Is it a bad idea to build an expensive computer with no experience?
Posted by Odd_Key_6385@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 154 comments
I have no experience of building a pc before this and have been using a pre built. It's so old and barely runs even old games so I'm considering a new pc and am interested in building one, however know nothing about the process and unsure if I should try.
Trmpssdhspnts@reddit
If you are good at researching on the internet all the information that's needed to build a computer is available if you run into problems. PC building is just plugs and sockets and most of the plugs can only plug into the socket that they're intended for. If you have the motherboard layout schematic and parts are all newest generations you're good, don't worry.
Gullible-Ideal8731@reddit
Building a PC is like adult Legos. It's easy as fuck with a YouTube tutorial to watch as you go. It should take you about 2 hours or so to build your first pc assuming you have absolutely no clue what ur doing whatsoever. An experienced builder can do it in like 30 mins.
DocTil@reddit
I spent $500 building a meh computer for experience. Then built a $3000 the next month. Process for both was extremely similar. Learned a lot in the process. Took longer than most people I am sure. Watched many YouTube videos. I’ll sell the $500 one locally for a discount to make someone happy and use the $3000 for some VMs, games, coding, etc. I feel like it’s worth it in the end to build from a quality and learning perspective.
AggressiveLee@reddit
If no one's mentioned it yet use pcpartpicker to check for compatibility and to see if you have a big enough PSU in mind.
Otherwise read your manuals and you should be fine.
Certain_Garbage_lol@reddit
Do it ! I went through it too. Just take the time to learn on the internet :)
gloriousbeardguy@reddit
Don't bother right now. GPU market is FARKED right now.
kardall@reddit
First step is to build your system specs. You can go by yourself using pcpartpicker.com and just use it for the compatibility checks if you like.
Then the next step is to start watching all the things on YouTube about how to build computers. There's so much content out there it is hard to miss. It will help you get accustomed to the overall process.
When it comes time to build the PC, just go through your manuals. The motherboard manual will have a step by step of the basic components you need to install.
When it comes time to reference a specific component, look at the manuals that come with that component (example, when it says to install the CPU Cooler, read the cooler manual you purchased to indicate the installation process of that particular cooler).
As long as you don't buy completely garbage components, the manuals shouldn't be too horrendous. A bit of reading comprehension is key though.
If you get stuck, using your existing computer and searching for
"The part and model in question" Installationmight be a way to find out how it is done.alissa914@reddit
I bought what was a good computer about 4 years ago... cost me about $700 in parts and lasted me about 5 years. It plays games good enough for me at least. I'd look into the socket type and get one that maybe just came out and will let you just upgrade the CPU in a year or two. If you buy a computer now that is just good enough, then it will feel slower later. Buy one that's just a little better than what's current as long as it's affordable.... faster is more expensive and will depreciate faster than an older one... so get a little more than you think you need so it lasts but one you can upgrade in pieces so you're taking steps forward along the way.
HeyGuysKennanjkHere@reddit
Computers are practically impossible to fuck up along as you watch a single YouTube video and don’t go ham this isn’t going in let me grab a hammer and force it in
gassbro@reddit
I bought a fairly expensive first PC build ~$1500. Through a YouTube build tutorial and manuals I was able to get my first build done no problem.
irunxcforfun@reddit
No, it's pretty easy just read your manuals and take it slow. You'll be fine! Watch some videos on PC building while you wait for your parts to come in.
dogstardied@reddit
You will be inexperienced until you build your first PC.
kyransparda@reddit
READ. YO. DAMN. MANUALS.
Its_Ace1@reddit
They’ll still post in the sub asking where the second m.2 slot on their mobo is instead of reading the manual 😂
kyransparda@reddit
Even if it's literally written on their motherboards. People, READ. THE. FUCK. UP! 🤣
SVT-Shep@reddit
Brother, this is 2025- we don't read a Mapsco anymore. Shit, I've been building PC's for just shy of 20 years, and have never read one fucking manual.
a1454a@reddit
I’ve been building PCs for more than 20 years. While it may be easy and intuitive for us old farts, you be shocked the number of mistakes people make when they’ve never build PC before. A lot of things you take for granted, how much force to use where, is not intuitive to them. My friend recently decided to try his hand at building one, despite my repeated offer to help. Called me three weeks later because he can’t get the machine to post, turns out he accidentally bent a couple pins on the CPU socket, and locked down the CPU anyways, on first boot the bent pin shorted and fried the CPU.
Fraisecafe@reddit
RTFM is always good advice. There’s a reason it became an acronym.
kyransparda@reddit
Well OP did say he has no experience. Reading one is a good place to start, be it's either physical copy or PDF copy. That or he could easily find build tutorials on youtube with the exact part model he typed into youtube.
