Determine your budget and use case—$600 for basic, $1,000–$1,500 for gaming, $2,000 for high-end work; prioritize GPU for gaming, CPU and RAM for content creation, and multi-core CPUs for streaming. 2. Choose compatible components: match CPU socket (AM5 or LGA1700) with motherboard, select DDR4 or DDR5 RAM based on motherboard, ensure PSU wattage (650W–850W ) and case size fit GPU and motherboard form factor (ATX, micro-ATX, mini-ITX), and use NVMe SSD (500GB–1TB minimum) for OS. 3. Prepare tools: Phillips #2 screwdriver, anti-static wrist strap, clean hard surface, and cable management aids. 4. Assemble step by step: install CPU, RAM, and M.2 on motherboard first; mount I/O shield and motherboard in case; install PSU with fan down; apply thermal paste and mount CPU cooler; insert GPU into PCIe x16 slot and connect power; connect front panel headers (PWR_SW, RESET_SW, etc.) per motherboard manual; connect 24-pin, 8-pin CPU, PCIe, and SATA power/data cables; manage cables for airflow. 5. First boot: check all connections, ensure monitor is plugged into GPU, enter BIOS to verify temps, enable XMP/DOCP, and troubleshoot no power/display by reseating RAM/GPU or checking PSU switch and beep codes. 6. Install OS via USB using Windows Media Creation Tool, update OS and drivers (motherboard and GPU), enable security updates. Building a PC is methodical—follow compatibility rules, read manuals, and take your time to succeed.

So you want to build your own PC — great choice. Building a computer from scratch isn’t magic, but it does take planning, patience, and knowing what parts actually work together. This guide breaks it down step by step, so you can go from staring at a pile of components to booting up your brand-new machine — no guesswork needed.

1. Know Your Budget and Use Case

Before you buy a single screw, ask yourself: What am I using this PC for? Your answer shapes everything.

• Gaming? Prioritize GPU, CPU, and fast RAM.
• Video editing or 3D rendering? Focus on a strong CPU, lots of RAM, and fast storage.
• General use or office work? You don’t need top-tier parts — save money where you can.
• Streaming? Look at CPUs with more cores (like AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel i7/i9) to handle encoding.

Set a realistic budget — $600 for a basic build, $1,000–$1,500 for solid gaming, $2,000 for high-end workstations.

2. Choose Compatible Components

This is where most beginners get tripped up. Parts must be compatible. Here’s what you need and how they connect:

? CPU (Processor)

• Intel or AMD — pick one ecosystem and stick with it.
• Consider integrated graphics (like AMD APUs or Intel CPUs with UHD graphics) if you’re not using a GPU yet.

? Motherboard

• Must match your CPU socket (e.g., AM5 for Ryzen 7000, LGA1700 for 12th–14th Gen Intel).
• Form factor matters: ATX (standard), micro-ATX (smaller), mini-ITX (compact).
• Check features: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, number of USB ports, M.2 slots.

? RAM

• DDR4 vs DDR5: Depends on your motherboard.
• 16GB is the sweet spot for gaming; 32GB for content creation.
• Match speed (MHz) and latency (CL) to what your motherboard supports.

? GPU (Graphics Card)

• If you’re gaming or doing GPU-heavy tasks, this is critical.
• NVIDIA (GeForce RTX) or AMD (Radeon RX) — both solid.
• Make sure your case and PSU can handle its size and power.

? Storage

• NVMe SSD (M.2) — fast, compact, ideal for OS and apps.
• SATA SSD or HDD — cheaper bulk storage.
• At minimum: 500GB–1TB NVMe SSD.

? PSU (Power Supply)

• Never cheap out here. Get 80 Bronze minimum, 80 Gold recommended.
• Wattage: Use a PSU calculator. 650W–750W covers most mid-range builds; 850W for high-end.

? Case

• Must fit your motherboard size.
• Consider airflow, cable management, and space for GPU/CPU cooler.
• Tempered glass, RGB fans — nice, but not essential.

? CPU Cooler

• Most CPUs come with a stock cooler, but they’re loud and weak.
• Aftermarket air coolers (like Thermalright Assassin X) or AIO liquid coolers for better performance and noise.

3. Tools and Workspace Setup

You don’t need much:

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Anti-static wrist strap (or touch metal frequently)
• Clean, well-lit workspace with plenty of room
• Zip ties or Velcro straps for cable management

Avoid carpeted floors. Work on a hard surface like a table or desk.

4. Step-by-Step Assembly

Step 1: Install CPU, RAM, and M.2 SSD (on motherboard)

• Open CPU socket lever, align CPU (match triangle), gently place, close lever.
• Snap RAM into DIMM slots (usually A2 and B2 for dual-channel).
• Insert M.2 SSD at a 30-degree angle, screw it down.

Pro tip: Do this before mounting the motherboard — it’s way easier.

Step 2: Mount the I/O shield and motherboard

• Pop the I/O shield into the case (comes with the motherboard).
• Place standoffs in the case (if not pre-installed).
• Carefully lower the motherboard in and screw it down — don’t overtighten.

Step 3: Install PSU

• Slide it into the back compartment, fan-down (usually).
• Secure with screws, then start routing power cables.

Step 4: Install CPU Cooler

• Apply a pea-sized drop of thermal paste (if not pre-applied).
• Align cooler, secure evenly (cross pattern for brackets).
• Plug the cooler’s fan into the CPU_FAN header.

Step 5: Install GPU

• Remove case PCIe slot covers.
• Insert GPU into top PCIe x16 slot, push until it clicks.
• Screw it in, then connect PCIe power cables from PSU.

Step 6: Connect Case Cables and Front Panel

• These go to the motherboard’s front panel header:
  • Power switch (PWR_SW)
  • Reset switch (RESET_SW)
  • Power LED (PLED)
  • HDD LED (HDD_LED)
• Refer to your motherboard manual — labeling varies.

Step 7: Connect Power Cables

• 24-pin to motherboard (main power)
• 8-pin (or 4 4) to CPU (EPS)
• PCIe 6 2 pin to GPU
• SATA power to drives (if any)
• Connect SATA data cables from drives to motherboard

Step 8: Cable Management

• Use case cutouts and Velcro straps.
• Tuck cables behind the motherboard tray.
• Good airflow = cooler, quieter PC.

5. First Boot (And Troubleshooting)

Double-check:

• All power cables connected
• RAM and GPU fully seated
• Front panel headers correct
• Monitor plugged into GPU, not motherboard

Plug in monitor, keyboard, and power cable. Hit the power button.

If it boots:

• Enter BIOS (usually Del or F2)
• Check temps, fan speeds, RAM speed
• Enable XMP/DOCP if using high-speed RAM

If it doesn’t boot:

• No lights? Check PSU switch and wall outlet.
• No display? Reseat GPU and RAM. Try one stick at a time.
• Beep codes or LED codes? Consult motherboard manual — they tell you exactly what’s wrong.

6. Install OS and Drivers

• Use a USB drive with Windows (create via Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool).
• Boot from USB, install on your SSD.
• After install:
  • Update Windows
  • Install motherboard drivers (from USB or online)
  • Install GPU drivers (from NVIDIA/AMD website)
  • Enable Windows updates and security

Final Thoughts

Building a PC isn’t hard — it’s just methodical. Take your time. Read the manuals. Don’t force anything. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll never look at prebuilts the same way.

And when you finally see that desktop load up, knowing you put every piece together? That’s the real win.

Basically, just follow the steps, respect compatibility, and don’t rush. You’ve got this.

The above is the detailed content of The Ultimate Guide to Building a PC from Scratch. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!