How to build your own PC in 2021 — the right way. How to build the best computer

If you’re looking for the best gaming experience, the GPU may be the most expensive component you’ll buy, but you won’t want to skimp here, especially if you’re looking to tackle higher resolutions and stakes-framed games.

How to build your own PC in 2021 — the right way

source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Headquarters

Building a PC remains a daunting endeavor for many, but it doesn’t have to be. Even if you haven’t picked up your screwdriver yet and knocked off a few components, this comprehensive guide will make you a PC master in no time. Thanks to this, we will also save money.

Building your own PC:

source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Headquarters

The most important element to be done is selecting the parts that do what you want and working together. Selecting the wrong or incompatible parts for your computer may cause problems, damage other components, or take time to return these products to retailers. In short, we’re going to need a case, processor (CPU), graphics card (GPU), RAM, power supply (PSU), motherboard, cabling, and some memory to complete our hull checklist.

Looking inside a computer case can reveal a mess of electronics to someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing. We can help you choose the right parts even if you don’t know the difference between CPU and GPU. Check out our top guides for each component, then check for incompatibilities using our quick checklist below.

Products used in this guide

Compatibility

source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Headquarters

Here’s what you need to build a computer:

• Casing: Cases come in a variety of shapes depending on the size of the computer you want to build. Overall less important.
• PSU: This is what converts AC to DC from a household outlet into components. It needs to deliver sufficiently stable power (500W is usually a good place to start).
• CPU: You can choose from AMD and Intel for desktop processors. Please see our top guide and make a note of the sockets you use, as you need to align the socket with your motherboard.
• Motherboard: The motherboard just needs to fit the same type of CPU socket. Chipset and other features are subject to price and preferences.
• RAM: Faster frequencies and lower latencies generally mean better RAM, but you need to make sure your motherboard can handle the same clock frequency otherwise it will be limited. Most new boards support DDR4 or DDR5. DDR4-3200 or DDR5-4800 is a safe bet for most CPUs.
• Storage: It comes down entirely to personal requirements, although we always recommend an SSD for operating system installation.
• GPU: This is optional and really only needed if you plan to play or work hard. In that case, spend as much as you can.

But wait! Even after double and triple checking that everything is going well, it is recommended to use an automated tool that checks the entered components against the database to confirm that there are no conflicts. It’s worth visiting PC Part Picker, enter all the components, and then check everything.

The website not only lets you compare the other options available – potentially allowing you to save even more – but also alerts you to any problems it detects. After a few PC builds, you will be able to tell the difference between the components by simply looking at the specs and streamlining the process without going through such websites.

All the products in this guide are compatible with each other, so if you’re in the mood to build yourself a capable gaming PC, follow our recommendations as you browse through the guide.

Once your CPU has an integrated graphics chip (such as the Intel i9 10900K processor), you can connect the monitor to the graphics card on the motherboard. The thing with integrated GPUs, however, is that their performance is very limited.

The Best $1500 Gaming PC Builds for 2022

Are you looking for a really high-end gaming PC? If you’re interested in building a high-end gaming PC, you should probably start with a budget of $ 1,500. These builds typically include hardware geared towards higher resolution gameplay at high FPS.

Are you considering playing at 1400p? How about gaming in 4K? Then these gaming computers are for you.

1. CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

* Costs have dropped making it a very strong competitor to its competitor Intel i5 -11600K

• AMD’s fastest 6-core mid-range desktop processor with 12 processing threads
• It can provide elite 100+ FPS performance in the most popular games in the world
• Comes with quiet, efficient AMD Wraith Stealth cooling
• 4.6GHz Max Boost, Unlocked for Overclocking, 35MB Cache, DDR-3200 Support
• For the advanced platform, Socket AM4 can support PCIe 4.0 on X570 and B550 motherboards

Amazon price: $ 289.99

Do you want a compact case that is easy to build inside your computer and looks amazing? This is what the Lian Li offers with the PC-O11 Dynamic, designed in collaboration with DER8AUER.

Putting Together Your PC

Once you have everything ready, it’s time to start building.

This is the part that can intimidate many people, but when you get started you will see that these components are designed to be easily assembled. As long as you do your research and you know everything is compatible, it really is like putting together a fancy Lego set.

This video will guide you through the process:

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind first.

Installing Memory (RAM)

Memory is one of the simpler components to install. Start by opening up the two tabs on either side of the RAM slot in the motherboard slot. Please refer to the memory guide to verify that you are installing with the correct orientation. Once the RAM module is aligned with the slot, simply push it in until you hear a click, then make sure the tabs are closed. Repeat these steps for each additional memory.

