If you've seen shiny PC setups on the Internet, it could make you wonder how they built them. You might even want to build one for yourself if you're looking into PC gaming. It's not that hard, but it's not easy either, since there are a lot of things you need to know about first. Here are a couple of things to get you started.
Not as Complex as You Think
When you look at the PC parts you have to put together, it can get quite confusing. There are a lot of boards and wires, and it's hard to determine where they go sometimes. If you're building a basic PC, you're probably going to succeed. All you need are your PC parts, some tools, and a YouTube tutorial.
There are even tutorials specific to the component you have. All you got to do is search for it. Take it step-by-step, instead of overloading your brain with the number of components you have to put together.
Perhaps, a Pre-Built PC?
Before you go and build a PC, look into what you're going to use it for first. Yes, it can be cheaper to buy individual parts, as mentioned in Slash Gear. However, there are pre-built PCs that already meet your needs, and cost less. This can be due to the economics that involves bulk orders, as PC manufacturers can get a discounted price for it. This makes bundle orders the best choice for some.
Research on Compatibility
If you're going to purchase PC parts without consulting a professional, you best do your research first. Some components don't fit in with each other. For example, certain motherboards might not be compatible with some processors, as well as RAM. Check the measurements of the parts if they will fit in your case too.
Sometimes, the incompatibilities won't even be detected until after you've already set everything up. Everything may work, but you'll notice performance deficiencies, and it will already be too late since you've already spent your money. So, it's important to plan ahead.
Don't Skimp Out on Some Parts
Building a PC can get expensive, and you might be on a tight budget. However, there are parts that you should invest in, like the motherboard and the PSU. The motherboard is what holds all the smaller components of your PC, like the processor, RAM, HDD, SSD and GPU. If you cheap out on your motherboard, it could damage the other parts and cost you more money.
You should also spare a little more for your power supply unit or PSU, as it is essentially what powers your entire rig. A cheap PSU might not provide enough wattage if you decide to upgrade, which leads to some of the more expensive components being damaged.
Be Careful with the Processor!
The more recent processors are now easier to fit into the motherboard. It fits in snuggly and you just have to lock it in place. However, mishaps can still happen. If you look under the CPU, you'll a lot of tiny golden pins. Those are very delicate, and bending or damaging even just one could mean that your CPU will not work anymore.
You could of course try and straighten it yourself, but since they are so small, you could end up breaking it for good. So be extra careful!
Do You Have the Power?
Another thing you have to worry about is the wattage requirements. Before buying a PSU, you have to check the power requirements of all your components. You might find that your PSU can't keep up with your GPU, CPU, HDD, and SSD, as mentioned in Pocket-Lint.
There are tools available where you can type in the specific component you have, and it will provide the voltage that it requires. Also keep in mind what you may need, if you have plans on upgrading your components in the future.
Missing Connections
When I built my first PC, it didn't cross my mind to research how it will connect to Wi-Fi. As it turns out, some PCs do not have that capability. There are motherboards that have a built-in wireless card, which means that they'll be able to connect to your Wi-Fi network without any additional accessories. If you want less of a hassle, buy a motherboard that has one.
If you've already purchased a motherboard and it doesn't have one, you're not stuck with a PC with no Internet connection. You can always connect your PC to your router using an ethernet cable, or buy a USB wireless adapter. But, the best option would be installing an internal wireless network adapter on your motherboard. It might be more complicated, but it'll fare better in terms of signal.
