STEP 1 : Materials Required

This tutorial is intended to assist you in building a basic PC. There are obviously a plethora of possible PC configurations and hardware that you could put into your new PC if you choose. But, what we are trying to do here is help you put together a basic PC. For this reason, we are only requiring the basic components and tools to get you up and running.

Tools Required

  • Screwdriver – A Phillips-head (cross-point) screwdriver is what is used in most PCs.
  • Screw Extractor – If you have surgeon’s fingers you may not need this. But, if you’re human, it is likely you might drop a screw into your PC during this procedure and be too big-thumbed to get it out. A screw extractor can help you grab those screws and get them out without messing with the hardware. You definitely do not want to run your PC with loose screws in there. It could cause a short circuit.
  • Flashlight – Unless you are in a fantastic lighting situation, you will likely need a flashlight to get a look of the landscape in your PC while you’re working.
  • Tweezers – May be helpful for you in switching jumpers later in the tutorial.

Hardware Required

  • PC Case
  • Floppy Disk Drive
  • Hard Drive
  • CD-ROM Drive
  • Processor
  • Processor Cooling Fan
  • Motherboard
  • Memory Modules
  • Power Supply
  • Video Card
  • Keyboard & Mouse

To build a basic PC, you will need at least a motherboard, a memory module, a processor with cooling fan, a power supply, a hard drive, a floppy drive, a video card and a CD-ROM.

Most electrically sensitive hardware comes in a static bag which is designed to protect the electronics from static electricity shock. Leave your hardware in these bags until you are ready to install them.

Software Required

  • System Disk
  • Device Drivers (these usually come with the hardware above)
  • Operating System (for the purposes of this tutorial, we will assume you are choosing Microsoft Windows as your operating system – PC Mechanic has lots of great information on Linux and other alternatives)

Cables and Miscellaneous

  • Drive cables
  • Motherboard spacers (usually come with the motherboard, but are used to space the motherboard up off the mounting plate)
  • Screws (usually a whole pile of screws will come with your PC’s case, but if you are using a case you happened to have around, you will need to collect some screws)
  • Power cords (for both your PC and your monitor. They usually come with the hardware when you buy it, of course)
  • CPU Cooling Compound
STEP 2 : Remove Case Cover »
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  • LunatiX

    I was thinking of this build,I think its all compatible….If you like it reply :D

    CPU
    AMD Phenom X3 Tri-Core 2.8GHz BLack Edition (with the mobo below you can unlock 4th core :D )

    MOBO
    Gigabyte 770T-UD3P

    GPU:Asus EAH4850/HTDI 512MB PCIE Retail

    HDD:Western Digital WD5001AALS 500GB Caviar Black SATA2

    RAM:Corsair TW3X2G1333C9A 2GB (2X1GB) XMS3 DDR3 PC3-10666 (1333MHZ) Dual Channel Kit

    PSU:Artia Power-A500CX 500W

    Case:Bah just the almost 9 Year old one :P :-)

    The Processor cores are 4,there is just 1 locked because it couldn’t reach the Core Quad Marketing Standards :)
    Also I see that my Build is nearly the same as nya’s
    I actually wanted to buy a Core E8400 but when i heard of core unlocking… You understand :P

    • fdimegli

      Unlocking the 4th core of the Phenom II 720 Tri-core is a chancy thing. The Tri-core was originally a quad core. If it was made from a good quad core where all 4 cores worked, then chances are good. BUT if it was made from a quad core with one bad core (the usual case) you’re out of luck.

    • http://na Leigh

      Instead of the western digital hard drive i would buy a seagate drive.They are a much better drive.I always use them to build computers for people.They have a good warranty and usually last longer than a western digital.They are also very quiet.Its your choice but i would take a seagate over a western digital.

      • junito

        hey i was just wondering if you could help me build my own computer.i would realy be thankfull if you would help me.ABOT ME, i’m 14 years old,i like computers and wanna learn every thing i can.

