Tomorrow I'm going to build my first PC and....I'm scared
Posted by aventursoldier@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 56 comments
Tomorrow I'm receiving the last parts I need to finally build what will be my first desktop PC, since I've always used office laptops (Intel i3 and i5).
To be honest... I didn't think it would be possible. So much sacrifice and months of saving are almost paying off, and deep down I'm afraid of messing something up. Even though I've watched many videos and read guides on how to assemble the parts I have... I still feel that fear and a little bit of anxiety about what's coming.
It's worth mentioning that I still don't know which graphics card I'm going to use, but in the meantime, I'll try the integrated graphics of the processor (R5 9600X). But that's something else to consider later.
So... I was wondering if you could give me some advice before the big moment arrives.
SmirkAndTell@reddit
OMG congrats on the edit, thats awesome! Ngl, I was terrified building mine too, but u got this!
aventursoldier@reddit (OP)
Thanks!
Poetically-Lucky@reddit
How long did you mess around with the F panel? Haha
aventursoldier@reddit (OP)
Oh! Not much, it was just a single cable with everything together
Poetically-Lucky@reddit
Lucky. Glad it went well!
Master-Vegetable-734@reddit
Ground yourself to remove any static from your body before touching motherboard and you will be alright
Shidulon@reddit
Get a MOBO, CPU, RAM package deal so you don't have to worry about damaging pins. Microcenter offers i think Ryzen5 7500x3d, b850, 16g ddr5 for like $350
I'm probably going with that too, but they have Ryzen 7 7800x3d, x870e, and 32g ddr5 for $699...
Nosferatu_V@reddit
What? How? The parts come in their respective boxes...
Shidulon@reddit
I thought it came pre-assembled as a unit, I'll double check
aventursoldier@reddit (OP)
Hmm, a bit late for that, but it's a very good tip, especially with some great combo deals right now... I'll keep it in mind next time, thanks!
AscensoNaciente@reddit
It is absolutely a natural thing to feel that way. Take it easy and do things step by step. In the beginning, install the CPU, RAM, and SSD into the motherboard, then install the motherboard itself into the case. If it does not fit nicely into its slot, don't force it. Before turning the computer on for the first time, ensure that the front panel connections and power cords are correctly installed. Actually, getting nervous is the most difficult part. Once the computer has booted successfully, all stress disappears, and you feel great.
phatpssdestroyer@reddit
Oh be quiet
ProfSnipe@reddit
I finished my first pc like a month before the ramaggedon hit.
Here are a few tips/info that I found out myself that most guides don't talk about.
When you put the CPU into the socket and lower the bracket it might feel really stiff and you might hear some creaks and you'll have to push it down with much more force than you'd expect. Don't be scared and keep pushing the lever steady and firmly until you can lock it.
Before inserting the ram make sure to pull the motherboard clips down and after inserting the ram you'll know they're inserted fully/correctly when the clips will be closed and in line with the closed clips of the other unpopulated ram slots.
You should not push the clips closed woth your fingers if you have the ram stick in, the stick itself will close them fully if it's properly I serted..
After you prepped your motherboard with all the parts and after screwing it into place in your case pull up its diagram on your phone to help you plug in the fans, audio, usb, front panel header easier. (I was struggling with my phone flashlight to read what was written below the connectors and I thought about pulling up the diagram after I finished plugging half the connectors. After using the diagram it made the job much faster /easier)
When you plug in the 4 pin connector type things make sure they're straight and if you feel they don't quite go in, don't push hard, readjust and try again, they're easy to bend.
Before putting the fans in the case put the screws in first and screw them as much ass they'll go because the screw holes on the fans don't have threads in them and the screws will dig into the plastic and it will take some effort first time when you put in the screws. By screwing them all the way it will be easier to tighten them in the case once they're in position.
When you connect the power supply cables on both ends, a lot of people will say that you'll hear a click when they're properly connected. While not necessarily wrong, sometimes you won't hear any click but you'll FEEL the click and that is fine as well.
Mehnard@reddit
Be sure to put the motherboard rear bezel in the case before you start. I've built hundreds of computers over the years, and once in a while I forget. Then I get to disassemble everything and start over. Also make sure the motherboard standoffs line up with a hole in the motherboard. These are not technical or difficult, just good practice. The worst part for me is plugging in the wires for the case that do the lights and power switch.
Significant_Fill6992@reddit
follow a build guide step by step and you should be okay
fjlovedaay@reddit
So much helpful, thaannks very much
Daxzero0@reddit
Yep get a Pepsi, some low fi chillax music on the YouTube and just do it step by step. I’ve done it twice and am notoriously uncoordinated and both times I nailed it.
