How hard is it to assemble a pc?

[sharky_legit]

I decided to build my own PC instead of buying a prebuilt one since it saves a bit of money. I already have all of my parts chosen, but before I buy I was wondering how difficult it would be to put the parts together. I have no experience building and I obviously don't want to break something I spent hundreds of dollars on. Can I build it 100% on my own, and do I need any extra tools/materials to assemble it properly? Thanks.

 

[ThatVietGuy]

Watch videos, read guides, and take your time.

It's an easy process once you've built a few computers, but it'll seem daunting at first. For the most part, the different parts can only be installed a certain way so there's little chance you'll install something where it doesn't belong.

And the only tool you'd probably need, at most, is a Phillips screwdriver.

 

[Paul NZ]

Read the manual thats the main thing

 

[USAFRet]

Once you get started, it's like LEGO for adults.
I'm about to teach a 10 year old how to do it.

The hardest part is actually picking out all the parts.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

My son built his first with no help at 14.

I helped pick the components and he built it.

 

[synphul]

It's fairly simple but does require a steady hand and dexterity. Helps if you work with your hands or have a 'feel' for things. Not sure how to describe it, that ability to feel when things like pressure become 'too much' and holding back. Like other said, read, read, look at pics, take your time. Don't get frustrated and don't 'force' things. New ram sticks can be a bear sometimes and might take a couple attempts to get them in square. Pay attention to what you're pushing on. The old ram sticks were simple enough, use pressure on the exposed edge of the pcb. Newer ones with heatsinks, you don't want to press on the thin metal heatsinks. By the time you get enough pressure to make them seat/lock into the slots, you'll probably pop the heatsinks loose from the chips.

Double check for things like pinched wires, especially around the motherboard when installing it. You don't want a short somewhere hidden behind the mobo.

Be sparing when applying thermal compound during cpu cooler installation. There's a sticky on the forums about thermal compound application, take a look at it. (A little goes a long way).

As far as tools, phillips head screwdriver (p1 or p2). Tweezers if you have fat fingers like me and drop a screw or for installing front panels connectors/power button leads to the motherboard header.

Absolutely do-able to build your own and have fun with it. Good luck with it.