So you’ve taken the plunge and decided to build your own gaming PC. Great news! There’s nothing wrong with buying a pre-built gaming desktop, but there’s nothing like the satisfaction of building your own. Every time you turn it on, you’ll think “I built that!” And when it comes to upgrades, you’ll know exactly what to do.
If this is your first PC build and you’re a bit stuck with where to start, that’s okay. It’s one thing to have done your research and read the reviews. It’s another thing entirely to have everything sat there in front of you. It might look daunting, but don’t worry. It’s nothing more than a very high tech Lego set. And you don’t need to understand all the ins and outs of a PC for a gaming rig build.
In fact, you don’t need to be any kind of expert. We’ll show you how to build a gaming PC for beginners or people who just need a quick refresher course.
What components do you need to build a gaming PC?
CPU and motherboard
If the CPU is the brains of your PC, the motherboard is the nervous system that connects everything together. What’s important here is that they’re compatible. Match the CPU socket type (e.g., AM5 for AMD, LGA1700 for Intel) with the motherboard.
RAM
RAM handles your PC’s short-term memory – allowing your PC to think fast. Check motherboard specs for supported RAM type (DDR4 vs DDR5) and maximum speed.GPU
Your GPU is going to determine how good your games look and how smoothly they run. Ensure your case has enough space and your power supply (PSU) provides sufficient wattage and PCIe connectors.Storage
Most modern builds run their operating systems on a fast SSD (solid state drive) and keep their files on an HDD (traditional hard drive - cheaper, large capacity). Check for M.2 slots if you’re using smaller NVMe SSDs.Power supply
Calculate total wattage of your components needs and choose a PSU with some headroom (usually 20–30% extra). You’ll find free calculators online that can help.Case
Most people choose a mid-tower case. It's the best balance of size, airflow, upgrade space and value. It’s always good to have more room than you need. Smaller cases are available, but it’ll make the build a lot more challenging.
Cooling
For most PCs, fans and air cooling is more than enough. Liquid cooling is more effective but might be overkill on your first build. Most CPUs come with a stock fan, but it can be a good idea to spend a bit extra and buy a dedicated CPU fan. Case fans are also an excellent idea.
Other things you’ll need to build your own PC
Checklist:
You – you’re the most important part of this build!
Screwdriver – you might be tackling a variety of screw sizes, so a Philips screwdriver with a couple of different sized heads should do the trick.
Anti-static strap – wearing this will stop any static damage to your PC’s components.
Bowl – just handy for keeping all your screws in one place.
Flat non-carpeted surface – to work on.
USB stick with at least 8GB storage – for installing your operating system (OS).
Another computer – also for installing your OS.
All the manuals – this may sound over the top but trust us. They contain loads of information that’ll help you with the specific parts you’ve chosen.
How to build a PC: step-by-step
There are so many gaming PC benefits. But to appreciate them, we need to get this rig up and running!
Prepare the motherboard
It's much easier to install key components before your gaming PC motherboard goes into the case.
Before you begin, take a few minutes to read the motherboard manual. Layouts, connectors and installation steps can vary between models, so it's worth getting familiar with yours first.
Start by fitting the CPU, CPU cooler and RAM while the board is on a flat surface. You'll have more room to work and reduce the risk of flexing the motherboard during installation.
Install the motherboard standoffs (spacers) in your case. Their positions will depend on your motherboard size, so double-check the case manual and make sure they match the mounting holes on the board.
Pro tip: Rest the motherboard on its anti-static bag while you're working on it to help protect it from accidental shorts before it's installed.
Install the CPU
Handle your desktop CPU carefully and always hold it by the edges.
Locate the PC CPU socket on the motherboard and release the retention arm.
Remove the protective cover, then align the CPU with the socket - Intel CPUs use notches, while AMD CPUs have matching corner triangles.
Once aligned, gently place the CPU into the socket. It should drop into position without force.
Lower the retention arm to secure it, applying only light pressure. If it doesn't close smoothly, double-check the alignment rather than forcing it.
