Gaming PC setup
Building a gaming PC from the ground up is the only surefire way to ensure your system can fulfill all of your personal preferences. When you dictate everything that goes into your PC from the power supply, you know you can play the games you want at the frame rates you want. Plus, a homebuilt PC keeps the door open for upgrades as technology changes, your gaming tastes and needs change, or if your budget allows.
Although building a PC may seem complex, especially if this is your first time working inside a case, you may find that it's easier than you think. This comprehensive step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of building your very own gaming PC, with plenty of tips and tricks from our expert builders along the way.
PREPARATION 1: PC Build Tools
Before you jump into your construction, you need to get some tools. Timely preparation of your materials and workplace will help the construction process go smoothly.
⦁ Workspace. You need a large work surface, e.g. B. a table. Make sure you are standing on a non-carpeted surface to avoid accidental electrostatic discharge (which can damage sensitive components).
⦁ Screwdriver. You'll need a Phillips #2 screwdriver for almost everything. If you're installing an M.2 device, you'll also need a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
⦁ Tip: Magnetic screwdrivers prevent screws from falling into the housing and should not damage components.
⦁ USB stick. You will need an 8GB or larger flash drive to store the installer for the operating system you will be using.
PREP 2: Gaming PC case
Before you start selecting components, you should have a case, or at least a case size, in mind.
The most important thing to consider when choosing a case is where you are going to place the computer.
Your PC's final location will determine how big it can get (or not), and also helps determine if it's worth investing in for various premium case features.You probably don't want to pay for a tempered glass side panel if the computer is going to be hidden under your desk, for example.
cases generally come in three sizes: full-tower, mid-tower, and mini-tower. These are very general categories (case sizes are not standardized across manufacturers) but are based on motherboard size.
PREP 3: Gaming PC Parts
Now it's time to put the components together. This step can be as practical as you like; You can thoroughly research each individual component yourself and create a custom build from scratch, or you can find a ready-made build online and customize it to suit your budget and specific needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you get started:
⦁Budget. We definitely recommend creating a budget before you start choosing components. You can always update individual components later.
⦁ Compatibility. Make a build list before purchasing - all components must be compatible with all other components.
⦁ System Requirements. If you're building this PC because you want to play a specific game, review the recommended system requirements for that game and plan accordingly.
In addition to your case, here are the components you will need to build a gaming PC:
1. central processing unit (CPU)
2. Graphics processor (GPU)
3. Motherboard
4. Memory (RAM)
5. Storage
6. Power supply unit (PSU)
7. System cooling
8. Gaming peripherals
9. Operating system "OS" Assembly
STEP 1: Install CPU
Parts/Tools: Motherboard, CPU
Remove the motherboard from its antistatic bag and place it on your work surface. Locate the CPU socket, which is covered with a protective plastic cap. In a corner of the plastic cap, or more commonly on the connector itself, you will see a small arrow; Notice where that arrow is.
Next to the CPU socket you will see a small metal lever.Push the lever down and gently pull it sideways (away from the connector) to open the connector compartment.
Open the CPU and take it out of the box. Be very careful when handling the CPU as both the CPU and the CPU socket are extremely vulnerable to physical damage. Hold the CPU by the edges; Never touch the pins on the bottom of the chip as your fingers may leave dust or oil on them, nor try to touch the top of the chip.
You will see an arrow in a corner of the CPU.Align this arrow with the arrow on the socket and carefully insert the CPU into the socket.
After the CPU is carefully seated, you can lower the retaining lever and snap it back into place. Pulling the lever down may require some force, but don't put the CPU in!
STEP 2: (Optional) Install M.2 SSD
parts/tools: base plate, M.2 SSD, Phillips #0 screwdriver, motherboard user manual
If you're looking to install an M.2 SSD, now is a good time. First locate the M.2 slot on your motherboard. It's a small horizontal slot with a small screw on the other side.If you can't find it, find multiple M.2 slots, or plan to install more than one M.2 SSD, see the user guide that came with your motherboard.
Use a #0 Phillips screwdriver to remove the small screw. don't lose it
Gently slide the M.2 SSD into the slot. When fully seated, it detaches from the base plate at a 35 degree angle. Push the SSD down and replace the small screw to fix it.
STEP 3: Install the CPU cooler
parts/tools: motherboard with CPU installed, CPU cooler, thermal grease, CPU cooler instructions
There are different types of CPU coolers. For precise installation instructions, we recommend that you consult the manual that came with your CPU cooler.
Some coolers require a mounting bracket. A bracket may be pre-installed on the motherboard. You may need to remove this bracket if your cooler does not require a bracket, or replace this bracket if your cooler uses a different bracket. Do this before inserting the motherboard into the case.
Some coolers come with thermal grease pre-applied to the conductive material (which sits on top of the CPU), while others don't. If your cooler does not have pre-applied thermal grease, you will need to apply it manually before attaching the cooler. To apply thermal paste, press a small dot (no larger than a grain of rice) into the center of the CPU. Then place the cooler on the CPU - the pressure distributes the thermal paste properly.
