We have prepared a detailed tutorial that will teach you how to build your own PC. The whole process is surprisingly easy and there are step by step instructions for you to follow. The guide also contains useful tips and tricks that should make things even easier and will also tell you what to watch out for. If you still don’t feel confident enough to build a PC, don’t worry. With our Custom-built PC service, you can simply select the components and let us build the PC for you, all practically for free.
Building a PC is like putting together a large puzzle. What tools do you absolutely need to have before you start? Aside from the regular tools (screwdriver, pliers, etc.), the key to success lies in selecting the right PC components and operating system. So what components do you need?
Choosing the right components is crucial and we strongly recommend that you carefully consider various processor and graphics card setups. If you want to build a gaming PC for example, you can check our special Alza GameBox systems to see what gaming systems often look like. Once you receive your components, you can start building. If you are building your first PC, make sure to clear at least one afternoon for the task, so you don’t have to hurry. Just take your time and be careful. As the old saying goes, better safe than sorry.
There are many ways how to build a PC, but let’s make one thing clear: We do not recommend mounting the components straight into the case. If you don’t have much experience with this, it’s better to first put the key computer components together and check if everything works as it should. It’s more time-consuming and you're essentially building the computer twice, but in the end, it can make things easier for you—you won’t have to disassemble the whole PC system if anything goes wrong. Mounted components are easier to check and adjust if they are outside the case. Cardboard makes for a good work surface, so you can start by unfolding the box your motherboard came in and placing the motherboard on it. Before that, make sure unpack all the necessary accessories, including the manual.
This is probably the hardest part of the whole assembly process. The socket pins are very sensitive and you have to make sure you don’t damage them in any way (don’t bend, pull or break them under any circumstances). A damaged socket is very difficult to repair and you will lose the warranty on the motherboard. First, open the socket using the locking mechanism (see the motherboard manual for details). If you look at the socket and processor more closely, you will find that both components have matching notches.
These notches ensure that that there is only one possible way to install the processor correctly. Note that there is a small arrow on both the processor and the socket. The arrow tells you how you should orient the processor in the socket. The processor must be inserted gently, so that it snaps into the socket on your first attempt. Don’t even think about adjusting it inside the socket; if you feel it doesn’t fit, simply remove it and try again.
Some motherboards have a CPU installation tool, most commonly found on Z170 and Z270 chipsets. Once the processor has been properly inserted, relatch the socket cover and you are done.
Want to learn how to install an AMD processor? Read on.
Unlike Intel processors, the AMD CPUs have pins directly on the processor itself, so you must be extra careful when handling them. On the upside, snapping them into the socket is easier and also less risky. Open the socket by sliding the lever into the vertical position, place the processor in the socket as indicated by the arrows (works the same as with Intel; see the included manual for details), and then lock the socket by sliding the lever back to the horizontal position. Make sure to insert the processor very gently and without applying any pressure.
The first part of the PC assembly process is done. Now you should install the CPU heatsink. Follow the instructions as specified in the manual. With Intel 6th and 7th gen processors, be extra careful to make sure all the bolts are tightened evenly. Take your time, pay close attention to what you are doing, and tighten the bolts in a crosswise pattern. These processors have very thin printed connections and tend to bend at the corners. Once you're done, it's time for the Step 3 - installing the RAM.
The installation process may vary depending on the motherboard type and model. Some motherboards have only two memory slots, others four. With dual-slot motherboards, you just fill them all; with four-slot motherboards, you have to mount at least two RAM sticks to ensure dual-channel operation. Check the manual for details.
In the figure, you see the correct procedure for installing a RAM module in the DIMM slot. The module must fit into the slot securely; sometimes you may even need to apply a slight force to snap the toggle in place (see figure). In the next step, we'll show you how to install GPUs.
The next step in building your PC is to install the graphics card. Most modern graphics cards are rather hefty, so you need to hold up the card during installation. In most cases, you use the first PCI-E 16x slot to mount the card—it’s the one closest to the CPU socket. If you have any questions or doubts, check the motherboard manual. Next, it's time to plug in an SSD or HDD.
This figure shows the proper way to plug a HDD into the SATA connectors. The same procedure applies to optical drives as well.
If your motherboard doesn’t have a dedicated "Power" or "Start" switch, you have to connect two PWRSW contacts to turn the board on. It’s not that hard, so just use a screwdriver. If you get a picture and can get into UEFI, then everything is probably fine. At this stage, you can either install the operating system or mount the components in the PC case and leave the OS installation for later. It’s up to you.
Our "How to build a PC" guide is nearing the end and this step is the last time we have to work with the hardware. Now disconnect the power supply, SSD, and graphics card, and you can begin installing the motherboard in your PC case. Some coolers also allow you to install the motherboard with the cooler already mounted.
First, you have to install the so-called I/O shield, which is the back panel of the motherboard and comes included with other motherboard accessories.
Assembling the PC components - installing the motherboard in the case.
Insert the motherboard into the case by snapping the rear part (the one with the connectors) into the I/O panel. Make sure you align it correctly and check if the holes on the motherboard fit with the standoff locations on the case.
Carefully tighten all the screws to firmly attach the motherboard to the case.
We recommend reading the manual that came with your PC case, as it will give you some idea how cable management is supposed to work in this particular case. Cable management and the way power supply cables are laid out has a significant impact on the overall design and airflow efficiency. The manual will also tell you where and how you should place the disks (SSD/HDD) or optical drives, which is important, because every PC case model is different.
Once you have the motherboard installed, plug in the rest of the connectors, such as USB, AUDIO, FAN connectors, and PC case cabling.
The figure shows how you should connect the USB connectors to the case. Keep in mind that every motherboard has a slightly different connector layout, so always follow the instructions as specified in the manual included in the packaging. Now your PC is pretty much complete; the only thing left are the peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse and monitor.
Once everything is plugged in, you can attach both side panels. Then connect the power cord to the power supply and connect the LAN cable to the rear I/O panel equipped with the keyboard, mouse, headphone, or audio connectors. If you don’t have a dedicated graphics card, connect the monitor to the appropriate connector (HDMI/DisplayPort) on the I/O panel; otherwise, connect it to the graphics card.
The hardest part is done, so now it’s time to install the operating system. Namely Windows 10, because anything else would be a waste of time and money. Even the manufacturers of the latest Ryzen and Kaby Lake processors agree. The era of Windows 7 and 8.1 is simply over.
Installing Windows 10 at home means you have two options to choose from. Either you have an installation DVD or you make a bootable USB flash drive. The second option is usually significantly faster, especially if you use USB 3.0. If everything goes well, you should be able to log-in into your Windows account in less than 15 minutes.