How easy is it to build a PC?

[The Great Zegrool]

I was wondering how easy it is to build a PC, not counting getting parts and such.

I might be coming into some money to finally get a new PC, but I definitely want to build it myself to reduce cost.

Also, this has nothing to do with upgrading, I'm getting an entirely new PC, because my old one was a kinda bad laptop.

EDIT: My only previous experience has been me watching someone change the RAM in their computer. So, not much.

 

[Fayathon]

If you don't have a technical background pay someone to do it, you'll have a better product in the long run. That being said, I have a guy that builds my computers for me.

 

[AcacianLeaves]

There is so much help available for anyone wanting to build their PC, I don't expect anyone over the age of 12 should have too many problems. You just need the right parts and tools, and a nice big case.

 

[sms_117b]

The parts are practically plug and play

using ebuyer.com allows you to get the full specs and thus the compatibility for each component. I have no formal training and have set up my own little business building and repairing computers, done quite a few now, installing windows takes longer than building.

 

[Wolvaroo]

It's all pretty self explanitory assuming you know to buy the right parts. The motherboard LED and audio plugs are the only bit that can get silly. BE SURE TO KEEP THE MANUAL FOR YOUR MOTHERBOARD!

General Rule of thumb is "If it fits, plug it in".

 

[Tankenstein]

it's easy, and if you get it right, you will have a great cheap colossal powerhouse.

 

[ShatteredBlack]

Once you have all the components, plus a decent guide/previous experience, the whole process is no more complicated that a macharno set.

All you should need is a good work-area (a chest-high bench is ideal) and the right tools.

Good luck if you do decide to go ahead.

 

[Plinglebob]

Its essentially a $1.5K jigsaw puzzle. The 2 most important things are a) you make sure when you're purchasing everything you make sure the motherboard, CPU and graphics card are all compatible with each other and b) you're statically grounded at all times. Other then that, go nuts. I built my 1st PC without any kind of experience when I was either 18 or 19 and nowadays its even easier. If you are worried, just have your laptop next to you connected to the internet as there are some wonderful guides on how to do everything.

 

[NoNameMcgee]

You can find some places that will build it for you for little or no extra cost. I bought all my PC parts from a place that built it up for me and installed windows (with my disk) and all the drivers I needed free of charge. I also have the bonus of a warranty with it and they will upgrade it for me when I need as well. Pretty sweet deal

 

[Jaygee02]

It's like grown up lego But with more replay value, and less kids choking on pieces of plastic. Well, unless you prefer it that way :S

 

[brainfreeze215]

I did it once. It was a while ago and the only part that was slightly challenging was making sure that you get all parts that are compatible. I just went on a gaming pc website that lets you decide what parts they put in your computer (I believe it was voodoo pc?), wrote down all the best components, went and bought those components, and built a $2,000 dollar monster for a little over $500. It also doubled as a really fun project that I did with my dad.

 

[Kaymish]

easy as pie the only problem is getting the correct parts and there is sometimes fiddly bits in some cases but as long as you keep a girl at hand you shouldn't have too much trouble

my Lexa gave me problems plugging the SATA plug from the HDD into the Mobo because there was the cooling duct in the way same for the power on the graphics chip lucky i have small hands

the hardest part of my latest build was getting the audio plugs on the front of the case since they werent in a connected block but a quick read of the manual set me right in 10 min

 

[7moreDead_v1legacy]

Walk in the park...Unless you get carried away with your medium sized case...I've got hard drives mounted in my spare 5.25 bays...Stupid big gfx's cards/stupid not as big as I need it case.

As someone said the led headers can be fiddly.
Also to quote my shops tech' "If your not sure rtfm."

 

[Daedalus_UK]

I did it with no previous experience, just buy the parts you need and get stuck in. It's the best way to really learn everything you need to know, then again get a family member to help you just in case you do screw up.

 

['Aredor]

As mentioned, the trickier part is selecting the right components; once that's done, the only thing you need is a bit of patience and some willingness to read up some things before you start.

If, for example, you simply put your CPU cooler onto the CPU without using a thermal pad or grease, or you try to force your RAM into the Bus the wrong way with all your might, you'll have some trouble. But if you're careful, not much can go wrong.

 

[Wolvaroo]

95% of the time, if you did it wrong it just wont boot. But it is possible to break components so if you're very worried I'm sure you have an experianced friend or family member to help.

 

[Kaymish]

oh and dont try and force the ram into the dimms its bad i cracked a mobo doing that one time lucky it was a cheapo i was building for a friend of my parents for basic stuff so i padded it into the cost

 

[mooncalf]

It'll take an inexperienced person about an hour to assemble from parts, but it's a rewarding, demystifying experience and not too complicated.

*Research/check compatibility of parts with one another before purchase. Don't buy a substandard/underpowered Power Supply Unit and ensure proper cooling of the case.

*Be aware of static charge (touch the pc case chassis whenever to earth yourself) and use an electrical screwdriver (not a magnetic one). These are not major concerns/risks but certainly best practice.

*Try not to use force, it's sometime's necessary to press/pull harder than you'd like, but be patient and don't pry or shove.

*Most PC components are designed to only fit the right way, with exceptions being the power/reset/LED/PC Speaker, refer to manual or MoBo markings.

*Have cable ties handy for cable management, the less cable clutter the easier it will be to cool the case.

*Have someone you can contact if you have any specific questions like "Do I need this plug?" or "It isn't booting, what did I do wrong?!", they're easy enough to find, especially on the internet.

*If it doesn't start, don't freak, just check that you have everything plugged in and power switched on and troubleshoot parts as close to one at a time as possible.

Good Luck!

 

[insectoid]

Anyone capable of handling a screwdriver, and willing to learn a few things should be able to do it. There are heaps of resources online to help you out, and beyond that forums. Go for it, if for nothing else but the learning experience.

 

[Zacharine]

Quite easy. Following instructions [http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/274745-13-step-step-guide-building] and keeping in mind that if you need to use physical violence you're probably doing it wrong, the physical construction part takes about 90 minutes for a complete newbie.

Really, there's only a few parts where it can go wrong and even then it'll be obvious somethings not right. Most of the time the system will not boot if it's done improperly, or will on startup insult you with messages about memory problems, HDD not being found etc.

Choosing parts, checking their compatibility and so on is half the battle, actual construction is about 30% and the rest is software installation, overclocking, testing the system stability etc.