  • http://www.hotmail.com daryl

    im gona try this out, im gona build my own cpu

    coooooooooooooooooooolll

    • http://na Leigh

      You mean your own pc.You cant make a cpu.Some people call a pc a cpu but thats not the way to look at it.Cpus are made with very sophisticated machinery in a clean room.

  • Kengigenki

    how do i buld my own computer im not good at that swort of well any thang in that department

  • Abhishek

    Would Arctic silver 5 work for the cooling compound?

    • http://na Leigh

      Arctic silver 5 is one of the best products to use.I use it on all my builds.Its only 5 dollars or so and will do many pcs.Excellent product.Lasts along time.

  • Jaey

    I’m thinking of building a PC for the family to play games on (WAR being the big one) so want it to be capable of handling high resolutions in game play.
    Here’s what i have so far:
    Case: CoolMaster Model: CAC-T05-WW (ATX Mid Tower)
    Mobo: MSI Model: 790FX-GD70 (DDR3 memory standard, CPU Socket AM3)
    CPU: AMD Model: HDZ965FBGIBOX (Phenom II X4)
    RAM: GSkill Model: F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ (2 2GB PC3 12800 memory modules)x2
    PSU: Nexus Model: RX-8500 (850W Type ATX 2.2)
    Video Card: EVGA Model: 512-P3-1150-TR (nVidia GeForce GTS 250 512 MB)x2
    HDD 1: Patriot Torqx series Model: PFZ64GS25SSDR (64GB SSD RAID 0, 1, 0+1 support)
    HDD2: Seagate Barracuda ES.2 Model: ST3250310NS (250GB 7200RPM)
    HDD3: Seagate Barracuda ES.2 Model: ST3250310NS (250GB 7200RPM)
    Thats all I have so far… if anything is missing, please let me know.

  • Zuesd

    Thinking of building my first PC, here is what i have so far let me know if I am missing anything or any problems

    Case: Apevia X-Discovery Computer Case Mid-tower

    MoBo: MSI model: 790GX-G65 (ATX Desktop AMD Phenom II Motherboard (Socket AM3))

    CPU:AMD Phenom II X3 710 2.6GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Processor

    RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ

    Video Card: ATi Radeon HD 2400 PRO 520MHz – 256MB DDR2 SDRAM 64bit

    HDD: Seagate® Barracuda® 3.5″ Model ST310005N1A1AS-RK SATA 3Gb/s 1 TB

    CD-ROM: 187217-B21 CPQ W4000 48X CD ROM

    please let me know if anythings wrong or missing!

  • maestrodamus

    Hi yall,
    I’m thinking of this build, please let me know if you disagree/agree with any of my calls and if I’m missing anything/have parts that aren’t compatible. It’s for a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), I do composition, recording, and sound design, intend to have multiple audio programs running simultaneously (like Reason 4, ProTools, web browsing). This is my first complete build!

    1. Intel 8400 Wolfdale 3.0 ghz Core 2 Duo Core
    2. Intel DG43GT Motherboard
    3. 2×2 GB Corsair XMS DDR2 RAM
    4. Okia 550 W power supply
    5. Using existing large case, monitor and keyboard, build unknown

  • derrick

    if i want build a pc are require to play game in best performance , so what hardware and softwarei need to purchase? Thank.

    • danie

      i think its cool

  • darksniper94

    How do I know if part A is compatible with Part B?

