If you’re wondering how to build a computer, including gaming computers (with build ideas) then read on. You’ll find everything you need to know to build your own computer.
Note from the site owner: If you need help with deciding on parts for a build or would like me to recommend you some parts for a new build, go here, and leave a comment (or browse my builds). I will have to approve your comment before it shows up.
The guide is very comprehensive and contains pictures to guide you through the process of building a computer. The hardware that is used to build the computer is a little older, but newer computers assemble almost exactly like the one built within.
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After Learning How to Build a Computer You’ll Need to Buy the Hardware
Once you read the guide you should be familiar with the overall process of building a computer and be comfortable enough to buy some hardware. The best idea is to buy all of the hardware from one online store to save on shipping. However, don’t be afraid to shop around to find the best deals. The most important thing to keep in mind when buying computer parts is the possible compatibility issues that will arise if you don’t do proper research to make sure everything works together. The first computer I ever built started on fire, not quite do to compatibility issues, but mostly because of my lack of research. These compatibility issues are actually very easy to overcome, one simply needs to know a few simple things before deciding on a final build layout. All of that information can be found right here, or you can use one of my pre-researched builds, right here. All of my builds are gaming computers, but they can be used as any type of computer. The only thing that makes a gaming computer any different from a regular computer is a focus on a high-end graphics card, and to a certain extent, the CPU and RAM. All three of those things will benifit regular computer users too, so don’t be afraid to use one of the gaming builds for your built from scratch PC.
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Computer?
This depends, for example, building a gaming computer might cost a lot more than building a simpler machine. This website does focus on gaming computers so that’s what I’ll focus on in this paragraph. A hardcore gaming computer could easily reach $4000, but most people don’t have any plans to spend nearly that much and that’s a good thing. It’s good because you could easily spend around $1000 and be just fine when it comes to playing the latest games. It helps to be aware that you don’t need the absolute latest technology to play the latest games, which is good, because you’ll pay a huge premium just for having the latest technology. It is really easy to get buy with the very best of “last years” tech, when it comes to gaming computers. Keep this in mind when shopping for your PC parts. Don’t splurge on an Intel Core i7 when you could easily get by with an i5 processor.
Building a Gaming PC, The Simple Rundown
The complete how to build a computer guide is right here; these are just the simple overarching steps that will take you through the complete process.
How to Build a Computer Successfully
1. Decide what kind of computer you want to build; do you want a gaming computer or a non-gaming simple word processing and internet browsing machine? The price differences between the two might be vast, depending on what kind of performance you want on thew newest and upcoming PC games.
2. After you’ve decided on the tpye of computer you’ll need to decide on a build that fits within your budget. What I mean by this is taht you’ll need to pick out the exact parts for your build. This is the hardest part of building a computer, because you’ll need to buy parts that work together. Not only that, but if you want the best performance for your money, they not only merely need to work together, they need to optimally work together. Making this happen is easier than it sounds and this site is loaded with information on how to do so. Either do the research or use on of my pre-configured builds. I’ve done all the reseach for these builds so that you’ll know you’ll end up with a great custom computer. Check out the parts list for building a computer if you would like to check out every part you’ll need to buy.
3. After you’ve decided on the PC hardware, you’ll need to buy it from somewhere. I’ve always used Tiger Direct. You can shop around, though. There is always Newegg, Amazon, Best Buy, etc.
4. Once your parts arrive you’ll need to assemble everything. You don’t need a degree from Yale to figure this out, so don’t worry and it is the best part. If you’ve never done this, the process is pretty simple; almost everything will only fit one way. You’ll probably run into some frustrating difficulties, but you’ll get it done. Read the guide right here, which will show you how to build a computer.
5. After putting it together, you’ll obviously have to turn it on. After that, if it didn’t start on fire, then you’ll need to install the operating system and the drivers off of the DVDs/CDs that came with your hardware. I recommend getting the video card drivers from ATIs/Nvidias site, whichever brand you’ve chosen; that way you’ll get the latest drivers right off the bat.
So that was the overarching process, there is obviously a lot of detail missing between the lines, but hopefully that gives you an idea of what the process to build a computer is like.
A Few More PC Building Tips Before You Begin
1. Don’t underspend too much on a gaming computer. A lot of people are looking for the perfect gaming computer under $500, but honestly, you aren’t going to get much for that. Even if you do end up with something that will play a few games, it won’t last long. Instead of needing to upgrade three years from now, you’ll have to upgrade in a year or less. Actually, for $500 you probably won’t be able to play any of the latest graphics intensive games at max settings.
On a brand new build plan to spend at least $800 if you want to end up with a gaming computer that is going to last a couple years. Focus the big money on the graphics card, CPU and motherboard.
- On that note, don’t overspend either (unless you don’t really care about the money and just want the most hardcore computer available). The lifespan of your overall build is probably going to be around three years no matter if you spend $1000 or $5000, because technology advances so fast. You might be able to get away with five plus years just by upgrading the video card, though. However, like I said, that won’t happen on a $500 build, you’ll more likely have to replace everything but the case after a couple years.
2. The video card (graphics card) will likely be responsible for 90% of your gaming experience on your new computer build. Really do your research here because if you don’t you’ll end up being disappointed with your new build. What I always recommend for people on a budget is to spend a lot on a single card rather than splitting your money up on two cards (SLI or Crossfire). You will almost always get better results with one beastly card than two lesser cards running in SLI or Crossfire. If you want to play the latest games at maximum video settings you’re probably have to spend around $200 on a video card.
The best tip I can give you while comparing video cards is to look at the details page of the card and look for the number of processor cores (stream processors) it has; higher is better. I have found that this is the best way to judge video card performance. Look at that number and then simply read the reviews on the card and then make a final purchase based on that.
3. When you are building your gaming computer don’t plug in anything to the motherboard, or anywhere else, just because it fits. Be sure you have read the directions or that the plugin and the home for it is labeled. Be especially careful when plugging in the front panel headers and the HDMI sound. If you are ever unsure of a random cord, then don’t plug it in. If you do, you might damage the motherboard when turning your computer on for the first time.
Well, hopefully after browsing this site for a while you will learn how to build a computer; that’s all for now. Computer building can be great fun, so, good luck on your first build!
Continue browsing this site for some useful information, you’ll be glad you did. Again, here is the first page of the pc building guide; if you want to learn how to build a computer.