SVT-Shep@reddit
I'm just fuckin with ya. Yeah, any reading materials on hand are of good use.
alvarkresh@reddit
You should put a "/s"!
alvarkresh@reddit
I bet you wonder why your wife always gets mad when you insist you know where something is in a new city.
wolfmann99@reddit
I feel old, no dip switches to flip Im guessing?
LifeIsOnTheWire@reddit
Make sure the jumper configuration is right. And don’t lose the driver disk for your modem, you’ll never find that driver again.
SVT-Shep@reddit
I'm out of Internet. Need to find one of the leopard print AOL discs to re-up.
HarmadeusZex@reddit
You said annuals
AmoebaMan@reddit
99% of building a PC comes down to:
compatibility checking, which you can do online
plugging things into the right sockets
attention to detail and tidiness
It’s really not hard. If you’re nervous or not great at DIY, try taking apart a crappy old computer first.
FullHouse222@reddit
Assuming you aren't doing anything crazy like custom water cooling loops, you'll be fine.
ChaoGardenChaos@reddit
It's honestly super easy. If you're really worried you could disassemble and reassemble your current PC to get a feel for things. You're pretty unlikely to damage any components as long as you read your manual and don't man handle your parts. Some parts will get ruined if you apply pressure (CPU mostly so just drop it in lightly) and some parts will require more pressure than you're comfortable using at first (especially DDR5 RAM in my experience)
YeahlDid@reddit
Not a bad idea, we all started from scratch at some point. Just read some tutorials, watch some YouTube videos. It's really not all that hard.
iothomas@reddit
It is not bad to build an expensive computer with no experience. But it's bad to try and get experience trying to build an expensive computer
Chicken_Menudo@reddit
I recently built a PC for the first time and it was easier than building a Lego set. Watch videos and most importantly, read your manuals.
I've seen so many posts with "just built my PC and it doesn't work" and the photos show they plugged everything in the wrong spot.
Or
"My motherboard is flashing these lights, what's wrong?" Read your damn manual.
Lastly, don't build your jazz on carpet.
Fit-Ad-9930@reddit
Giver, you wont learn til you get your hands into it , and it ain't hard
ForeverKirb@reddit
Read your manual triple check everything and before turning it on just pray
etapollo13@reddit
I did last year and it went great! Just watch tutorials and whole building have an assembly video running to make sure you don't miss anything. Go slowly and you'll be fine
TheDepep1@reddit
The hardest part of building a pc is researching if all the parts work together and installing windows. That being said, if you can read at a second grade level then you can build a pc.
HurricaneFloyd@reddit
Educate yourself on it until you think you know what you are doing. Then educate yourself some more. YouTube is a treasure trove.
DougiePoonBear@reddit
No it's easy a little intimidating but easy just have some confidence
BestSelf2015@reddit
I built my first PC at 12 years old. You got this man and now you have youtube as reference. I had to figure it all out my self back then.
lethargic_mosquito@reddit
I was in your shoes. I read a lot, stressed a lot but I've built a pc that I still have 4 years later and I literally had zero problems with so far. If I was to get something with similar specs I'd pay 50% more.
No_Reveal_7826@reddit
There's an in-between option of selecting all of the parts of interest and then having someone else (i.e. a store) assemble it for you. I wasn't interested in the actual assembling part, but I wanted to choose all of the components. You obviously have to pay for the work, but for me it was worth it.
Fraisecafe@reddit
I’ve worked in IT fields for decades and over the summer, when I went to build my gaming PC, I realized I’d only ever worked in existing hardware; I’d never actually built any. computer from scratch. Since then I’ve built two gaming PC’s (small form factor/ITX), a NAS server for work, and I’m now waiting on parts for a second NAS for personal media.
Watch some videos from the bigger tech channels (JayzTwoCents is a good one) and take it step by step. It seems intimidating, but thankfully it’s not rocket surgery. If you can build Ikea furniture, whose guides are notoriously difficult, you can do this.
Worst case you get stuck and need to reach out for answers to a specific need here.
Positive-Road3903@reddit
nah fam not worth the anxiety, take the lil bro seat and ask some tech friend to build it with you
No_Dig_7017@reddit
No, not at all, but ask around and inform yourself. This is a good starting point: https://pcpartpicker.com/
Gualuigi@reddit
Look up Linus Tech Tips on YT, hes got vids on building your first PC.
xerolv426@reddit
Not really. Just research and Google everything. I've done it a couple of times in the last year and I am super new to this stuff beyond basic knowledge
ViolaBiflora@reddit
Watch a few YouTube videos and then read a manual. Nothing more, zero experience needed.