Depending on the case, it will be easier to do this before installing the motherboard in the case.

Installing the CPU

Most processors today do not have pins as the connector pins are usually located on the motherboard. That’s great because damaging an expensive CPU is much worse than the (usually) cheaper motherboard.

The process may vary slightly depending on the CPU and motherboard, but usually the installation follows a similar pattern.

Start by unlocking the CPU bar. Then open the processor door, place the processor in the correct direction (the arrows on both will help you align them), close the door and lock the stick. Mounting the heat sink is also hardware dependent, but typically connects through the four holes closest to the processor socket. This is usually done with screws or plastic locking / twisting pins. Remember to use a reasonable amount of thermal paste when assembling the heat sink; an amount about the size of a pea is a good reference.

Also, be sure to connect the CPU fan to the motherboard so that it has the power it needs to run. The exact process should be clearly stated in the instructions that came with the refrigerator.

Again, installing the CPU and CPU cooler is best done before putting the motherboard into the case to keep things as simple as possible.

Preparing Your Case

The first step in positioning the motherboard in your case is installing spacers. Brackets are small brass spacers that fit into the screw holes on the motherboard and prevent metal from touching on the motherboard in the case. Make sure you install them where the screw holes are in the case, and refer to the case’s user manual if it’s not obvious where these holes are.

Your motherboard will ship with a shield called an I / O shield. This cover should be placed on all external connections that are visible from the outside of the housing. Make sure you position it correctly and snap it into place. This step is easy to forget and it can be difficult to go back to the installation, so remember the first time.

Installing the Motherboard

Fire It Up

Once everything is plugged in and looks the way you want it, it’s time to plug in the power adapter, press the power button, and turn on your new computer. If everything is properly connected, you should see the motherboard BIOS screen.

The final step is to install the operating system of your choice and start using your new computer!

Error Messages

If everything goes wrong the first time, don’t panic, it happens to the best of us. It’s almost always an easy solution.

Fortunately, your PC will often tell you what’s wrong, be it in the BIOS menu or through an error message from the motherboard. This is where your research comes in handy as any bug you come across will likely be encountered and resolved by someone else.

We’ve put together a handy guide to five common computer problems and how to fix them, so take a look at this before you spend too much time researching.

You’re almost there, but nothing will work until you get the drivers. Go to the manufacturer’s website, download and install. Whitson Gordon

Processor (CPU)

A processor is connected to the motherboard socket. Each type of processor has a specific socket that has a name like 2066, LGA1200, AM4, TR4, etc., and the motherboard will need the exact same socket to be compatible with the processor.

This is usually the first step in selecting new parts to build your own computer. Select a CPU, check what socket it has, and then select a compatible motherboard.

Continue from there.

image source: AMD / Intel

The processor is the central processing unit of a computer, and without it, nothing really works.

Almost everything you do on your computer will have to be somehow computed by the processor, so having a fast processor (high clocks and a large number of cores) will make your computer faster.

Go to the Custom PC-Builder Tool to find the correct processor and computer parts for the type of computer you want to build.

If you have any questions, don’t forget to visit our forum full of PC enthusiasts and experts!

CPU Cooler

Anything that consumes power also generates heat, and the CPU generates a lot of heat.

This means it needs to be chilled for it to work flawlessly. What do we need to cool the CPU? CPU cooler! 🙂

Some processors, such as the AMD Ryzen Series (e.g the 3900X / 5600X) already have CPU-Coolers included in the CPU Box, but many others, such as the popular Intel i9 12900K, do not.

Make sure you have a CPU cooler that is compatible with your CPU and socket. It’s the same as with the motherboard and CPU socket. The cooler must match the CPU and socket.

Example: Are you planning to purchase an AM4 processor like the AMD Ryzen 5900X? You also need an AM4 motherboard and an AM4 compatible CPU cooler. It’s easy!

Air-cooled CPU cooler Tower, Image source: bequiet

There are two common types of CPU cooling. One is air-cooled tower cooling (seen in the image above) and the other is AIO closed-loop water-loop CPU cooler.

AIO Closed Waterloop Coolers are usually better at cooling overclocked CPUs and CPUs that are hot for long periods of time.

However, AIO devices can be louder (they usually have more fans and additional pump noise) and need more space in the computer case because they are attached to the side of the case, connected to the CPU with water pipes. You can check out our AIO VS Air Cooler Guide to learn more.

The air-cooled CPU cooler in the tower case is great for cooling short periods of performance, is nice and quiet, and usually takes up less space in the case. It is simply placed on top of the CPU where it sits and takes care of cooling.

As different processors come in different sizes and are mounted in different sockets, make sure the Cooler is compatible with the type of processor you will receive.

Many CPU coolers come with different mounting brackets for added compatibility

If you are not sure how much power your current or future computer actually needs, go to the power calculator, which tells you exactly how much you need.

Make your upgrades and install Windows

Once you have your hardware in hand – remember that patience is a virtue if you want the best price possible – it’s time to build your PC. We’ve already covered how to build a personal computer in this guide, so I won’t be holding your hand every step of the way, but I’ll point out a few things you might want to pay attention to with office computers similar to Optiplex computers.

Let’s stop the hardware (hardware). Whitson Gordon

I ended up getting a $ 50 Dell Optiplex 9010 with an Intel Core i5-3470 processor, 4GB of RAM and no hard drive. I added the GTX 750 Ti I got for $ 30 and the SSD I got for free from a friend who was driving out of town – although let’s say I paid $ 20 for a fair comparison. This comes out at $ 100, even for my final setup – although again, I’d recommend a bit more RAM and a new power supply if you’ve got an extra $ 50 to spare.

My Optiplex was decently clean, although I did check the box once again with some rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth, especially where there was a residual sticker left in the front. (Be careful not to remove the Windows license sticker though.) I also took off the side panel, threw out a few bunnies with a dust blower, and gently wiped the fans with a dry cloth. If you have an electric duster, so much the better. (Canned air works too, though it’s terrible for the environment, so I wouldn’t recommend it.)

Fans tend to accumulate a lot of dust and are usually rough. Give him some love and care by cleaning him up. Whitson Gordon

If you have a new power supply, you’ll want to install it before any other hardware. Remove the four screws surrounding the power cable on the back of the computer, disconnect all rainbow cables from the motherboard and hard drive (if applicable), and replace with a new one.

Next, grab the hard drive or SSD and insert the SATA cable along with the SATA power cable from the power supply. I use an SSD, so I just let it hang where the DVD drive used to be, but if you’re using a traditional hard drive you’ll want to screw it into the hard drive bay and slide it into the cage. (Strangely, my particular Optiplex didn’t ship with a blue can but is available on eBay for $ 4.)

If you’re using a hard drive, don’t leave it hanging – you’ll want to attach it to the caddy with a few screws. Whitson Gordon

Lastly, put your graphics card into the top PCIe slot on your motherboard, making sure it’s seated firmly, and – if you’ve purchased additional RAM – put it in an empty slot. Remember that RAM needs to be in the correct slot in order to work, so check your computer manual if you’re not sure which slot to use – you can usually find it on the manufacturer’s website like Dell.com.

Yes, it can all look a little intimidating. If you need help, search the Internet for your computer’s instruction manual. Whitson Gordon

You can also sort the best components for your hardware based on budget, main game you’re going to play, and other parameters. Once you’ve entered all the filters, you’ll get some recommended builds. Users can further customize their units by adding RGB lighting, cooling, color schemes and other accessories.

Tools You Need To Build A PC

As you can imagine, building a gaming PC takes a lot of components. While some are fairly obvious, there are others that you may have never heard of before. This is especially true if you are a complete newbie to the inner workings of your computer!

So what do you need to build a computer? Here, we walk you through all the components you need, as well as the tools and hardware required to properly assemble your gaming PC.

Tools & Accessories

Setting up your workplace and making sure you have the right tools for the job is a critical part of building a gaming PC. Organization is key here. Think of yourself as a computer surgeon who always has everything he needs at hand.

So you will need the following tools:

• Working station
• screwdriver
• Latex gloves
• Antistatic bracelet
• Compressed air
• Organization buckets

Workstation

Start by assigning yourself a clean, transparent workspace. It does not have to be a drastic setup in a temperature controlled environment or walls covered with plastic wrap. Simply in a place where you can work without restrictions and without interruptions.

Make sure your workplace has plenty of light so that you can correctly see the more complex work that you will be doing. It is also a good idea to put an antistatic mat on the work area before starting assembly, as this will prevent electrostatic discharge from damaging sensitive computer components.

Screwdriver

a screwdriver will be your most needed tool during the entire construction process. However, it’s a good idea to have a variety of screwdrivers in your tool kit that vary in length, size, and head shape.

Screwdrivers come in many different shapes and sizes, but some of the most common you’ll need to assemble your gaming PC are:

• Phillips (cross) screwdrivers
• Flat screwdrivers
• Pozidriv screwdrivers
• Torx screwdrivers
• Three-point screwdrivers

Attempting to install any components with a screwdriver that does not fit the screw may result in the computer hardware not being attached securely enough. It can also damage the screw head itself, making hardware removal much more difficult than necessary. If you don’t have a Phillips screwdriver nearby, we recommend the ingenious iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit. That’s more than enough to get you started on your first computer build, including the required Phillips bits and a handy anti-static strap.

