You’ve decided to build your first PC. The hardest part — making the decision — is behind you. Everything that follows is just a sequence of fairly simple physical steps. None of it requires advanced skills. The components plug together in only one way, the connectors are usually labeled or shaped to prevent mistakes, and as long as you don’t rush, you’re unlikely to break anything.

Tools and prep

You need surprisingly little:

  • A Phillips #2 screwdriver, ideally magnetic. That’s basically the only required tool.
  • A clean, flat workspace. Your dining table or floor with the case lying down works.
  • The motherboard manual. Always have it open or nearby.
  • Scissors or a knife for opening boxes and cable ties.
  • Twist ties or zip ties for cable management (most cases include a few).

You do not need an anti-static wrist strap. Touching your case or any unpainted metal surface every few minutes is sufficient to discharge static, and modern components are not as fragile as they used to be.

The order to build in

You’ll save yourself trouble by building outside the case first, then dropping the partially assembled motherboard into the case. The order:

  1. Unpack everything and verify all parts arrived.
  2. Install the CPU into the motherboard.
  3. Install RAM into the motherboard.
  4. Install the M.2 NVMe SSD onto the motherboard.
  5. Install the CPU cooler (skip if it requires the motherboard to be in the case).
  6. Mount the I/O shield (if separate) into the case.
  7. Install the motherboard into the case.
  8. Install the PSU.
  9. Install the GPU.
  10. Plug in all cables and front panel connectors.
  11. Power on for a first boot.

Step 1: install the CPU

On AMD AM5 and Intel LGA sockets, the pins are on the motherboard, not the CPU. Be gentle with the socket.

  • Lift the retention lever on the socket.
  • Look for the small triangle on a corner of the CPU. Match it to the matching triangle on the socket.
  • Lower the CPU straight down into the socket. Do not slide. Do not push. It should drop in with zero resistance.
  • Lower the retention frame and lever back into position.

If the CPU doesn’t sit flush, lift it out, check the orientation, and try again. Don’t force it.

Step 2: install RAM

Find the RAM slots. Check the motherboard manual for which two slots to use with a two-stick kit (usually A2 and B2, but it varies). Push the retention clips out, line up the notch on the RAM stick with the notch in the slot, and press straight down with even pressure on both ends. The clips should snap closed when the stick is fully seated.

It takes more force than you’d expect. Don’t be timid. But also stop if you feel something is wrong — make sure the notch is lined up.

Step 3: install the NVMe SSD

Find an M.2 slot on the motherboard (check the manual for which to use for your fastest drive). Remove the screw at the end of the slot. Insert the SSD at a 30-degree angle so the gold contacts go all the way in. Push the back end down flat and screw it in. Replace any heatsink that came with the board.

Step 4: install the CPU cooler

The cooler instructions are specific to each cooler. The general process:

  • Install the cooler’s mounting bracket (some come pre-fitted).
  • Apply a small pea-sized blob of thermal paste to the center of the CPU (or skip if the cooler has pre-applied paste).
  • Lower the cooler straight down onto the CPU.
  • Tighten the cooler’s screws in a cross pattern, a little at a time, until snug.
  • Connect the cooler fan to the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard.

If you’re installing a big AIO, you may want to wait until the motherboard is in the case.

Step 5: prep the case

Open the case. Lay it on its side with the open side up. Remove the side panels if you haven’t already. Look at the back panel of the motherboard — if it has a built-in I/O shield (most modern ones do), skip ahead. If not, pop the I/O shield that came with the motherboard into the rectangular cutout in the case from the inside, sharp side outward.