What is the hardest part of building a pc?

[Kappa909]

I have a computer which im going to take apart and put into a new case with a new motherboard and PSU. This is the first time im building a pc. What is the hardest part and have you got any tips and things i should do.
Thank you.

 

[cdabc123]

if everything is compatible. nothing. its a pretty strait forward prosess

 

[Dunlop0078]

I would say putting the CPU cooler on, especially with stock intel coolers the pins can be annoying to get in. But still its not very difficult find a good builders guide if your worried.

 

[arossetti]

Don't rush anything. Make sure you understand where everything was connected before you disconnect - especially if you don't have the documentation; make sure your grounded before handling the CPU/GPU/Memory (well just about anything actually); watch some videos on YouTube - it's rather simple really. Just make sure the components you buy are able to fit in the case you want.

 

[norseman4]

For me, the hardest part of the build, assuming all compatible parts, is almost always connecting the cases front panel connectors. These are small one wire connectors with relatively large fingers and eyesight that isn't nearly as good as it once was.

As for recommendations, RTFM, take your time, and if you have any confusion look at the relevant section in the manuals again.

 

[mjslakeridge]

I would say the hardest part is picking out the parts you are going to use to make sure they are all compatible and you are getting the best bang for the buck, and somewhat future proof. But there are sites like PCPartpicker.com and people here at Tom's that will evaluate any potential build and offer advice.

Assembling the build is not too difficult. Take your time, read directions in the motherboard manual.

 

[Wolfshadw]

IMO, the hard part of PC building is going to depend on the components you have. If you have a small case, then the hardest part is determining the order in which to install the components. The same goes for large third party CPU coolers. Other than that, as long as you have the documentation for the motherboard (and understand it), the rest is pretty straight forward.

When I build my HTPC, I installed my power supply first. Then I discovered, I couldn't install my hard drive with the power supply installed, so I removed the power supply, installed the hard drive, and then re-installed the power supply. Then I discovered that I couldn't connect the power and SATA cables to the hard drive with the power supply installed, so I had to remove the power supply again, connect the cables, and then, finally, reinstall the power supply...

Of course, this wasn't a modular power supply so I needed a place to store all those extra cables and the only convenient place was under the hard drive bay...

-Wolf sends

P.S. NMediaPC 200BA - The case I used.

 

[bamaman63]

For me, the hardest part of the build, assuming all compatible parts, is almost always connecting the cases front panel connectors. These are small one wire connectors with relatively large fingers and eyesight that isn't nearly as good as it once was.

As for recommendations, RTFM, take your time, and if you have any confusion look at the relevant section in the manuals again.

 

[bamaman63]

Norseman 4: I was wondering if anyone would say getting all the front panel wires properly hooked up. I have built two pretty nice mid tower PC's over the last year and the panel wires are by far the toughest job for me. I'm 75 years old and the eyesight has dimmed a bit and I have to work with tri- focals. Mother board manufacturers could make it a little easier on everyone by pulling these panel sockets away from the case wall by just 1/2 inch.

Thanks for your comment.

prd

 

[mjslakeridge]

Ya, I forgot about the front panel wires. I have to take OFF my glasses and stick my nose in close with a LED headband style light on.

 

[Kappa909]

Ya, I forgot about the front panel wires. I have to take OFF my glasses and stick my nose in close with a LED headband style light on.

I will have a mid tower case so do you think this will be much of a problem still?

 

[mjslakeridge]

It all depends on how close to the bottom of the case the motherboard is when properly mounted (assuming the front panel header is at the bottom edge of the motherboard). It is really more a function of your eyesight and finger dexterity than anything else. I guess you could hook up the front panel wires before putting the motherboard in the case, assuming there is some slack in the wires.