Building your dream gaming PC can be a daunting task. All those precious components and tools. But before you start panicking, the PC experts at Overclockers UK are right here, with our top PC building tips!
We’ve asked the staff at OcUK for everyone’s number one PC building tip and compiled them all into this handy post.
Ensure Your Graphics Card is Plugged into Your Monitor – From Ed in the Video Team
A mistake we’ve all made whilst building a PC, is not plugging in our graphics card correctly.
Your monitor needs to be plugged into your GPU, not the motherboard. If you’ve plugged into the wrong port, you won’t get anything displayed on your monitor. Instead of showing your gameplay, it’ll just be a black screen.
Remove the Plastic from the CPU Cooler – From Taryn in the Tech Team
Something that is super easy to miss is not removing the plastic from the CPU cooler.
If you don’t, you’ll discover your system is reaching extremely hot temperatures, since the cooler isn’t able to effectively draw and dissipate heat.
Install your Processor and RAM on the Motherboard and Test Outside the Case – From Steven in the Marketing Team
Installing your processor and RAM on the motherboard is a handy trick whilst building.
If you do this once your motherboard is installed inside your case, it’s often extremely fiddly and hard to do. Whereas, doing it outside of your case, means you’ll have full view of what you’re installing and where, making building your PC a breeze!
What’s more, testing it outside of the case is a lifesaver. If there is an error, you won’t have to dismantle everything and remove all your hardware in case of any unexpected faults.
Unbox All Your Hardware Prior to Building – From Glyn in the Content Team
Unboxing all your hardware before you start building means you can easily stop if you are missing any vital parts. You don’t want to suddenly realise you’re missing one of your storage drives or a vital power connector when it’s too late!
Plus, it also allows you to work clean, removing the pile of boxes that would inevitably clutter up your workspace.
Triple Check Any Cables are Seated Correctly – From Damien in the Tech Team
When it comes to plugging in all the necessary cables, be sure to triple check they are all seated correctly.
If you have a cable that is not seated correctly, your PC might not turn on leading you to believe there is a fault somewhere. Before you start panicking, go over all your wires once again and ensure each one is plugged in securely. Some cables even make an audible click when connected.
Cable Manage as You Build – From Ruth in the Content Team
This one will save you lots of stress and hassle during the entire building process.
Utilising cable ties and a pair of scissors, safety bunch together groups of cables and then secure them in place. This helps to create a clean and tidy look to the interior of your PC, with no unwanted cable clutter distorting your view of your hardware.
Cluttered and untidy PC? Perfect your cable management with the range of handy products from Kolink.
Cover Any Harsh Surfaces, especially Carpet – From Jordan in the Graphic Design Team
Building on harsh surfaces increases the risk of damage to your PC components and case. Harsh surfaces can cause scratches, static discharge, dents, and much more.
Some harsh surfaces we recommend you avoid includes:
- Carpet
- Blankets
- Towels
Alternatively, build your PC on a cloth large mouse pad or even an anti-static mat.
iFixit Foldable Anti-Static Mat:
- Anti-static mat
- Easy to transport
- Comes with two crocodile clips, one of which is connected via a spiral cable and electrostatic bracelet
Take Your Time, There’s No Need to Rush – From George in the Tech Team
You don’t have to build your PC in record time. In fact, taking your time reduces your chance of making unfortunate mistakes that you’ll have to go back and fix.
Take your time, consistently look back at any manuals or guides you are using, and your dream gaming PC will be ready in no time!
Explore Our Full Ultimate Guide for PC Building – From Emily in the Content Team
Emily searched high and low for every possible question you could have whilst building your PC, and she put all the answers together into one ultimate hub!
Whether you need a rundown of each vital component, don’t know all the necessary tools you need, or want to take a look through all our helpful guides and videos – the PC Building Hub has it all!
Take Advantage of Our Incredible Deals! – From the Entire OcUK Staff
Last but not least, building your PC doesn’t have to break the bank! In fact, we have plenty of incredible deals on offer which you can find on our website.
Your PC Building Tips?
Be sure to leave your PC building tips down below to help a fellow gamer with their new gaming PC!
In the meantime, if you do come across any difficulties whilst building, check out our PC building step-by-step guide.
- 5 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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