Possibly the largest (and most expensive) puzzle we’ve taken on during quarantine is our desktop computer. She’s quite the beefy one! Here are the parts we’ve chosen, along with some tips and tricks to build your own computer. We’ve linked all the parts below.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we may get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links. More info can be found on our full disclosure. Thank you for supporting the brands that help bring BIBIDI to life!
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUILD A COMPUTER
The thought of putting together a computer for the first time can be intimidating, but with a bit of research and patience, it’s quite a straightforward process. It can also be rewarding, knowing you have assembled a machine catered to your needs.
The most important part of building a custom PC is determining what it will be used for. In our case, we wanted a system that can handle our everyday work (like Greg’s video editing), playing graphics-intensive games, as well as live streaming.
It will take a bit of research to find the components that will fit your build and budget. Here are a few resources that helped us find what we needed:
- Logical Increments – This website is a good starting point that categorizes some of the best components at each price point.
- There are many great Tech YouTubers but these are a few that helped us decide which components to choose.
- PC Part Picker – This website was crucial to organizing the madness of finding the best deal. Its System Builder allows you to see nearly every available component and the cheapest prices over various sellers.
TIP: We chose to wait until all of the components for our computer build arrived because some parts are reliant on others to install.
Before diving in, we found it essential to have all of our tools ready, and to work in a well-lit area with a clean, static-free surface.
TIP: We used multiple keyboard mats on our kitchen island to create a large, soft building surface.
HOW TO BUILD A COMPUTER (FROM OUR EXPERIENCE)
We started with prepping the case, since it’s the foundation of our computer build. This included removing a few panels for easier access. Each build will vary depending on the components you choose.
TIP: To keep screws from going missing, immediately replace them into the correct screw holes after removing the panels. Learning from experience!
Next, we tackled the the motherboard. We installed the CPU, RAM, and NVMe M.2 SSD onto the board before installing the motherboard into the case to make it easier.
TIP: Each component will have its own instructions and may get confusing at times. We found that the motherboard instructions were the most helpful and included the installation process of other components as well such as the CPU, memory, and storage drives. Also, our motherboard brand had a YouTube channel that provided many step-by-step videos.
One of the most intimidating tasks will be applying the thermal paste to the CPU. There is much debate on the internet on the best application techniques.
TIP: Follow the CPU instructions and supplement it by watching the highest-rated, most viewed, YouTube build video with the exact CPU you’re using.
The CPU cooler installation process will probably be the most different between builds. It will depend on the cooler type, brand, the computer case – even the size of your memory may alter your installation process. Do your research to make sure your cooler will fit.
TIP: Our case had extra spots for fans so we ended up adding a few. Computers like it cold!
Yes, we went with the infamous RTX 2080ti… We may get some hate on this card with the 30 series being released, BUT at the time we built this, there were no official release dates for it. Goes to show there will always be a bigger, better, cheaper version “coming soon.” *grumbles to self*
The power supply can be physically challenging since the plugs are difficult to maneuver around the tight spaces.
TIP: Plug everything into the power supply first before installing it into the case.
Some people choose not to do cable management, while others treat it as an art form with light-up cables and zip ties galore. We hid most of the cables behind the side panel. It’s a little messy but once the panel is closed, it looks clean! Dirt under the rug as they say?
Once all of your components are installed, then comes the nail-biting…initial boot up! If you did your research, followed the instructions, and crossed your fingers, your computer should boot up with no problems as ours did. And if there is a problem, most modern computer components have some sort of light, noise, or digital read-out that will tell you exactly what the problem is.
Don’t forget to keep the plastic film on until the end to protect your parts during installation. And peeling it all off once the build is complete is oh-so satisfying!
Last but not least, the long and boring process of installing software, drivers, updates, apps, games, etc. etc…
TIP: Update and install drivers for every component you have in order to avoid those annoying pop-up notifications mid game, stream, or edit!
OUR COMPLETED COMPUTER BUILD FOR GAMING, STREAMING, AND EDITING
We enjoy tinkering away with projects like this. Crazy to think technology has advanced so much that you can build a computer strong enough to make a Pixar animation in your very own home. Not sure if we’re skilled enough to do that yet, but maybe one day!
We hope these tips can help you in learning how to build a computer!
SHOP OUR PC BUILD
CPU | AMD Ryzen 9 3950X
MOTHERBOARD | MSI MEG X570 ACE
GRAPHICS CARD | ASUS GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
CPU COOLER | be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
STORAGE | Samsung 970 EVO SSD 1TB (x2)
MEMORY | HyperX Predator 64GB
POWER SUPPLY | Corsair RM850x
CASE | Fractal Design Meshify C
SOFTWARE
OS | Windows 10 Home
EDITING | Adobe Creative Cloud
TOOLS
SCREW DRIVER | iFixit Driver Kit
KEYBOARD MAT | HyperX XL Gaming Mouse Pad
SAMURAI SHAMPLOO KEYBOARD MAT
SHOP OUR STREAM SETUP
MONITOR | similar
USB AUDIO INTERFACE | Rode AI-1
MIC ARM | RODE PSA 1
MIC 1 | Rode NTG3B
MIC 2 | Rode Procaster
CAPTURE CARD | Elgato Game Capture HD60 SCAM 1 | Panasonic GH4
CAM 2 | Logitech C922
LIKE THIS POST? PIN FOR LATER!
❤ Greg
Sick setup! All your tips most def will help out the PC build newcomers for sure, especially having all your PSU cables attached to the PSU prior to mounting it in the case.
Just a warning regarding PSU cables, I suggest not to interchange PSU cables between brands. Despite PSU cables from different brands being able to fit in other PSUs (like a SATA power cable from a Seasonic PSU being able to fit a Corsair PSU). The pin-outs aren’t standardized meaning one company may send 12v to a 5v pin essentially frying whatever components were attached to that cable, which I managed to do to my buddy’s new SSDs. I believe there’s some charts out there showing which cables are interchangeable but I’d stick with the cables that came in the box. Of course, there’s custom sleeved cables but sites typically make you select your brand/model of PSU on the page. There’s also are pin-out charts if you wanted to go the DIY route in custom cables as well!
If you ever have trouble with your computer definitely checkout the r/buildapc subreddit and the r/buildapcsales for PC-related sales!
Thanks for the helpful advice, Darrel! We are relatively new to the PC world, so your input is very much appreciated.😃