So You Want to Build a PC

Written by Benjamin Wiebe

It’s that time of year again when students return to the University of Lethbridge. The west side has radically transformed—police are roaming the streets late at night, karaoke night at the Duke has Stick Season reverberating into the West Village Mall, and residence is full yet again. School is back in full swing, and with a full university come course outlines demanding higher levels of technology, as well as students fresh with scholarship or student loan money.

I started this article with the misplaced idea that PC building is not that complicated of a hobby. Over the past year, I’ve dedicated hours of my life to learning the ins and outs of computers—researching the best-performing coolers, the strange problems that plague the tech industry, and selecting components that maximize performance without hurting the wallet.

I thought I could write a comprehensive guide without getting too technical—until I realized that the hobby is inherently technical in ways that require complexity. It’s not so complicated that no one can approach it—computers are built from only eight core components—but this guide can’t possibly include every edge case or step-by-step instruction. Instead, I have decided to highlight the rules I use for PC building—a way of thinking that maximizes benefits while reducing costs.

The Beginning: Part Selection and Goal Setting

Rule #1: Know your why.

Every new PC builder needs to answer one question before starting their journey: What do I want out of my computer?

Different uses dictate different components. If you want to get into crypto mining, you’ll need powerful components capable of handling mining tasks. If you plan to use Adobe Premiere for video editing, you’ll need both a capable graphics card (for rendering) and a strong processor, as both work together in video production. If your goal is gaming, the graphics card is the heart of your system. Until you know why you are building your PC and how much you are willing to spend, it’s not worth going any further. Knowing what you want and setting a budget are critical to getting exactly what you need.

Rule #2: Who’s your (computer part) supplier?

Being a savvy consumer means being aware of who is selling you PC parts. There are countless brands selling similar components that perform the same functions. A B650 motherboard is fundamentally the same regardless of brand, but features such as VRM heatsinks or fan support can vary significantly. Therefore, it is crucial to understand what each manufacturer offers, especially when trying to maximize performance without breaking the bank.

Additionally, some companies have less-than-stellar reputations. As of writing, the personal computer industry is in a tough spot—Intel has lost trust due to two faulty processor generations, AMD’s latest processors underdelivered on advertised performance, and ASUS is under investigation in the U.S. for anti-consumer practices, particularly in its warranty process.

Here are a few high-quality yet budget-friendly brands:

Thermalright: The best budget cooling technology—not the flashiest, but high-performance at a fraction of the cost.
ASRock: A high-quality budget motherboard option. The Steel Legend motherboard is a phenomenal deal, though they can be hard to find.
Super Flower: A power supply brand offering high quality at competitive prices.

Rule #3: Different suppliers have different upcharges.

Brand recognition is critical in today’s digital marketplace, and different brands charge extra for their name on your computer. Sometimes, that extra cost is worth it. Personally, I like MSI for their part quality despite the extra cost. However, small upcharges can quickly accumulate into a budget spike of $200 to $300, so it’s important to weigh the benefits of premium branding.

Here’s a ranking of the best bang-for-buck components:

Motherboard: The backbone of your computer. Features such as integrated Wi-Fi, VRM cooling solutions, and NVMe storage capacity differentiate good motherboards from bad ones. Micro-ATX boards often provide the best value, costing about $50 less than ATX boards while retaining most functionality.
Computer Case: Though primarily aesthetic, case size affects internal volume, cooling, and drive storage capacity. Cases with pre-installed fans also save money.
Power Supply: Critical for stable power delivery. Modular cables and extra wattage headroom (100-200W above estimated usage) improve longevity and flexibility.
Processor (CPU): Intel and AMD dominate the market. Research and comparison sites such as UserBenchmark help determine the best value. Cooling considerations also impact the total cost.
Cooling Components: Essential for smooth operation. Budget-friendly air coolers like the Thermalright Peerless Assassin provide excellent performance.
RAM: Faster RAM has diminishing returns; focus on compatibility and capacity over unnecessary premium features.
Graphics Card (GPU): Price variations can be extreme. Spending $300 more for marginal cooling improvements is not worthwhile. Prioritize performance over aesthetics.

Rule #4: (Almost) Every Modern Nvidia Card Is Good Enough (for Gaming).

For a student budget, unless you’re doing heavy video editing or animation, most modern GPUs are powerful enough. Graphics cards have improved drastically in the last five years, particularly with AI-driven resolution upscaling like Nvidia’s DLSS, which enhances performance. For gaming, a Full HD (FHD) resolution monitor is often the best budget-friendly choice.

Rule #5: Pick Compatible Parts.

Understanding part compatibility is essential:

Motherboard & CPU: Must match the same platform (e.g., AMD AM4 or Intel LGA 1700).
Motherboard Size: ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX differ in features and compatibility with cases.
Power Supply: Must provide sufficient wattage for components, with additional headroom.

Rule #6: Use Online Compatibility Tools.

PC Part Picker is a fantastic tool that:

Filters out incompatible components.
Calculates power draw.
Compares prices across online retailers.

Rule #7: Pick Your Platform with Budget in Mind.

AM4 (AMD): The best budget option, still receiving new processors and supporting cheaper DDR4 RAM.
AM5 (AMD): Best for gaming but significantly more expensive due to DDR5 RAM and motherboard costs.
LGA 1700 (Intel 12th-14th Gen): A middle ground with both DDR4 and DDR5 support.

Building Your PC

Rule #8: Building a Computer

Build with a friend to double-check steps.
Watch a step-by-step YouTube guide, such as those by Linus Tech Tips.
Carefully connect power cables, and remove plastic wrapping from components.

Final Step: Powering On and Installing Windows

Plug in the power adapter, switch on the power supply, and press the power button.
Install Windows using a USB stick (guides available on JayzTwoCents and Linus Tech Tips).
Adjust BIOS settings: Enable XMP/EXPO for RAM and set cooling curves for optimal fan operation.

And there you have it—a new PC, ready to be used! I hope this guide has served you well, and I wish you the best in your new journey.

The Meliorist