TheSquirrellyOne@reddit
No, not really. Just make sure that the components you purchase are all fully compatible with one another. Beyond that, the level of difficulty is the same whether you have expensive or cheap components when it comes to assembly. Just be careful not force things in, particularly the CPU. Bent pins are no bueno. Do your homework though and you’ll be fine (and save some money in the process!).
Ledriel@reddit
See a lot of videos, read manuals and if you have a friend who has prior experience ask him to help after you done your study. Remember, if something doesn't fit easily, re-read before applying force!
MarkusKF@reddit
No, I just did a $2000 pc as my first build. No issues I couldn’t fix with about 2 hours of troubleshooting and 6-7 hours of building it
Scarabesque@reddit
It's very doable. Biggest thing that goes wrong is dead parts, which isn't really your fault.
Select your post, post the list here, get advice to spend you money better, and order.
If you want practice, just take your prebuilt apart and put it back together. If it turns on, congrats. That's harder than building one from brand new parts. :)
Graxu132@reddit
If only something like YouTube existed, along with PC guides and maybe Reddit with PC subreddits where people would help with anything 😞
Xercen@reddit
No. I recently built a new computer after 10 years with my old computer as i wanted to play baldurs gate 3.
I just read the manual and looked at a few youtube manuals and it booted up first time.
Please note that i had previous experience in the past building a couple of pcs. That was pre internet days though.
However, if you can follow simple instructions and don't have the attention span of a toddler and memory span of a goldfish, you'll be right as rain.
X718klK_h@reddit
It's not as hard as some people think, in fact, it's not hard at all.
Just follow the instructions & youtube vids, and you'll be fine!
At the end, you'll wonder how you lived without an awesome PC for so long.
BrizzleDrizzle1919@reddit
I built mine 5 years ago and it's still going strong with only replacing CPU and RAM. Gonna be building a new rig in the coming months
At the time, I watched JayzTwoCents, PC Centric, Optimum Tech for about two weeks religiously and that gave me so much confidence.
Few points I would tell past me:
-Figure out what you want first. Do you want one, two or three monitors? Do you want all of the monitors to be top quality gaming monitors? Or one super high quality monitor and then a cheap screen just to have on the side? What resolution/frame rate do you want to play? Budgeting for a 1080p/60fps is vastly different to a 4k/140fps, like astronomical. I personally have a 1440p/165 Hz monitor and then a 1080p second screen and that's been fine as I use it only for discord and Spotify.
Once you figure that out, find your desired GPU. Look at what AMD and NVidia fanboys say about each, and then look at what the other fanboys say about it. Whatever you settle on, know that a rule of thumb is the GPU is about 33% of the budget for just the rig. £500 GPU, probably looking at spending around £1,500 for your parts and I would factor peripherals (Monitors, Keyboard and Mouse, Speakers/Headset, Mouse Mat, Cable Management) separately to this. Just to manage expectations. I got cheap peripherals at the time I built my PC because I didn't factor that into my cost, and upgraded over time.
-Your biggest concern will be compatibility and voltage. Look at PC Part Picker and Reddit threads but you'll be fine.
-When building, take your damn time. Have an entire day planned for it. BE SAFE. Some people will say "I never used a grounding thing blah blah blah." Just take every electrical precaution. I have a grounding wrist strap, and I do the connect power supply but switch it off.
-Personally, I would build the motherboard and big components outside of the case first and make sure it all works. You don't want to build it all in the chassis and then it's not switching on.
-If it doesn't turn on, don't panic. It could be a BIOS update is needed, the Motherboard battery needs to be reset or you didn't switch on the power supply (the 2nd one happened to me and I freaked out for so long).
You'll be fine. It's daunting but if you do your research and budget everything before you even think about pressing Buy, you'll have a great time
HarmadeusZex@reddit
Its easy, parts designed to go together. Expensive ? All new pcs kinda expensive
No-Actuator-6245@reddit
It’s not hard if you have even the most basic diy experience, a little patience and willingness to read the manual and do a little research. What I would recommend is a good quality screwdriver set and wire cutters (cutting zip ties).
I built my first pc back in the mid 90’s at about 13-14 years old. As a kid that had built RC aircraft I found building a pc really easy in comparison.
Soggy_Parfait_8869@reddit
Mine wasn't really expensive, but I just watched a bunch of YouTube build guides beforehand and I didn't really struggle much, just took my sweet time (5hrs) lol
DreadSwizzard@reddit
Honestly, watch some YouTube videos, read the manuals, and buy semi balanced hardware and you should be ok if you're semi skilled at assembly. They're not much different from Lego for the most part. Something that'll benefit you on higher end hardware (especially motherboards) is they tend to have shielding and other stuff to reduce chances of damage. Just don't drop things especially the CPU into the socket.
skernstation@reddit
Just do it and read the manual
AnymooseProphet@reddit
First one I built didn't work. I had bought all the parts used from various different places.
