Constructing your individual PC is thrilling. You get to cherry-pick each half after which assemble all of it collectively. Nevertheless, with so many parts and wires, it is simple to really feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, you may simplify the method by following this construct order.

1

Construct The whole lot Exterior the Case First

Among the finest suggestions I’ve discovered through the years is to assemble as a lot of the PC as potential earlier than inserting the motherboard into the case. This fashion, you’ll have simpler entry to the CPU socket and numerous motherboard headers, even if you happen to can’t join all parts simply but. When you get began, you may be stunned by how a lot you are able to do outdoors the case.

Begin by taking the motherboard out of the field and inserting it on a flat, non-static floor—the highest of the motherboard field is ideal for this. Subsequent, set up the CPU, RAM, NVMe, and air CPU cooler. I am going to cowl liquid coolers later, however you must nonetheless set up the stand-offs and backplate at this stage. Remember to use thermal paste or take away the sticker out of your CPU cooler if it already has paste pre-applied.

For those who’re not utilizing a devoted fan controller, use this chance to attach the CPU fan(s) to the CPU_FAN or CPU_OPT fan header whereas the motherboard continues to be out of the case. You may have considerably simpler entry to the fan header than within the case, and you’ll merely tuck the cables away later.

You must also contemplate putting in the GPU as effectively at this stage. The profit is that putting in it into the PCIe slot is simpler, however the disadvantage is that it might impede the motherboard headers you’ll want later.

In some instances (pun meant), you may not be capable of match the motherboard into the case with the GPU put in, because the GPU could should be inserted at an angle. Talking from expertise, I first needed to set up the GPU earlier than I might even set up the CPU cooler, however that’s as a result of my case is kind of small and barely matches the AMD RX 6800 XT. In case your GPU doesn’t match both, it’s possible you’ll need to depart the CPU cooler for later. It’s a little bit of a trouble, however generally it’s the one choice.

2

Check Your Parts

Earlier than assembling the remainder of the PC, contemplate doing a easy bench take a look at to make sure all the things is working. This can make for simpler troubleshooting in case your RAM hasn’t been seated accurately, or a element is defective. Bear in mind, your CPU cooler may also should be put in for the take a look at.

Join the ability provide’s 24-pin connector and CPU energy cables to the motherboard, and join the ability swap from the case to the motherboard. Alternatively, bridge the reference to a screwdriver as proven in this YouTube video.

Join your monitor’s cable to the GPU if put in, or on to the motherboard if not (be aware that you’re going to solely get a picture in case your CPU has integrated graphics). Even with no show, it is nonetheless price testing, as you may see the CPU followers spin up and RGB lights activate, which means that the system has POSTed.

3

Set up the Motherboard Standoffs and I/O Defend

Two generally overlooked items during a PC build are the motherboard standoffs and the I/O defend. For those who’ve constructed a PC earlier than, there is a good likelihood you forgot one of many two and needed to disassemble the entire PC to place them into place. Standoffs are the small plastic or metallic spacers that screw into the PC case to create a spot between the motherboard and the case.

Your case ought to include some or all standoffs preinstalled, however test in the event that they’re in the appropriate spots on your motherboard form factor. You are able to do this by visually evaluating the holes in your motherboard to the standoff positions within the case. It isn’t an enormous deal if one or two standoffs are lacking, but when most of them are, you will not be capable of mount the motherboard.

Subsequent, set up the I/O defend. Some fashionable motherboards have the defend pre-installed on the motherboard; if not, it’s going to be included in your motherboard field.

4

Set up the Followers, Storage, RGB Strips, Liquid CPU Cooler, and PSU

Simply as you constructed a good portion of the PC with the motherboard outdoors the case, now you can do the identical along with your case parts. Begin by putting in your whole followers and AIO CPU cooler, assuming the radiator would not block your entry to the motherboard standoffs. If it does, you may set up the cooler later. You must also set up your PSU at this stage.

In case you have additional equipment like fan/RGB controllers and RGB strips, now could be the right time to put in them and join all the things collectively. Equally, you probably have non-NVMe storage like SATA SSDs and HDDs, screw them into your case and join the PSU’s SATA energy cables.

5

Pre-route the Cables

Routing your cables by means of the case’s cutouts means that you can hook all the things up simply as soon as the motherboard is in, as you may have extra space to work with. Route the USB and case I/O cables on the backside, the fan and RGB connectors on the backside and proper, the PSU motherboard and GPU energy cables on the appropriate, and the CPU energy cables on the prime.

6

Lay the Case Horizontally and Set up the Assembled Motherboard

Now that all the things is ready, lay your case flat in your desk or the ground. Fastidiously maintain the motherboard by the CPU cooler or heatsinks (do not contact the naked board), and align the mounting holes with the standoffs. Use the offered screws to safe it in place. Earlier than tightening the screws, be sure the rear I/O defend is aligned with the motherboard.

7

Join All of the Cables

Begin by connecting the small energy, reset, and LED cables to the entrance panel headers (you may skip the LEDs if you happen to desire). Subsequent, join the fan, RGB, USB, and HD audio cables. Afterward, plug within the PSU cables for the motherboard and CPU. For those who haven’t already put in the GPU or AIO water block, achieve this now. Lastly, join the PSU cables to the GPU.

8

Do Some Cable Administration

Now that all the things has been mounted and related, it’s time to tidy up the cables. Good cable management not solely seems to be cleaner, however it could possibly additionally enhance airflow. The entrance ought to already be pretty neat, however you may tidy it up additional by gently pushing the cables into the case’s cutouts towards the again. Within the again, loosely bundle the cables collectively utilizing Velcro straps or cable ties. If mandatory, tuck any extra cables into the case’s crevices and HDD bays to permit the rear panel to shut.

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Congratulations on efficiently constructing your PC! Whereas the constructing course of might be intimidating, it may be made straightforward by merely following the appropriate construct order. Now that your PC is up and working, it’s time to optimize it for peak gaming performance. Take pleasure in your custom-built PC!