Pro tip: Never push down on the CPU itself. If it's lined up correctly, the socket will do the hard work for you.
Install your M.2 SSDs
Now's the perfect time to install any SSD drives for your PC. While many motherboards place M.2 slots near the CPU socket, some position them beneath the GPU, making them much harder to reach once the build is assembled.
Check your motherboard manual to see which M.2 slot should be used first. This is especially important if you're installing your primary internal SSD for your PC or a high-speed SSD drive for a gaming PC.
If your motherboard includes M.2 heatsinks or thermal covers, remove them first.
Insert the SSD at a slight angle, then gently press it down and secure it using the supplied screw or retention mechanism.
Finally, reinstall any heatsinks or thermal covers to help keep your SSD for PC running at optimal temperatures.
Pro tip: Install all your M.2 drives now - even slots that look easy to access can become awkward once larger components are installed.
Install your RAM
Check the motherboard manual to confirm which RAM slots to use. If you're installing two matching sticks of PC RAM, they'll typically go in slots 2 and 4.
Open the RAM slot clips. Some motherboards have clips on both ends, while others only release from one side.
Align the RAM correctly. Match the notch on the bottom of the module with the notch in the slot.
Press firmly into place. Apply even pressure until the module clicks in and the retaining clips lock around it.
Double-check the fit. Poorly seated RAM for a PC is one of the most common causes of a new build failing to boot.
Pro tip: Don't be afraid to apply a little pressure. Installing RAM for a PC often requires more force than first-time builders expect. Just make sure the notch is aligned correctly before pushing down.
How to install your CPU cooling system
Check the CPU cooler manual before you start. It will tell you whether a backplate is required and which mounting hardware to use.
Select the correct mounting bracket for your CPU socket. Most third-party and top CPU coolers include separate brackets for Intel and AMD systems.
Install any required backplate and mounting hardware. This is usually much easier while the motherboard is still outside the case.
Pro tip: Whether you're building an air-cooled or liquid-cooled PC, mounting systems vary between coolers, so always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
How to install liquid cooling system
Assemble the radiator and fans if they're not already attached. Most liquid coolers consist of a radiator, fans and a pump block that mounts to the CPU.
Choose where to mount the radiator. Common locations are the top or front of the case. Check that it fits and that the fans are orientated correctly for your desired airflow setup.
Secure the radiator using the supplied screws. Take care to use the correct screws, as screws that are too long can damage the radiator.
Apply thermal paste if needed. A small blob in the centre of the CPU is enough—the pressure from the cooler will spread it evenly.
Connect any required pump cables, then mount the pump block onto the CPU and secure it using the supplied hardware.
Pro tip: Plan your radiator position before installing other components. It can save a lot of awkward manoeuvring later in the build.
How to install air cooling system
Check the cooler manual and install any required mounting hardware or backplate.
Apply thermal paste to the CPU if it isn't already pre-applied to the cooler. A small blob in the centre is all you need.
Position the cooler over the CPU and secure it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Connect the cooler's fan cable to the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard.
Check the fan orientation. In most builds, you'll want the cooler pushing air towards a rear or top exhaust fan to support good PC airflow.
Pro tip: Don't worry if you need to lift and reseat the cooler while installing it. As long as you haven't made a complete mess of the thermal paste, it will spread out when the cooler is properly secured. A well-built air-cooled PC can deliver excellent performance with less complexity than liquid cooling.
Prepare your gaming PC case
Our next step is going to be adding the motherboard to the PC case, but before we can do that, we have to get the case ready. Motherboards come in different form factors - ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX tec. Therefore, the standoffs can be put into different configurations depending on what type of motherboard you have.
If your case has already has pre-installed standoffs for your motherboard to be screwed onto, then just double check these match your motherboard. If not, your motherboard should have come with some standoff screws.
Screw these into the corresponding holes in your case (your trusty motherboard manual should give you some help here). The main thing is that all the ports line up with the I/O panel.