  • danie

    what do you do in makeing a website

  • Anmol

    i have chosen given below are these right to make a pc

    1 x Intel Core i7 920 Processor
    1 x Asus P6T Deluxe/OC Palm Motherboard
    1 x Sapphire ATI Radeon HD4670 11138-34 1GB DDR3 Graphics Card
    1 x OCZ Value Series 3x1GB DDR3 1333MHz Triple Channel OCZ3V1333LV3GK Desktop Memory
    1 x Cooler Master UCP 1100W RSB00-AAAAA3-UK Power Supply
    1 x CORSAIR CWC-H50 CPU Water Cooler
    1 x iball International designer Gamer Computer Case With 400W PSU
    1 x Sony BDU-X10S Blu-Ray Drive
    1 x Western Digital Caviar GP SATA 500GB 5400 to 7200RPM WD5000AACS Hard Drive
    monitor and a samsung dvd writer i have already

  • Daniel Smith

    So I might be purchasing these products from Newegg.com and I was wondering if these are compatible with one another before I buy them.

    1-ASUS M4A78T-E AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard
    1-AMD Phenom II X4 945 Deneb 3.0GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor
    1-Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
    1-Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B
    1-SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5″ Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
    1-SAPPHIRE 100284L Radeon HD 5750 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
    1-COOLMAX CUQ-1200B 1200W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
    1-ASUS Xonar D2X 7.1 Channels PCI Express x1 Interface Sound Card
    1-Kingston 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) ECC Fully Buffered Server Memory Model KVR800D2D4F5K2/8G

    Any advice on compatibility or if something is missing would be much appreciated. Thank you.

    • gary

      “Daniel Smith says:
      November 15, 2009 at 7:15 am

      So I might be purchasing these products from Newegg.com and I was wondering if these are compatible with one another before I buy them.

      1-ASUS M4A78T-E AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard
      1-AMD Phenom II X4 945 Deneb 3.0GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor
      1-Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
      1-Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B
      1-SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5? Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
      1-SAPPHIRE 100284L Radeon HD 5750 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
      1-COOLMAX CUQ-1200B 1200W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
      1-ASUS Xonar D2X 7.1 Channels PCI Express x1 Interface Sound Card
      1-Kingston 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) ECC Fully Buffered Server Memory Model KVR800D2D4F5K2/8G”

      An excellent choice of components, Please posts how it all works. I plan on using the same mobo and cpu.
      Good Luck!

  • http://www.nifrasmail.weebly.com nIFRASH

    #1
    Hurray!
    Bravo!
    Congrats!
    Really Cool!
    You Did It!
    Way to go!
    Great Work!

  • Sebak

    Hi i already have bought the following

    i7 920
    nvidia 295 GTX
    evga x58 MotherBoard
    Corsair (3x2gb) 1600 System Memory

    I dont know how much wattage i would need and a good hdd, since there are so many.

  • joe peterson

    i am thinking of building a computer for gaming and other random stuff this is what i have so far and am stuck on gpu sound card etc

    motherboard:
    asus P7P55D-E Deluxe
    ssd:
    OCZ 250GB SATA 2 Apex Series Solid State Drive
    processor:
    intel core i7 extreme

    plz help with the rest of the parts not listed

    • puyi

      is it the core i7 870 or 975?
      because if it is the 975 then your motherboard would have an incompatible chipset (p55).
      You would need a X58 chipset motherboard.
      For the other stuff, I recommend:

      Memory: Corsair Dominator 4(2x2gb) or 8(4x2gb) GB/ G.Skill RipJaws 4 or 8 GB

      GPU: Depends on how much you want to spend, the best one right now would be ATI Radeon HD 5970, which costs about $800. The next best things would be ATI Radeon HD 5870 and 5850, both comparable to each other and much cheaper at $400 and $300 respectively. Even cheaper and slightly less performance would be the ATI Radeon HD 4890. If you want NVidia Cards then my recommendation GTX 295 or 285. These are somewhat more expensive and at times less reliable than the ATI 5800 series.

      Sound Card: ?? It is unnecessary unless you want serious movie theatre sound. If you do then Creative’s Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Series would be the best for 7.1 surround sound.

      Power Supply Unit: Antec TruePower 750/ TruePower Quattro Series. Corsair also has some good PSUs.

