4 October 2025
Tech Tips

Build a PC from parts

Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to building a PC from parts. Adapt as needed for your exact components.

What you’ll need

  • Case
  • Power supply (PSU)
  • Motherboard (ATX, Micro-ATX, or ITX form factor)
  • CPU (processor)
  • CPU cooler (air or AIO liquid)
  • RAM (memory)
  • Storage (SSD or NVMe SSD; optional HDD)
  • Graphics card (GPU) if your CPU/mobo don’t include integrated graphics or you need more GPU power
  • Operating system (Windows/Linux)
  • Mounting hardware: screws, standoffs, zip ties
  • Tools: Phillips-head screwdriver, anti-static wrist strap (optional but recommended)

Safety and prep

  • Work on a clean, flat, static-free surface.
  • Ground yourself to avoid static discharge (touch metal before handling parts or use an anti-static bracelet).
  • Review manuals for your components for any model-specific quirks.

Step-by-step build

  1. Unbox and organize
  • Lay out all parts and manuals.
  • Identify connectors: 24-pin ATX, 8-pin CPU power, PCIe power, SATA power/data, M.2 screws, motherboard standoffs, front panel connectors, USB, audio.
  1. Prepare the case and PSU
  • Install motherboard standoffs into the case corresponding to your motherboard form factor.
  • Install the power supply into the case (usually bottom-mounted). Secure with screws.
  • Route PSU cables toward the motherboard tray but don’t connect yet.
  1. Install the CPU into the motherboard
  • Remove motherboard from anti-static bag only when you’re ready to install.
  • Open the CPU socket lever/release on the motherboard.
  • Align the CPU correctly (look for a triangle on the corner of the CPU and socket). Do not force it.
  • Place the CPU gently into the socket and secure the lever.
  1. Install CPU cooler
  • If using an air cooler: apply a thin thermal paste layer if required (some coolers come with pre-applied paste). Attach the backplate if needed, mount the heatsink/fan, and connect the CPU fan to the CPU_FAN header.
  • If using an AIO liquid cooler: install the radiator/fan first if space allows, then mount CPU cooler block and connect fans to CPU_FAN or case fan headers as instructed.
  1. Install RAM
  • Open the RAM slots by pushing the clips outward.
  • Align the RAM sticks with the notch and firmly press until the latches click.
  • Install in the correct slots for your desired config (often “two-channel” recommendations; check motherboard manual for optimal slots).
  1. Install NVMe/M.2 SSD (if applicable)
  • Locate M.2 slot on the motherboard.
  • Insert the M.2 drive at a slight angle, then press down and secure with the standoff/screw.
  • Some boards require a BIOS update to support certain drives; check compatibility.
  1. Mount I/O shield and motherboard
  • Snap the I/O shield into the back of the case.
  • Lower the motherboard into the case, aligning with standoffs and rear ports.
  • Secure with screws (usually 6-9 screws depending on size).
  1. Connect power and front panel cables
  • Connect 24-pin ATX power cable to the motherboard.
  • Connect 8-pin (sometimes 4+4) CPU power cable near the CPU socket.
  • Connect PCIe power to GPU if needed.
  • Connect case power/reset/LED buttons and front-panel USB/audio cables to the motherboard headers (refer to motherboard manual for exact pinouts).
  • Connect SATA power and data cables if you’re using a SATA SSD/HDD.
  • If using a dedicated GPU, install it in the top PCIe slot, then secure with screws and connect PCIe power as required.
  1. Install additional drives and components
  • Mount SATA SSD/HDD in drive cages or brackets and connect to motherboard SATA data ports and PSU SATA power.
  • If you have extra fans, connect them to fan headers or a fan hub.
  1. Perform a final check before power-on
  • Ensure no loose cables are interfering with fans or the GPU.
  • Double-check all components are seated and screws are tight but not overtight.
  • Make sure the CPU cooler is not touching RAM sticks.
  1. First power-on and BIOS
  • Connect monitor, keyboard, and power.
  • Turn on the PSU and press the motherboard power button (or case power button).
  • Enter BIOS/UEFI (often by pressing F2, Del, or another key shown on screen).
  • Check that CPU, RAM, and storage are detected.
  • Set boot order to install the OS from USB/DVD.
  • Enable XMP/DOCP for RAM speed if desired (per your RAM specs).
  • Save and exit.
  1. Install the operating system
  • Use a USB installer or media to install Windows/Linux.
  • Follow on-screen setup steps: choose language, disk, user account, etc.
  • Install motherboard/chipset drivers and GPU drivers after OS installation.
  • Update the OS and drivers to latest versions.
  1. Optional tuning and testing
  • Run stress tests for CPU and GPU to ensure stability (e.g., CPU/GPU benchmarks or stability tests).
  • Monitor temperatures and fan curves in BIOS/UEFI or a software tool in the OS.
  • Set up backups and ensure preferred software is installed.

Troubleshooting quick tips

  • No power: confirm PSU switch is on, 24-pin and 8-pin power cables seated, and case power button and front-panel cables connected.
  • POST beeps or no video: reseat RAM, verify GPU is seated, check monitor input, reset BIOS if needed.
  • Overheating: ensure CPU cooler is firmly mounted, reapply thermal paste if you’re comfortable doing so, improve airflow with case fans.
  • Drives not detected: reconnect SATA/M.2 properly and verify BIOS sees the drives.

Common pitfalls

  • Mixing CPU/motherboard sockets or RAM speeds incompatible with motherboard.
  • Not seating the RAM or GPU fully.
  • Skipping standoffs or misaligning the motherboard corners.
  • Over-tightening screws, which can warp the motherboard.
error: Content is protected !!