How to build a PC, the last guide you'll ever need!
TLDRThis comprehensive guide walks viewers through the intricate process of building a PC from scratch. It begins by emphasizing the importance of selecting components based on the user's needs, such as gaming or content creation, and budget considerations. The script delves into choosing the right CPU and GPU, motherboard compatibility, RAM specifications, and storage options. It also covers the selection of form factors, cooling solutions, power supplies, and cases. The guide provides detailed steps for assembling the PC, including installing the motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage drives, and cooling system. It further discusses cable management and troubleshooting common issues. The video aims to equip viewers with the knowledge to build a tailored PC that suits their specific requirements and preferences.
Takeaways
- 🤖 The script is an exhaustive guide on how to build a PC, providing tools to identify patterns for a good build rather than specific components.
- 🎮 It emphasizes the importance of understanding the user's needs and budget, such as gaming, content creation, or storage, to allocate resources appropriately.
- 👾 For gamers, the guide suggests focusing on the graphics card (GPU) and CPU, while different game genres may require different specs for optimal performance.
- 🎨 Content creators should consider their specific needs, like a drawing tablet for digital artists or a powerful CPU and GPU for video editors and 3D modelers.
- 💾 The guide discusses various storage options, advising on the right balance of speed and capacity depending on the usage, such as cold, warm, and hot storage.
- 🏎️ When choosing a form factor for the PC, the script outlines the differences between ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini ITX, and their implications for expansion and aesthetics.
- 💰 Budget considerations are crucial, and the script suggests looking at used or previous-gen hardware, which can offer great value and performance.
- 🔍 The importance of reading reviews and understanding specifications is highlighted for choosing the right CPU and GPU, especially in the context of current market shortages.
- 🛠️ The guide provides insights on other components like motherboards, RAM, storage drives, and power supplies, emphasizing compatibility and performance factors.
- 🔧 Cooling solutions are discussed, with a focus on the balance between custom loop liquid cooling and cost-effective air cooling, as well as the importance of proper thermal compound application.
- 🖼️ The script concludes with advice on cable management and the final steps of assembling the PC, including installing the power supply, GPU, and ensuring everything is connected correctly.
Q & A
What is the first step in building a PC according to the guide?
-The first step is to pick the parts, which involves asking yourself what you will use the computer for and allocating your budget accordingly based on your needs.
How does the type of games one plays affect the choice of PC components?
-The type of games influences the choice of components as different genres utilize CPU cores differently. For example, RPGs and visually complex games might require a high-resolution display with HDR, while competitive shooters might need a premium mouse and a high-refresh-rate display.
What should a content creator focus on when building a PC?
-A content creator should focus on components that suit their specific needs. For instance, a digital artist might benefit from a drawing tablet, a musician would need lots of RAM for instrument patches and samples, and a video editor would require at least a modest GPU, lots of RAM, and plenty of fast storage.
What are some factors to consider when choosing a motherboard for your PC build?
-Factors to consider when choosing a motherboard include the CPU socket type, the number of expansion slots, support for overclocking, RAM speed, and the presence of features like PCIe lanes and USB ports that match your requirements.
Why is it recommended to start a PC build around the CPU and GPU?
-It is recommended to start with the CPU and GPU because they are the most expensive components, take up most of the budget, and significantly influence the selection of other parts. They also determine compatibility with the motherboard and other hardware.
What is the significance of the form factor of a PC case?
-The form factor of a PC case is significant as it determines the size and type of components that can fit inside, including the motherboard, GPU, CPU cooler, and storage drives. Common form factors include ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini ITX.
How does the type of storage you plan to use affect the PC build process?
-The type of storage affects the build process as it influences the choice of drives, their capacity, speed, and the number of drive mounts needed in the case. It also affects system requirements, especially if roles like Plex are added, which increase the need for CPU overhead for transcoding.
What is the recommended approach to building a PC on a budget?
-For those on a budget, the recommended approach is to consider buying used components, such as off-lease business machines, or looking for deals on previous-generation hardware as retailers clear out old stock.
Why is it important to match the RAM capacity and speed with the CPU's memory controller?
-It is important to match the RAM capacity and speed with the CPU's memory controller to ensure optimal performance. Having too much memory or memory that runs at a frequency that the CPU cannot efficiently use can lead to reduced frequency, increased timings, and overall worse performance.
