cases are designed to fit standard total-size ATX motherboards. Mostly speaking, mid-tower is the nigh common case size. Their dimensions can vary quite a flake, only these cases ordinarily measure around 18-20 inches tall, 17-20 inches long, and 6-8 inches wide.

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

Mini-tower cases

Mini-tower cases, or modest form cistron (SFF) builds, are meaty and designed to fit a number of smaller motherboards, such as mini-ITX motherboards.

While SFF builds have come a long mode in the last few generations, mini-towers — specifically those using mini-ITX motherboards — require you to carefully plan components (you may need to use components that are specifically made for small builds, such as one-half-length GPUs) and cooling, leaving little room for upgrading once the build is finished.

For this reason, we don't advocate SFF builds for new builders, but they can be a fun challenge if you already have a build or two under your belt.

One time y'all figure out how big yous want to go, look for a case that's shut to that size. If you're not set on a specific size, it's meliorate to err on the larger side. You'll probable find that it's easier to work with a bigger case and volition have a smoother time upgrading your PC in the future.

That said, while a piddling bigger is practiced, significantly bigger isn't necessarily better: Large cases can finish up with hotspots if not properly cooled.

All case sizes are available at different toll points, so finding a case that fits your upkeep shouldn't be difficult. More expensive cases may have premium and convenience features such equally racket dampening, higher-quality build materials, removable drive cages, and more attractive cablevision management, but these features typically won't noticeably touch on performance.

PREP iii: Gaming PC Parts

Now it's time to get your components together. This step can exist as hands-on or as hands-off equally you like; y'all can thoroughly enquiry each private component on your own and create a custom build from scratch, or you can find a pre-made build online and adjust it to conform your specific upkeep and needs.

Nosotros definitely recommend coming upwardly with a budget before you starting time picking components (it's piece of cake for component shopping to get out of hand). Remember, you tin can always upgrade individual components after.

Pro-tip: Make a build list before you brand whatever purchases — all components need to be compatible with all other components.

Pro-tip: If y'all're edifice this PC because you desire to play a certain game, bank check that game's recommended system requirements and program accordingly.

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

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

Let'due south accept a look at what each component does, why it'due south necessary, and what you need to look for while shopping effectually.

Fundamental Processing Unit (CPU)

The Primal Processing Unit of measurement (CPU), likewise known equally the processor, is basically the encephalon 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 like tasks) to the CPU. The CPU performs each "educational activity" and sends signals to other components to let them know when they need to perform a chore.

There are two main performance metrics that can help you cull the correct 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 tin can perform simultaneously.

Clock speed tells us how rapidly the CPU is performing each task.

Some higher-stop 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 mod games are designed to accept reward of this, so you should look for a CPU with at least iv cores. Additional cores can be helpful as you kickoff layering on more tasks, such as recording and streaming your gameplay.

Motherboard

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

I fashion to narrow down your selection of a motherboard is to shop by size. The most common grade factors are Extended ATX, ATX, microATX, and Mini-ITX.

• Extended ATX motherboards are the largest (12 by 13 inches or 12 by 10.one inches) and can oft have eight RAM slots (for upwards to 128GB of RAM).
• ATX motherboards are only slightly smaller (12 by 9.six inches) and usually top out at four RAM slots.
• MicroATX motherboards (9.6 past 9.6 inches) can also accept upwards to 4 RAM slots.
• Mini-ITX motherboards sport the smallest form factor of the four (6.7 by half-dozen.7 inches) and often have two RAM slots.

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

Retentivity (RAM)

Random Access Memory (RAM) is your PC's short-term memory. Information technology's faster and easier to access than your PC's long-term memory (storage, due east.g. an SSD or difficult bulldoze), but it's also temporary.

This is where the PC stores data that it is actively using (those "pedagogy lists" that the CPU needs to read and execute). Figuring out how much RAM you demand can be tricky considering having more RAM than yous use volition practise zippo (except waste matter money) while having too petty RAM volition negatively affect performance.

Ideally, you want the perfect corporeality of RAM for you lot/your build. Generally speaking, however, the average gaming rig needs 8-16GB of RAM.

The virtually important matter to keep in mind when shopping for RAM is what your motherboard and processor can support. RAM that'due south faster than what your system supports will downclock to run at your system'southward capabilities.

