THE ULTIMATE BUILDER’S GUIDE
Whether you’re a PC-building veteran who has more machines under their belt than PC Case Gear, an intermediate builder who’s comfortable but has scope for more knowledge, or if you have all the gear but no idea, this guide contains all the tips and tricks to make building a PC an enjoyable experience. If you are reading this, chances are you have a keen interest in PCs, and even if this article isn’t immediately helpful, it will be at some point in the future.
Custom PCs are our true love; they aren’t necessarily cheaper, and certainly aren’t easier than a pre-built plug-and-play machine, but the advantages are significant. The sky is your limit (well, that and your wallet), but you get full control over what goes inside and how you want your PC to perform. Remember: There may be problems along the way, even if you are an old hand, so here are 38 tips to help make your builds go smoothly.
(01) Plan ahead
Before you start getting your sledgehammer out, you need to think about what you want to use your PC for predominantly. Also, for legal reasons, please don’t use a sledgehammer or any large destructive tool for your build – many thanks. Back to what you want; you could be after a PC that is completely productivity-focused for video editing or designing, or maybe you want gaming monster that can run at ludicrous FPS and shatter all other PCs within a 50-mile radius. Even if you just want one for work and the odd bit of Netflix, it’s important to nail down what demands you want to make of your PC, as this determines what parts you need. The difference could even affect which OS you use (that’s right, we’re not just shills for Windows 10). So, make sure you research what makes your ideal PC perform to its best. Also consider where you will put your PC and how you want it to look; will it be on display? Tucked under a desk? Sitting in your living room? Remember: Planning your build always comes first.
(02) Research
The internet is filled with useful information on PC components, hardware specs, reviews, and tutorials to help in your build. Video guides, in particular, give a great insight into how a part functions, looks, and fits inside a build. When finding out what components to get, research similar builds and you’ll eventually get an eye for what makes that system good for its intended purpose. You will likely find a common denominator and from there you can look at how to complement that component with other parts. It is also worth looking on the manufacturer’ websites and through their PDFs for installation advice, and a component compatibility check on pcpartpicker.com wouldn’t go amiss, either. It’s a great place to start virtually piecing together your PC parts. All of this is essential before diving deep into your new rig.
(03) Bare essentials
When building a new PC, the place to start is the case; we always recommend this. Take a good look around, making sure everything is as it should be, and strip it all down. Remove any side panels, dust shields, and windows. To help with airflow and cable management, it’s best to remove any hard drive cages and