Significant_Fill6992@reddit
I think the only parts that are difficult even with a guide are the io shield and the front io but I always get help when I need a pc built since I have really really bad fine motor skills though
I have more fun with part selection anyway
lamsndbhaujamjsshukd@reddit
That's what I did, I took my time too. Booted up on first start up.
Azrack79@reddit
Just watch a guide and be patient and you should be fine. I did it with no experience when I was 13 in 3ish hours and the pc still works without issues 11 years later
InvaderJ@reddit
Legit the only hard part (that gets easier over time): putting thermal material on your CPU and properly mounting your cooling solution. This is really the only thing that you can truly screw up. Watch videos, practice, buy more paste than you need, wasting some is OK if you already spent $1000+ on the parts, what’s $5 more in paste to do it right and be confident about it? :)
b0wzy@reddit
In this day and age of everything being pretty much plug and play with tons of YouTube walkthroughs on almost all the parts you can imagine, it’s really not that bad as you’re making it out to be.
People built computers back in the 90s without in-depth multiple camera angle tutorials and figured it out, you can too.
Terap1st@reddit
Im planning on playing some pc builder simulator lol
I only swapped rams before so I need some practice and just getting to know how connecting everything works
Niangalakata@reddit
I built my first PC in late December. It took me the whole day, but it worked flawlessly on the very first boot without any issues.
TrashPandu@reddit
Don't worry, building a PC is very easy. Just be careful not to misalign your combobulator, because you might burn your house down.
Sketchiest@reddit
Keep the boxes and receipts at least until the warranty expires. Having a magnetic screw driver is probably the best quality of life tool reducing risk of a screw falling somwhere where it shouldn't be potentially causing a short.
nousername1244@reddit
Just take it slow, follow a guide step by step, and don’t force anything
VoyagerOfCygnus@reddit
Touch the case to prevent static shock, handle the parts gently, and read through your motherboard manual just to be sure. Truthfully, nothing is EXTREMELY FRAGILE to such a point where it can be broken (I've built plenty of PCs in my life and never broken something completely) entirely. The only part that could be a worry is the CPU (maybe do this first? Many recommend doing it outside of the case, but it's up to you. If you have a bigger case you may not need to, but it's not a bad idea).
Otherwise, most of the parts are decently durable in that they won't break unless you start TRYING to break them. Take your time, follow instructions, and you'll have your PC together in no time! The most time consuming part (in my experience) is connecting everything to the PSU, and even then, that's just annoying, not scary. If you've managed to do the research to get your own parts, I can assure you that you'll be able to build.
deeznutz133769@reddit
I would agree with this... except for the CPU socket. It is very easy to break the socket. Just dropping the chip in from a few inches (if your hand slips) can be enough to break a pin off.
VoyagerOfCygnus@reddit
Yeah that's true, I'm always decently nervous popping in a cpu since you kind of have to just drop it lol
aventursoldier@reddit (OP)
thanks for the advice pal and what you say is certainly true in my case. I've done a lot of research, not only on the parts themselves but also on how to assemble them, but sometimes, like everything in life... the first time is scary, especially in these cases, but I'll take my time.
Teavangelion@reddit
I just built my second in December. There will be a lot of trial and error, especially with connecting the power cables and attaching everything to the motherboard. Videos, lots of YT videos.
If you are an RGB fiend, get a RGB connector hub if you don't have one already. You may or may not need a couple of RGB cable extenders as well.
Get a magnetic screwdriver if possible. A small and a larger one.
When you take screws and cables out of boxes, keep them separated from the ones in other boxes so you don't lose track of what should go where in the mess. There will be a mess!
Don't ignore your Wi-Fi antenna. I didn't think I needed the antenna but it turns out I had to have it connected for Bluetooth to work properly! Otherwise my headphones audio just sounded like a scratchy mess.
Lastly, if your RAM sticks don't work -- switch their slots! I had everything assembled and it would NOT post. Finally found that little tidbit of advice, thank god, and it worked.
Good luck!!
deeznutz133769@reddit
There's only a few parts that are 'scary'. First, putting the chip in the socket. It's INCREDIBLY easy to bend / break the pins inside of the socket, which will brick your motherboard unless you can repair it. Second, be wary of static electricity. Third, if you have to flash the bios (older gen mobo than the chip you're using) then be really careful with that.
OTher than that... it's really hard to mess it up unless you do something dumb like dropping it or spilling liquid on it.
ztcsdtx@reddit
Here is the most important thing: be ready to re-seat your RAM. Maybe multiple times. RAM nowadays is trying to squeeze a lot more bandwidth through the same physical connector space, so the pin alignment is extremely important. You should put everything together first, but the flex as you get the board into the case could slightly un-seat your memory. Try with just one stick first. Also try both slots. Once you get a slot that works, put the other in the same COLOR slot (If you have 4).
lamsndbhaujamjsshukd@reddit
Take your time. I had so much fun building my 1st PC. I wanted to build another one right after lol.
