Build a PC

Building a desktop

Building your own desktop allows for greater customisation and control. It's worth it even though it's harder.

Some common issues when building your PC

• Use standoffs under the motherboard mounting holes!
• Read the manual that came with your motherboard
• Plug in all the power connectors
• If you have a graphics card, connect your monitor to your graphics card and NOT to the motherboard
• Spread thermal paste however you feel like, use about half a pea size amount, if using the stock heatsink don't touch the preapplied stuff
• Install the CPU heatsink before putting the motherboard into the case
• Yes the CPU socket lever will be hard to push down and feel like it's taking too much force. That's normal.

External Links

• PCPartPicker - Computer component aggregator and comparison tool dedicated to picking out compatible computer components, allowing one to seamlessly create a desktop.

• Logical Increments - Formerly known as the "Falcon Guide", a good starting point to building a computer on a budget, components are grouped by price point.

• ChooseMyPC.net - Cookie cutter PC build generator, also hosts several guides and resources related to builds.