How simple is it to build a Pc?

dathvader192 · 09-12-2012, 08:28 PM

I'm looking in building a Pc... Problem is, I've never actually built one before.

I'm 13 years of age and if it's just as easy as adding a graphics card (Except 10x harder) I think I would be able to do it!

workthis · 09-12-2012, 08:35 PM

since its your first time i suggest you do some extensive research before you actually build a computer. the last thing you want happening is placing in your cpu poorly and end up buying a new one.

wuliheron · 09-12-2012, 08:54 PM

This is one of my favorite websites for how to build a PC. It's animated so it helps take some of the anxiety out of the process. I suggest first watching the animations, and then going back and reading the information.

http://www.pcityourself.com/

It really is easy to build your own and there's only a few things you need to be careful of such as making sure to apply the thermal grease and not drop some parts like the hard drive on the floor.

freeman4all · 09-12-2012, 09:30 PM

I'm not gonna act like I've ever built a pc from the groud up, because i haven't. But I would guess the hardest part is finding the right components for your needs and budget, also to make sure they are cohesive with one another and putting them together properly.

LordEC911 · 09-12-2012, 09:36 PM

It is just like expensive legos. Almost everything can only go in one way. Hardest part for me, the first time, was getting the cards and memory sticks seated fully in the slots since I didn't want to force anything. Since you have already done that with you GPU you know how much force is needed. I would say, like someone already mentioned, make sure you have your CPU orientated correctly before trying to fasten it to the mobo, bent pins suck.

Do some research, read through forums or websites for recent builds in the budget range you are looking for. Post your build here when you are getting close to ordering so we can give some last minute advice or maybe point you toward some deals.

Some good advice that I took to heart on my first build. Don't hesitate to spend more than you think you should for a case, PSU and monitor, within reason of course. If you buy quality parts, those three things can last through quite a few builds.

Omega_K2 · 09-12-2012, 09:56 PM

The assembly is, just as LordEC911, like Lego mostly. Usually everything only fits in one way and as long you make sure to read the manuals (especailly motherboard manual) you should be on the safe side.

Picking parts is a bit harder, but I'd also recommened getting a quality PSU (corsair for example) and a quality case.
My first case was a low quality cheapass one for 20$ and I ended up cutting my self continously because of sharp metal edges in the case.
Simiarily, a low quality PSUs tend to die sooner and also may take other parts with them.

seseorang · 09-13-2012, 07:18 AM

The common mistake is handling the parts like they are lego. All the components will need handling with care. Only handle when required and not to touch anything unless you have to.

Only remove from packaging when you are about to install. I've built many computers and upgraded and gone through a phase of case switching. And I even leave parts in the bag until ready to install

Pete Danger · 09-13-2012, 09:40 AM

Also, a very obvious thing (but worth a mention) always earth yourself before handling stuff like CPU's and GPU's.

DIENER · 09-13-2012, 10:21 AM

PC is like legos that LordEC911 also said, components and cables only fit in one place so you can't do it wrong unless you use force which you should never do. Watch videos on youtube to find out how to install each component and also read the manuals.
I have seen some that forget the motherboard standoffs and attach the motherboard right on the case which can break the motherboard if you are unlucky so don't do that.

Something really important is to grab the circuit boards on the side and not right on. You can also get a antistatic wrist strap to discharge static however I have never used one. I just take the computer and put it on a wooden table and I stand on a wooden floor without socks then touch the case to discharge static.

ffejrxx · 09-13-2012, 12:55 PM

building your own pc isnt too complicated

required a phillips #2 screwdriver (6in)
componenents
1. case
2. mobo
3. cpu
4. ram
5. hdd/ssd
6. psu
7. odd (dvd/bluray drive)
8. gpu (optional)
9. cpu heatsink (upgrade optional)

keyboard/mouse/monitor/speakers

1. install the cpu and heatsink on the board (some upgraded heatsinks require access to the back of the mobo)

2. install the mobo into the case
a. look at the case and mobo, remove all standoffs in the case, and only use the ones that line up correctly with the board
b. hook up the front panel connectors, pc speaker/power button/reset button/power light/drive activity light/usb ports

3. install ram

4. install hdd/ssd/odd and data cables for them
(for windows machines sata port #1 cannot be used for a odd)

5. install gpu

6. install psu and connect it to everything
a. 24ping mobo, 4/8pin mobo
b. hdd/ssd/odd
c. gpu (if required)

7. power on and configure bios for the ram/cpu fans ect..