What are some considerations when choosing a power supply for a PC build?
-Considerations when choosing a power supply include its wattage to meet the system's needs, efficiency (look for an 80 Plus certification), modularity for ease of cable management, and the form factor to ensure it fits in the case. Also, consider the warranty and reliability of the power supply.
Outlines
🔧 Introduction to Building a PC
The guide begins with an introduction, emphasizing that the purpose is to provide the tools to identify patterns for a good build, not specific components. It outlines the initial step of picking parts based on the user's intended use, such as gaming, content creation, or as a network-attached storage (NAS) device. The focus is on understanding needs to allocate the budget effectively before diving into building the PC.
🎮 Considerations for Gamers
This section delves deeper into the specific needs of gamers, highlighting the importance of choosing the right display and peripherals based on the type of games played. It also discusses the need for a sufficient number of CPU cores for future-proofing and the importance of a high-quality hardware video encoder for those who stream or record gameplay.
🎨 Advice for Content Creators
Content creators are given tailored advice depending on their specific field. Digital artists may need a drawing tablet, musicians need ample RAM for instrument patches, video editors require a modest GPU, lots of RAM, and fast storage, while 3D modelers need a capable CPU and GPU for rendering. The section also mentions the needs of engineers and programmers, emphasizing validated hardware and powerful CPUs with multiple threads.
📦 Storage Options for NAS and Home Storage
For those building a NAS or home storage system, this section provides guidance on choosing storage drives based on usage—cold, warm, or hot storage—and the necessary speed and capacity. It also covers the impact of additional roles like Plex, highlighting the need for a fast CPU for transcoding.
💾 Understanding Form Factors
This part discusses various computer form factors, from the classic ATX to smaller Micro ATX and Mini ITX sizes. It explains the differences in expansion slots and case configurations, advising on choosing the appropriate form factor based on the user's needs and available space.
🛠 Determining Your Budget
Budget considerations are discussed, recommending used or previous generation hardware for those with limited funds. It highlights the reliability of solid-state components and the potential savings from buying older CPUs and GPUs while cautioning about the ongoing silicon shortage affecting prices.
🧩 Choosing and Comparing CPUs
A detailed guide on selecting CPUs, explaining the importance of specifications like clock frequency and cache, and the differences between integrated graphics and PCI Express lanes. It also covers considerations for budget CPUs, such as Intel's F-series and AMD's G Series, and the impact of CPU sockets and chipsets on future upgrade paths.
🎨 Picking the Right GPU
This section advises on choosing GPUs, emphasizing the need to read reviews and consider features like hardware video encoding and real-time ray tracing. It warns about the pitfalls of large amounts of slow memory and suggests looking at real-world performance comparisons to make informed decisions.
🖥 Motherboards and Their Features
Motherboard selection is covered, focusing on the balance between features and cost. It explains the differences between low-end and high-end chipsets, overclocking support, and the importance of choosing a board with the necessary slots and ports for the user's needs.
🧠 Understanding System Memory (RAM)
This section explains RAM, covering capacity, speed, and timings. It discusses the points of diminishing returns, the importance of matching memory frequencies to CPUs, and the benefits of dual rank memory. It also touches on error correction code (ECC) memory and its relevance for servers and high-end workstations.
❄ Cooling Solutions
Various cooling solutions are discussed, including custom liquid cooling loops, AIO coolers, and air coolers. The section emphasizes the importance of surface area for radiators, the pros and cons of different materials, and the ease of use and reliability of large heatsink air coolers.
🔌 Power Supply Units (PSUs)
PSUs are explained, focusing on the importance of quality and the benefits of modular interfaces. It covers different form factors like SFX and ATX, the rise of DC to DC converter PSUs, and the importance of ensuring compatibility with the case.
🖼 Choosing the Right Case
Case selection is covered, with a focus on airflow, ease of maintenance, and expansion capabilities. The section advises on the importance of removable dust filters and well-laid-out internal space for cable management.
💨 Case Fans and Their Types
This part discusses case fans, including the different types of bearings, static pressure vs. airflow optimization, and the impact of fan size on noise levels. It also explains the importance of matching fan types with controllers and the advantages of larger fans for quieter operation.