For a more comprehensive guide to purchasing RAM for your arrangement, check out our RAM guide.

Pro-tip: If y'all decide to go with high-speed RAM, expect for RAM with Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (Intel® XMP) support. Loftier-speed RAM will run at a standard (lower-than-advertised) speed unless it'southward overclocked, and Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (Intel® XMP) makes this easy to practise with predefined and tested profiles.

Graphics Processing Unit of measurement (GPU)

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

Integrated graphics processors are integrated with the CPU. Integrated graphics have improved significantly throughout the years, though they are still more often than not less powerful than detached 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 card is a must-take for gamers who play any of today'southward demanding, graphics-heavy games. Serious gamers will want 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 await inclement), while gamers looking to play in virtual reality should look for cards that produce consequent frame rates of at least 90 fps.

Pro-tip: The GPU isn't the only component that affects frame charge per unit, and so information technology'south important to balance out your build or you'll run into performance bottlenecks elsewhere.

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

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

There are two main types of storage: Solid-state drives (SSDs, including Intel® Optane™ Memory) and hard disk drives (HDDs). There are pros and cons to choosing either an SSD or HDD, though the proficient news is that you lot don't have to cull only one.

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

HDDs come in two form factors:

• ii.five inches, which are more common in laptops and usually spin at a rate of 5400 RPM (revolutions per minute)
• 3.5 inches, which are more common in desktops and spin at faster rates, ofttimes upwards of 7200 RPM

SSDs use NAND-based flash memory — similar to, simply faster and more than reliable than the flash memory used in a USB flash bulldoze — to shop data. In lieu of a mechanical arm, they employ integrated processors to admission stored information, making them much faster and less prone to mechanical failure than HDDs. The speed and convenience of SSDs come at a toll, yet; SSDs are more expensive per gigabyte than HDDs.

Modern SSDs come in 2 protocols:

• Series Avant-garde Applied science Attachment (SATA), which is the older protocol of the two and operates with higher latency and lower peak bandwidth
• Not-Volatile Retention Express* (NVMe*), which uses the PCI Express* interface to achieve higher performance

In improver to traditional SSDs and HDDs, in that location's also an option that helps bridge the speed gap: Intel® Optane™ memory storage acceleration. Intel® Optane™ retention uses 3D Xpoint memory technology to advance slower drives (primarily HDDs) by storing frequently used data and admission patterns. Intel® Optane™ memory learns which games you apply nigh often and uses that data to heave game launch and level load times.

Pro-tip: You don't have to choice 1. Many people use a modest SSD every bit a boot drive (for the operating system, games, and other programs) and make full the rest of their bays with inexpensive HDDs for maximum storage capacity.

Ability Supply Unit (PSU)

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

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

• Not-modular PSUs have all cables permanently attached. This is the cheapest pick, simply you'll need to find a identify to store all the cables that you lot know y'all're not going to use. Too many unused cables result in poor cablevision direction, which tin can obstruct airflow and finish up affecting your PC'southward performance.
• Semi-modular PSUs are the best option for most people. These units come with a handful of essential cables attached and are cheaper than full-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

In that location are ii main ways to absurd 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 main benefits of air cooling are cost and ease-of-installation (fans are smaller and easier to fit within 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 restriction tin can be problematic.

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

In addition to general arrangement cooling, you'll also need to purchase a defended CPU cooler. CPU coolers come in both air and liquid form factors and mount straight onto your CPU. When shopping for a CPU libation, information technology'southward of import to make certain it's compatible with your CPU and sized to fit your build.

Pro-tip: In an air-cooled system, more than fans does not necessarily mean better cooling. Fan quality and placement brand a difference.

Peripherals

Monitors, keyboards, mice, headphones, and other peripherals mostly come down to personal preference. Yous don't need to buy these items with your components, merely yous will need a display, a keyboard, and a mouse to fix your system after you build it.

Pro-tip: Continue build balance in listen when picking peripherals — if you've got the best components in the world but you're still using a 1080p, 60Hz monitor , you won't exist taking full advantage of your hardware.

Operating organisation (Bone)

Last simply not to the lowest degree, you'll need to set to install an operating system one time all the other components have been assembled in the case. An operating system is a disquisitional piece of software that assists in managing communications between a computer's hardware and programs.

