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So after all the research into a new computer, I would recommend getting a Dell - Inspiron 23.8" Touch-Screen All-In-One - Intel Core i7 - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD computer. I really like the all-in-one computers because it's like having a laptop but it's a desktop. You can pretty much take it anywhere as long as you can plug it in.

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Dell Inspiron 23.8" Touch-Screen All-In-One Intel Core i7 16GB Memory 512GB SSD Silver I5490-7234SLV-PUS - Best Buy

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CDW - Computers, Hardware, Software and IT Solutions for Business

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YouTube video on how to build a computer

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YouTube video on how to build a computer

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Before you build a PC, you're obviously going to need the right parts. That's why we're here.

Picking the right components for the build you need can be a daunting process at first, but once you dive in, you'll see that it's not only surprisingly simple, it's a heck of a lot of fun. This guide is by no means meant to be exhaustive, it's more a primer on what you'll need to know to gather up the right parts, and start putting your dream build together.

We'll mostly be focused on building a gaming PC here, but this guide should cover the basics for everything from a high-end work rig for professional applications to a simple media computer.

And if you'd rather buy a pre-built, rather than building your own, we have a guide for that too.

Alright, let's get to it!

What Do You Need to Build a PC?

The processor, or Central Processing Unit, is the brain of the PC. It's what converts the instructions you provide into actions the computer can execute, and tells all the other parts of your build how to work together. If the CPU is the brain, the rest of the system is the body.

The CPU is probably the single most important component for any computer, and as you'd expect there are almost endless options at a variety of price ranges. The two primary manufacturers in the consumer PC space are Intel and AMD, and even within those brands, there are plenty of choices. For AMD you'll most likely be looking at Ryzen, or Threadripper if you want high-end. Intel's i designated CPUs are all solid choices, though you'll probably want to consider an 8th or 9th Gen i5 or i7 if you're looking to put together a serious gaming or streaming rig.

The motherboard is essentially a large circuit board that connects all the components that make up your PC, and allows communication between all the different hardware. As with anything in PC building, there are options galore, from simple motherboards at the lower-end of the price spectrum all the way up to feature-rich boards with all sorts of bells and whistles.

The type of motherboard you need will largely depend on what CPU you purchased and what features you're interested in. Not every CPU works with every motherboard, so you'll want to make sure you get the right one. Features like CPU overclocking capabilities, lighting, and connectivity options are all factors to keep in mind when purchasing a motherboard.

Check out this full breakdown on how to choose a motherboard for all the info you'll need to make an informed decision.

The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) will have the most impact on your gaming experience. The GPU is essentially what allows your computer to do the complex graphics calculations that allow your PC games to look so good. Though many CPUs have integrated graphics, a GPU is absolutely required if you want to have a modern PC gaming experience.

The two biggest players in the world of graphics cards are AMD and Nvidia. Depending on how much you want to invest, you can go with something on the lower-end of modern GPUs, like the GTX 1050 Ti from Nvidia, or the Radeon RX570 from AMD. If you want a cutting-edge experience, Nvidia's RTX 2080 Ti is the current king of consumer facing GPUs, with the Radeon RX Vega architecture from AMD not far behind.

If you're looking for the best gaming experience, the GPU might be the priciest component you'll buy, but you're not going to want to skimp here, especially if you're looking to get into gaming at higher resolutions and frame rates.

To learn more about what card will work best for your needs, check out our guide on how to choose a graphics card.

Random Access Memory (RAM) is essentially your PC's short-term memory. It keeps data you use regularly easily accessible, so your PC doesn't have to access a storage device every time you need to use that data. It's different from your primary storage devices in that RAM resets when it doesn't have power, which is why you still need larger storage drives for long term data storage.

When it comes to RAM, the more the merrier. You can't really have too much RAM, but for practical purposes, most gaming systems will be fine with 16GB, or 32GB if you want to keep your PC viable for several years.

RAM varies widely in speed, size, and design, so check out our RAM guide for answers to any questions you might have when it comes to memory.

Storage is where your data is...well, stored, so your PC can access it. This includes files, games, your operating system, any data that you need to access will be kept on a storage drive. In the past, storage mostly consisted of hard disk drives (HDD), but now solid state drives (SSD) are more widely available. SSDs are significantly faster, quieter, and more durable, but also cost more per gigabyte.

