Builder's Handbook

Whether you’re new to PC building or a veteran, we can all learn something

- Christian Guyton

(00) If you’re reading this magazine, you probably know a thing or two about computers, or at least want to learn something. When it comes to building your own PC, there are numerous pitfalls to avoid and tricks to bear in mind. You need the right tools, the right knowledge, and the right level of emotional resilience to keep on trying when something inevitably goes wrong.

Building your own computer won’t necessarily be cheaper and will definitely be harder than buying a complete system, but it affords you more control over the capabilities of your hardware. There are numerous issues to contend with when setting out to build a PC, even if you’re a seasoned hardware guru, so with that in mind, here’s some of our best advice.

(01) Plan Your Build

The first thing you should think about is what you actually want your build to do. Is it a beefy 4K gaming machine? A video-editing platform? A plain old work PC? Whatever the reason, it’s important to nail down the build’s purpose first. This will determine just about every aspect of the finished build, from your choice of processor to what OS you’re going to install. Consider where the PC will sit—on your desk at work, or underneath your TV in your living room? If there are any key components you want to include—such as a specific case, or a GPU that is ideal for your chosen purpose—work that out sooner rather than later. Be sure to do a little research on alternatives, though.

(02) Acquire Knowledge