Second one I built a few months later did work. I bought everything important new.
There's tons of building guides out there.
Don't go cheap on the PSU. A cheap PSU will not only fail itself, but take other components down with it. I always go Seasonic for the PSU.
To try is the only way to learn that you can.
Majestic_Operator@reddit
Nah, you'll be fine. Watch YouTube tutorial videos, read your manuals, take your time. I bought all top of the line parts for my first build and it went great.
ficskala@reddit
Nope, it's adult legos, if you can follow the instructions and sucessfully build a lego kit, you can follow a video/article/whatever you prefer and build a pc without any real issues
Vhenx@reddit
Get your hands on an old pc for cheap or free, even from the dumpster, and disassemble it just to get familiar with how all components are connected. Or check out pc building simulator. In the end it is nothing difficult but you need to be careful
Pajer0king@reddit
It s a bad idea to build am expensive computer full stop 😅
Mean-Setting6720@reddit
Just don’t fuck up
Mean-Setting6720@reddit
Red goes to red
Butch_Hudson@reddit
There is lot of YouTube videos showing how to do it. If you are handy and careful, you can do it , its not a rocket science, just make sure, everything goes smooth and easy, don't try to fight anything with power and don't rush, double check everything, that its well conencted and at the end, you will be proud to achieve new skills into your portfolio.
Commishw1@reddit
Nah, I built my first pc at 12, back when you would have to set voltages for processors with little switches. As long as your smarter than a 12 year old, you will be fine. If for some reason you do fail... buy a helmet.
GreenKumara@reddit
Gotta start somewhere.
Pitiful_Ad2184@reddit
Only one way to get experience
Ben73892@reddit
No its not. You will be fine :D There are some good yt tutorials and subreddits that can help you out.
aragorn18@reddit
I understand your concern, but it's totally within most people's ability so long as they do some research and take it slowly. There are numerous videos on YouTube about how to put together a computer, I recommend the build guides from Linus Tech Tips.
If you want some practice, try disassembling your current PC and put it back together.
MartiniBomb@reddit
Yeah def do this, u can just remember where things go and only go as deep as u feel comfortable, but doing this will make u so much more confident. Especially just like swapping hard drives, reinstalling ur GPU, or even taking ur CPU cooler off and putting it back on, (but make sure u have extra thermal paste)
ChargeInevitable3614@reddit
Its also good idea to take pictures before disasembly
rfc21192324@reddit
Yep, did exactly this with my first PC. Discovered that whatever was sold to us as a Pentium 90, was actually an AMD K5 75Mhz overclocked to 90. Messed about with the jumpers (back then, overclocking was done using physical jumpers, rather than bios).
goestotwelve@reddit
OP, this will go a long way. The hardest part is dealing with the physicality of putting pieces together. Like, knowing how much pressure is the right amount and what that “pop” sounds like when pieces snap together properly. If you get some practice you’ll save yourself a lot of anxiety when putting the RAM/CPU/GPU into the motherboard.
DazzlingDarth@reddit
Watch a lot of youtube tutorials.
Building a computer is much much easier if you have a working computer to look up youtube videos and create usb drives and order one more thing from amazon.
PizzaTacoCat312@reddit
It's not as hard as it looks it just takes a little while to put together, pick out the parts, and what steps to take. There are great guides online and make sure you consult your motherboard manual for where to plug stuff in and what ports are available on the board. Match the CPU socket type to the motherboard (recommend AMD) for new CPUs. There are great comparison videos of both rankings of GPUs against others and how well they perform with certain CPUs as well. Stick with an NVME SSD boot drive if you don't already have one. Ram should be DDR5, match the frequency to what your CPU recommends. And the biggest thing I can recommend is just to try buying and installing a better GPU as it will by far make the biggest difference in gaming performance. I will say that all GPUs right now are in short supply, Nvidia stopped producing 4000 series late last year and there has been little to no stock of the new 5000 series they just launched a couple weeks ago. AMD is looking to announce their new GPUs next month. Last tip is make sure you install your CPU oriented correctly and don't touch the pin on the CPU or the motherboard.
FARTING_1N_REVERSE@reddit
I built mine with no prior experience and it came out just fine, you can do it too! Just look up a lot of tutorials, especially for the parts and case you are thinking of getting
dsinsti@reddit
Good advice
kennedytk2@reddit
I second this, finished my first build this week after using a prebuilt for several years. It can be done, just be patient getting parts and watch a bunch of videos. Seems overwhelming but really not complicated once you get into it.