The right storage solution will vary, though a common configuration is a smaller NVMe or SATA SSD for your operating system and most commonly used files, and a larger HDD for your larger files. You can also rely on external storage solutions, which have the advantage of being portable.

The Samsung 970 Pro M.2 SSD is one of the most popular solid state solutions, and the 3TB Seagate BarraCuda HDD will work great for larger installations and file storage.

If you want to learn more about all the different types of storage, check out our guide on choosing the right storage.

This is where all of your precious parts are going to live, and what most people think of when they imagine a PC. Cases are one of the most customizable parts of a PC, so you can get cases in just about every shape and size you can imagine. Though every case is different, they are all designed for roughly the same components, meaning they share similarities across brands and layouts. There's always going to be a place to install the motherboard and power supply, for example, though the configurations of where everything is located may vary.

Unless you're looking to build something small, or with advanced features like custom cooling loops, most cases will work just fine. Just find one that's the right size, and looks the way you want it to, and you should be good to go.

Another important feature to consider when it comes to cases is cooling. Many cases will come with fans already installed, which can be useful, but if low temperatures are important to you, you'll want to make sure there's room for the cooling solution you need. A simple rule of thumb is that if you're wanting to do a lot of custom work, the bigger the case, the better.

If you're looking for a unique open air design, check out the Thermaltake P5. If you want lighting options, take a look at the Carbide Spec-Omega RGB from Corsair. For something simple, attractive, and reliable, keep the Rosewill Cullinan in mind.

As you probably guessed by the name, the Power Supply Unit (PSU) provides the power that allows your build to function. The PSU is often overlooked, because if you have a relatively simple build, any power supply will usually work. That said, it's absolutely worth doing your research on efficiencies, wattage, and quality, especially if you're putting together a more complex system. If you are using high-end video cards (or multiple video cards) or a custom cooling loop, you'll definitely want to make sure you have a PSU with enough wattage.

A good reference is this power supply calculator, which allows you to see what kind of power requirements you'll need based on your system.

If you're looking for a beefy PSU for a super fancy system, you can go to the high-end of the spectrum like the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 11. If something simpler is more in line with what you need, the EVGA SuperNOVA 550 watt power supply might be a good fit.

Your CPU works incredibly hard, and that creates heat.

Keeping your CPU cool is critical to your system running properly, and though many CPUs come with a cooler, often times you'll want something a little more powerful. These options can range from simple fans and heatsinks to elaborate liquid cooling solutions. For your first build, you'll probably want either a fan based solution, or an All In One (AIO) liquid CPU cooler if you're planning on overclocking your CPU. The process of installing these cooling solutions varies from product to product, but usually involve attaching it to your motherboard, and using thermal paste to make sure heat is dissipated properly from your CPU.

It sounds complicated, but it's really not. Even the AIO liquid coolers are self-contained, and you don't ever have to actually deal with the liquid inside. Simply make sure the cooler is compatible with your CPU and motherboard, and that you have enough room in your case. The rest is just a matter of following the included instructions.

One of the most popular entry-level air coolers is the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO, perfect if you want to upgrade from your stock fan. If you're looking to get into AIO liquid coolers, check out the NZXT Kraken X52. Not only is it a great CPU cooler, it has some awesome lighting options as well.

Now that you've picked out the parts for your build, it's time to talk about everything else you'll need for a quality gaming experience. Let's start with a monitor. After all, a sweet gaming PC isn't much good if you can't see anything.

You can go with a simple, entry-level 1920×1080 monitor or TV if you want, but part of the fun of PC gaming is that you have more options. If you invested in a good system thus far, you might want to move up to higher resolutions, like 2540×1440, or even 3840×2160 (4K) for truly crystal clear images. You can also upgrade to a higher refresh rate like 144Hz or even 240Hz, which will make everything look significantly smoother. Depending on your GPU, you may want to invest in a monitor that supports either Nvidia's G-Sync or AMD's Freesync, as this will reduce screen tearing and further improve your gameplay experience.

All of these factors, including others like display size or aspect ratio, are going to increase cost. That said, there's not much point in having a powerful PC if what you're seeing doesn't look great, so it's probably worth the investment.

