How to Build a 10/10 Would Build Again Computer

Before jumping straight into things, we need to clear a few things up. First off you need to know exactly what parts you are going to build with and know that you have every part that you need for a computer. You should know if they are compatible with each other. Secondly, you should know about ESD (electrostatic discharge). This is when you gather up static by scuffing your nice wool socks on the carpet and then decide to touch your computer parts. The static buildup will be released into the computer and possibly ruin your components. This can be prevented by building on an anti-static mat and wearing an anti-static wrist strap which is attached to your fancy new computer case (but only on unpainted metal). Now without further-a-do, lets get started.

Step 1: Searching for Your Parts

Searching for your parts can be a long and tedious process. You can't go over your budget (if you have one), you can't choose top of the line parts mixed with garbage parts, and you must make sure they are compatible. www.pcpartpicker.com is a great source for choosing parts and verifying that they are compatible. www.newegg.com is also a great place to buy your parts and research their specifications. These are the parts you need to research:

Needed Parts:

Motherboard

CPU (processor)

CPU fan (if it doesn't already come with the CPU)

Hard Drive(s)/SSD (either one is fine)

Case

Power Supply

RAM

Operating System

CDROM drive

Highly Recommended

Graphics Card

More fans for your case

Anti-Static Wrist Strap

Motherboard Stadoffs

Step 2: Prepare Your Parts to Be Built

Once all of your glorious parts have arrived in the mail, get them ready to be put into your case. You should be using a clean space where you have easy access to all of your parts. Lay your case on its side with the side panel off and then you are ready to start building.

Step 3: The Motherboard and Attachments

If you ever get confused, refer to your manuals that you received with your parts! All will be clear! Before you put your parts in your case, you can put the RAM, CPU, and CPU fan on your motherboard. Be careful that you don't force the CPU into place, the pins could bend! Make sure that your put our RAM sticks into the correct channels; your motherboard manual will have information on this. BEFORE you put your motherboard in your case, replace the back i/o panel with the new one that comes with the motherboard. Once your motherboard has the parts in it, screw the motherboard standoffs into place (inside of your case). Then place your motherboard in your case and screw it in.

Step 4: The Graphics Card

IF YOU HAVE A GRAPHICS CARD - take out the back metal PCI slots on your case (only the ones that the graphics card will need, and plug your graphics card into your motherboard (PCIe 3.0,2.0,1.0, etc.). Make sure your securely screw your graphics card into place.

Step 5: Hard Drives and SSDs

Then, set your hard drives or SSDs into place inside your case. Screw them into place. Also place your CDROM drive into its place so that you can access its panel from the outside of your case. There are panels that you can pop out so that the CDROM drive is shown.

Step 6: Power Supply

Now you need to put the power supply into its place and screw it in. All of your cords from your power supply can be weaved through the other side of your case if you would like to have cable management (just take off the other side panel to your case). Make sure that all of your pats have power leading into them, your hard drives have SATA connections, your fans plugged into your motherboard, your graphics card has 4pin, 6pin, or 8pin connections into it, your CDROM drive has a power connection and any SATA connection as well, and finally your motherboard has its power connection plugged in.

Step 7: Front I/O Connectors & Power/Reset

You may notice that there are small connectors that have labels like USB 1 or POWER and RESET on them. these need to be connected into your motherboard so that your front panel will work (power switch, LED lights, reset switch, and any USB ports). These can be a bit tricky so you should refer to your motherboard's manual for this.

Step 8: Installing the OS

This next part doesn't have anything to do with the hardware of your computer.

Installing the OS is quite simple, simply insert the disk you bought (windows 7, 8, 10, etc.) and follow the instructions. You can't mess this part up.

Step 9: Celebrate!

WOW you made it! I didn't expect you to make it this far but nevertheless, you have accomplished your task.

Everything else is up to you. Whatever you want to do with your PC is up to you. All the programs you want can be downloaded easily, just be careful about viruses! And if you want to party, step away from that newborn computer, knowing you, you would trip on it.

Thanks for checking out this tutorial!