Enzyblox@reddit
Take your time when doing it, read up and watch about everything (read the manuals) and expect to lose a full day and maybe a bit more, also the things you screw the motherboard into the case with make sure those are in the right place
Takazi50@reddit
Nah, Just recently built one and all you really need to do is read the manuals! The only videos I needed to watch is daisy chaining aRGB fans and making sure my PSU is plugged properly. Got a bit confused why it came with so many cables haha.
camst_@reddit
Only bad reason it would be a bad time is kinda tough to snag a video card rn depending on what you want
evendedwifestillnags@reddit
Nah you learn
M4xs0n@reddit
I recently built my own by using a prebuilt PC setup and modify it. I used ChatGPT to help me improve it to my needs by giving it context about my situation and wishes, also I have it many Reddit posts where people discuss different systems and hardware.
Turns out: I built my own PC without knowing exactly what everything is good for, but it worked perfectly.
Ohmburger@reddit
My first build I took my time and it was a day and night long project. My 3rd build was 4 hours
AGuyWithBlueShorts@reddit
It's fine just do research, read the manuals, I'd recommend following a tutorial like, YouTubers like linus tech tips have them. it's like adult Legos.
bill__19@reddit
It’s a bit harder than “adult legos” but it’s not that hard at all. Watch YouTube videos during the week it takes your parts to get in and watch a YouTube video while building. The most annoying things are usb 3.0, case buttons (unless you buy one where they’re all connected (why isn’t this standard?)) and cooler fan clips (only matters if you go with an aftermarket cooler)
bill__19@reddit
It’s a bit harder than “adult legos” but it’s not that hard at all. Watch YouTube videos during the week it takes your parts to get in and watch a YouTube video while building. The most annoying things are usb 3.0, case buttons (unless you buy one where they’re all connected (why isn’t this standard?)) and cooler fan clips (only matters if you go with an aftermarket cooler)
Also the build a pc discord has amazing people with easy step by step picture guides to help them pinpoint any issues.
SRD1194@reddit
Low spec and high spec machines all go together more or less the same. The motherboard will be ATX or ITX of one flavor or another, the CPU or its socket will have pins and be keyed, and the GPU will slot into a PCIe x16 slot.
Your choice of CPU will dictate what socket you need and what chipset, which will guide your choice of motherboard. Your motherboard manual will tell you which RAM slots to populate first, where to plug in your SSD... it's all very straightforward once you have the pieces picked out. Just be mindful of compatibility when choosing parts, and follow the instructions included with those parts.
Maybe watch a build guide for a similar system on YouTube so you can see how everything goes together.
doomsdaybeast@reddit
Between Chat GPT, YT and Reddit, if you can't build a computer, please don't reproduce.
DSpry@reddit
Tbh I would start on the budget side just so you know if the high end stuff is even for you. It’s kind of like how my lil brother wants the best cpu and gpu but only plays Roblox and Fortnite 😂 you’d be wasting so much money and power. Just like everyone else, when it’s unable to run New AAA games at the fps you want, it’s time to sell and upgrade.
theromingnome@reddit
You gotta start somewhere. We all had our first build, you'll be fine. The quick installation guides in each of the components are really helpful and if you get stuck you can use the internet.
HmmBarrysRedCola@reddit
when i built mine it took me about 3 months of dedicated research from zero knowledge to pretty good. i didn't buy until i was confident. i knew exactly what components im gonna get and why. i spent more than a week looking into mechanical keyboards alone. monitor more than 2 weeks alone. so learn. don't rush into it.
Appropriate-Beach424@reddit
I built a 3000 dollar PC last week and I’ve never ever touched a circuit board or anything. Saw videos for each part of the install and it booted up on first boot👍
StephanGullOfficial@reddit
Nah, 12 year olds do it
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
[removed]
TheBeerdedVillain@reddit
btw, the reason for a second drive is that it's best to install Windows on one drive, then use a second drive for games so you aren't relying on one drive for both read/write to windows temp files, virtual memory, etc.. while also reading for your games. Do you have to do this, no. But, if the drive with Windows on it fails, it's not difficult to replace it, install windows, then re-import all your games into Steam/Epic/GOG/etc. without having to re-download them all.
DM_ME_UR_OPINIONS@reddit
do it
DM_ME_UR_OPINIONS@reddit
This is why YouTube exists
MonumentalArchaic@reddit
I built a PC first time watching YouTube videos. I recommend finding an old worthless pc at the thrift store and taking it apart and putting it back together for fun. Even without that you will be fine.
quazmang@reddit
Building a PC is like assembling a Lego kit.
MartiniBomb@reddit
I just built a very high end pc and the only experience I had was messing around with my previous prebuilt. I would just start watching some random build vids and looking up any questions you have and you should be able to do it. PC part picker also makes it a lot easier.