If you're looking for a moderately priced entry-level gaming monitor, the curved Acer ED242QR has Freesync and a 144Hz refresh rate, a perfect match for your AMD GPU. If you want to go super high-end, the Asus ROG Swift PG348Q has just about everything you need for a luxurious gaming experience.

A mouse is just a mouse right?

Nope. Like everything else we've been talking about, you can get a mouse that perfectly matches your style. If you're a gamer, having mappable buttons might be important to you, as well as being able to adjust the DPI (essentially the speed of the cursor) on the fly. Maybe you want a wireless mouse, or an outside-the-box design.

The most important thing is probably comfort, so make sure you find a mouse that feels right. One of the most popular gaming mice (for good reason) is the Logitech G502 Hero, but there are lots of great mice out there from companies like Corsair, Razer, and plenty of others.

Check out our breakdown on how to find the right mouse for more info.

Even with something as seemingly straightforward as a keyboard, there are a ton of options. Do you want the traditional feel of a membrane keyboard, or the precise tactile feedback of mechanical switches? Do you want wired or wireless? Do you need macro keys? How important is RGB lighting?

There's a lot of great keyboards out there, so you can find exactly what works for you. One of the most popular mechanical keyboards is the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum. The HyperX Alloy FPS is a great entry-level mechanical board with high-quality Cherry switches.

The best way to learn your own preference is by testing different keyboards, but this guide on how to choose the right keyboard is also a great place to start.

The Operating System (OS) is the software that allows you to interact with your computer. Once it's installed on your storage device (preferably a SSD,) you can then start installing all of your programs, games, and whatever else you're going to use your computer for.

There are several operating systems to choose from, but by far the most popular for the average person is Microsoft Windows, due to its widespread use and straightforward user experience.

Linux is also popular, and has the added advantage of being free, though it also has a bit more of a learning curve.

Putting Together Your PC

Once you have everything ready to go, it's time to actually start building.

This is the part that many people find intimidating, but once you get started, you'll see that these components are designed to be put together easily. As long as you've done your research and know everything is compatible, it really is like putting together a fancy Lego kit.

This video will walk you through the entire process:

Here are few more tips to keep in mind while you get started.

Installing Memory (RAM)

Memory is one of the more straightforward components to install. Start by pushing open the two tabs on either side of the RAM slot on the motherboard slot. Look to the memory guide to check that you're installing with the right orientation. Once the RAM module is lined up with the slot, simply push down until you hear a click, then make sure the tabs are closed. Repeat those steps for any additional memory.

Depending on your case, it might be easier to do this before you install the motherboard into the case.

Installing the CPU

Most CPUs today don't have pins, as the connector pins are usually located on the motherboard. This is great, because damaging the expensive CPU is much worse than the (usually) cheaper motherboard.

The process may vary slightly depending on the CPU and motherboard, but usually installation follows a similar pattern.

Start by unlocking the CPU bar. Then, open the CPU door, place the CPU in the right direction, (arrows marked on both will help you line it up), close the door, and lock the bar down. Mounting the heatsink is also dependent of your hardware, but it generally connects through the four holes closest to the CPU socket. Usually this is done through screws or locking/twisting plastic pins. Remember to use a sensible portion of thermal paste when mounting the heatsink; an amount roughly the size of a pea is a good reference.

Also, be sure to plug the CPU cooler into the motherboard so it will have the power it needs to function. The exact process should be clearly articulated in the instructions that come with your cooler.

Again, installing the CPU and CPU cooler is best done before the motherboard is placed in the case to keep things as simple as possible.

Preparing Your Case

The first step to getting your motherboard in your case is installing standoffs. Standoffs are small brass spacers that match up with the screw holes on your motherboard, and work to keep the metal on the motherboard from touching the metal in your case. Make sure to install them where screw holes are present in the case, and consult your case manual if it isn't obvious where these holes are.

Your motherboard will come with a cover called an I/O shield. This cover should be placed over all the external connections that are visible from the outside of the case. Make sure you line it up properly and snap it on. It's easy to forget this step, and it can be a pain to go back to install it, so do your best to remember the first time.

Installing the Motherboard

Remember, your motherboard is essentially a huge circuit board, which means it's delicate.

It's important to be careful as you line up the holes and add screws to all of the standoffs you placed inside your case. You want the motherboard to be secure and not loose, but you also don't want to over-tighten the screws. If the board is bending at all, you've over-tightened.

