Building a high performance PC can seem daunting, especially for beginners. With so many components to choose from and technical jargon to understand, it can be overwhelming. However, building your own high performance PC can be a fun and rewarding experience, and it allows you to create a custom machine tailored to your specific needs.
In this beginner's guide, we will take you through the process of building a high performance PC step by step, from understanding the basic components to troubleshooting common issues. By the end of this guide, you will have the knowledge and confidence to build your own high performance PC.
Before you can start building your high performance PC, it's essential to understand the basic components that make up a computer. Here are the key components you need to know:
CPU
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the "brain" of your computer, responsible for processing data and executing commands. It's important to choose a CPU that's compatible with your motherboard and offers the right balance of speed and power for your needs.
GPU
The GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is responsible for rendering images and video, making it essential for gaming and graphic design. Like the CPU, it's important to choose a GPU that's compatible with your motherboard and offers the right level of performance for your needs.
RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the temporary storage space that your computer uses to store data it's currently using. The more RAM you have, the faster your computer can process data. It's important to choose RAM that's compatible with your motherboard and offers enough capacity and speed for your needs.
Storage
Storage refers to the permanent storage space where your files and data are stored. There are two types of storage: HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). SSDs are faster and more expensive than HDDs, so it's important to choose the right balance of speed and capacity for your needs.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all the components of your PC. It's important to choose a motherboard that's compatible with your CPU and offers the right features and expansion options for your needs.
Power Supply Unit
The power supply unit (PSU) is responsible for providing power to all the components of your PC. It's important to choose a PSU that offers enough power for your components and has the right connectors to support your components.
Cooling System
The cooling system is essential for keeping your PC cool and preventing overheating. There are two types of cooling systems: air cooling and liquid cooling. Air cooling is cheaper and easier to install, while liquid cooling is more expensive and offers better performance.
Choosing the Right Components
-> Factors to consider when choosing components
When choosing components for your high performance PC, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:
1. Compatibility: Make sure that all the components you choose are compatible with each other
and with your motherboard.
2. Budget: Decide on a budget and choose components that offer the best performance for your
budget.
3. Performance: Consider the performance requirements of your intended use for the PC,
whether it's gaming, graphic design, video editing, or other tasks.
4. Brand and quality: Choose reputable brands and components that have a good reputation
for quality and reliability.
5. Upgradability: Consider whether you might want to upgrade your components in the future
and choose components that offer easy upgrade options.
6. Power requirements: Make sure that your PSU offers enough power to support all your
components and any future upgrades.
7. Cooling requirements: Choose a cooling system that can keep your PC cool and
prevent overheating, especially if you plan to use your PC for high-performance tasks.
By considering these factors and doing your research, you can choose components that offer the best performance and value for your high performance PC.
-> Tips for selecting components
When selecting components for your high performance PC, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Motherboard: Choose a motherboard that is compatible with your chosen processor
and has the features you need, such as the number of PCIe slots, USB ports, case fan
ports and RGB/ARGB light ports.
2. Processor: Choose a processor that can handle the tasks you plan to use your PC for,
such as gaming or video editing. Consider the number of cores, number of threads,
clock speed and cache size.
3. Graphics card: If you plan to use your PC for gaming or graphic design, invest in a
high-quality graphics card that can handle the demands of your software.
4. Memory (RAM): Choose enough RAM to support your software and multitasking needs.
Consider the frequency, capacity, and latency.
5. Storage: Consider both solid-state drives (SSDs) and hard disk drives (HDDs) for your
storage needs. Choose an SSD for your operating system and frequently used programs,
and an HDD for storing larger files.
6. Power supply: Choose a power supply unit (PSU) that can support all your components
and any future upgrades. Consider the wattage, efficiency, and modularity.
7. Cooling: Choose a cooling system that can keep your PC cool and prevent overheating.
Consider the type of cooling, such as air or liquid, and the size of the radiator or fans.
8. Case: Choose a case that can accommodate your components and offers the features
you need, such as cable management or dust filters.
By following these tips, you can select components that offer the best performance and value for your high performance PC.
-> Recommended components for different budgets
Here are some recommended components for different budgets for building a high performance PC:
Warning: This list is completely made by current price and components.