To gear up your PC's Os alee of time, make up one's mind which OS you lot want to install on your PC and download the installer on a USB flash bulldoze. Yous can download the installer for Windows* ten hither. If you are installing a paid OS such equally Windows, you 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. Detect the CPU socket, which volition be covered with a protective plastic cap. In one corner of the plastic cap, or more than commonly, on the socket itself, you'll encounter a small arrow — accept note of where this arrow is.

Side by side to the CPU socket, you'll see a modest metallic lever. Printing down on the lever and pull information technology gently to the side (away from the socket) to open the socket tray.

Open the CPU and remove it from its packaging. Be very conscientious when handling the CPU — both the CPU and the CPU socket are extremely susceptible to physical harm. Concord the CPU on the edges — never impact the pins on the bottom of the flake, considering your fingers can add dust or oil, and try not to touch the pinnacle of the fleck either.

In one corner of the CPU, you'll see an arrow. Line this arrow up with the pointer on the socket, and gently identify the CPU onto the socket. Once the CPU has beengentlyseated, yous can lower the retention lever down and button it back into place. Lowering the lever may require some force, merely seating the CPU will non!

Pro-tip: You do not need to remove the plastic cap — when y'all install the CPU, the tension of the installation will cause the cap to pop off. If y'all try to remove the cap yourself, y'all could cease up hitting and damaging the fragile pins underneath.

Pro-tip: The CPU only fits one way, and does not require any strength to be seated. Y'all can gently motility the CPU to seat it, but do not jostle, push, snap, or otherwise try to force the CPU into the socket.

STEP 2: (OPTIONAL) INSTALL K.2 SSDs

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

If you desire to install an M.ii SSD, now is a proficient time to do so. First, find the 1000.two slot on your motherboard. It'southward a pocket-sized, horizontal slot with a tiny screw across from information technology. If you tin't notice it, if yous detect multiple Thousand.2 slots, or if you are planning on installing more than one Thou.2 SSD, consult the user transmission that came with your motherboard.

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

Slide the G.ii SSD gently into the slot. When it'southward fully seated, it will stand up off the motherboard about a 35-degree angle. Push the SSD down and replace the tiny screw to lock it in place.

Pro-tip: Installing a M.ii SSD may limit other storage configurations (especially SATA-based and PCIe* AIC storage), then consult your motherboard'southward user manual while planning storage.

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

STEP three: INSTALL CPU COOLING

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

There are unlike types of CPU coolers. For exact installation instructions, we recommend y'all consult the transmission that came with your CPU cooler.

Some coolers require a mounting subclass. The motherboard may have a bracket pre-installed; yous may demand to remove this bracket if your cooler doesn't need a bracket, or replace this bracket if your cooler uses a unlike bracket. Do this before putting the motherboard within the case.

Some coolers come up with thermal paste pre-applied to the conductive textile (which sits on the CPU) and some coolers practice not. If your libation does not have pre-applied thermal paste, y'all will need to manually utilize thermal paste before y'all seat the cooler. To utilize thermal paste, clasp a minor dot (no larger than a grain of rice) onto the center of the CPU. Then, place the cooler on the CPU — the pressure will spread the thermal paste fairly.

Pro-tip: The first clasp of thermal paste should exist onto a slice of scrap paper, just in case a large glob accidentally comes out.

Pro-tip: If your cooler has pre-applied thermal paste and you want to use a different thermal paste, you can remove the thermal paste with 90% isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free textile — we recommend an automotive-grade paper towel.

Pro-tip: When attaching the cooler to the motherboard, tighten the screws in a cantankerous blueprint to ensure evenly-distributed pressure level. If you become confused, this procedure will likely exist described in detail in your manual.

Troubleshooting: If you mess up the installation, don't panic. Clean off the thermal paste (from both the CPU oestrus spreader and the libation) and re-apply, then install once again.

STEP four: INSTALL Retention (RAM)

Parts/tools: Motherboard, RAM, motherboard user manual

Determine how many RAM slots your motherboard has (nigh have either ii or four). If y'all're going to fill all available RAM slots, only snap the RAM into identify. If you're non going to fill all of the RAM slots, consult the user manual to detect the correct configuration and populate the RAM slots accordingly.

Pro-tip: The notch between the gold fingers is not centered. Make certain you're aligning the RAM correctly using this notch to make up one's mind which side is up versus down.