You may need to push the motherboard slightly back towards the expansion slot cover before screwing it in, but as long as you line up all the screws, you should be good to go.

Install Everything Else

Once your motherboard is mounted, everything else is fairly straightforward. Use the video we shared above for more detail.

The GPU will live in the PCIe slot. Make sure you remove any expansion coverings, and be sure it clicks into place properly and is secured with screws once installed.

If you have an M.2 drive, carefully install it into the appropriate slot on your motherboard, and use the small screw to keep it secure. Again, do not over-tighten.

A good rule when installing components is to use a bit of force, but if you feel like something isn't fitting, it's good to double check that it's in the correct place. This stuff is designed to fit together, so you shouldn't have to push too hard.

Your video card, storage devices, and motherboard will all need power from the power supply.

The proper cables should be included with your PSU. If not, use the adapter provided with the video card box. Your hard drive or SSD will also need a power cable, as well as a SATA or data cable, unless you're using an M.2 as described above. All of these cables should be included with your devices.

The right cable to use from the power supply to the components that need that power should be fairly obvious. Simply match the plug to the connection the component needs, and check any manuals if it isn't super clear.

Installing fans will vary on your cooling setup, but again, it should be fairly clear what goes where. Simply match the cable to the input on your motherboard, and check your manual if you run into any issues.

Fire It Up

Once everything is wired up and looks the way you want it to, it's time to plug in the power supply, hit that power button, and turn on your new computer. If everything is connected properly, you should see your motherboard's BIOS screen.

The final step is to install your operating system of choice, and start using your new PC!

Error Messages

If everything didn't come together on your first try, don't panic, this happens to the best of us. It's almost always an easy fix.

Luckily, your computer will often tell you what is wrong, whether in the BIOS menu, or via an error message from your motherboard. This is where research comes in handy, as any error you're running into will be something someone else has probably encountered and resolved as well.

We put together a handy guide to five common PC problems and how to fix them, so take a look at that before you spend too much time researching.

Congratulations!

Whether this is your first PC, or your fiftieth, congrats on taking the time to learn how to put a PC together. There's always more to learn, but if you've come this far, you're well on your way to becoming a DIY master.

Have fun, and happy PC gaming!

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Building a Gaming PC for the First Time? This Guide Can Help.

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Before you build a PC, you're obviously going to need the right parts. That's why we're here. Picking the right components for the build you need can be a daunting process at first, but once you dive in, you'll see that it's not only surprisingly simple, it's a heck of a lot of fun.

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Assembling a computer yourself is a good way to learn how they work.

If you've been beating yourself up about doing nothing productive during our never-ending pandemic, stop. Sometimes doing nothing is exactly what you need. Other times, it's nice to make something with your own hands. That's what this guide is about: how to build a PC from scratch.

It can be daunting for a lot of reasons-it's expensive, it's complex, it can get messy. But I want to be clear: If you can build an Ikea table, bookshelf, bed, or anything that comes in more than one of those deceivingly heavy flat packs, you can build a PC. The tricky part? I can't tell you how to build your PC. Not really. Not unless I know exactly which hardware you're using. I can, however, explain what each component does and what my recommendations are for each category.

Once you've built your shiny new PC, it might be time to check out some other stuff to further accessorize your new partner in crime. Be sure to have a look at our guides for the best gaming keyboards, best gaming mice, best gaming headsets, and best gaming controllers.

Updated April 2022: We've removed some picks that are hard to find, added a section on buying advice, and added more information to each product most affected by shortages.

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First, Let's Talk Shortages

For several years now we've been in the midst of a PC hardware shortage. First, cryptocurrency miners bought up all the GPUs to farm crypto, then we got hit by a worldwide silicon shortage, and then there was that whole pandemic thing. Point is, it's tough to get all the parts you need to build a PC, it has been for years, and it's likely to continue being tough for the foreseeable future. I can't fix a global logistics crisis, but I can give you some pointers on shopping during one.

When you're shopping for components, make sure you're buying from a reputable vendor. You may think you're buying from a large online store like Amazon, Walmart, or Newegg, but they allow third-party sellers to list products as well. There's usually a little notice that will tell you as much, right underneath the buy button.