🔋 Installing the Motherboard
The process of installing the motherboard is detailed, from securing standoffs to connecting the 8-pin CPU power cables. It also covers wiring the front panel header and USB connections, emphasizing the importance of ensuring all connections are correct and securely in place.
💡 Front Panel Connections and USB Headers
This section explains how to connect front panel headers and USB connections, including USB 2.0, 3.0, and 3.2. It warns about the potential for damage when installing USB 3 connectors and provides tips for ensuring proper alignment.
💾 Installing Storage Drives
The installation of 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives is covered, including the use of drive trays and screws. It explains how to connect SATA data cables and the importance of checking the motherboard manual for the correct ports to use.
🌀 Wiring and Managing Case Fans
Instructions for wiring and managing case fans are provided, including tips for ensuring proper airflow and the benefits of using a fan controller. The section advises on the importance of keeping fan cables clear and tidy.
⚡ Power Supply Installation
The process of installing the power supply is detailed, from connecting modular cables to securing the PSU in the case. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring proper airflow and the correct orientation of the PSU.
🎮 Installing the GPU
GPU installation is explained, including selecting the correct slot, removing slot covers, and securing the GPU in place. The section also covers connecting power cables and ensuring the GPU is properly supported to prevent sagging.
🔗 Cable Management and Final Checks
The final steps involve cable management and ensuring all components are properly connected and secured. It advises on the importance of a tidy build for both aesthetics and airflow, and provides tips for troubleshooting common issues.
🛠 Troubleshooting and Final Adjustments
This section provides troubleshooting tips for common issues, such as no display or power problems. It also advises on checking BIOS settings, enabling XMP, and adjusting other common settings to ensure optimal performance.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡PC Build
💡Graphics Card (GPU)
💡Central Processing Unit (CPU)
💡Motherboard
💡Form Factor
💡Storage
💡RAM (Random Access Memory)
💡Cooling System
💡Power Supply Unit (PSU)
💡Peripherals
💡Bottleneck
💡Overclocking
💡RGB Lighting
💡Cable Management
💡UEFI BIOS
Highlights
The guide provides a comprehensive and detailed process for building a PC, tailored to users' specific needs and budget.
It emphasizes the importance of determining the purpose of the computer, such as gaming, content creation, or storage, to allocate the budget effectively.
The guide offers insights into choosing the right components based on the type of games played and the performance requirements of different gaming genres.
It discusses the significance of CPU and GPU selection for various content creators, such as digital artists, musicians, video editors, and 3D modelers.
The transcript covers the considerations for storage solutions, including the types of storage (cold, warm, hot) and the impact on system requirements.
It explains the different computer form factors (ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX, DTX) and their implications for component selection and case size.
The guide provides tips on setting a budget for a PC build, including the suggestion to buy used or previous-gen hardware for cost savings.
It discusses the importance of reading reviews and considering performance, features, and value when selecting CPUs and GPUs.
The transcript highlights the role of motherboard selection in a PC build, including chipset compatibility and features like RAM speed and PCIe lanes.
It explains the nuances of system memory (RAM) selection, including capacity, speed, timings, and the importance of dual-channel operation.
The guide covers the options for storage drives, differentiating between SATA and NVMe drives, and the performance benefits of SSDs over HDDs.
It discusses cooling solutions, including air and liquid cooling, and the factors to consider such as radiator size, water block quality, and fan types.
The transcript provides guidance on power supply selection, focusing on reliability, efficiency, and the importance of a modular interface.
It offers advice on choosing a PC case, considering factors like airflow, maintenance ease, expansion options, and cable management.
The guide touches on the topic of RGB lighting, discussing the different types of controllable RGB and their impact on system aesthetics.
It concludes with practical advice on setting up the workspace, handling components carefully, and the steps for assembling the PC.
Transcripts
Browse More Related Video
How to use MSI Afterburner and RivaTuner to Monitor CPU and GPU Statistics
How To Setup MSI Afterburner & On Screen Display 2024
🔧 Doing THIS can make your PC games PERFECTLY SMOOTH! *more fps & fix FPS stutter*✅
🔧 How To SETUP & use MSI AFTERBURNER (FPS, Usage, Tempretures & More!) Quick & Easy 2022✅
🔧 How To Overclock Your GPU - The Ultimate Easy Guide 2020
Programable Logic Controller Basics Explained - automation engineering
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)
Thanks for rating: