Beginner’s Guide To Building A Gaming PC (Part 2)

Building A Gaming PC (Part 2): Previously, we had discussed the requirements and all the components that would be required for you to build your Gaming PC. In this article, we will be seeing thoroughly how to assemble the gaming PC as in, assemble the various components in a way that it doesn’t malfunction or cause any sort of issue. Let’s also discuss the various ways through which you would have to take care of your PC to maintain its performance.

Also Read: Beginner’s Guide To Build A Gaming PC

Various Steps To Assemble the PC

Following are the various steps to install a PC.

Step 1: Installing the CPU

The first step would be to install the CPU on the motherboard. Take the motherboard out of the packaging carefully and place it on your workspace. You would be able to locate the socket where the processor is supposed to go. Locate the socket and very carefully take the CPU out of the packaging, with awareness as the processor and the motherboard as they are very prone to physical damage and make sure to handle the CPU from the side and not on the pins or the chip.

Step 1.1: Installing M.2 SSDs

If you wish to place an M.2 SSD, you can proceed to do it now as it’s optional but indeed recommended. You can easily locate the slot, it’s a tiny horizontal slot with a small screw bound on it. It is recommended to always have the user manual for the motherboard which can be used to locate the various parts and slots for various components that need to be assembled and connected to it.

Step 2: CPU cooling Installation

Various types of CPU coolers can be assembled. To assemble the CPU cooler, you would need the help of the user manual. Some coolers generally have to have a mounting bracket. You may go ahead and attach it if the bracket is compatible or you can remove it if it doesn’t require one. Brackets can also be changed as per requirement. It is recommended that you proceed with this step before setting the motherboard in the case.

Some coolers generally come with thermal paste pre-applied to the conductive material however, if it is not applied you may need to apply it manually. You can do so by applying a very pea-sized amount on top of the CPU and placing the cooler on top of it and it would be automatically spread adequately.

Step 3: RAM installations

RAM is a vital component of the PC and installing it incorrectly can cause your PC to crash multiple times. There are designated slots for RAM and RAM sticks can come with different amounts of storage. RAM slots are generally located right beside the CPU. You can loosen up the clips on either side of the slot and place the RAM stick chip side down on either of the slots and then click the clips back in.

Step 4: Install the GPU

To install the GPU, you would require to locate the PCle x 16 slot, if there are multiple, consider using the user’s manual to check which port has to be prioritized. You may need to take out the metal panels to expose the various slots. Take the GPU out of the case carefully and then carefully align with the retention bracket and click it in the PCle x 16 slot. You may now secure the GPU on the back of the case and if it requires an additional power supply, you can now connect the power supply

By now you can do a test run by connecting the power supply cords and then either through the switch on the motherboard itself or by pushing your screwdrivers in the power switch pins to turn it on. By now you can know if your components are functioning or dead or malfunctioning. Make sure to unplug all the power supply and let any residual power settle before proceeding.

Step 5: Mounting Power Supply

Take a look at the case and figure out a certain alignment in which the orientation of the PSU can face the outside of the case. If you happen to use a non-modular or a semi-modular now is the time to understand where the cable needs to be settled and also use a cable management feature if your case has one.

Step 6: Installing the Motherboard

If your motherboard comes with an unattached I/O case, snap into the case in its place first before aligning your motherboard and snapping it in place by securing the centre screw. so that it has some support while you screw on the others. Now you can connect the power supply to both the 8-pin and the 24-pin connector.

Step 7: Storage

You can now go ahead and install your storage drives be it SSD or HDD. There can be two sizes to it: 2.5 inches or 3.5 inches You can place the drive on the trays provided and click it back into place. Once they are securely snapped into place you can now connect the drives to the motherboard using the SATA cable which is either provided by the motherboard or the drive.

Step 8: Installing the OS

The very last step would be to install the OS on your device. To install the device you need to plug in the USB flash drive that has the operating system you desire. Find the page in BIOS that displays all of your PC components and motherboard and make sure that all of the components that you have installed are being recognized and functioning.

Next, you would have to change the Boot order and change it to the USB flash drive so that it can install your OS on the SSD if you’re utilizing one. After that’s done you can restart your PC and follow the steps and your PC would be working fine.

Conclusion – Building A Gaming PC (Part 2)

With that, we have learned about the process of building a PC. Remember to always research and seek professional help while building a PC as a small mistake can ruin your setup entirely. All the best in your process.