STEP 4: Install Memory (RAM)
Parts/Tools: Motherboard, RAM, Motherboard User Manual
Determine how many RAM slots your motherboard has (most have two or four).If you want to fill all available RAM slots, just insert the RAM. If you don't fill all RAM slots, refer to your user manual to find the correct setting and fill the RAM slots accordingly.
STEP 5: (Optional) Run a standard test
parts/tools: motherboard with installed CPU and CPU cooler, RAM, GPU, power supply, screwdriver, motherboard user manual, PC monitor (connected to GPU)
After you've installed the CPU and CPU cooler, you might want to run a quick test of your components just to make sure they're all working. This test is much more difficult to perform (and troubleshoot) when everything is installed in the case. To do this, install the GPU and connect everything to power (if you don't know how to install the GPU, see the section below).Make sure the power supply is connected to the motherboard (both 8pin and 24pin CPU) and GPU, then plug it in and turn it on.
STEP 6:Mount the Power Supply
parts/tools: PSU, case, power cord, Phillips #2 screwdriver
Unpack the power supply (or disconnect its components if you have chosen to bump test) and disconnect the cables (if it is a full or semi-modular unit).
Look at your case and figure out where the power supply goes (probably on the bottom near the back) and how to orient it. Ideally, you should orient the PSU so that the fan faces the outside of the case (through a vent). If your case has a vent on the bottom, you can mount the PSU upside down as long as the bottom vent gets adequate airflow when the PC is done.
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If your case doesn't have ventilation holes, mount the PSU with the fan facing up (inside the case) and make sure there is enough clearance.
Secure the power supply to the chassis with the four screws provided.
If you are using a non-modular or semi-modular power supply, now is the time to route the attached cables through the case to where you want them terminated (use the cable management features if your case has them) . ).
STEP 7:Install Motherboard
Parts/Tools: Case, motherboard, I/O Shield (if not attached to motherboard), Phillips #2 screwdriver, screws, motherboard user manual
If your motherboard came with a loose I/O shield, a rectangular sheet of metal with cutouts for motherboard ports, you must first snap it onto the back of your case (make sure it's oriented correctly). ). I/O shields often have sharp edges, so be careful with your fingers.
STEP 8: Install GPU
Parts/Tools: Motherboard, GPU, Phillips #2 Screwdriver, Screws, Motherboard User Manual
Locate the PCIe x16 slot on your motherboard.This is the longest PCIe slot and may be a different color than the others. If your motherboard has more than one PCIe x16 slot, check your user guide to see if you need to prioritize a slot. If a slot can be used, determine which slot to use based on where other components are placed - you want your GPU to have some breathing room.
Depending on your case, you may need to remove the I/O Shields (small metal tabs that block the back of your case) to house and access your GPU I/O (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, etc.) on the exterior of the chassis.
Remove the GPU from its anti-static packaging and carefully align it with both the rear retaining clip and the slot itself, then gently push it into the PCIe x16 slot (you may hear a click). The PCIe tab on the motherboard can be moved to a locked position in case you need to reseat the GPU.
STEP 9: Install Storage
Parts/Tools: Motherboard, SSD, HDD, Phillips #2 Screwdriver, Screws, Case/Chassis User Manual
First examine your case. Each case is slightly different when it comes to drive bays.
Somewhere in your suitcase you should find a stack of ducts of different sizes.They can have little plastic switches, in which case they're tool-less slide-ins, or they look like simple metal clips.
Storage generally comes in two sizes, 2.5 inches (HDD and SSD) and 3.5 inches (HDD). Most 3.5" bays can accommodate 2.5" drives, but not the other way around (some 3.5" drive bays have bays that are not designed for 2.5" drives but still fit into 2.5" drive bays). You may also see larger compartments in your box; These are for larger drives like optical drives and are usually located on the front of the case near the top.
If you have tool-less drawers, each drawer has its own plastic lever or switch. Open or unlock the lever or switch and you should be able to pull the tray out. Place your drive on the tray; Some 3.5" bays are designed to accept 2.5" bays.If this is the case, you will need to screw the 2.5" drive to the 3.5" bay to keep it from moving.
STEP 10:Install Operating System
parts/tools: PC, monitor, mouse, keyboard, operating system stored on USB stick
If you change your operating system (OS) on a USB stick, now is the right time. (See the previous section on operating systems in "PREP 3: Choose Your Components" for more details.)
Plug in the USB flash drive containing your operating system, monitor, mouse and keyboard and turn on your PC.
The first screen you see prompts you to press a key to enter system setup or BIOS. Press the key to open the BIOS. (If the screen flashes too fast to see the key, please refer to your motherboard user manual.)
First, you should verify that all your components have been installed and recognized.Locate the page in the BIOS that shows your PC's system information (different motherboards have different BIOS settings, but you should be able to find a screen that shows you this information) and make sure everything you have previously installed is recognized by the system. .
Next, browse the BIOS until you find the Boot Page (may be called "Boot Order" or "Boot Priority"). Change the boot order so that your USB flash drive is first and the drive where you want to install your operating system (if you are using an SSD as your boot drive, you want to install the operating system here) is second.
Restart your computer. Your computer will boot from the USB and the operating system installer will appear.Follow the instructions to complete the installation
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