If it's shipped and sold from someone who isn't Amazon, Walmart, or Newegg, you're probably going to pay more for the component than its retail price. For instance, our top motherboard pick retails for $130, but as of this writing its listed on Newegg for $205. It's shipped and sold from a third-party retailer, hence the markup. First-party sales (when the product is shipped and sold by the store whose site you're visiting) tend to have better prices that hew closer to the actual manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of the item.

We've tried to stick to first-party sales, but sometimes components are just not available through anyone but a third party. In that case, my advice is don't spend more than 50 percent over the MSRP on any of these components. Give yourself a hard budget and please don't pay double or triple what any of these components are worth.

We've added buying advice to each category most affected by the shortage to speak more specifically to each component's scarcity, but in general just know that building a PC right now is probably going to cost you more than you'd expect.

What Do You Need?

In order to get a list of components together, no matter what your experience level is, you should use PCPartPicker. Not only does it have everything you need to buy, it also lets you build your PC piece by piece right on the website and makes sure all your hardware will play nicely together. It even has a few example builds you can tweak to your liking.

Regardless of what kind of PC you're building ( home office or gaming), the components you need are going to be the same. You'll need a motherboard, a central processing unit (CPU), storage, memory, a power supply, a case, and a monitor. The only thing you might not need if you're mostly using this PC for home-office tasks is a GPU (graphics processing unit), but it's necessary for photo or video editing and gaming. That's a lot of stuff! Here's a little breakdown of what each component does, along with some hardware recommendations.

Every other component plugs into this circuit board. It's the highway they use to communicate and collaborate. They come in different sizes and configurations, and each one looks a little different, but they all fill the same function. Make sure you know which processor you want before you buy a motherboard.

Motherboards come in a couple of flavors, but the most important thing to know is what kind of socket it has. There are basically two: LGA and AM. You'll always see them listed with a number after them, like "LGA1150" or "AM3." The exact numbers after the LGA and AM portions of these socket names will change over time, to indicate which generation of Intel or AMD chips they support, but the current standards as of 2022 (which will work with the latest chips from either maker) are LGA1200 for Intel and AM4 for AMD.

Motherboards also come in a couple of sizes, the most common being ATX (or "full size"). That's what I generally recommend, especially if this is your first build. Your PC case will list which size motherboard it supports, so make sure they match up.

Buying advice: Motherboards are less scarce than the other components on this list. We try to keep this list updated regularly with prices that aren't too much higher than MSRP, but if any of the prices here skyrockets between updates, shop around. Your chances of finding a reasonably priced motherboard are much better than your chances of finding a good price on a GPU.

This is the brain of your computer. It sockets directly into the motherboard, and it's the single most important component of your PC. That doesn't mean it has to be the most expensive (we'll get to that later). If the CPU doesn't mention including thermal paste, get some. Don't eat your CPU. I know it looks tasty, but it's not actually food.

Buying advice: You're going to see the highest markups on your CPU and GPU. But these prices will move around quite a bit, so keep checking back if you can't afford the component you want at the moment.

If you'll be playing games on this PC, you'll need a graphics processing unit (also called a graphics card). This is a specialized processor that's designed and optimized for handling visual data like the graphics in games. It's also used in video and photo editing and other graphics-intensive tasks.

Buying advice: These cards are tough to find in stock (or at a reasonable price) at the moment, so you may have to wait a while. Graphics cards are among the most in-demand PC components right now, and their prices are way higher than they should be. That's why the picks on this list are generally mid- to high-end. If you're going to pay through the nose for a graphics card, make sure it's a good one.

Radeon RX 6800 XT: If you're going all-out, the RX 6800 XT is my top choice right now. It's a beast of a GPU that can handle anything you throw at it. Even Cyberpunk 2077 at full 4K resolution.

This is your PC's walk-in closet. This is where you store all your files, your games, your movies, your documents, your photos, your everything. You can always add more storage later.

Western Digital Black 1TB PCIe Internal SSD: This lightning-fast NVMe drive is a good option for nearly any gaming system. It has incredible read and write speeds of up to 7,000 and 5,300 megabytes per second respectively, making it fast enough to not only store all of your games, but possibly your operating system as well. It's also available in M.2 varieties.

