Noob’s Journey
Rig Ready: PC Build 101
From parts pile to power-on. Simple rules, clean airflow, and a first boot that just… works.
Why Build Your Own?
- Performance per dollar: Skip prebuilt markup, spend where frames live (GPU, CPU, fast SSD).
- Noise & thermals: Choose a case and fans that don’t sound like a shop vac.
- Upgrades forever: Swap GPU later, add NVMe, bump RAM—keep the rig young.
- Fun stat unlocked: It’s LEGO but spicier. You’ll know your system end-to-end.
Rule zero: Go slow, don’t force it. Connectors only seat one way. If it fights you, angle’s wrong.
Pick a Performance Target
1080p • 60–144 FPS (Starter/E-sports)
Optimized for shooters and MOBAs. Prioritize GPU efficiency, 16–32GB RAM, 1TB NVMe.
1440p • 60–165 FPS (Sweet Spot)
High settings in most games. 8-core CPU tier, 32GB RAM, 1–2TB NVMe Gen4.
4K • 60–120 FPS (Ultra)
Max eye-candy. Big-boy GPU, strong PSU, airflow that slaps. 32–64GB RAM recommended.
Tip: buy for your monitor. Frames you can’t display are like gains you can’t flex.
Parts & Compatibility — The Short, Safe Version
1) CPU + Motherboard
- Socket must match (e.g., Intel LGA1700, AMD AM4/AM5).
- Pick a chipset with features you need (M.2 count, USB4, Wi-Fi, PCIe Gen).
- Cooler mount: verify bracket supports your socket.
2) RAM
- Match memory type: DDR4 or DDR5 (they’re not cross-compatible).
- Start with 32GB (2×16GB) for modern AAA + multitask.
- Check motherboard QVL if stability is crucial.
3) GPU
- Ensure case length & width clearance (and vertical mount room if used).
- Power plugs: 6/8-pin PCIe or 12VHPWR (avoid sharp bends; give 35–40mm clearance before any bend).
4) Storage
- NVMe M.2 2280 fits most boards. Gen4 is the sweet spot; Gen5 is “luxury fast.”
- Games: 1–2TB NVMe. Bulk: add a SATA SSD/HDD later if needed.
5) PSU (Power Supply)
- Pick by watts + connectors + efficiency (80+ Gold is ideal).
- Leave ~30–50% headroom for spikes and future GPU upgrades.
6) Case, Fans, Cooling
- Airflow cases with mesh fronts are your friend.
- Two front intakes + one rear exhaust = simple, effective baseline.
- 240–360mm AIO or a quality tower air cooler—both are valid.
Compatibility Quick-Check (Copyable)
Compatibility quick-check: • CPU socket ↔ motherboard socket & chipset. • RAM type (DDR4 or DDR5) and speed supported. • Case fits GPU length & cooler/radiator size; has PSU shroud clearance. • PSU wattage & correct connectors (CPU EPS 8-pin, GPU 8-pin/12VHPWR). • Motherboard has enough M.2 slots for now + later. • Front panel connector standard (USB-C, audio) matches case headers. • Monitor ports match GPU (HDMI/DP).
PSU Helper (Simple Math)
Estimate needed wattage: (CPU TDP + GPU TBP + 150W for “everything else”) × 1.5, then round up to the nearest 50–100W.
Quick Calculator
Result: —
Connector Sanity
- CPU: 8-pin EPS (sometimes 8+4). Plug them all if your board has them.
- GPU: one or more 8-pin PCIe or a single 12VHPWR (use the PSU’s native cable when possible).
- Don’t daisy-chain a single cable to two high-draw 8-pins on big GPUs—use separate runs.
Airflow Plan
Basic Layout
Front: ↑ ↑ (intake – cool air in) Top: ↓ ↓ (exhaust – warm air out) Rear: ↓ (exhaust) Bottom (optional): ↑ (intake for GPU) CPU cooler: blow toward rear exhaust
Aim for slight positive pressure (more intake than exhaust) to reduce dust.
Fan Direction Tip
Most fans pull air from the open side and push toward the side with the struts/logo sticker.
Set AIO radiator as top or front depending on case; keep tubes at the bottom of the rad when front-mounted.
Example Parts Lists (Evergreen Tiers)
Models evolve, but tiers don’t. Swap in the current-gen equivalents (e.g., “xx60/xx70” class GPUs).