Install your motherboard
Lay the case on its side and gently place your motherboard down onto the standoffs. The I/O panel on your case and your motherboard should neatly align. This is so you can easily access all the ports when your PC’s up and running.
If everything’s lining up right, start screwing the motherboard onto the standoffs with the screws included with your motherboard. Don’t force any of the screws or twist them too tightly – just enough so everything’s secured.
Now is a good time to make sure any cables you need to route around the motherboard are done. This includes all your fan cables and power cables. It’s best to spend as much time as possible doing this as having cables running across your motherboard doesn’t look all that great.
Install the power supply (PSU)
If your case includes a PSU bracket, attach it to the power supply unit for your PC before installation.
Position the PSU so its fan faces a ventilation area in the case—usually a filtered vent on the bottom or rear. This helps the PC power supply draw in cool air without heating the rest of the system.
Slide the PSU for your PC into position and secure it with the supplied screws.
If you're using a modular PSU, connect the cables you'll need before final installation, as some ports can be difficult to access once the PSU is in place.
Route the cables towards their destinations, but don't worry about plugging everything in just yet - that comes later.
Pro tip: Modular power supplies can make cable management much easier, since you only need to install the cables your build actually uses.
Connect your hard drive
1. Locate the drive bay or mounting point in your case. Some use removable trays, while others let you mount drives directly to the chassis.
2. Secure the drive using the supplied screws or mounting mechanism.
3. Connect a SATA data cable from the drive to a SATA port on the motherboard.
4. Connect a SATA power cable from the PSU to the drive.
5. Double-check both connections are secure before moving on.
Pro tip: Check your motherboard manual if you're unsure which SATA port to use, especially if you're installing multiple drives.
Connect everything to the motherboard
1. Connect the motherboard power cable from the PSU. This is usually one of the largest connectors in the system.
2. Connect the CPU power cable near the CPU socket.
3. Connect the front panel (F_PANEL) cables for the power button, reset button and status LEDs.
4. Connect any front USB, USB-C and audio cables from the case.
5. Connect any case fans or fan hubs to the appropriate motherboard headers.
6. Check your motherboard manual and confirm every required cable is connected.
Pro tip: Front panel connectors are often the fiddliest part of a build. Take your time and follow the motherboard diagram carefully. You’ll get it!
Cable management
This step isn’t totally necessary, but you will thank yourself later if you take the time to do it now. Tidying your cables not only improves the airflow in your PC (stopping it from overheating), but it’ll also make it easier to see what you’re doing if you ever open up your case again.
Use the Velcro straps or zip ties that come with your case to tie your cables together. Be careful not to tug too much and ruin your hard work!
Install the graphics card (GPU)
1. Locate the top PCIe x16 slot on your motherboard - the one closest to the CPU. Remove the corresponding expansion slot covers from the back of the case. Larger gaming graphics cards may require two or three slots.
2. Line up the GPU with the PCIe slot and firmly press it into place until the retention clip clicks into position.
3. Secure the graphics card for your PC to the case using the supplied screws.
4. Connect the required PCIe power cables from your PSU to the GPU.
5. Check that the card is fully seated and that all power connectors are securely attached.
Pro tip: Modern gaming PC GPUs can be surprisingly large and heavy. If your card includes a support bracket, install it to help prevent sag over time.
Finish up
Plug in your peripherals like your mouse, keyboard and monitor and power up your PC. Just make sure you’ve plugged your gaming monitor into your graphics card and not your motherboard. If you plug it directly into your motherboard you probably won’t get the best performance.
Did it work? If so, then finish up and screw in the case’s final panels. And guess what - you’ve done all the actual building!
Install your OS
It’s time to install your chosen OS – probably Windows. You’ll need another computer for this, other than the one you’ve just built.
Head to the Microsoft website and follow their instructions to make your USB drive into a Windows installation device.
Insert the USB drive into your new PC and start it up.
It should take you straight into the Windows 11 installation process – sorted!
Install your drivers
Connect your PC to the internet and run Windows Update. It will automatically install many of the drivers your system needs.