You'll see a lot of the same terms when you're looking at memory and storage, but they're very different. Memory is more like that one table you toss things on to deal with later. It's scratch paper; it's short-term. It's very important, though, because software uses memory to cache (temporarily store) data in a place where it can be retrieved quickly.

Your power supply unit is a little box that keeps the electricity running to every component. It determines how quick and powerful your PC can be. The faster it is, the more power it needs, and you always want to have a little more than you need, just in case. Just like GPUs, PSUs are also in and out of stock right now.

Your case is just what it sounds like. It's a metal box. It might be covered in glass panels and etched aluminum, but inside it's just a big metal box that holds everything together. Make sure you match it up with your motherboard size. For example, if you have an ATX motherboard, you need an ATX (or "full-size") case.

Corsair Obsidian Series ATX Full Tower: There are lots of kinds of cases. Some are super small, others are enormous. And your decision will ultimately come down to the design you like as much as anything else. If you're unsure what to get, this one is great for your first build. Other case manufacturers we like are NZXT, Fractal, Phanteks, Cooler Master, and Lian Li.

MSI Gungnir 100 ATX Mid-Tower Case: This budget-friendly case is a solid option for most people. Be aware that it'll be a tight fit-there's almost no wiggle room for bulky cables or hyperspecific configurations. It looks nicer than you'd think for the money, and the RGB button syncs up your lights with very little effort. The smokey tempered glass allows them to shine through without turning your office into an EDM show.

When you build a PC, you don't automatically have Windows included. You'll have to buy a license from Microsoft or another vendor and make a USB key to install it. Or you can check out the newly released Windows 11. Here's a little more information about what all you get out of the newest version of Windows.

Putting It All Together

The internal layout of every gaming PC is a little different, so we're not going to get too far into the weeds here. Your best bet for specific instructions for your hardware will be referencing your manuals and searching for your components on YouTube. It can be super helpful to actually see a person handle and install your exact hardware, especially when you're stuck and can't quite figure out what the hell your manual is talking about. But here are some general tips for putting all these components together.

First, prep yourself a clean workspace. This can be a dining room table, a cleared-off desk-just any surface big enough for your case to lay flat on its side, with ample room around it for the rest of your components. You'll also need a Phillips-head screwdriver that will fit the screws on your case. When you put these parts together, be sure to discharge any static buildup and work on a nonmetallic surface like a wooden table. Or you could just assemble the motherboard on top of the cardboard box it comes in.

Most of the components you bought are going to come with instruction manuals; keep them handy. We're going to start with the motherboard, so open up the instruction manual to the installation page. It can be pretty intimidating-there's a lot to look at-but think of all this as a big Lego set. Each piece fits into each other piece. For the motherboard, your first job is going to be seating your CPU.

Depending on what kind of CPU you purchased (Intel or AMD), the chip will have either little prongs on one side (don't touch them) or little golden contacts on one side (don't touch them). Seriously, don't touch that side of your chip. Oils from your fingertips can damage the contacts, or you might bend a pin. Do either one and your processor becomes nothing more than an expensive hunk of silicon.

Seating your processor is pretty easy. First, double-check your motherboard's instructions and make sure you've unlocked the processor socket. It'll be a big square with a bunch of little holes (or contacts), with a lever or button beside it. Your motherboard's instructions will say explicitly how to unlock the socket so you can put your processor in without any issues.

Once you've confirmed that it's unlocked and ready, just find which corner of your processor has a little golden triangle and line it up with the same symbol on your motherboard's processor socket. Gently lower the processor into the socket, then gently flip the latch or locking mechanism. You shouldn't have to fight it. If you have to press really hard, double-check that the processor is socketed correctly.

Next, you're going to need your thermal paste. That little tiny plastic syringe of silvery goo is very important for this next step. Now that your processor is seated, take a look at the shiny square of silicon in the center of it. That's where your heat sink is going to sit. Your processor came with a heat sink, and on one side of it, you'll see a copper circle. You're going to be putting the heat sink directly on top of the processor after we apply the thermal paste, with the silicone square and the copper circle lining up perfectly.

Go ahead and carefully squeeze a tiny ball (no bigger than a pea) of thermal paste onto the silicon square on your processor. You'll want it as close to the center as you can get.