8. install windows or os of your choice

omal72 · 09-13-2012, 12:57 PM

Like Pete Danger and Diener said, the most important thing is to ground yourself before touching any electronics. It's not that big of a deal, I usually just touch a bare metal (not painted) piece of the case to discharge any built up electricity before touching anything sensitive, but even that's not a huge deal - I usually build my computers while sitting on my carpeted floor and in over 10 years I've never once blown out a component with static electricity.

The other sensitive part, like others have noted, is the CPU - they typically slide in like butter when you put then in the correct way, so if you meet any resistance don't force it - double-check that you're pins are lined up correctly. Other than that it's pretty much a piece of cake.

fincher234 · 09-14-2012, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dathvader192

I'm looking in building a Pc... Problem is, I've never actually built one before.

I'm 13 years of age and if it's just as easy as adding a graphics card (Except 10x harder) I think I would be able to do it!

Except that no one ever tells you to consider the additional issues.

Putting the parts together isn't that hard. Often, though, the system doesn't start up and run properly. Do you have the technical knowledge to be able to troubleshoot and track down the problem? This is where many people are very weak and, when the system doesn't work at first, they are at a complete loss as to how to proceed.

The other consideration is that if you buy a machine that is built for you the company that built it is responsible for making sure you have a working machine. If you buy a bunch of parts the numerous companies are responsible for replacing any truly failed parts that they produced, but no one, but you, is responsible for ensuring that you have a functional machine. So you are choosing to absorb considerably more risk onto yourself and you don't have anyone standing behind you with the responsibility to get it all working properly. It's easy for people to tell you to build it yourself because they won't be the ones on the hook, financially and otherwise, if it doesn't work out.

I'm not saying you shouldn't do it but these are things you need to seriously consider, not just the question of how hard or easy it is to plug parts together.

KamiofLunacy · 09-14-2012, 10:12 AM

On the other hand, there's a forum full of people willing to help if anyone does suffer inexplicable hardware issues and first-boot failures

OP got banned, apparently, so I don't think that he'll really be returning to this thread...

Bad_Motha · 09-14-2012, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KamiofLunacy

OP got banned, apparently, so I don't think that he'll really be returning to this thread...

Doesn't mean he/she won't return and look at the helpful info as a non-logged in guest. As you are free to view these forums without logging in.

As far as the OP's question, well if you can put legos together, read and follow instruction, then yes you can build a PC. It's fairly simple. Sometimes also may take a little common sense I guess, but that should go without saying.

I see alot of college students these days asking about building their own PC and such. Well not to brag, but I built my first DOS/Win3.1 PC when I was 10/11-ish years old. Which was a custom build, from the ground up. I did my own research and from there made my own choices. And that was back in the early 90's! Today it couldn't be easier, you have the internet and such for all the info in the world at your fingertips, you have plenty of real people to ask questions to (without much effort BTW) and do be honest it'd couldn't get much simpler then it is right now in our current times. And on top of that you can do everything from the comfort of your arm-chair and underwear and not have to even go out into the world to do all this stuff (like I had to do back in the day). Plus you have all the online resources and stores to make your various purchases, etc.

How much more spoiled can mankind get?

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09-12-2012, 08:28 PM	#1
dathvader192 Banned Join Date: May 2012 Reputation: 0 Posts: 113	How simple is it to build a Pc? I'm looking in building a Pc... Problem is, I've never actually built one before. I'm 13 years of age and if it's just as easy as adding a graphics card (Except 10x harder) I think I would be able to do it!

09-12-2012, 08:35 PM	#2
workthis Join Date: Feb 2010 Reputation: 8 Posts: 171	since its your first time i suggest you do some extensive research before you actually build a computer. the last thing you want happening is placing in your cpu poorly and end up buying a new one.

09-12-2012, 08:54 PM	#3
wuliheron Join Date: Dec 2008 Reputation: 298 Posts: 2,647	This is one of my favorite websites for how to build a PC. It's animated so it helps take some of the anxiety out of the process. I suggest first watching the animations, and then going back and reading the information. http://www.pcityourself.com/ It really is easy to build your own and there's only a few things you need to be careful of such as making sure to apply the thermal grease and not drop some parts like the hard drive on the floor.

09-12-2012, 09:30 PM	#4
freeman4all Join Date: Apr 2012 Reputation: 2221 Posts: 1,739	I'm not gonna act like I've ever built a pc from the groud up, because i haven't. But I would guess the hardest part is finding the right components for your needs and budget, also to make sure they are cohesive with one another and putting them together properly.