Budget: $500-700
Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 5300G or Intel Core i3-12100F
Graphics card: Nvidia GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 570
Memory (RAM): 8GB DDR4
Storage: 240GB SSD or 1TB HDD
Motherboard: B450 or H610
Power supply: 450W 80+ Bronze
Cooling: Stock cooler
2. Budget: $800-1000
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X or Intel Core i5-12400F
Graphics card: Nvidia GTX 1660 Super or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT
Memory (RAM): 16GB DDR4
Storage: 480GB SSD or 2TB HDD
Motherboard: B550 or B660
Power supply: 550W 80+ Bronze
Cooling: Aftermarket air cooler
3. Budget: $1200-1500
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7700 or Intel Core i7-13700F
Graphics card: Nvidia RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
Memory (RAM): 16GB DDR5
Storage: 1TB SSD
Motherboard: B650E or B760
Power supply: 650W 80+ Gold
Cooling: All-in-one liquid cooler
4. Budget: $2000+
Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 7900X or Intel Core i9-13900K
Graphics card: Nvidia RTX 4090 or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
Memory (RAM): 32GB DDR5
Storage: 1TB SSD + 2TB HDD
Motherboard: X670E or Z790
Power supply: 850W 80+ Gold
Cooling: Custom water cooling loop
These are just some recommended components for building a high performance PC at different budgets. It's important to do your own research and choose components that fit your needs and preferences.
Building Your High Performance PC
1. Prepare your workspace
Before you start building your PC, make sure you have a clean and organised workspace.
Clear off a large table or desk and lay down an anti-static mat to prevent damage to your components. Gather all the necessary tools, including a screwdriver, zip ties, and thermal paste.
2. Install the power supply
The power supply is usually the first component to be installed in the PC case. Make sure the power supply is compatible with your case and motherboard. Screw the power supply into place and connect the necessary cables, including the 24-pin ATX cable and the CPU power cable.
3. Install the CPU and cooler to the motherboard
a. Open the CPU socket: Lift the lever on the side of the socket to open it up. The socket
may have a protective cover that needs to be removed before proceeding.
b. Align the CPU: Take your CPU and line up the notches on the corner of the CPU with
the notches on the socket. Make sure the CPU is oriented correctly – it will only fit one way.
c. Place the CPU: Carefully place the CPU into the socket, making sure all the pins are
properly aligned. Do not force the CPU into place, as this could damage the pins.
d. Lock the CPU in place: Once the CPU is in place, gently lower the socket lever to
lock it in place. Be sure to lower the lever evenly and without applying too much force.
e. Apply thermal paste: Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the center of the CPU.
This helps to improve heat transfer from the CPU to the cooler.
f. Install the cooler: Gently place the cooler on top of the CPU and align the screw holes
with the mounting brackets on the motherboard. Apply even pressure to the cooler to ensure
that it sits flush on the CPU.
g. Secure the cooler: Use the screws provided to secure the cooler in place. Tighten the screws
evenly to ensure that the cooler is securely fastened to the motherboard.
4. Install the motherboard
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After installing the CPU and cooler to the motherboard, then install the motherboard into the case. Align the motherboard with the standoffs in the case and screw it into place. Connect the necessary cables, including the 24-pin ATX cable, CPU power cable, and front panel connectors.
5. Install the memory
6. Install the storage
Install your storage devices, including the SSD or HDD, into the appropriate bays in the case. Connect the necessary cables, including the SATA data cable and power cable.
7. Install the graphics card
a. Locate the PCIe slot: Identify the PCIe slot on your motherboard where you will install
the graphics card. This is usually located near the processor and is the longest slot on
the motherboard.
b. Remove the PCIe slot covers: Remove the metal covers that are blocking the PCIe slot
where you will install the graphics card. You may need to use a screwdriver to remove
these covers.
c. Align the graphics card: Carefully align the graphics card with the PCIe slot, making
sure that the card is level and that the PCIe connector is fully inserted into the slot.
d. Secure the graphics card: Once the graphics card is aligned, secure it in place by
screwing in the retention bracket on the back of the case. This will keep the card from
moving around inside the case.
e. Connect power cables: If your graphics card requires additional power, connect the
appropriate power cables from your power supply to the graphics card. Most modern
graphics cards require one or two six or eight-pin connectors.
f. Install graphics card drivers: After installing the graphics card, you need to install
the graphics card drivers. These drivers are essential to make sure the graphics card
works properly and optimally.
8. Connect the remaining cables
Connect any remaining cables, including the case fans, USB headers, and audio connectors.
