How to Build a Gaming or Basic Computer (All Components)

So you want to know how to build a computer? In these Instructables I will teach you how to build a basic desktop computer. Here are the parts required:

• PC Case
• Motherboard (Make sure it is PGA if AMD and LGA if Intel)
• CPU Cooler
• Case Fans
• Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• Hard drive or SSD or NVME M.2
• Processor (CPU)
• Graphics Card (Optional depending on the processor if it has integrated graphics)
• Memory (Ram)
• Fan Hub or Molex to 4 fan connections (Usually needed if more then 1 case fan)
• Thermal Paste

Note: Intel is LGA and AMD is PGA

PGA stands for Pin-Grid-Array

Intel stands for Lan-Grid-Arrary

Unbox all of your parts and connect your anti-static wrist band to your power supply that is plugged in but not switched on or connect it to your anti-static mat.

Some cases come with the correct standoff screws. These standoff screws hold your motherboard in place so it is not touching on the metal. Place your IO Shield to the case until it snaps in. Then place the motherboard onto the standoff anchors and screw down your motherboard through the small holes with standoff screws.

To install your case fans lets put the fan into your case where the designed fan spots are. The side of the fan that the sticker is on usually in the middle of the fan is the out-take of the fan and the other said is the in-take. Simply screw the fan to the case using the screws shown. now get the fan connecter and connect one to the pins labeled "Sys Fan" on the motherboard or similar to that as long as it is not CPU Fan. You can also connect your fans to a connector called Molex which is shown.

You can now grab your power supply. With your power supply in hand slide it into the case and screw the 4 designed screws in to hold it in place.

Now we can do your processor, hold your processor by the edges, and depending on your CPU make sure not to touch the small gold pins if there are no pins still hold the CPU (Central Processing Unit) by the sides. Look for the gold triangle on the processor and the small triangle on the motherboard socket. Lift up the small handle to a 90-degree angle. Now slowly place down your processor onto the socket but make sure the triangles are lined up and make sure to NOT use any force while setting your CPU down onto the socket. This is called Zero Insertion Force or ZIF.

We can now install your CPU Cooler, If this is your first time you will most likely be using a fan and not an AIO or All in one cooler. First, let's apply the thermal paste to your CPU. Slowly push out the thermal paste in the syringe onto the CPU applying a pea-sized dot in the middle of the CPU. To install the cooler line the brackets on your motherboard for your cooler and make sure your cooler goes into place and goes down flat on the CPU. Also, make sure to push the clip down to lock it into place. Now connect the CPU fan cable to the pins listed "CPU Fan" or similar to that on your motherboard as long as it is not the "Sys Fan" connector.

If you do have an AIO Make sure to install your radiator just as if you were installing a fan. (See step 3 for fan install)

Pick up your ram, look at your motherboard and push down on the small ram clips usually next to your CPU. Line up the notches in the small slot and push your ram down until you hear the click into place.

Now look at your motherboard and find your case connectors for USB, power, reset, and LEDs. First, connect your USB to the USB1 or USB 2 pins depending on your case. Then there will be a small picture showing where to connect power, reset, LEDs, etc. Connect those accordingly

Now hold your 4 pin connector for your CPU, connect the 4 pin connection where the cable is labeled "CPU" to your motherboard, and connect your 24 pin connector to the motherboard.

Note: Some processors will use 8 pin connectors for your CPU and not 4 pins, read the processor manual to find out which it is. For the 8 pin connector, it is 2, 4 pin connectors put together, to do that they snap together or apart.

We can do your graphics card now! That is if you have one. There will be another small clip to push down on depending on your motherboard. Hold your graphics card and push down into the PCIe and wait for the click while pushing down. Depending on your graphics card you could have to plug a cable into that too. Some graphics cards you don't need to plug in because power goes through the PCIe. Those 6 pins and 4 pin connections will be pre-installed with your power supply if needed to plug in your graphics card.

Note: With all graphics cards make sure it lines up correctly with the PCIe slot.

Put your hard drive into the slot and lock it into place with screws. First, connect your SATA connect and make sure the keyed connection in lined up to the hard drive or SSD then connect it to your sata1 connection on your motherboard.

If you have an NVME M.2 check step 11

Let's see if your computer powers on disconnect your anti-static wrist band and flip the switch on your power supply and press the power button on your case! Make sure you hear a boot beep if you do not plug your computer into a monitor and check for display, if you have a display you are good! Multiple beeps is a memory error or a Cpu Error. Or if your computer doesn't start it could be the same issue. Repeat steps 7,10 and resit or take out your CPU and cooler and put it back making sure to not apply any pressure while setting the CPU down.

If you have an NVME M.2 this will also be on your motherboard you may have to unscrew 1 screw that will remove a small shield on your motherboard where you push your NVME M.2 into place and screw it down making sure it is all straight. As well make sure if thermal pads are on the underside of the shield and make sure they line up with the NVME M.2.