09-12-2012, 09:36 PM	#5
LordEC911 Join Date: May 2006 Reputation: 61 Posts: 2,010	It is just like expensive legos. Almost everything can only go in one way. Hardest part for me, the first time, was getting the cards and memory sticks seated fully in the slots since I didn't want to force anything. Since you have already done that with you GPU you know how much force is needed. I would say, like someone already mentioned, make sure you have your CPU orientated correctly before trying to fasten it to the mobo, bent pins suck. Do some research, read through forums or websites for recent builds in the budget range you are looking for. Post your build here when you are getting close to ordering so we can give some last minute advice or maybe point you toward some deals. Some good advice that I took to heart on my first build. Don't hesitate to spend more than you think you should for a case, PSU and monitor, within reason of course. If you buy quality parts, those three things can last through quite a few builds.

09-12-2012, 09:56 PM	#6
Omega_K2 Join Date: Jul 2006 Reputation: 131 Posts: 1,091	The assembly is, just as LordEC911, like Lego mostly. Usually everything only fits in one way and as long you make sure to read the manuals (especailly motherboard manual) you should be on the safe side. Picking parts is a bit harder, but I'd also recommened getting a quality PSU (corsair for example) and a quality case. My first case was a low quality cheapass one for 20$ and I ended up cutting my self continously because of sharp metal edges in the case. Simiarily, a low quality PSUs tend to die sooner and also may take other parts with them.

09-13-2012, 07:18 AM	#7
seseorang Join Date: Feb 2010 Reputation: 689 Posts: 7,251	The common mistake is handling the parts like they are lego. All the components will need handling with care. Only handle when required and not to touch anything unless you have to. Only remove from packaging when you are about to install. I've built many computers and upgraded and gone through a phase of case switching. And I even leave parts in the bag until ready to install

09-13-2012, 09:40 AM	#8
Pete Danger Join Date: Oct 2010 Reputation: 34 Posts: 985	Also, a very obvious thing (but worth a mention) always earth yourself before handling stuff like CPU's and GPU's.

09-13-2012, 10:21 AM	#9
DIENER Join Date: Mar 2010 Reputation: 776 Posts: 3,269	PC is like legos that LordEC911 also said, components and cables only fit in one place so you can't do it wrong unless you use force which you should never do. Watch videos on youtube to find out how to install each component and also read the manuals. I have seen some that forget the motherboard standoffs and attach the motherboard right on the case which can break the motherboard if you are unlucky so don't do that. Something really important is to grab the circuit boards on the side and not right on. You can also get a antistatic wrist strap to discharge static however I have never used one. I just take the computer and put it on a wooden table and I stand on a wooden floor without socks then touch the case to discharge static.

09-13-2012, 12:55 PM	#10
ffejrxx Join Date: Jul 2010 Reputation: 1010 Posts: 2,146	building your own pc isnt too complicated required a phillips #2 screwdriver (6in) componenents 1. case 2. mobo 3. cpu 4. ram 5. hdd/ssd 6. psu 7. odd (dvd/bluray drive) 8. gpu (optional) 9. cpu heatsink (upgrade optional) keyboard/mouse/monitor/speakers 1. install the cpu and heatsink on the board (some upgraded heatsinks require access to the back of the mobo) 2. install the mobo into the case a. look at the case and mobo, remove all standoffs in the case, and only use the ones that line up correctly with the board b. hook up the front panel connectors, pc speaker/power button/reset button/power light/drive activity light/usb ports 3. install ram 4. install hdd/ssd/odd and data cables for them (for windows machines sata port #1 cannot be used for a odd) 5. install gpu 6. install psu and connect it to everything a. 24ping mobo, 4/8pin mobo b. hdd/ssd/odd c. gpu (if required) 7. power on and configure bios for the ram/cpu fans ect.. 8. install windows or os of your choice

09-13-2012, 12:57 PM	#11
omal72 Join Date: Mar 2012 Reputation: 1 Posts: 26	Like Pete Danger and Diener said, the most important thing is to ground yourself before touching any electronics. It's not that big of a deal, I usually just touch a bare metal (not painted) piece of the case to discharge any built up electricity before touching anything sensitive, but even that's not a huge deal - I usually build my computers while sitting on my carpeted floor and in over 10 years I've never once blown out a component with static electricity. The other sensitive part, like others have noted, is the CPU - they typically slide in like butter when you put then in the correct way, so if you meet any resistance don't force it - double-check that you're pins are lined up correctly. Other than that it's pretty much a piece of cake.

09-14-2012, 10:12 AM	#13
KamiofLunacy Join Date: Jul 2010 Reputation: 230 Posts: 1,334	On the other hand, there's a forum full of people willing to help if anyone does suffer inexplicable hardware issues and first-boot failures OP got banned, apparently, so I don't think that he'll really be returning to this thread...