      Case: This is probably the most tedious decision, since you have to consider air flow seriously when considering a gaming pc. I would recommend the CoolerMaster HAF 932. The thing is large and heavy but has 3 230 mm fans that increase airflow exponentially while staying quiet. If you are considering others consider that the GPU listed above come close to a foot in length at most times and require larger cases. So make sure that the GPU will fit and that the case will stay cold rather than worrying about the cool LED fans and windows (The haf has pretty nice led fans though).

      I would also recommend that you get a normal 1TB hard drive since 250 GB would not be enough to store all your game data.

  • jordan almodovar

    is their a specific part that someone should buy first and then work around? it makes sense to me to start with the CPU or motherboard. Can someone help?

  • FooFunk

    Hi guys I have a PC component list and was wondering if anyone see’s any comptibility issues, or perhaps some recommendations to other hardware withing in the same cost bracket.

    1. Thermaltake DH102 Chassis
    2. Thermaltake SpinQ CPU Cooler
    3. Intel i7 920 CPU
    4. Asus Radeon HD5770 1GB x2
    5. Western Digital VelociRaptor 150GB
    6. Corsair Dominator GT 4GB DDR3-2000
    7. Asus P6X58D Premium
    8. Asus BR-04B2T
    9. Corsair HX850W PSU

    Also the Asus HD5770 can run 3 displays but does anyone know if I CrossFire them can I run 4 or 5?

    My main concern is the motherboard, is still not sure if that is the best option. A slightly cheaper option is the Rampage Gene. You could say the Rampage extreme would be suitable but its just to expensive. As you might have noticed I’m a bit of a Asus, Corsair, Thermaltake fan so is there are any thoughts those would be some good guidelines!! hehe.

    Thanks guys!

  • Junior

    So far i have found

    Beta case from http://www.nzxt.com

    ECS Black Series A785GM-M Mother Board on http://www.ECSUSA.com

    PSU:CU-500B 500 Watt ATX 12V

    2GB ( 2 x 1GB) DDR3 1066 MHZ ECC Memory, Dual Channel

    Fan: Nirvana NV120 PWM

    Can i use an IDE HDD?

    What should the Processor be? I dont want it to be exspensive

    Do i really need a Floppy Disc Drive?

  • bob

    Hi

    I am thinking of building my own computer i just wanted to ask a few questions though:

    Any idea of the final be the cost?

    Can the most of the components be shipped to New Zealand?

    How much experience will this build require?

    Time length, any idea how long this build will take?

  • Jyron

    My Cousin came from Texas and made a computer there he said he used about no more than 12 parts and his computer can do everything that he wish it can do. All together he said it was about 2,200 dollarz to make and it took him about 2-3 months to get the parts and 40 minutes to make. Its memory is about 2.3 TB (2300 GB) its easier than what it seem to make but I dont have over 2,000 dollarz lol.

  • loz

    yeah im kinda new to all this so would this be enough stuff i know i would have to buy a cooling fan and powercable but should this be it?
    Processor Type – AMD QUAD CORE Phenom 9550, AM2+, 3.6GHz FSB
    Hard Disk – 400 GB 7200 Rpm Hard Drive – Massive Storage
    Graphics Card – Nvidia 2 x 9500GT 2GB SLI Graphics
    Motherboard -SLI Motherboard
    Number of USB Ports – 6 x USB 2.0 Ports( 2 at front )
    Optical Drive – 20x DVD RW +/-
    Sound Card – Stunning 7.1 Channel Surround Sound
    Operating System – N/A (upgrade only)
    Ram Memory – 8GB DDR2 Ram

    is that a good gaming pc?

  • Matt

    Where do I get the system disk in the software section? How do I know it will be compatable and run right?

  • Josiah

    What is GPU, is that necessary to build a computer? What about and Optical Drive…is that needed? Same with a Mobo, what is that? Please help, thanks.

  • Rodney

    Any recommended tower cases?

  • fat ricky

    Abso-freakin-lutely O__o

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