Starter • 1080p/eSports
CPU: 6-core value tier (e.g., Ryzen 5 5600 / Core i5-12400F) Cooler: Stock or budget tower Motherboard: AM4 / LGA1700 B-series with 2× M.2 RAM: 16–32GB DDR4 3200–3600 (2×8 or 2×16) GPU: Value 1080p (e.g., RX 7600 / RTX 4060) Storage: 1TB NVMe Gen3/4 PSU: 550–650W 80+ Gold Case: Mesh front mid-tower + 3 fans OS: Windows 11 Home/Pro
Sweet Spot • 1440p High
CPU: 6–8 core modern tier (e.g., Ryzen 5 7600 / Core i5-13400/13600) Cooler: 240mm AIO or premium air Motherboard: AM5 / LGA1700 mid-range with 2–3× M.2 Gen4 RAM: 32GB DDR5 5600–6000 (2×16) GPU: 1440p class (e.g., RX 7700 XT / RTX 4070 Super) Storage: 1–2TB NVMe Gen4 PSU: 650–750W 80+ Gold Case: Airflow mid-tower + 4–5 fans
Ultra • 4K
CPU: 8–12 core (e.g., Ryzen 7/9 / Core i7/i9) Cooler: 360mm AIO or top-tier air Motherboard: Feature-rich (PCIe Gen4/5, multiple M.2) RAM: 32–64GB DDR5 6000+ GPU: 4K class (e.g., RX 7900 XTX / RTX 4080 Super+) Storage: 2TB NVMe Gen4 (plus extra for editing/assets) PSU: 850–1000W 80+ Gold/Platinum Case: High-airflow full/mid-tower; consider vertical GPU kit
Assembly Steps (Zero Panic Edition)
- Prep: Big table, good light. Ground yourself by touching the case often. Tools: #2 Phillips, zip ties, thermal paste if cooler doesn’t include.
- Motherboard on its box: Pop the CPU socket cover; align triangle mark; lower latch. No wobble? You did it.
- RAM: Slots A2/B2 for two sticks. Firm, even pressure until the latches click.
- NVMe SSD: Insert at 30°, press flat, secure with the tiny screw or M.2 latch.
- Cooler: Backplate → standoffs → pea-sized paste (if needed) → mount evenly. Plug CPU_FAN or PUMP header.
- Case prep: Install PSU (fan down if vented). Route main cables behind the tray. Add case fans (front intake, rear/top exhaust).
- Standoffs: Match standoffs to board size (ATX/mATX). Remove extras—stray standoffs can short the board.
- Motherboard in case: I/O shield first (if separate), then board on standoffs. Screw in gently, cross-pattern.
- Front-panel headers: Power switch, reset, HDD LED, power LED—consult the manual diagram. USB-C/USB-A/audio to their headers.
- GPU: Remove the correct slot covers; seat GPU in top x16 slot until it clicks. Screw down. Connect PCIe/12VHPWR power.
- SATA drives (optional): Mount and connect SATA power + data to motherboard.
- Double-check: 24-pin ATX, 8-pin CPU EPS (sometimes 8+4), GPU power, CPU cooler fan, case fans on SYS_FAN, front panel plugged.
- First power-on: Connect monitor to GPU (not motherboard HDMI), keyboard, and power. Flip PSU on, press case power.
Pocket Checklist
Build checklist: [ ] CPU seated, latch closed [ ] RAM in A2/B2, clicked [ ] NVMe installed, screw in [ ] Cooler mounted, CPU_FAN connected [ ] PSU installed, cables routed [ ] Standoffs match board, no extras [ ] Motherboard screws snug [ ] Front panel headers connected [ ] GPU fully seated + powered [ ] Case fans oriented (front in / top+rear out) [ ] Monitor on GPU port [ ] No loose screws/cables
First Boot, BIOS & Drivers
- POST & BIOS: On first boot, mash Del/F2 to enter BIOS. Check temps (30–45°C idle is normal).
- Update BIOS: Use the board’s EZ-Flash/Flashback with a USB stick (format FAT32). Stability + CPU support improve.
- XMP/EXPO: Enable memory profile so RAM runs at rated speed.
- Fan curves: Quiet curve for case fans, balanced for CPU. Save & exit.
- Install OS: Boot from USB installer (Windows 11). Choose NVMe drive, make partitions automatically.
- Drivers: Install chipset, network/Wi-Fi, audio, and GPU drivers from vendor sites. Reboot after GPU.
- Stress & temps: Play a game or run a light benchmark. CPU < 90°C, GPU < 85°C under load are fine in most builds.
Troubleshooting (Fast Fixes)
No video / no POST
- Monitor is on the GPU, not motherboard.
- 8-pin CPU cable plugged (EPS), not PCIe by mistake.
- RAM reseat; try one stick in slot A2.
- Clear CMOS: jumper or remove battery for a minute.
- Check motherboard debug LEDs/beep codes (manual).
Boot loops / random shutdown
- Short from extra standoff? Remove any not under a hole.
- 12VHPWR bent too sharply? Reseat with gentle curve.
- PSU cables fully clicked; try separate PCIe runs.
- XMP unstable? Drop to next lower RAM profile.
High temps / loud
- Flip a fan that’s backward; ensure front = intake.
- Re-mount cooler; check paste and pressure.
- Set fan curve: ramp later; add top exhaust if needed.
Network/game stutter
- Update GPU/chipset/LAN drivers.
- Turn off background overlays you don’t use.
- Use Ethernet or strong Wi-Fi 5/6; avoid USB 2.0 dongles.
Care & Upgrade Path
- Quarterly dusting: short bursts of compressed air; hold fans still while cleaning.
- Update GPU drivers when a new game needs it; BIOS only when stability/features demand.
- Easy first upgrades: add a 2TB NVMe, bump to 32→64GB RAM, or swap in a stronger GPU (thanks, headroom).
- Power plan: Windows “Balanced” or “High performance” for benchmarking; disable background junk.
Future-you will thank present-you for tidy cables and labeled screws.