DiggingNoMore@reddit
I feel like the worst that can happen is that my power cord melts and my GPU gets wrecked. I'm extremely nervous.
Left-Seaworthiness-2@reddit
I second PC parts picker. On top of helping you pick compatible parts, you also can look at other peoples builds which can be a huge help
omaGJ@reddit
3 months ago I built a $4000 PC with 0 prior experience. I watched an absolute shit ton of youtube to gain knowledge, Played the PC building Simulator games and also had a tutorial going as I built it and did fine. Just be careful amd dont forget anything. thats what the youtube tutorial why youre building is a good idea
Hongthai91@reddit
It's a bad idea to do anything high stake with 0 experience.
SorryImJustHigh@reddit
Watch some videos, get comfy with handling the parts. Stay confident
chipface@reddit
I learned watching a buddy put one together once 20 years ago. It's pretty easy. My brother wanted me to put a PC together for him one time but he didn't want to wait for me to wake up, so he YouTubed it and put it together on his own without issue. And this was 15 years ago. There are way more resources on that nowadays. Go for it. It should be a lot of fun.
Homulton@reddit
Yeah I went from knowing absolutely nothing significant about pcs to picking stuff out on pcpartpicker and building within weeks. I just decided I wanted to get into pc gaming and took off. I was very careful and took my time on build day, read lots and watched videos. No issues. I use it very single day at some point. Still learning some new stuff here and there, it’s fun. I don’t think I could ever go back to a console now.
thomasoldier@reddit
I'd just post the pc you are planning to build here and there on pc subreddits BEFORE buying anything to be sure you get good price/performance
Good_Policy3529@reddit
Pre-Read a lot, watch some videos, post your suggested build on PC Part Picker and perhaps on a subreddit: and then go for it. I built a $2500 build last year as my first one and it went fine. I had a few hiccups but nothing google and the user manual couldn't solve.
One-Year-Mk7@reddit
All of us who have built them had no experience at one point. Go for it. Do some research, take your time and have fun. It’s very rewarding.
gfeazy@reddit
How are you at Legos?
TorsoPanties@reddit
Just remember the blood debt that needs to be paid to the machine spirit.
But seriously I do not think I ever have built a PC and not cut myself on some small sharp corner
teslaactual@reddit
As long as your careful and actually read the manual and diagrams you should be fine
Babylon4All@reddit
Nope! It's a great way to learn! Honestly most of the cheap parts will have the same installation process as the expensive ones. A more expensive motherboard and most (key word most) computer cases will actually be EASIER to build with than their cheaper options. There will be more fan headers, more M2/sata ports, dedicated AIO pump ports, RGB headers, etc. Many cases will have decent pathways for cable management, and the more expensive ones may be directed more towards custom water cooling which will have plenty of room for you.
Watch some youtube videos of computer builds. and most importantly READ THE MANUALS. Many do not come with a physical manual anymore but a QR Code or just look up the EXACT part you have.
International-Owl-81@reddit
Slow and steady and have a build tutorial pulled up on the YouTube
ecktt@reddit
It is a bad idea for you. Great idea for me if you go with it. A solid 30% of my side hustle is fixing other people's mistakes.
if you old PC is a really a piece of shit, disassemble it and try to reassemble it thought recording where everything came from. Other than this being a good time to give her a proper cleaning and a fresh application of thermal paste, it will give you a less than minimum indication of whether you're capable of build a new PC from scratch.
tbh the hardest part is proper component selection.
EvilDaystar@reddit
Building the pc ins;t the hard part it;s getting the irhg tparts that wont; bottle neck each other that is a bit trickier.
PCPartBuilder is a good place to look since it will warn you of most incompatablities.
I just built anew Pc last week, have been for years. I BOUGHT a pre built for my last PC because COVID and Crypto made getting parts almost impossible.
netscorer1@reddit
If you have two hands and one screwdriver you can build a PC. There’s zero skill required. You can watch thousands of video tutorials on YouTube that cover any case, any cooler, any motherboard. Use pcpartpicker to select components, make an orders and spend free days while the orders reach your mailbox by watching the tutorials. That’s all you wolf need for a successful build. And an expensive PC is no more difficult to assemble than a cheap one. One advice: choose a spacious case for your fits build. If there’s mistakes beginners do id underestimating how difficult it is sometimes to cram all of the components in a small cute case without proper experience.
sixlayerdip@reddit
It’s an expensive idea but not inherently bad.
Watch a YouTube video or 2. Take your time. Read the manuals!
Pro Tip: wait to close up the side panels until AFTER you’ve ran a test boot and verified everything’s working
Significant_Apple904@reddit
Depends. It's different from person to person.
