Building my first gaming PC.. Where to start?

[yoqarrog]

I've just got all my parts for my new PC, however all of my PCs have been pre configured. A friend has offered to build but cannot do it at the moment and I don't want to wait.. I've spent a lot of money and don't want to break anything (or get water all over the mobo as I got an all in one water cooler). Could anybody offer some advice on how I should go about building it or should I just wait?

 

[Barty1884]

There's lots of guides out there; written & in video form.

Paul'sHardware has a pretty in-depth walkthrough.... it's a few years old at this point, but still completely relevant:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zQXFkzZ1Ac

Some (potentially) helpful pointers:

Mount CPU (w/stock cooler) and RAM to the motherboard outside of the case - the motherboard box makes a workable bench for testing. Add the necessary power connects (4or8pin CPU and 24pin ATX). If there's no onboard GPU (Ryzen, mostly these days), then you'll need to connect your GPU to the PCIe x16 slot too. Then, connect to a monitor & power it on - make sure you're getting a display "out" at this stage. If you skip this step, troubleshooting becomes more difficult.

I find it easier to open component boxes as/when needed. Start with the case + components mentioned above.
That being said, some people do prefer to

You may find it easier (depending on the case) to mount to AIO radiator before installing the motherboard.

Just take your time - read the manuals and don't force anything.

If in doubt, stop. You'll either find your answer in the manual(s) for a given product, or in the video linked..... or simply ask a specific question in here.

 

[Ralston18]

Wait. I know you really want to get it done and running. Understood. Wait anyway.

But while you wait look (aka "google") for, then read and watch various tutorials on building your own PC.

Watch and keep notes about things you do not understand in any manner. Then do additional searching accordingly.

Start here (no insult intended) just a great starting point:

https://www.tomshardware.com/news/build-a-pc-for-kids,35304.html

https://thenextweb.com/gadgets/2017/07/30/build-desktop-pc-reference-guide/

https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/the-geek-blog/building-a-new-computer-part-1-choosing-hardware/

Find more such links as you deem necessary. There may be assembly differences but you should be able to understand the what and why between the differences in how the build is assembled.

After doing the above do a "paper build". Write down the steps and actions that you believe or otherwise understand to be necessary for your specific build. Part by part. Create the plan in detail and be specific. Use a separate page for each step.

Last of all. When you do start building take your time. Work in a clean, well lit area. Have your tools ready. Check the tools. You want screwdrivers for example that properly fit the screwhead. Not too big, not too small. Otherwise you may damage or even break the screw to where it cannot be used or removed.

A magnifying glass and small bright flashlight may be very handy.

Do not force things. Initial fits can be tight but the connections should be a matter of finesse and not force.

Stop if you get tired, something does not feel right, or there is an obvious problem. Take breaks, keep notes about what you did and again do additional research when something is not as expected.

Copy or photograph any component labels for future reference. Record all components: make, model, version, and serial numbers. Especially if the label/plate is "buried" inside.

Treat everything carefully, keep the work area clean, store extra parts, adapters, packaging the original box or bag. May be needed if some component must be returned. Keep all purchase and shipping information for the same reasons.

Last but not least. Read the instructions. All of the instructions. Several times.

Verify that the instructions do match the component you received. Do not overlook addendum documents with corrections, verifications, and possibly warning information. I.e., the "DO NOT...." stuff.

Unpack carefully, ensure that you do not leave some scrap of packing material somewhere that will get in the way and jam things up. Or lose some tiny plastic bag with vital screws, etc...

Check the installation diagrams. Verify that all parts are present. Measure distances between components and fasteners. Examine screws and fasteners to ensure that they are not bent or damaged. Very bad if some screw is forced into place and then snaps off....

And I will hope that other Forum members will add other suggestions. Lots of "lessons learned" out there.....

 

[FD2Raptor]

I've just got all my parts for my new PC, however all of my PCs have been pre configured. A friend has offered to build but cannot do it at the moment and I don't want to wait.. I've spent a lot of money and don't want to break anything (or get water all over the mobo as I got an all in one water cooler). Could anybody offer some advice on how I should go about building it or should I just wait?

One thing though, test the core components before putting/mouting them inside the case:

i.e. Follow the instruction in the motherboard manual to install the CPU onto the socket on the MB, and then the instruction on the liquid cooler manual to mount the pump/CPU block onto the CPU (you do not need to apply thermal paste at this stage, nor install its fans) then its pump power/control connector to the appropriate connector/header on the MB/PSU; then one memory module into a DIMM slot.

If your CPU have integrated graphics, you can proceed to plug the 24pins ATX power connector from the PSU to the MB and the 8 (or 4+4 pin) CPU power connector to the MB (some X470 boards may have an extra 4/8pins CPU connector, but they're optional; 2nd 4/8pins CPU connector on X99/X299/X399 boards are often not optional though).

If your CPU does not have integrated graphics, you must install the graphic card into the PCI-E x16 slot and then plug in the 6 or 8pins power connector (s) if those connector exist on your graphic card; they're often labeled PCI-E or VGA on your PSU's cables/connector.

At this point you can now plug in your monitor, to the port on the MB if you're testing with the integrated graphics or the port on the graphic card if you're not. Do note that some HDMI monitor will not function over the HDMI cable until the graphic card and monitor drivers are loaded (i.e. after the OS is installed).

Plug in the power cable from the PSU to the wall socket. Flip the switch at the back of the PSU to on if it isn't already. And be ready to turn the system on for the first time.

Do note that AMD Ryzen system may go through some long cycles of rebooting and memory training, and therefore could take a while before you manage to get the system to actually POST.