PC Building Guide

In this guide, I will be going over how to build your own PC. I have been around computers my whole life and have even built my own pc multiple times now throughout the years. The process of picking parts, aesthetics, and building has always been a joy to me. This PC guide will be using a AMD cpu and gpu, as well as a M.2 drive, so keep that in mind in case you are using a older system that may not support these parts. Whether you're building your first PC or just need a refresher, these step-by-step instructions will help you complete a modern build with confidence and clarity!

In this world of PC building, you will come across parts that may or may not be compatible with one another. While it can all be pretty confusing, an easy way of picking parts that are compatible is using a website called www.pcpartpicker.com. This site allows you to search and pick parts based around cost, availability, and most important compatibility. With that being said, a list of all the components and tools needed will be below as well as what I am using. Keep in mind you do not have to use the exact parts I am using, simply ensure your components are compatible with one another.

1. Motherboard (MSI B450 TOMAHAWK ATX AM4)
2. CPU (AMD Ryzen 5 5600)
3. CPU cooler (CRYORIG H7 49 CFM)
4. Graphic card (Radeon RX 6700 XT 12 gb)
5. RAM (DDR4-3200 CL16 2x8GB)
6. M.2 SSD (Samsung 980 Pro w/Heatsink 2TB)
7. Power supply (Corsair CX750 Non-modular)
8. PC case (Fractal Design Focus G ATX Mid Tower)
9. Case fans (IF not include, ID-Cooling XF-12025 ARGB-Trio 120 mm 3-pack)
10. Thermal paste/compound (Any is fine)
11. Screwdriver
12. Cable ties (not needed but helps with cable management)
13. Anti-static wrist strap (not needed but helps)

Before you begin building your PC, please keep the following cautions in mind to protect yourself and your components.

1. Static Electricity Warning - Always ground yourself before handling internal components to avoid damaging them with static electricity otherwise they may break. Use a anti-static or frequently touch a grounded metal object.
2. Component handling - Handle all parts with extreme caution. This is especially for your CPU, motherboard, and GPU, make sure to grab them by the edges otherwise you may accidently hit pins that could break the component.
3. Inserting correctly - May sure all components are probably inserted and secured and properly aligned. Putting these parts in the wrong way or slot can permanently damage them.
4. Make sure to never have the PC plug in to an outlet whenever working on your build.

Set up your build on a flat surface with good lighting.

Gather whatever tool you may need (screwdriver, etc)

Make sure all components are safely moved and placed, do not drop parts.

1. Carefully remove the motherboard from its packaging and place it flat on your surface.
2. Open the CPU socket latch (silver latch on the side) by pulling it to the side and up.
3. Carefully grab your CPU by engages, make sure to not drop or touch anything else.
4. Line up the CPU with the gold triangle on the socket, gently drop the CPU in place, do not force it in.
5. Close the socket latch to secure the CPU in place.

Keep in mind some motherboards may come with a heatsink for your M.2 drive, in which case you will locate and unscrew the heatsink on to be able to install your ssd. In my case, I had to purchase a M.2 with a heatsink on it. Make sure to read and check your motherboard to see if there are any slots and heatsinks for you to use.

1. Locate the M.2 Slot on the MOBO (Motherboard)
2. Slide the M.2 drive into the slot at a slight angle (Around 30 degrees).
3. Gently press it down flat and secure it with the provided screw.
4. In some cases there will be pieces that simply require you rotating to secure the M.2.

1. Open the clips on the side on the RAM slots.
2. Align the notch on your RAM stick with the slot.
3. Firmly press the RAM into place until you hear a click and the clips snap shut.
4. Make sure you are lining it up correctly, it should be firm but not hard to insert. Doing this incorrectly could damage your RAM and/or slots.

1. Make sure to peel the plastic off your CPU cooler prior to mounting.
2. Apply a small amount of thermal paste, in a X shape pattern, to the top of your CPU.
3. Follow your specific CPU cooler instructions for mounting.
4. Plug the cooler's fan cable into the CPU_FAN header on the MOBO

1. Place the PSU into its slot, typically found at the bottom rear.
2. Secure it in place with the appropriate screws.
3. Move cables to the back side of the PC case for cleaner cable management.
4. Plug the 24-pin ATX power cable into the MOBO
5. Connect the 8-pin CPU power cables near the top of the board

1. Check which GPU slot you will use and remove the appropriate expansion slot cover from the rear end of the case. Some motherboards may only have one slot, and in my case we will be using the top slot.
2. Insert your GPU (AMD in my case) into the top PCIe x16 slot on the motherboard, be careful but firm while inserting.
3. Secure it in place with screws in the rear expansion slot.
4. Plug in the PCIe Power cables from the PSU to the GPU.

1. Read your motherboard's manual to know where to connect your front panel pins to. Plug in the front panel conenctions (power switch, reset, LEDs if any) according to your MOBO manual.
2. Connect the USB, HD Audio, and Case Fans to their respective headers on the MOBO.

1. After routing all cables towards the back of your case, you can use zip ties or Velcro straps to neatly organize and group cables.
2. Make sure airflow is not blocked by any loose wires, as it could effect performance.

1. Boot up your pc and open up the BIOS (depending on what your screen says it differs for everyone). Ensure all components are recognized
2. Insert a USB drive with your OS installer (In this case Windows)
3. Follow the instructions to complete OS installation.
4. Once in, install and update drivers.

Building your own PC may seem complex at first, but with patience and attention to detail, it becomes a highly rewarding and educational experience. Following these steps ensures your system is assembled correctly and ready for performance, gaming, or productivity!