How to Build a PC - The Only Guide You Need in 2026
Building a PC is like assembling flat-pack furniture every piece only fits one way. If you can use a screwdriver and follow instructions, you're already qualified. Millions of first-timers do it every year.
Why Build Your Own PC?
Custom PC builds beat prebuilts on almost every metric. Manufacturers cut corners on the PSU, use mediocre RAM, and charge brand premium. Building your own gives you full control and saves Rs.5,000–Rs.20,000 vs an equivalent prebuilt in India.
- Better performance per rupee — you choose every part’s quality.
- Easy to upgrade later — swap GPU or add RAM any time.
- No bloatware — clean Windows install from day one.
- Individual warranties on each component.
- Brand picks parts and often cuts corners on PSU and RAM.
- Difficult or sometimes impossible to upgrade.
- Pre-loaded with unwanted manufacturer software
- Single warranty covers the whole machine
What Parts Does a PC Need?
A PC has eight essential components. Think of each one like an organ the PC only works when all are present and connected. Here's what each does, in plain English.
| Part | Plain English Name | What It Actually Does | Key Thing to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | The Brain | Processes every instruction — opening apps, running games, everything. | Higher GHz = faster. More cores = better multitasking. |
| GPU | The Artist | Draws every image on your screen. The most important part for gaming. | 8GB VRAM minimum in 2026. More VRAM = handles newer games longer. |
| Motherboard | The Foundation | The board plugs everything else into. Connects to all components. | Must match your CPU's socket type (AMD AM5 or Intel LGA1851). |
| RAM | The Workspace | Holds what you're currently running to do, games, apps, browser tabs. | 32GB DDR5 recommended. Think of it as your desk bigger = less clutter. |
| SSD (Storage) | The Filing Cabinet | Stores everything permanently OS, games, files. | Get a 1TB NVMe SSD. Much faster than old HDDs. |
| PSU | The Heart | Converts wall power into safe voltages for every component. | NEVER cheap out here. 80+ Gold certified. Failure can kill everything. |
| Case | The House | Holds everything. Affects airflow and ease of building. | Mid-tower ATX for first builds easiest to work in. |
| CPU Cooler | The Temperature Controller | Keeps the CPU cool so it doesn't overheat and throttle. | Most come with a box cooler. Ryzen 5/7 includes a decent one. |
💾 RAM vs Storage — What’s the Difference?
RAM is your desk (what you're actively using right now). Storage (SSD) is your filing cabinet (everything saved permanently). When you launch a game, it moves from the SSD to RAM so it runs fast. More RAM = more on your desk at once. More SSD = more games installed.
⚡ DDR4 vs DDR5
DDR5 is the newer, faster RAM standard. All 2026 platforms (AMD AM5 and Intel Arrow Lake) use DDR5. If you're buying new parts today, you're buying DDR5- just confirm both your motherboard and RAM stick say DDR5.
🖥️ What is 1080p, 1440p, 4K?
These are screen resolutions how many pixels your monitor displays. 1080p (Full HD) is the most common, easiest for your GPU. 1440p is sharper. 4K is stunning but needs a much more powerful (expensive) GPU. For a first build, aim for 1080p or 1440p.
🔌 How Much PSU Wattage Do I Need?
Add your CPU and GPU power draw (in specs), then add 150W safety margin. Example: Ryzen 7 9700X (65W) + RTX 5070 (220W) = 285W + margin = buy a 650W or 750W unit. When in doubt, go bigger.
How to Choose Your Parts - India 2026
CPU: Intel vs AMD — Which Should You Choose?
- Better value at mid-range, more performance per rupee
- AM5 socket has long-term upgrade support from AMD
- Runs cooler and more efficiently
- Stronger peak gaming FPS in some titles
- LGA 1851 (Arrow Lake) - newer socket
- Good integrated Intel Arc graphics (no GPU needed temporarily)
Beginner picks: Budget builds: Ryzen 5 9600X. Mid-range: Ryzen 7 9700X. High-end: Ryzen 9 9950X or Intel Core Ultra 9 285K.