Now line up your heat sink with the screws surrounding your processor, and gently lower it into place. You're gonna squish the thermal paste, and the goal here is to create a thin layer covering the back of your processor. It's OK if it oozes a little bit, but if it oozes out and over the edge of the processor, you used too much. Get some isopropyl alcohol, dab it on a lint-free wipe, and wipe the processor and heat sink. Wait till they're thoroughly dry and try again.

If it looks all right, screw your heat sink into place. Flip back to your motherboard instruction book and find the right place near the processor socket to plug in your heat sink's cooling fan. It should be very close to your processor socket. Once you've found it, plug it in-congratulations, you just installed a CPU. This was the hardest part, and it's over. Good job!

Installing Your Storage and Memory

Memory is maybe the easiest thing to install. See those vertical little sockets beside the CPU? Line up your sticks of RAM and slot them in, starting from the left-hand slot. They'll lock into place once you've seated them properly. If you have two sticks of RAM, make sure to skip a slot between them. Your motherboard manual should say which slots to use.

For your hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD), find an empty bay in the front-facing part of your case. Slide your drive in and screw it into place. If you have an M.2 drive (a tiny SSD about the size of a stick of gum), there should be a place on the motherboard where you slot it in directly. Check out your motherboard's manual to see where the M.2 slot is if you can't find it.

Installing Your Motherboard and Power Supply

The rest of this is formulaic. Start by putting your motherboard into your case. Consult your motherboard's instructions, line up the screw holes in the case with the ones on your motherboard, and get to work.

Next, you'll want to install your power supply. There should be a spot for it near the top or bottom of the case, a big square spot that will fit your supply perfectly. If you're having trouble finding it, look at the back of your case: There'll be a big empty square. That's where the power supply goes (and where you'll plug in your PC when you're all done). Once you've found its home, slot it in and screw it into place.

Make sure all the snaky cables coming out of the power supply will reach your motherboard with room to spare. Don't plug in anything yet; we're going to come back to the power supply in a bit.

Installing Your Graphics Card

Your GPU is going to be pretty big. Even a modestly powerful GPU like the GTX 1060 is large compared to your other components. That means how it fits into your case is important. Once you put your GPU in there, space is going to start getting tight.

Flip open your motherboard's instruction book again and look for a PCIe slot. It's going to be a horizontal slot with a little plastic latch beside it, near the middle or bottom of your motherboard. That's where the GPU plugs in. All you need to do is identify the back of your GPU (the side with the HDMI and DisplayPorts), line that up with the back of your case, and push the GPU into the horizontal slot. It should lock into place easily enough; if it doesn't, make sure you're inserting it correctly.

Find another one of those tiny little screws and fasten your GPU to the case. There's a little spot for that on the same piece of metal with the HDMI ports. It should be easy to find.

Now, take a look at the cables coming out of your power supply. There should be a few that look like they could fit into the square (or rectangular) socket on the side of your GPU. It should look like six or eight little holes in a rectangle shape. If you're having trouble, take a look at this video from hardware manufacturer Asus. Some of the specifics will be different, but it's a great look at how to install a GPU.

The motherboard needs to be hooked into all your devices. The power supply unit I used in this build is what's called fully modular, which means that you can select the cables you need and leave the rest off to eliminate clutter. Otherwise, power supplies have a ton of cables, and you'll have to deal with the unused power connections dangling inside your case. You'll need to connect the PSU to the SSD and the motherboard.

You also need to plug the motherboard into your case-the power buttons, audio plugs, and USB ports on the front of your case. There are special headers for each kind of plug scattered around the board, so you'll want to check your manual for the location and function of each grouping of pins. These tiny pins need to be plugged in a certain way, and they're unbelievably minuscule. There's also a hookup for the case's fan-in the case I used there was one header on the motherboard but three fans installed. Then there's the SATA cable for your SSD, which plugs into the motherboard.

This part of your build really depends on the hardware you purchased, so consult the manuals for each component to ensure you've correctly plugged it into your motherboard and the power supply.

Boot It Up and Install Windows

The final stage of your build is a simple one: Hit your power button. If the PC whirs to life, you probably put it together perfectly! If it doesn't, don't despair. There are a lot of potential problems that could cause a PC to fail to boot up for the first time. This video from Kingston goes over some pitfalls that might cause you some headaches, so if you're not able to boot your PC, give it a watch and retrace your steps.

