user: How do I build a PC?

assistant: Here are the steps you can follow to build a PC:
1. Choose the hardware. This requires your need, budget, and other limits. For example, a PC for gaming usually requires a high single-core performance CPU and a decent GPU, one as a server usually needs more CPU cores, and one for office work can focus on low power consumption and noise. Other limits include the maximum load of your outlets, the available space for the PC, the need to move the PC around frequently, noise tolerance, etc. Games usually provide their minimum and recommended CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage. You can then find out the requirements for cooling and power supply according to the reviews of these components. There are also many users sharing their hardware and needs, which you can refer to.

2. Prepare the tools. Building a PC usually needs a Philips head screwdriver (a full set of screwdrivers is better), a clean work surface, thermal paste, tapes, zip ties, and the installation media for your operating system such as a USB flash drive. Prepare a monitor, mouse, and keyboard to test the PC. It is also recommended to use an anti-static wrist wrap to avoid damaging the hardware.

3. Install the CPU. Release the tension lever for the CPU on the motherboard. For the most recent AMD (AM5) and Intel platforms that have pins in the socket, also lift up the metal retaining bracket. Older AMD AM4 platforms (for Ryzen 5000 or older CPU) have pins on the bottom of the CPU instead, so be careful not to bend them. There will be an arrow/triangle on one corner of the top of the CPU, which needs to line up with the triangle on the socket or socket cover. After aligning the CPU with the socket, gently place the CPU in place, and it should settle down with its own gravity. If not, try again, and never force it into the socket. Then, drop the retaining bracket down and press the tension lever back down. 

4. Install the cooler. Some coolers already have the thermal paste applied. For others, apply some thermal paste onto the top of the CPU, and a pattern of "X" is often used. Don't forget to peel the protective film off the cold plate/paste area. The installation of the cooler itself can vary a lot between brands, and it is recommended to follow the provided manuals. Some large air coolers can hang over the RAM slots, and you can first follow the next step to install the RAM. Then, install the fans if not provided, and plug the CPU fan connector into its header on the motherboard which is usually labeled something like "CPU_FAN". Liquid AIO coolers need to be connected to "CPU_PUMP" or similar headers.

5. Install the RAM. Check the manual of the motherboard to find out which slots to use for different numbers of RAM sticks. RAM slots have latches on one or both sides. Push them open and make sure that the small notch on the bottom of the RAM stick is aligned with the matching bump of the slot, then insert the stick into the slot and push down until it snaps into place, causing the latches to close.

6. Install the M2 SSDs. The manual of the motherboard should also show the supported types of drives and of slots and which slots to use for different numbers. Some motherboards have heatsinks over the slots which should be removed first. Also, remove the screw located across from the M.2 slot if there is any, and slide the SSD with its notch aligned with the bump in the slot. Slowly push the SSD flat and screw the mounting screw back into the hole aligned with a semicircular notch at the end of the SSD. Some motherboards use small plastic tabs instead of screws, which can be simply pushed to the side when installing the SSD and back after. 

7. Install the whole motherboard. Remove the side panels on the chassis. Fit the I/O shield into the chassis if the motherboard doesn't have one pre-attached, and clear the metal bits on it blocking the ports. Make sure the motherboard standoffs in the board mounting area match the holes on the motherboard. Finally, place the motherboard in, and put the screws through the holes on the motherboard and into standoffs to fix it.

8. Install the power supply (PSU). The chassis usually has a dedicated place for the PSU, but might have a bracket that needs to be re-installed to place the PSU in. If you are using a modular power supply, or one without pre-connected cables, check the manual to choose and plug in the cables before screwing the PSU in. Then, route the 24-pin power connector and supplemental/CPU power connector through your case and plug them into the corresponding header on the motherboard. 
 
9. Install the SATA drives. The chassis can have brackets to mount SATA drives, or you will need some tapes or zip ties to hold them. Connect them to the SATA the motherboard SATA ports, and the SATA power connector of the PSU for 3.5-inch HDDs.

10. Install the graphics card/GPU. Check the motherboard manual to find the proper PCIe slot for your GPU, match the notch on the GPU to the bump in it, and push the GPU in, which is similar to installing RAM. Connect the PCIe power connectors from the power supply to those on the card if there are any. Large GPUs such as RTX 4090 can be installed after other cables are connected as they can block access to most of the motherboard, and they may also need support brackets.

11. Connect other cables. This includes RGB controller cables, chassis fan cables, cables for the front-panel ports such as USB and audio, etc. Check the motherboard manual for the corresponding ports on the motherboard.

12. Test the PC. Plug the PC in. Connect the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The monitor should be connected to the port on the graphics card instead of the motherboard if one is installed. Turn on the monitor, and the power supply switch which is on the back of the PSU, and then press your PC's power button. The PC should turn on and run its POST if everything works. You can then plug in the USB install drive or other media. If the system can't access the installation drive, you may need to navigate to the BIOS to make sure it can be identified and is at the first of the boot order.

13. Cable management. This is not necessary, but looks better and can be helpful for future upgrades. Loose cables may also get into the airflow or hit the fans.


This is only an overall description of building a PC, and some steps can get more complicated. Feel free to ask me for more details later!