Lucky_Comfortable835@reddit
Just go slowly - read the manuals fully first, then while doing the install. I got a cheap rubber mat on Amazon to put under the computer while working on it and to stop little screws from bouncing around when you drop them. I also got a cheap battery powered screwdriver, as well as small screwdriver with magnetized tips.
za72@reddit
ground yourself
TopExplanation138@reddit
Put in your cpu, ram and storage before putting into the case, always touch the chasis before touching things to prevent static shock and always install your gpu last. Also make sure you put your cpu in the right way, there is often a small arrow on the top left corner to tell you which way is right.
aventursoldier@reddit (OP)
I've read that touching the case releases static electricity and prevents damage to any parts, but does it really work?
Cautious-Pain-6962@reddit
Use an anti static mat, stop cheaping out. Touching the case would have to be earthed for it to make a difference. There is a reason we use anti static straps/mats etc.
No_Shoe8800@reddit
This is not true at all lol. Its definitely not a more permanent or consistent discharge but a ton of metals always pull, it is conductive Regardless consumers dont really have to worry about static anymore. Your modern day pcb is a lot more durable and advanced than you may think.
Kwolf21@reddit
It's 2026. Things aren't AS delicate as they used to be. I've rebuilt ~400+ PCs over the past 5 years, never intentionally grounded and never once had a single issue.
Now, rewind to 2012ish and prior? Different story. Especially ddr2 and early ddr3 memory. Sensitive stuff depending on the environment.
VoyagerOfCygnus@reddit
Yeah, it works. I've never had too much trouble with static build up, but it's good practice. Also don't build on static prone surfaces like carpet, and don't wear stuff like wool shirt or something while building. Honestly though, static is a pretty unlikely issue when building so I wouldn't fixate too much on it as long as you've taken the proper precaution.
No_Shoe8800@reddit
Static for the consumer doesn’t really exist like that, even if you somehow built up a crazy amount of static the board would just dissipate it more or less
Kwolf21@reddit
Pretty sure electroboom and ltt tested intentionally capping pc parts with extremely high voltage and the stuff still worked, even with scorch marks on components, lmfao
TopExplanation138@reddit
Yes for me it did.
aventursoldier@reddit (OP)
got it and thanks for the advice pal
TopExplanation138@reddit
Np
jetstrea87@reddit
If you have swap pc parts before on a desktop you are good to go.
Just read the manual, check twice when doing something, plug everything where needs to go.
If you like invest on a precision screw driver set but manual one. Use that to tightent the screws on delicate parts such as bolting the mobo down. Then get your 1/2" torq wrench tighten down to 95 ft-lbs, jk lol.
It is scary but you will be fine. My brother forgot to plug the cpu into the psu so the fans spinned left and right, the pc would not turn on. Just double check everything is plugged in all the way, no liquids near by, do it in a spot with no distractions, and happy building. Keep us posted with your masterpiece build.
aventursoldier@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the advice and I'll will!
Matt_Makes_Slings@reddit
I built my first computer three weeks ago. Zero experience. I hadn't even used Windows in almost 20 years. For the past 10 years I've barely used a computer and when I did it was to stream movies on a second hand MacBook.
I took my time and read the MOBO manual multiple times. The linustechtips videos are a massive help. Take breaks and don't force anything. Step away and research anything that gives you pause.
I enjoyed the entire experience and it went off without a single problem.
Have fun!
imafraidnott@reddit
Was in the same boat as you last week, and finished my build over 3 nights (had to wait until after kids went to bed). Scared shitless that I’d break something after waiting so long and saving so much to finally build it.
Watch and follow along with the LTT How to Build a PC 2024 video, and then also try to find a build video specific to the case you have. Use both throughout your build, and take your time!
Good luck OP! You got this!
FranticGolf@reddit
1) Make sure to check the cpu cooling plate and remove the sticker.
2) If your mobo doesn't have an integrated I/O shield make sure to install it before you do anything.
Kwolf21@reddit
Don't be scared. Things go in one place, and one place only (with the exception of multiple of the same slot gpu/nvme, pick the ones closest to the cpu 99% of the time)
RojoTheMighty@reddit
For what it's worth, I built my first a couple years ago now. I was legit scared both leading up to it and the entire time during. As soon as I finished I could no longer understand what I was so scared of. It's truly not hard. Don't be afraid to let your heartbeat jump when you're checking that things are working as they're supposed to (test POST, first boot, etc), but just pay attention to what you're doing and you'll be fine!
Passiveresistance@reddit
It’s ok. Tbh… it is scary if it’s your first time or you haven’t done it in a while. Take your time, read the manual that comes with your motherboard, watch a few vids, and just take your time. You can do it!