Troubleshooting: While RAM is relatively easy to snap into place, information technology doesn't always snap in perfectly the first fourth dimension. If you effort to turn your PC on and information technology doesn't plow on, the first thing you should practice is re-seat the RAM. Some motherboards accept a captive tab (one you don't accept to motility) that helps with installation. All motherboards take at least one tab that does motility — usually, it will snap into place and attach onto an indent on the side of the RAM.

STEP five: (OPTIONAL) DO A TEST RUN Outside THE CASE

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

At present that you've installed the CPU and the CPU libation, you may want to perform a quick examination run of your components but to brand sure they all piece of work. This examination is much more than difficult to perform (and troubleshoot) once everything is installed in the chassis. To do this, install GPU and connect everything to the ability supply (if you lot don't know how to install the GPU, run into section below). Brand sure the power supply is continued to the motherboard (both CPU 8pin and 24pin) and GPU, then plug it in and turn information technology on.

Some college-finish motherboards take power buttons, merely many do non. If y'all don't see a power button, locate the power switch pins — small pairs of prongs sticking out of colorful nodules. The power switch pins may be labeled (something like "PWR_ON"). To turn the motherboard on, employ a screwdriver to tap both power switch pins at once.

You should now be able to tell if whatever of your components are dead or otherwise malfunctioning. If your motherboard is blinking lights or beeping at you, it's probably trying to tell you something. Some motherboards have a mail service code display (2 digits) to assistance you identify what the trouble is. To figure out what it's trying to tell you, consult your user manual. If your motherboard has no post code display, connect a brandish to the GPU and meet if your system "posts" or starts up and displays the motherboard's logo.

When you are finished with the examination run, turn off the ability supply and await for any LEDs on the motherboard to become nighttime to ensure there's no residual power in the organization. Then, uninstall the GPU and unplug all power cables before proceeding with the next step.

STEP 6: Mountain POWER SUPPLY

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

Unpack the PSU (or unplug it from the components if you lot opted for a test run) and set its cables aside (if you can).

Have a wait at your example 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 example has a vent on the bottom, you can mount the PSU upside downwardly, so long every bit the bottom vent will receive decent airflow when the PC is finished.

If your case has no vents, mountain the PSU so the fan is facing up (into the case) and make certain it has enough clearance.

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

If you're using a non-modular or semi-modular power supply, at present is the time to run the fastened cables through the case to where they'll demand to stop up (make use of cablevision direction features if your case has them).

STEP seven: INSTALL MOTHERBOARD

Parts/tools: Case, motherboard, I/O shield (if not attached to the motherboard), Phillips #ii screwdriver, screws, motherboard user manual

If your motherboard came with an unattached I/O shield — a rectangular canvas of metal with cutouts for the motherboard's ports — you should first snap it into place in the back of your instance (make certain it'south oriented correctly). I/O shields usually accept sharp edges, and then sentinel your fingers.

Once the I/O shield is in place, you lot tin install the motherboard. Double-check to make sure your cables are all threaded through to the correct place, and so place the motherboard (align it with the I/O shield, first). Using a Phillips #two screwdriver, mount the first screw — the heart screw — to hold the motherboard in place. Make sure y'all do non elevate your motherboard across the standoffs attached to the chassis.

The number of screws you will need to mount the motherboard volition vary based on the board, but a full-size ATX motherboard commonly takes 9 screws. Fill all available spiral holes.

Connect the power supply to the motherboard. In that location are two main connections — an 8-pin CPU connector toward the tiptop of the board and a 24-pin connector from the side.

Pro-tip: Earlier you mount the motherboard, bank check to make sure the case has motherboard standoffs installed. These usually await like a nut with threading on the finish. Do not insert unnecessary standoffs.

Stride 8: INSTALL GPU

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

Find the PCIe* x16 slot on your motherboard. Information technology will be the longest PCIe* slot and may exist a unlike color than the others. If your motherboard has more than than 1 PCIe* x16 slot, check the user manual to see if one slot needs to be prioritized. If any slot tin can be used, determine which slot you'll be using based on where other components are placed — you desire your GPU to have some breathing room.

Depending on your case, you may need to remove I/O covers (small metal tabs blocking the dorsum panel of your case) to suit your GPU's I/O (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, etc.) and make it accessible to the exterior of the chassis.

