DIY: A PC building guide

Forget the pre-built rigs and store-bought laptops. Ever dreamed of crafting your own desktop PC? It is easier than you think. 

All you need is a screwdriver and a knack for following instructions. Think of it like putting together IKEA furniture, but with way more customisation. Instead of a bland bookcase, you are building a high-performance machine tailored to your exact needs. It is a rewarding journey that lets you choose every piece of the puzzle and make it truly yours.

But building a PC is a wild ride with endless possibilities. No single guide can cover every twist and turn, but we will tackle the most common hurdles you will encounter in 2024. Whether you are aiming for a high-end beast or a budget-friendly workhorse, this guide will equip you with the essential know-how to confidently assemble your dream machine.

When piecing together your dream PC, the synergy between components is paramount. It is not just about compatibility; the right parts need to work together seamlessly to deliver the performance you desire. So, where do you start? Let us dive in.

The casing

When choosing a PC case, consider size: ATX for large setups, micro-ATX for balanced builds, and mini-ITX for compact builds. Ensure it is compatible with your motherboard size and has room for future upgrades. Prioritise cooling — cases with good airflow and multiple fan or radiator mounts keep components cool.

Check for cable management options like cutouts and tie-down points to keep wires tidy. Look for I/O ports (USB, audio) that match your needs. Finally, choose a style that fits your aesthetic preferences, whether minimalistic, RGB-lit (no, RGB does not boost your FPS), or windowed to showcase components.

The motherboard

PC enthusiasts often swear by choosing the motherboard first. As the heart of your PC, the motherboard dictates compatibility and performance for your other components. It is the foundation upon which your entire build rests.

Navigating the world of motherboards can be complex, but it boils down to three key factors: compatibility with your chosen CPU; the right size and shape (form factor) to fit your case; and the necessary external ports and internal expansion slots for your desired components. 

The motherboard's socket type and chipset are the key factors to consider. These determine which processors are compatible and how you can leverage the platform's full potential. For first-time builders, the relevant sockets are Intel LGA 1700 and AMD AM4/AM5. While AM5 supports the latest Ryzen chips, AM4 remains a budget-friendly option due to its wide range of affordable Ryzen CPUs.

Processor

Your CPU (processor) and motherboard must be compatible. Like motherboards, CPU selection depends on your budget, usage, power consumption, and cooling requirements. The current relevant CPU lines are Intel's 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Core, and AMD's Ryzen 5000 and 7000 series. 

Entry-level chips like Intel's Celeron and Pentium, or AMD's Athlon, have their place but they might not be the optimal choice for a custom PC build. If you are investing the time and effort to assemble your own machine, it is generally advisable to allocate sufficient funds for at least a modest mainstream Core or Ryzen processor. 

RAM 

The type of memory you will need, DDR4 or DDR5, depends on your chosen CPU and motherboard. To maximise performance, look at your motherboard's specifications and select a memory kit that aligns with its peak supported speeds. If you are a performance enthusiast, investing in a high-performance memory kit can significantly boost your system's capabilities. 

The ideal amount of memory depends on your specific needs and budget. For a Windows desktop, 8GB is the absolute minimum, while 16GB or 32GB offers better performance and multitasking capabilities. 

To maximise performance, consider using a pair of matching memory modules to enable dual-channel memory speeds.

Storage

Modern PC builders have a plethora of storage options. But for most new motherboards, the optimal choice is an M.2 solid-state drive (SSD) that leverages the high-speed PCI Express (PCIe) bus. 

These compact M.2 drives not only save space within the chassis but also eliminate cable clutter. As of writing this guide, PCIe 5.0 technology has just arrived in the markets. But in most markets, PCIe 4.0 SSDs are still the pinnacle of performance. They are generally more expensive than PCIe 3.0 drives, which still offer excellent speeds for most users.

Alternatively, you can opt for a traditional hard disk drive (HDD), which offers significantly lower cost per gigabyte compared to SSDs. Although not as fast as SSDs, HDDs are still a viable option for storing large amounts of data, such as movies, games, or personal files. 