GPU: Best Graphics Card by Budget
| Target | GPU to Buy | India Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p gaming (best for beginners) | RTX 5060 or AMD RX 9060 XT | Rs.30,000 – Rs.40,000 |
| 1440p gaming (sharper sweet spot) | RTX 5070 or AMD RX 9070 XT | Rs.55,000 – Rs.75,000 |
| 4K gaming (top-end) | RTX 5080 / RTX 5090 | Rs.1,00,000+ |
Complete Build Recommendations — India
Entry Level: Rs.45,000 – Rs.50,000
| Part | Buy This | Why |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 9600X | 6 cores, great gaming, runs cool. |
| GPU | RTX 5060 or RX 9060 XT | Solid 1080p performance, 8GB VRAM. |
| Motherboard | B650M (ASUS/MSI/Gigabyte) | Budget AM5 board with the features you need. |
| RAM | 16GB DDR5-5600 | Minimum for smooth gaming. |
| Storage | 512GB NVMe SSD Gen 4 | Fast boot and load times. |
| PSU | 500W 80+ Gold (Corsair/Antec) | Reliable power and suitable wattage. |
Sweet Spot: Rs.70,000 – Rs.80,000 (Recommended for Most Beginners)
| Part | Buy This | Why |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 9700X | 8 cores, excellent for gaming + streaming. |
| GPU | RTX 5070 or RX 9070 XT | 1080p Ultra / 1440p High, 12GB VRAM. |
| Motherboard | B650 or X670 ATX | Full-size and easier to build in. |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5-6000 | Future-proofed, and only slightly more than 16GB today. |
| Storage | 1TB NVMe SSD Gen 4 | Enough room for OS plus 8–10 games. |
| PSU | 750W 80+ Gold (Seasonic/Corsair) | Comfortable headroom for your GPU. |
Tools You’ll Need
You barely need any tools. Here’s the full list.
- Phillips #2 screwdriver — the only tool you truly need for almost every screw in the build.
- Thermal paste — a pea-sized dot between CPU and cooler. Many coolers include it pre-applied. Arctic MX-4 is under Rs.400.
- Anti-static wrist strap — optional but cheap and useful. Usually under Rs.200 online.
- Cable ties or velcro straps — for clean cable management.
- USB drive (8GB+) — needed to install Windows.
- Another phone or laptop — useful for the guide and your motherboard manual.
- A flat, well-lit surface — a dining table is perfect. Don’t build on carpet.
Building Your PC — Step by Step
Read all 11 steps once before you start. Takes 10 minutes and means zero surprises. The build itself takes 3–5 hours for a first-timer take your time
Set up your workspace
Clear a large flat table. Place the motherboard box flat as your work surface. Keep the motherboard manual nearby — you'll need it for connector locations. Touch the PC case metal to ground yourself, or put on your anti-static strap.
Install the CPU onto the motherboard
Do this on the table, not inside the case. AMD: Open the socket lever, align using the small gold triangle in one corner of the CPU — the socket has a matching one. Lower gently. Never press. Close the lever. Intel: Remove plastic socket cover, open retention arm, align by the notch, lower in, close arm. Zero force should be needed — if it resists, stop and re-check alignment.
Install the RAM
Check your manual for the right slots — for 2 sticks, use A2 and B2 (2nd and 4th slots) for faster dual-channel mode. Open the clips on both ends of the slot. Align the notch on the RAM (it only fits one way). Press firmly and evenly until both clips click shut. RAM must sit completely flat with no gap.
Install the NVMe SSD
Find the M.2 slot on the motherboard (check manual). Remove the heatspreader cover if present. Remove the tiny retaining screw. Slide the SSD in at a slight angle (gold contacts first), press flat, secure the screw. Reattach heatspreader.
Prepare the case
Remove both side panels. Install the I/O shield (metal plate from the motherboard box) into the rear rectangular cutout — push from inside until it snaps. Install additional case fans if needed: front fans pull air IN, rear fan pushes air OUT. Install motherboard standoffs (brass spacers) matching your board size — check the case manual.
Mount the motherboard
Lower the motherboard into the case, guiding ports through the I/O shield. Screw holes align with standoffs. Start all screws before tightening any. Tighten to firm resistance — not torqued. Connect front panel cables (power button, USB, audio) per the motherboard manual.
Install the CPU cooler
If thermal paste isn't pre-applied: put a pea-sized dot in the centre of the CPU. Mount the cooler following its instructions. Tighten screws in a diagonal X pattern, a little at a time, for even pressure. Plug the fan cable into the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard.
Install the PSU and route cables
Slide the PSU into the bay (fan facing down). Secure with 4 rear screws. Route the 8-pin CPU power cable through the top cable management hole first (before the GPU blocks access). Route the 24-pin motherboard cable to the right side.
Connect all power cables
24-pin ATX: large connector on the right edge of the motherboard. 8-pin CPU power: small connector at the top-left. Case fan cables: fan headers (SYS_FAN). Set PCIe power cables aside for the GPU next step. Double-check the CPU 8-pin — this is the most commonly forgotten cable.