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

In one case the GPU is fully seated, secure it to the back of the instance using one or two screws. If your GPU requires auxiliary power connectors, connect information technology to the ability supply.

STEP 9: INSTALL STORAGE

Parts/tools: Motherboard, SSDs, HDDs, Phillips #2 screwdriver, screws, case/chassis user transmission

Firstly, inspect your case. Every example is a trivial dissimilar when it comes to drive bays.

You should be able to find a stack of bays in different sizes somewhere inside your case. They may have little plastic switches, in which example they are tool-complimentary bays, or they may but expect similar metallic brackets.

Storage generally comes in ii sizes, 2.v-inch (HDDs and SSDs) and 3.5-inch (HDDs). Most three.5-inch bays can accept 2.5-inch drives, but not vice versa (some 3.5-inch bays volition have trays that aren't designed for 2.5-inch drives, but they tin can still fit 2.five-inch trophy). You may likewise see larger trophy in your case — these are for larger drives such as optical drives and are usually located in the front of the case, nearly the peak.

If you have tool-free bays, each bay volition have its own plastic lever or switch. Open up or unlock the lever or switch and you should be able to pull out the tray. Identify your drive in the tray — some 3.five-inch trays will be designed to accept 2.5-inch trays. If they are, you'll need to screw the 2.5-inch drive to the 3.5-inch tray so it doesn't motion around.

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

If you don't take tool-free trophy, you'll see a metal subclass (it volition be large, similar a sheet), with slats or holes in it. To put a drive in one of these "trophy," all yous take to do is slide the drive between the metal subclass and the side of your case and screw it into place. Use every bit many screws as the chassis manual recommends, only if you don't have enough screws nearly drives will exist fine with but two screws.

Once your drives are all in place, connect them to the motherboard (using a SATA cable, which should take come up with either your drive or your motherboard) and to the power supply.

Pro-tip: If you lot have trouble finding the bays or figuring out what type of bays your case has, consult your instance's user transmission.

Stride ten: INSTALL OPERATING SYSTEM

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

If you haven't already prepared your operating organization (Bone) on a USB wink drive, now is the time to do so. (See the above department on operating systems under "PREP iii: Select your components" for more details.)

Plug in the USB wink drive that contains your Bone, as well as a monitor, mouse, and keyboard, and turn on your PC.

The first screen y'all meet will tell you to press a key to enter the system setup or BIOS. Press the key to open up BIOS. (If the screen flashes off too quickly for you to run across the key, consult your motherboard's user transmission.)

Start, yous'll want to check to makes sure your components are all installed and being recognized. Notice the page in BIOS that shows your PC'due south system info (different motherboards accept dissimilar BIOS setups, but you should be able to find a screen that gives y'all this information) and bank check to make certain the system is recognizing everything you've installed then far.

Side by side, poke effectually BIOS until you observe the Boot page (may exist called "Kicking Order" or "Boot Priority"). Change the boot order then that your flash drive is first and the drive you want to install your OS on (if you're using an SSD as a boot drive, you lot will want to install the Bone here) is 2d.

Restart your computer. Your computer volition kick from the USB and the OS installer will popular upwardly. Follow the instructions to end the installation.

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

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

Troubleshooting: If the PC turns on only you don't run across anything on the screen, or it doesn't seem to start up, cheque to make sure all cables, especially power cables, are continued.

Pro-tip: If y'all're trying to enter BIOS with your keyboard and it's not working, information technology'due south probably your keyboard that'south not working. Check your peripherals to make sure they're working before you panic.

Troubleshooting: If you have trouble booting to the USB drive, ensure the motherboard is set for the installation blazon you are attempting. Virtually UEFI-enabled platforms will kick to the UEFI partition scheme commencement before attempting Legacy.

IT DOESN'T END HERE

If you've made it all the mode through our guide, congratulations on finishing your build (particularly if this is your first time)! The work, however, doesn't necessarily have to end here.

The all-time thing near building your own gaming PC is that the job is never truly finished. Every bit advancements in hardware go on to emerge, a custom PC'south chapters for customization is nearly limitless, and your own rig can exist equally upward-to-date every bit you desire according to both your needs and budget.

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

Now that y'all know how to build a gaming PC, consider integrating your auto into a fully fledged battlestation. You lot can as well 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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