The 2 most important things to consider are 1. Do your research prior to purchase. Make sure everything is compatible, motherboard/CPU, motherboard/RAM, power supply, number of cables on the power supply, case dimensions/GPU dimensions/cooler dimensions. And 2. Read manuals that come with the parts, mainly the motherboard manual.
You might get everything to work on first try, you might not, but don't fret, any problems you could possibly run into, most likely already has an answer/solution on the internet.
It's worth doing, because you learn so much about PC parts in the process and you will have a much better understanding of how different parts work with each other.
Dredgeon@reddit
All the connectors and processes are the same. There's not really any extra complexity and there aren't any components that are cheap to not treat with the utmost care anyways.
Archelaus_Euryalos@reddit
Erm, it would very much help if you had someone who has experience available just in case. It can be very frustrating when you have done everything right and it still doesn't work as you'd expect, which is rare but happens to the best of us.
If you can build complex Lego you can make a PC from parts. It's not really hard.
Maximum-Secretary258@reddit
I'm very experienced with building computers but honestly if you've ever tried to fix something before and have some patience and problem solving skills, it's easy to do with no experience.
Most of the computer parts just slot into something that only that once piece fits into, it's like putting Legos together. The CPU/CPU Cooler will probably be the hardest to start off, but if you watch some good tutorials and make sure to read the part manuals for all the parts your buy, you will be fine.
Kleizar@reddit
Heres the question ill always ask then: Since your "inexperienced" do you feel you actually need to build an expensive PC for what games you play? Its usually a better idea to build a system that fits the games you want now then upgrade later; rather than build a 3K beast that will feel a bit outdated in 5 years anyways.
MonkeyBrains09@reddit
How else would you learn?
Eastern-Text3197@reddit
If I can do it, and I'm analog as fuck, you can do it. Just read the manuals and watch some YT videos for the parts your using. Go step by step, take your time, hell ask questions here. You'll be fine.
RawDawgOne@reddit
Nah, it’s just money, you’ll be fine, it comes and goes!
InPatRileyWeTrust@reddit
Nah you’ll be alright with a bit of research. I built my first PC during the summer and had no issues with it. Over the course of a week or two I watched a lot of YouTube videos and it turned out to be rather easy. Since then I’ve taken things apart several times as well after changing my mind on the case and some other stuff so I’m actually pretty confident now even.
RIP_GerlonTwoFingers@reddit
You gotta start somewhere. TBH it’s kinda hard to fuck up. Processors are pretty brain dead these days and seat themselves. Just go to YouTube and search for PC build tutorial and filter for most views. I used several for my first time. Some are very long but that’s kinda what you want.
You can absolutely build your PC
grayscale001@reddit
Just buy a normal desktop computer, replace the GPU and power supply.
gluttonusrex@reddit
I recently built mine with no prior experience, literally took in the advice of Binge watching PC Building Videos that it kinda gets rid of your nervousness in finally building one. Would recommend PC Centric and Crater for the videos. PC Centric had a video that literally almost matched what I was gonna be build so that really helped a lot.
Woorloog@reddit
I think the typical problem with "expensive build without experience" is that the builder might make suboptimal picks. Something like high end CPU with very low end mobo (i swear i've seen people do that, asking about it after having bought the parts), strong GPU with entry level processor, or other similar things. Of course if they ask about stuff and correct things, that is good.
At worst, inexperience will damage something, and it will suck far more with expensive component than something cheaper.
Also, people may overestimate their needs or what they actually need for something. Like you don't need 9800X3D for good graphics and framerate in games, much lesser setup can do quite well.
My friend recently put together a computer without prior experience, going for quite expensive build with some overkill parts (eg Asus ProArt 870E for a gaming computer). I did note those and suggested more value-oriented alternatives but he was fine spending stuff for very good stuff. Which is fine, as long as one understand what they are doing, and it was a rewarding project for him.
He did do good and careful job with assembling the computer, worked perfectly on first try. I do believe he did research stuff for the task.
I am inclined to argue for more budget (read: about as cheap as possible within reason) or very value-oriented (read: most bang for the buck) build for the first build rather than something expensive. Particularly if one is somewhat uncertain about what they are building a computer for, uncertain about use case (would be wasteful to spend money on something you don't end up using much), or it is more of a "i just want to try building a computer". Adam Savage's advice to makers about trying new tools is "get something as cheap as possible to see if it works for your process" (paraphrasing a bit), it feels appropriate for computers too.
But this is admittedly reflection of my own approach to things.
JeffersonPutnam@reddit
It’s not that difficult.
Just make sure:
If you do all of that, it’s not that difficult.
bluntrauma420@reddit
You haven't built one till you have. An expensive PC is a relative term because parts for a cheap one still carry a decent price tag. Using a website like PCPartPicker will help you get matching components for your build.
Fixitwithducttape42@reddit
Gamernexus does a good video on building a PC on youtube.
