The kind of PC you're building will also influence the kind of case, fan, and power supply you’ll need to use. If you're creating a high-powered performance workhorse, for example, you'll need a robust power supply to run it.
You’ll also require a case with optimal internal airflow and fans to expel hot air that could potentially damage the system.
Adding memory (RAM) is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to boost the performance of a computer.
RAM gives your system more available space to temporarily store data that's being used, so it helps you carry out simultaneous tasks, like having several programs open, or surfing the web without long load times.
The CPU is the engine of your computer and sets the performance expectations for the entire build. The CPU provides the processing power and instructions behind all your computer’s operations.
The motherboard is the circuit board that connects everything together — your hardware, the power supply and the graphics cards — so it’s the first component you'll want to choose. The motherboard also determines what other pieces of hardware the computer can use.
Once your system is assembled, it's time for the big moment — hit the power button!
Make sure your monitor and keyboard are connected, and if everything works correctly, a screen will appear where you can enter the system BIOS.
If you have a disc or flash drive with an OS, put it into the appropriate drive, boot up, and you can install the OS. Congratulations, you've now built your own PC!
The five areas of hardware you'll need to research for any PC build are:
As with anything you build, understanding what you want to create is usually the best place to start.
You might be a die-hard gamer looking for a custom gaming PC, a student doing research and editing, or someone who uses their computer for day-to-day tasks.
Once you know what kind of PC you want, you'll understand what kind of hardware and performance you need — and avoid paying for things you don't.
Building your own computer may seem like a daunting project, especially for a first timer. You might be worried it’s too complex, too expensive, or too time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be!