Power supply

To determine the appropriate power supply unit (PSU) wattage for your PC, a valuable tool is an online calculator like PCPartPicker. This tool can help you estimate the minimum wattage required based on your chosen CPU and graphics card, which are the primary components that impact power consumption.

And then there are the three varieties of power supplies — modular, semi-modular and non-modular. But for beginners it is best to go for a non-modular PSU as it does not require you to put the wirings in. 

The graphics card

Integrated graphics within modern CPUs are sufficient for everyday tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, and web browsing. But demanding tasks like gaming, content creation, or workstation applications demand the power of a dedicated graphics card with a dedicated GPU.

AMD's Radeon and Nvidia's GeForce are the two leading GPU brands that offer high-end cards. Intel's comparatively newer Arc GPUs also offer a good value on a budget. There are many GPU models in the market — you should choose the one that meets your preference, compatibility, and budget.

You will also need some extra exhaust fans and a CPU cooler. For the CPU cooler it is always a good choice to go for an all-in-one cooler if the setup is power hungry and requires heavy processing. Otherwise, a decent cooler from Deepcool would do just fine.

Bringing it all together

While a mid-sized screwdriver from your junk drawer might be enough, investing in a quality tool kit can smoothen your PC building experience.

The first step is to install the CPU into the Motherboard. Ground yourself before handling the motherboard to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD). Carefully remove the motherboard from its anti-static bag and place it on a soft, non-conductive surface like a towel or mouse pad. You can also use the motherboard box itself as a suitable surface.

Unbox your processor, being cautious not to touch the underside of the chip to avoid contamination, or worse, damaging the pins. Gently lift the chip by its edges and orient it so the arrow on the chip aligns with the arrow on the CPU socket.

Align the notches on the CPU with the corresponding nibs in the socket. Gently lower the CPU into the socket, either parallel to the motherboard or at a 45-degree angle. The CPU should fit snugly without requiring any force. If you encounter resistance, stop and re-align the CPU. 

Some seasoned PC builders prefer to install the remaining components with the motherboard already mounted inside the case, for example, the RAM. This approach can be advantageous, especially for certain chassis designs and component configurations. 

Inspect your RAM sticks for a notch on the edge of the contacts. This notch ensures proper alignment with the keying mechanism in the motherboard's memory slots. Before installing the modules, consult your motherboard's manual to determine the optimal configuration for your specific number of modules. If there are 4 DIMM slots, make sure to use the ones that sit 1 slot away from each other for dual channel benefits.

The DIMM slots on the motherboard typically have levers at one or both ends. Lower the appropriate levers on the slots you will be using. Insert the memory module parallel to the motherboard and press firmly at both ends until it clicks into place. The levers should rise to secure the module in position.

Once you have secured your CPU and RAM, it is time to tackle the storage, power, and graphics components.

First, identify the M.2 Slot. Your motherboard will have one or more M.2 slots, typically located near the CPU socket. Carefully align the M.2 SSD with the slot's keying mechanism. Gently press the SSD into the slot until it clicks into place. A small retention clip will secure the SSD in position. 

If your M.2 SSD does not come with a pre-installed thermal pad, you may need to add one to the back of the SSD to help dissipate heat.

Now the Power Supply Unit (PSU). Ensure your PC case is positioned on a stable surface. Remove the side panel that gives access to the interior. 

Locate the designated PSU mounting points in the case. Secure the PSU using screws provided with the case.

Connecting power cables is crucial. Connect one end to the 24-pin connector on the motherboard. 

CPU power cable (4+4-pin): Connect one end to the CPU power connector on the motherboard. 

Peripheral power cables: Connect these to devices like hard drives, optical drives, and fans. 

And now, the graphics card. Identify the PCIe slot on the motherboard that will accommodate your graphics card. Remove the slot cover.

Align the gold-finger connectors on the graphics card with the PCIe slot. Gently push the card into the slot until it is fully seated.

Use the provided screws to secure the graphics card to the case. Connect the necessary power cables (usually 8-pin or 6+2-pin) from the PSU to the graphics card. Remember, always refer to your specific motherboard and component manuals for detailed instructions and any specific considerations. If you encounter any difficulties, probably seek assistance from a tech-savvy friend, and if you do not have such a friend, well, Google, YouTube and numerous online forums are there.