Assembling your own PC will supercharge your gaming experience and allow you to upgrade components at any time.
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How to build a gaming PC
Step 1: Prepare your motherboard
Step 2: Install the CPU
Step 3: Install M.2 SSD(s)
Step 4: Install the RAM
Step 5: Get your case ready for your motherboard
Step 6: Install your motherboard into your case
Step 7: Install your power supply (PSU)
Step 8: Connect any SATA hard drives/SSDs
Step 9: Plug your case and power cables into the motherboard
Step 10: Install your CPU cooling system
Step 11: Start cable management
Step 12: Install your graphics card
Step 13: Install your OS
TIPS on Building Gaming PC:
Separating the gaming PC building process into manageable steps makes it much less intimidating. Even if you’re a novice, fret not: No prior build experience is required.1 2 3
Building a gaming PC from scratch is the only sure-fire way to ensure that your system is capable of satisfying all of your personal preferences. When you determine everything that goes into your PC from the power supply up, you know that you'll be able to play the games you want at the frame rates you want. In addition, a home-built PC keeps the door open for upgrades — as technology changes, as your gaming tastes and needs change, or as your budget allows.
Though building a PC can seem intimidating, you might find that it’s easier than you think, especially when broken into manageable steps. That's why we've put together this comprehensive step-by-step guide to building your first gaming PC, complete with tips and tricks from our veteran builders.
See if a pre-built vs. custom pc is right for you ›
PREP 1: PC Build Tools
The first thing you need to do to prepare is gather the tools you need to complete the build. Preparing the materials below ahead of time goes a long way to ensure that the build process goes smoothly.
PREP 2: Gaming PC Cases Before you start picking out components, you should have a case — or, at least, a case size — in mind.
The main thing to keep in mind when picking a case is where you're going to put the computer. Your PC's final location will dictate how big you can (or cannot) go, and it will also help determine whether various premium case features are worth splurging on. You probably don't want to pay for a tempered glass side panel if the computer will be hidden under your desk, for example.
Cases typically come in three sizes: Full-tower, mid-tower, and mini-tower. These are very general categories (case sizes are not standardized among manufacturers), but they're based on motherboard size.
PREP 3: Gaming PC Parts Now it's time to get your components together. This step can be as hands-on or as hands-off as you like; you can thoroughly research each individual component on your own and create a custom build from scratch, or you can find a pre-made build online and adjust it to suit your specific budget and needs.
We definitely recommend coming up with a budget before you start picking components (it's easy for component shopping to get out of hand). Remember, you can always upgrade individual components later.
Pro-tip: Make a build list before you make any purchases — all components need to be compatible with all other components.
Pro-tip: If you're building this PC because you want to play a certain game, check that game's recommended system requirements and plan accordingly.
In addition to your case, here are the components you need to build a gaming PC:
Separating the gaming PC building process into manageable steps makes it much less intimidating. Even if you’re a novice, fret not: No prior build experience is required.1 2 3
Building a gaming PC from scratch is the only sure-fire way to ensure that your system is capable of satisfying all of your personal preferences. When you determine everything that goes into your PC from the power supply up, you know that you'll be able to play the games you want at the frame rates you want. In addition, a home-built PC keeps the door open for upgrades — as technology changes, as your gaming tastes and needs change, or as your budget allows.
Though building a PC can seem intimidating, you might find that it’s easier than you think, especially when broken into manageable steps. That's why we've put together this comprehensive step-by-step guide to building your first gaming PC, complete with tips and tricks from our veteran builders.
See if a pre-built vs. custom pc is right for you ›
PREP 1: PC Build Tools
The first thing you need to do to prepare is gather the tools you need to complete the build. Preparing the materials below ahead of time goes a long way to ensure that the build process goes smoothly.
- Workspace. You will need a large surface to work on, such as a table. To prevent an accidental electrostatic discharge (which can damage sensitive components), make sure you stand on an uncarpeted surface.
- Screwdrivers. You will need a Phillips #2 screwdriver for just about everything. If you're installing an M.2 device, you'll also need a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
PREP 2: Gaming PC Cases Before you start picking out components, you should have a case — or, at least, a case size — in mind.
The main thing to keep in mind when picking a case is where you're going to put the computer. Your PC's final location will dictate how big you can (or cannot) go, and it will also help determine whether various premium case features are worth splurging on. You probably don't want to pay for a tempered glass side panel if the computer will be hidden under your desk, for example.
Cases typically come in three sizes: Full-tower, mid-tower, and mini-tower. These are very general categories (case sizes are not standardized among manufacturers), but they're based on motherboard size.
PREP 3: Gaming PC Parts Now it's time to get your components together. This step can be as hands-on or as hands-off as you like; you can thoroughly research each individual component on your own and create a custom build from scratch, or you can find a pre-made build online and adjust it to suit your specific budget and needs.
We definitely recommend coming up with a budget before you start picking components (it's easy for component shopping to get out of hand). Remember, you can always upgrade individual components later.
Pro-tip: Make a build list before you make any purchases — all components need to be compatible with all other components.
Pro-tip: If you're building this PC because you want to play a certain game, check that game's recommended system requirements and plan accordingly.
In addition to your case, here are the components you need to build a gaming PC:
- Central processing unit (CPU)
- Motherboard
- Memory (RAM)
- Graphics processing unit (GPU)
- Storage
- Power supply unit (PSU)
- System cooling
- Gaming peripherals
- Operating system (OS)