9. Test the PC high-performance PC
Before closing up the case, test the PC to make sure everything is working properly. Connect a keyboard, mouse, and monitor and turn on the PC. Make sure the fans spin up and you can access the BIOS. Install the operating system and any necessary drivers.
Congratulations, you have now built your high performance PC! Enjoy your new machine and the power it brings to your computing experience.
PC build video tutorial
Maintaining your high performance PC is essential to ensure it continues to perform at its best over time. Here are some tips to help you keep your PC in top condition:
1. Keep your PC clean: Dust and debris can accumulate inside your PC, clogging fans
and reducing airflow. Regularly clean your PC by using compressed air to blow out any
dust or debris.
2. Monitor temperatures: High-performance components generate a lot of heat, so it's
important to monitor your PC's temperature. Use software like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner
to monitor CPU and GPU temperatures, and make sure they are within safe operating limits.
3. Update drivers and software: Keep your drivers and software up to date to ensure
that your PC is running optimally. This includes drivers for your graphics card, motherboard,
and other components, as well as operating system updates.
4. Check for viruses and malware: Viruses and malware can slow down your PC and
even damage your components. Use a reputable antivirus software and perform regular
scans to make sure your PC is clean.
5. Check your storage: If your PC is running out of storage space, it can slow down
your system. Regularly check your storage space and remove any unnecessary
files or programs.
6. Clean up your startup programs: Too many startup programs can slow down your
PC's boot time. Use Task Manager or a third-party program like CCleaner to disable
unnecessary startup programs.
By following these tips, you can keep your high performance PC running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While building a high performance PC can be a rewarding experience, it's not uncommon to encounter issues along the way. Here are some common issues you may encounter, along with some troubleshooting tips:
The PC won't turn on
Check that all cables are securely connected, including the power cable to the power supply and the power button cable to the motherboard.
Make sure the power supply switch is turned on.
If you have a modular power supply, check that all cables are plugged in correctly.
Check that the RAM is installed correctly.
The PC turns on but won't boot
Make sure the storage device with the operating system is selected as the boot device in the BIOS.
Check that the storage device is correctly connected and powered.
If you have multiple storage devices, make sure the operating system is installed on the correct one.
Check that the RAM is installed correctly.
The PC is overheating or shutting down unexpectedly
Make sure all fans are connected and spinning correctly.
Check that the CPU cooler is correctly installed and making good contact with the CPU.
Make sure the case has adequate airflow and is not blocked by obstructions.
Check that the thermal paste is applied correctly and not dried out.
The PC is running slowly or freezing
Check for viruses and malware.
Make sure all drivers and software are up to date.
Check that the storage device is not full or close to full.
Make sure the RAM is not being maxed out by too many applications running at once.
Check that the CPU and GPU temperatures are not too high.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can address common issues and ensure your high performance PC is running smoothly. If you're still experiencing issues, don't hesitate to seek help from a knowledgeable friend or professional.
Conclusion
Building a high performance PC can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By carefully selecting the right components, assembling them correctly, and maintaining your PC, you can create a system that is capable of running modern games and applications at high settings.
Remember to consider your budget when selecting components, and prioritise the components that will have the biggest impact on performance, such as the CPU, GPU, and SSD. Take your time when assembling your PC, and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid damaging any components.
Finally, make sure to maintain your PC by keeping it clean, monitoring temperatures, updating drivers and software, checking for viruses and malware, checking your storage space, and cleaning up your startup programs.
With these tips in mind, you can create a high performance PC that will meet your needs and provide an excellent computing experience for years to come.
FAQs
Do I need a high-performance PC for gaming?
While you don't necessarily need a high-performance PC to play games, having one can greatly enhance your gaming experience by allowing you to play games at high settings with smooth frame rates.
Can I upgrade my PC later?
Yes, many components can be easily upgraded later, such as adding more RAM or a better graphics card. However, some components, such as the CPU or motherboard, may require a more involved upgrade process.
What should I look for when selecting a power supply?
Look for a power supply with enough wattage to support your components, as well as high efficiency and a reputable brand.
Should I use a liquid or air CPU cooler?
This largely depends on personal preference and budget. Liquid coolers tend to be more expensive but can offer better cooling performance, while air coolers are typically more affordable and easier to install.
How often should I clean my PC?
It's a good idea to clean your PC at least once every few months, or more often if you have pets or live in a dusty environment.
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