Gloves

Keeping all components free from fingerprints and microscopic dirt while assembling your computer is also essential. The best way to do this is to wear a pair of gloves. They also provide better grip for small screws, reducing the risk of dropping them.

However, you need to make sure the gloves are antistatic. Some materials, such as latex, can create a static charge that can damage computer components. White cotton gloves will work best, because they do not create electrostatic charges.

Antistatic Bracelet

In addition to making sure the gloves are antistatic, it’s also a good idea to wear an antistatic bracelet during the building process. This will prevent static electricity generated by the body from damaging sensitive hardware components.

What Do You Need To Build A PC?

To build a personal computer, you will need components and a small number of tools. First, when selecting the parts to build your PC, make sure all the parts are compatible with each other (CPU, RAM, motherboard) as the last thing you need to find is the CPU bottleneck in the rest of the system.

You have your workspace set up and you know what size you need. Now it’s time to find out what hardware and components you need to bring your gaming PC to life. This is where things get a bit more technical. However, knowing what all these components do on your gaming PC and what their acronyms mean will make building your PC a lot less daunting.

We’ll go over each of them below and give you a bit more detail about what each of them does, while also trying to keep as little jargon as possible.

PC Toolkit Note

If you don’t have a Phillips screwdriver nearby, we recommend the ingenious iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit. That’s more than enough to get started on your first computer build, including the required Phillips bits and a handy anti-static strap.

Processor (CPU)

The processor or central processing unit is basically the “brain” of any computer. The processor is considered to be the second most important component of a gaming PC after the graphics card, but the most important in content creation. The processor carries out instructions and is a crucial part of any computer.

The three most important things to know about a CPU are its clock speed, cores, and threads.

Clock speed is a measure of the processing speed in gigahertz (GHz) and it refers to the number of cycles that the core takes every second. Each processor is made up of cores and threads, with the cores typically assigned to different tasks on the system. Moreover, modern processors tend to have multiple cores, allowing them to efficiently multitask. The processor will also be equipped with threads, which are essentially a virtual version of the processor core. Threads can only do one task at a time and correspond to the cores, but if you see a processor with twice the number of threads per cores, this is a so-called “multi-threaded” processor. A multi-threaded processor allows two programs to run simultaneously on a single processor core, as long as they are not of the same type of instruction.

Clock speed and number of cores are really direct measures of performance only with CPUs of the same generation, as the underlying architectures that make up the processor are constantly evolving and improving.

To ensure you get the best performance and future-proof your setup, you’ll always want to buy the most modern CPU your budget can afford.

Intel processors are widely known for their high single-core performance, which means they have always been considered the best gaming processors. While this is true, this is not a factor that should influence your purchasing decision specifically for games as Intel CPU prices are heavily criticized for inflated prices.

Gaming PCs are made up of exactly the same parts as PCs, and aren’t necessarily made for gaming – that’s why this article and the list above are also about buying parts for your gaming PCs.

Falcon Northwest

Falcon Northwest is one of the industry’s oldest websites dedicated to building custom personal computers and laptops. They offer aesthetics (custom painted housings) as well as customization of the hardware configuration. The only downside to Falcon Northwest is that they don’t offer any PC or laptop financing options. You have to use a credit card if you want to buy a laptop on EMI.

• Specialty: gaming and workstation desktops
• Offer: customizable prefabricated PCs – choose your computer build and customize parts to your preferences
• Cost: Prices from 3500,200
• Features: Custom builds of computers depending on the specific needs of customers
• Warranty: three years for system parts and labor
• Distribution: international

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do these websites build the PC for you if you choose your own components?

Yes! All you need to do is select the computer version you want and modify the parts according to your preferences and they will build it for you.

2. Is it necessary to check the compatibility of the PC parts before you build your PC?

The motherboard is the main star when it comes to compatibility issues. Before you make any purchasing decisions and build a computer that won’t boot, check and ensure parts compatibility.

3. Do you really need to purchase an extended warranty?

The standard warranty for structures and parts is one to three years. You save yourself extra costs by not buying an extended warranty.

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Princess is a freelance writer living in Croatia. She worked as an English teacher in Hokkaido, Japan, before finally turning her career into content writing and copywriting, running her own digital marketing company in Europe. For 5 years, she has written many articles and websites on various niches such as technology, finance, digital marketing, etc. The princess loves to play FPS games, watch anime and sing.