Install the GPU
Find the long PCIe x16 slot (closest to the CPU). Remove the matching rear slot covers from the case. Hold the GPU level, insert into the slot until the retention latch clicks. Screw the bracket to the case. Connect PCIe power cable(s) from the PSU — press until they click.
Cable management and first boot
Push loose cables behind the motherboard tray and tie them neatly. Close both side panels. Connect monitor to the GPU's HDMI/DisplayPort (NOT the motherboard's ports). Connect keyboard, mouse, and power. Flip PSU switch on, press the power button. If everything is correct, fans spin and your monitor shows the BIOS screen.
Common Beginner Mistakes — Read Before You Build
| # | Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forgot I/O shield | Must go in before the motherboard. It takes 5 seconds — do it first or you'll unscrew the whole board. |
| 2 | Missing CPU 8-pin power | Top-left of the motherboard — entirely separate from the 24-pin. Forgetting it = no boot or severely slow PC. |
| 3 | RAM not fully seated | Both clips must snap closed. Half-seated RAM causes 'no display' on first boot. Press firmly. |
| 4 | RAM in wrong slots | Use slots A2 + B2 for dual-channel (faster). Exact labels vary — always check your motherboard manual. |
| 5 | Monitor in motherboard port | Your motherboard has HDMI/DP ports — ignore them. Connect monitor to the GPU only. |
| 6 | Cheap PSU | A failing PSU can destroy every component at once. Always use 80+ Gold from Seasonic, Corsair, or be quiet!. |
| 7 | Skipping XMP/EXPO | After first boot, enter BIOS and enable XMP (Intel) or EXPO (AMD). Without it, RAM runs at default slow speed. |
| 8 | No compatibility check | Run your full parts list on PCPartPicker.com first. It flags incompatible combos automatically — free and fast. |
After the Build — Software Setup
Step 1: BIOS Settings (2 Things Only)
Press Delete or F2 on boot to enter the BIOS. Do just two things: Enable XMP (Intel) or EXPO (AMD) for correct RAM speed. Set your USB drive as the first boot device. Save and exit.
Step 2: Install Windows 11
Do this on another PC first: download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from microsoft.com, plug in your USB drive, and run the tool to create the installer.
- Plug the USB into your new PC and press F11 or F12 at startup for the boot menu
- Select the USB drive, follow the install wizard
- Select your NVMe SSD as the install destination
- Skip the product key when asked, Windows works fully without it, activate later
- Installation takes 15–20 minutes with a couple of restarts
Step 3: Install Drivers — In This Order
| # | Driver | Where to Get It | What It Fixes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chipset | AMD.com or Intel.com (match your CPU brand) | Lets Windows fully talk to your CPU and motherboard |
| 2 | GPU Driver | nvidia.com/geforce or amd.com/support | Essential for gaming performance install this right away |
| 3 | LAN / Network | Your motherboard brand's support page | Needed if ethernet isn't working auto |
| 4 | Audio | Realtek download from your motherboard brand | For headphones, speakers, and microphone |
| 5 | Windows Update | Settings > Windows Update > Check for Updates | Security patches + any remaining driver updates |
Verify temperatures: Download HWMonitor (free) and run a game for 10 minutes. CPU under load should stay below 85°C. GPU below 83°C. Higher than that? Check your cooler is seated correctly and thermal paste is applied.
Beginner FAQs
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I've never done anything like this. Can I really build a PC? | Yes. Every part fits only one way. The hardest skill required is following instructions carefully which you're already doing by reading this. |
| 2 | How long will it take me? | 3–5 hours for your first build. Don't rush take breaks. There's no prize for finishing fast. |
| 3 | What if I break something? | Component damage from a careful build is very rare. The most common issue is a bent CPU pin, which can often be straightened. Follow the steps and you'll be fine. |
| 4 | My screen is black after first boot — help! | Step 1: Reseat the RAM (remove and push back in firmly). Step 2: Check monitor cable is in the GPU, not the motherboard. Step 3: Confirm the CPU 8-pin cable is plugged in. These fix 90% of cases. |
| 5 | Is a cheap PSU really that risky? | Yes. A failing no-name PSU can surge and destroy every component connected to it simultaneously. This is the one place where spending Rs.1,500 extra is non-negotiable. |
| 6 | Where do I get help if I'm stuck? | r/buildapc on Reddit is extremely beginner-friendly. PCPartPicker forums are great too. YouTube has thousands of visual build guides if you want to see each step done on camera. |
Leave a comment