PC manufacturers use cheap, commodity-grade components, and you probably won’t look inside your PC unless something breaks. Even then, you shouldn’t touch it for at least two years. But if you want to build your PC, you can start with an inexpensive PC kit.
Preparing the motherboard
The first step in preparing the motherboard is to align it correctly in the case. If the motherboard has rear I/O panels, line up the holes on these panels with the motherboard outputs. Next, screw the motherboard in place. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws or risk damaging the motherboard.
Before you begin, read the motherboard’s instructions and follow the installation procedure. Almost all computer components come with instructions. However, the process can be a little intimidating. You may feel as though you are working with a Lego set. Once you have seated the CPU in the motherboard, you can begin to install the rest of the hardware.
After preparing the hardware, you should connect it to the power supply. Once you have done this, the PC should boot up. It should display a post screen and the manufacturer logo. From there, you should proceed to the Windows installation process. Once the installation is complete, you should see the login screen. It may take a few restarts to get to this point. If you receive beeps or error messages while booting the PC, consult the motherboard’s manual to identify the cause of the problem.
Mounting SSD/HDD in PC cases
If you have a new SSD or HDD that you need to mount in your PC case, you need to know how to install it correctly. The easiest way to mount an SSD in a PC case is with a removable mounting bracket. These brackets are typically provided with the case and require a crosshead screwdriver to remove and attach. You can easily buy replacement mounting screws online. Ensure you know the exact size of the holes the SSD will need to be inserted into.
You can mount your SSD directly into a 3.5-inch drive bay if your PC case does not have a drive rail. Some patients even include drive rails and screw-less fittings, making it easy to install your SSD. The best thing to do is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Before you begin, ensure you have the proper power and data cables. You’ll also need to know where to place the power cable. Most cases have a power and data port for 2.5in drives. If you don’t have an issue with one, you can buy a 2.5in mount on the internet. Once you have the support, you can easily place the drive into the PC case.
You’ll need to remove the old hard drive first. Most 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives are already mounted behind the motherboard. To dismiss them, unscrew the screws. The screws are usually made from silicone to reduce sound. Once you have mounted the new drive, you can reconnect the cables to the old one.
Choosing a motherboard
Choosing a motherboard can be one of the most complex parts of building a PC, especially since AMD and Intel have recently launched the new 12th generation of processors. There are now so many options available it’s hard to know where to start. Luckily, several ways to choose a motherboard will allow you to build your PC for cheap.
First, consider the CPU you plan to use. You’ll need a motherboard that supports that CPU and enough memory. Make sure you select a motherboard with four RAM slots. Also, make sure the motherboard has enough SATA ports for the storage devices that you’ll be using.
Another factor to consider is the case size. If you plan to use your new PC for gaming, you’ll want to choose a motherboard that offers PCIe 4.0 support and M.2 slots. Motherboards vary in size, too. Depending on your case size, you might select between ATX, micro ATX, and mini ITX boards.
Motherboards come in many common form factors, including mATX, mini-ITX, and eATX. Mini-ITX motherboards are small and take up less space than full-sized ATX boards. However, they don’t have as many internal expansion slots and ports as their larger counterparts.
Choosing a CPU socket
Choosing a CPU is critical in the PC building process and can make or break the building experience. Several different CPU types and sockets are available, so you need to know which one best suits your needs. You should also consider the form factor and the number of RAM slots. Modern motherboards offer multiple storage options as well.
Before installing a CPU, you must ensure the socket is clean and debris-free. A dirty socket will prevent the CPU from sitting properly, which can lead to significant problems. You should avoid trying to install an older CPU in a backward compatible socket.
Choosing a case
The PC case is the structure that holds all of the internal components of your PC. It is also known as a chassis or enclosure. The motherboard is the connective tissue that connects every other part to it. The processor is the brain of your PC, so it is essential to choose a compatible processor and motherboard.
A good case will allow you to put all your components in place without worrying about them falling out of business. There are many different types of cases available, and many are easy to buy. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing your first case.
One thing to keep in mind when choosing a case is the type of build you want to do. Some patients are more complex than others, so research before buying. For example, you can check out the user reviews of cases similar to those you’re considering.
Choosing a graphics card
Choosing a graphics card can be crucial when building a PC to play games. Modern GPUs tend to come with long feature lists and confusing price tags, which makes choosing a card confusing. The best advice is to decide on a budget before you start shopping. GPUs under $300 are typically a good choice, as they are powerful enough for most modern games, don’t consume a lot of electricity, and should last for a couple of years.
While choosing a graphics card is the most significant decision you’ll make for your gaming PC, it’s essential to remember that the choice of processor will depend mainly on the system requirements of the games you plan to play. An Intel Core i3 is probably adequate for some fun, but others require higher-end CPUs. Some games have specifications in terms of GHz, and you’ll need to keep that in mind when choosing a processor.
Another thing to consider when choosing a graphics card is its memory bandwidth. The higher the memory bandwidth, the more smoothly the games run. GDDR5 memory is a better option than DDR3 memory. In addition to the memory bandwidth, GPUs also feature multiple memory chips. The memory bus width on a single GPU is usually 64 bits. A two-chip GPU has a memory bus width of 128 bits, which means it can handle more data simultaneously.
While choosing a graphics card is not easy, it’s essential for gaming and building PCs. You can find dedicated graphics cards from Nvidia and AMD for as low as $30 or as much as $3,000 if you’re ready to spend more. A dedicated GPU is an excellent way to play your favorite games and improve their quality and performance.