Download and install the latest drivers for your graphics card directly from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel.
Check your motherboard manufacturer's website for any recommended chipset, Wi-Fi, audio or networking drivers.
Restart your PC and confirm that all devices are working correctly.
Pro tip: Always download drivers from the component manufacturer's website rather than third-party sources. You'll get the latest versions and avoid unnecessary software.
Common mistakes to avoid when building a PC
Forgetting thermal paste
Always apply a thin, even layer of thermal paste between the CPU and cooler. Skipping this can lead to overheating and performance issues.Poor cable management
Messy cables can block airflow and make troubleshooting harder. Use zip ties or Velcro straps to keep cables neat.Static damage
Static electricity can fry components. Ground yourself by using an anti-static wrist strap or touching a metal surface before handling parts.Forcing components
If something doesn’t fit, double-check compatibility. Forcing parts can damage connectors or slots.Skipping BIOS updates
Outdated BIOS can cause compatibility issues with newer CPUs or RAM.
How much does it cost to build a gaming PC?
This entirely depends on how powerful you decide to make it. We could be talking £500 to £5,000! But we can at least talk about ratios. Decide on a total spend and allocate roughly:
CPU: 15–25%
GPU: 40–50%
Remaining for motherboard, RAM, storage, PSU, case.
For example:
£800 build
GPU: £300-400
CPU: £150-200
Everything else: £250-300
£1,500 build
GPU: £600-750
CPU: £250-350
Everything else: £400-550
For most gaming PCs, the graphics card will have the biggest impact on gaming performance, so it typically deserves the largest share of your budget.
Entry-level vs High-end
Entry-level builds: Ideal for 1080p gaming. Prioritise the GPU over the CPU where possible.
High-end builds: Designed for 1440p or 4K gaming. Balance your investment between a powerful CPU and GPU.
Other considerations
Avoid overpaying for aesthetics
RGB and fancy cases are nice, but performance should come first. Unless you really like RGB!Balance new vs second hand
New components will last you longer, perform better and be more reliable, but second hand or refurb parts are always an option if you’re on a tight budget.Plan for upgrades
Choose a motherboard and PSU that allow future component upgrades.
And that’s it! You’ve built your own PC from parts you picked yourself. Feels good doesn’t it?
Now you’ve built your gaming PC
You’re all set for adventure! Just don’t forget to invest in a good gaming monitor that makes the most out of your machine. Check out our PC gaming buying guide to check if there’s anything else you might need. Definitely worth a bookmark for when it’s time to upgrade!
Gaming PC FAQs
Can I use any motherboard for my PC?
No, you can't use just any motherboard for your PC. The motherboard must be compatible with your processor, RAM type, case size, storage connections and power supply. Checking socket type, chipset and form factor helps ensure all components work together properly.
Can I have multiple SSDs in my PC?
Yes, you can have multiple SSDs in your PC if your motherboard provides enough M.2 slots or SATA ports. Many builders use one SSD for Windows and applications, with additional SSDs for games, files and faster storage expansion.
How much RAM do you need for a gaming PC?
For most gaming PCs, 16GB of RAM should be fine. It provides smooth performance for most modern games while supporting background applications. Gamers who stream, create content or multitask heavily may benefit from 32GB instead.
Does it matter what SSD I put in my PC?
Yes, it matters what SSD you put in your PC. Compatibility, capacity and speed all affect performance. An NVMe SSD generally offers faster load times than a SATA SSD, but your motherboard must support the chosen drive type.
What power supply do I need for my PC?
The power supply you need depends on your components, particularly the graphics card and processor. Choose a PSU with sufficient wattage for your build and some headroom for upgrades. Reliable, certified models can also improve efficiency and stability.
Do I need liquid cooling for my PC?
No, you don't need liquid cooling for most PCs. A quality air cooler is usually sufficient for gaming and everyday use. Liquid cooling can help with high-performance processors, overclocking or quieter operation, but it's not essential for every build.