If your worried you can try to get a free PC locally or buy a cheap one. Age doesn't matter just preferably something that runs. Even taking a PC apart and rebuilding it that was made 20 years ago will be very similar to something made today. Various parts in the PC I am using is from the original build back in 2008 or 09, it's seen several rebuilds since then.
AngleBead@reddit
If you're autistic it should be totally fine I mean that in the best way possible I was nervous, I did it Focus is key You got this
maewemeetagain@reddit
It depends on what you mean by "expensive computer". Like if you just mean buying high-end parts, sure! Just read the manuals and watch some tutorials on YouTube, there are plenty of good ones.
However, if by expensive computer you mean like "I wanna build an awesome custom liquid loop PC"... Yeah, no. Wouldn't recommend that to somebody new to the scene.
Dangerous_Pause2044@reddit
i have never purchased a pre-build. first build might be nerve-wrecking, if you dont know what parts to get. but there are so many good guides, and this subreddit to ask for advice etc.
i wouldnt recommend going for stuff like a custon watercooling system as a first build tho. but most parts are plug n play. "hardest" part is going to connect your PSU to the correct connectors, and honestly, it looks harder than it really is (if you never did it)
now, expensive is a BROAD term. expensive for some, is cheap for others. really look into what your budget is, and try to stick to it. it can very easily become a slippery slope (oh that part is just 50bucks more)
also, try to make sure you build something that could future proof you. like (if budget allows it) going for DDR5 ram instead of DDR4, and a PSU that can run your system, but still allow you to upgrade later if you buy a mid range GPU etc.
My current PC, build, i think the only part that i havent changed since originally building it.. is the case.
Enough rambling from me, dont be afraid to build a PC, there is multiple great guides, and amazing people on here willing to give advice on what to get and what to avoid. the only limit is really your budget.
Cultural-Accident-71@reddit
It doesn't matter if the parts are expensive or budget out, brake something always sucks. Yes, it will be more painful but in the same time the expensive parts are higher quality so its not so fragile to work with. Very important is, just sit down, take a wine or beer and read the manuals! Everything is with little pictures and explanation that would solve 90% of the issue people have in this sub.
Enjoy your build and give your pc a name! This way it will burn in your brain and stay unforgettable!
My first build was "Boris" and it was a gorgeous build in 4 hour and many backpain breaks (i was 17y by the time) ;)
OxyRottin@reddit
Not at all! I just did it for the first time with minimal experience or knowledge ahead of time and had a blast and it felt so satisfying once complete. Watch some YouTube tutorials, do some basic research, plan your build, order parts, read the manuals for the parts, set a day aside and get to it
ComradeCapitalist@reddit
The only caution I would give is not to dive into anything exotic like custom water cooling or a tiny case.
Tomi97_origin@reddit
It's fine. As long as you are careful and methodical it is not a complicated process. Be sure to double-check you are buying the right CPU + Motherboard + RAM and you are halfway done.
There are many YouTube tutorials on how a PC is put together.
Watch a few ahead of time and then follow the manual from your motherboard to see where to plug what.
Be sure to pick a spacious case as that makes building significantly easier.
Then reserve the whole afternoon for it and go for it.
Double check your screws and make sure everything is connected properly. Not plugging things all the way is a very common mistake.
9okm@reddit
IMO, yes.
Live_LaughToastrBath@reddit
I’ll advocate for building one, but I’ll push back a bit on the word “expensive.” You don’t need to spend a lot of money for a good or great PC. In fact, buying “the best” parts isn’t often the best idea. Figure out your use case (1080p vs. 1440p vs. 4K) and what games you want to play, then look at a build guide centered around that. I built my first one using a Joey Delgado video (his channel is called CRATER now); I’d highly recommend looking his way. He walks you through step by step and his part choices are always outstanding. Once you build a good first PC and know you’re going to stick with it, then I say go for the expensive build.
WiseAce1@reddit
If you haven't done it, the process is simple but be sure to use a guide. Also, like another poster said, practice on your old PC. simple things like putting in the processor the wrong way can break a pin and you have an expensive mistake. lots of annoying little things can happen to cost you money to fix it but a new part. if you are slow and careful, it's definitely doable, but be careful.
Rungnar@reddit
Do you like puzzles?
Left-Seaworthiness-2@reddit
There is so much good information on how to build a PC now. You will be fine. Will it be gut-wrenching at times? Yes. Will you get lost in the sea of information? Yes. Will it be one of the best decisions you've ever made? Yes.
Research. Price check. Learn. HAVE FUN!!
DopeEnjoyer@reddit
You’ll be fine
Busy_Low3543@reddit
Naw its ez, just make sure to use all of the included thermal paste to meet spec