How to build your own PC: A complete step-by-step guide

At this early stage, you might be tempted to open up your PC case and begin cramming in every component that’s arrived in the post. Before you do any of that, though, it’s best to install the processor and memory onto the motherboard before you fit it inside the case. Trust me, it’s much less fiddly.

How to build your own PC: Installing the CPU

Before you open your processor’s packaging, be warned that you need to be especially careful with the pins on the bottom of AMD CPUs or in Intel’s CPU sockets. They’re very delicate and you only need to bend a couple of them out of alignment to make your kit effectively unusable. Hold an AMD CPU carefully by the edges, and don’t touch the pins.

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Before handling any computer components, you need to earth yourself to avoid static. Wearing an anti-static wrist strap is the best option and we recommend wearing loose-fitting, static-free clothing (yes to cotton, no to wool or polyester).

With an Intel system, remove the CPU socket protector, push down on the front of the handle on the motherboard’s CPU socket and lift up the handle. Lift the socket cover and check the notches on the side of the processor and socket to line them up. Now lower the CPU into the socket, gently slotting it into place. Close the cover, sliding it under the screw in front of the socket, then push the handle back into place to lock it.

If you’re installing an AMD processor, like we did, the CPU’s correct orientation is revealed by the pin arrangement, as well as a triangle on both the socket and the underside of the CPU. Lift the handle next to the socket to open up the holes for the pins, then gently lower the CPU into the socket. When the processor is firmly in place, push down the handle to secure it.

Next, you’ll need to install the cooler. The cooler supplied by AMD with its processor retail kits is relatively straightforward to fit. If the top of the CPU you just installed isn’t covered in thermal paste, you’ll need to apply a small amount before you continue. Ideally you want a thin layer of paste covering the entire top of the chip – the best way to do this is to squeeze a pea-sized blob onto the middle, then when you install the cooler, press down on it until the paste is spread out evenly.

When fitting the AMD cooler, there are two metal brackets on either side which need to be locked into place onto the motherboard. There’s also a plastic lever on one of the brackets, which needs to be lifted up to fit then pushed down to lock the cooler in place. If fitted correctly, you shouldn’t feel any wiggle.

How to build your own PC: Installing RAM

Most motherboards have four memory slots, so make sure your RAM is installed in the correct slots to enable dual-channel mode. Your motherboard manual will tell you which slots to use.

Memory modules have a notch in the bottom edge, so there’s only one correct way that they can fit. Simply flip up the clips on the side of the memory slot, put the module in place and push firmly on the top until the clips on the sides flip back up again and grip the module. Do the same with any other modules.