Building a gaming PC from scratch has become a popular pastime for many gamers. It is a great way to get involved in the gaming community and also allows for a great deal of personalization. Here are some steps on how to build your own gaming PC step by step in 2020.
Firstly, decide what components you need for your gaming computer. You’ll need a motherboard, processor, video card, memory, power supply, storage, case, and a cooling system. There are options available for all these components depending on your budget and the games you want to play. Research the best options available and decide what type of components will suit your needs.
Next, purchase all the components you need. Make sure to order the correct parts, as compatibility is essential when building a computer. If you choose to buy used parts, make sure they have been tested and are working properly. Consider a warranty if available.
Thirdly, organize all the parts before the build begins. Double-check your parts list to make sure all the correct components are there and then lay them out in an orderly fashion. This is important to make sure the components fit correctly and don’t block any connectors or ports.
Fourthly, choose a platform for your gaming PC. Some of the most popular are Windows, Mac OS, or Linux. You can either install the OS from a disk or download the OS from the manufacturer’s website.
Fifthly, install all the components. Make sure to install the components according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pay attention to the processor, memory, and video card placement for optimal performance.
Lastly, connect the power supply and boot up the computer. Additional software and drivers may need to be installed and updated, so make sure to check for this as well. After everything is running, test the computer’s performance and make sure everything is working properly.
Cooling System
The cooling system plays an important role in preventing hardware components from getting too hot. A liquid cooling system is ideal as it is more efficient at pulling heat away from the components. Air cooling systems are also available, however they usually require more maintenance.
When choosing a cooling system, make sure to pay attention to the size and compatibility of the components. You’ll want to make sure the water cooling system is the proper size for your case and the components. Additionally, you’ll need to make sure any radiators, fans and other components are compatible with the motherboard.
Installing the cooling system is best done after the other components have been installed, as you’ll want to make sure the cooler fits properly. Again, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to help guarantee a successful installation. Finally, check the software settings on the motherboard to make sure any fan control or other settings are correctly configured.
Power Supply
Selecting the right power supply is another important part of the build. The power supply should have enough wattage to handle all the components. Additionally, make sure to check the efficiency rating as a higher rating will help reduce your electricity bill.
When selecting the power supply, look for special features such as fanless designs, modular cables, and PFC compliance. These features will help reduce clutter and increase your power efficiency.
Installation of the power supply requires some caution. Make sure to attach the 24-pin motherboard cables first, followed by any extra power cables if needed. Connecting any extra cables is important for optimal performance, so make sure to check the model specifications on the manufacturer’s website.
Once the power supply is installed and connected, use a multimeter to check the voltage. This can help determine any problems with the power supply or wiring.
Storage
Storage for gaming PCs typically consists of a hard drive and SSD. Hard drives provide large amounts of storage at an affordable price, while SSDs are faster and offer quicker loading times. It’s important to have at least one SSD for loading the operating system and other programs.
Installing hard drives and SSDs is an easy process. Simply connect the data cable between the hard drive and the motherboard, followed by the power cable. The SSD can be installed in either the M.2 slot or a SATA port on the motherboard. Make sure to double-check the cables and make sure they are securely connected.
Once the storage has been installed, you will need to format the drives. Operating systems typically come with the tools necessary to format the drives. Additionally, you can use third-party programs to format and partition the drives as needed.
Cables and Connectors
Once all the components have been installed, it’s time to connect cables and connectors. These include SATA and power cables for storage, USB cables for input devices, and display cables. When connecting these cables and connectors, make sure they are securely attached and don’t interfere with other components.
You’ll also need to connect the network adapter and sound card if included. Some motherboards come with built-in network and sound card so you don’t need to purchase extra components. Connecting these components is straightforward, but make sure to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once everything is connected, plug in the power cord and turn on the computer. Make sure to check for any error messages or problems during the boot up process. Finally, check the BIOS settings to make sure the components are all detected and functioning properly.
Software Setup
The last step is to install the operating system software. Make sure all the drivers and other updates have been downloaded and installed. Additionally, install any other software or programs you need such as your preferred applications.
Make sure to back up important files and data, as a hard drive failure or other problems can happen. Consider cloud storage, an external hard drive, or other mediums to back up your data.
Once the operating system and software have been installed, your gaming PC is ready to go. Test out some games and make sure everything is running smoothly.