There's also a chance you could have received faulty components. This video goes over some tips on how to check your parts. In general, if you're having trouble with a specific component, YouTube is your friend. There are tons of helpful PC-building tutorials.

If it started up just fine, the next step is super easy: Turn it off. Remember that Windows flash drive you made earlier? Plug it into the PC and boot it up again. If you set it up right, your computer should just do its thing and get started installing Windows. If not, you might need to open your BIOS (check your motherboard's manual for how to do that) and set the USB drive to be a "boot device" first. Here's a brief rundown of that process (start at step 3).

You Did It!

Congratulations on building your first PC. It's a bit of a pain, but it's a great way to spend an afternoon. Or a couple of days, depending on how many unforeseen headaches you run into. Seeing as the pandemic hasn't totally gone away, you can use your new PC to help you spend all those extra indoor hours productively (or just grinding out loot in Warframe).

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Assembling a computer yourself is a good way to learn how they work. If you've been beating yourself up about doing nothing productive during our never-ending pandemic, stop. Sometimes doing nothing is exactly what you need. Other times, it's nice to make something with your own hands.

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Finding your next computer doesn't have to be a chore.

If you're looking for something you can easily carry to and from work, or bring with you on vacation, then a lightweight laptop could be in order. These weigh just a couple of pounds, have batteries that can now last several workdays before needing to be charged, and have more than enough power to tackle common productivity tasks like browsing the web and editing office documents. Some models, known as convertibles, can be used as a tablet of sorts by bending the keyboard backward and behind the screen using a 360-degree hinge.

A desktop may be a smarter and more ergonomic pick, however, if you're setting up a home office and aren't worried as much about mobility. Staring into a monitor puts less strain on your neck than staring down into a laptop. You also generally get more power per dollar spent with a desktop than you do with a laptop.

Some models come with a built-in display, while others require you to supply your own. Luckily, you can find good computer monitors for reasonable prices. In fact, while all-in-one models with a screen tend to be aesthetically pleasing and take up less desk space, they can cost a lot more than buying a desktop computer and monitor separately.

Mac or PC? It's really up to you. You'll find models on both platforms that score well in our labs. They'll support the most popular software options, too, from Adobe Photoshop to Chrome, Slack to Zoom. But there are benefits to pairing a Mac with an iPhone or an Android phone with a PC. You may be able to answer a text message with your keyboard, for example, or share copy-paste data between a computer and a smartphone.

For more, check out the full computer ratings based on our latest tests results, available to Consumer Reports members.

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Finding your next computer doesn't have to be a chore. If you're looking for something you can easily carry to and from work, or bring with you on vacation, then a lightweight laptop could be in order.

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Things to look for when buying a new computer

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Things to look for when buying a new computer

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Are you in the market for a new computer? With all the geeky jargon and specs being thrown around, it can be quite confusing. Nowadays, there are many reasonably priced budget laptops on the market.

With the power of modern hardware, they can even provide a decent computing experience without completely draining your wallet. The trick is in finding the right balance between cost and your needs.

Choosing the right computer can be challenging, but we're here to help you. Here are the most important specs and details you need to keep your eye on when making a computer purchase.

RAM

RAM is short for Random Access Memory. Not to be confused with storage, RAM is where active data from your applications and system processes are stored. Think of RAM as the temporary canvas or scratchpad where a computer does its real-time calculations and operations.

With today's memory-hungry applications and web browsers, computers need more RAM than ever before. If you tend to use multiple open apps at the same time, then the more RAM your computer has, the better.

With enough RAM, you can run more applications simultaneously and have more open browser tabs before your computer bogs down.

Although Windows 10 requires a minimum of 1GB on 32-bit and 2GB on 64-bit (macOS requires 2GB minimum), that's not nearly enough for a smooth experience. If you're shopping around for a new computer, always go for at least 8GB of RAM.

If you're planning on multitasking and doing more on your computer than everyday tasks, shoot for at least 16GB.

Processor

Processors keep getting more efficient and powerful with each yearly upgrade, but Intel always has easily recognizable performance tiers to choose from, depending on your needs.

As usual, Intel's entry-level Core i3 chips are the cheapest but least powerful processors available. If you're looking for a sub-$500 computer that will do basic computing tasks, then the Core i3 line should be ample enough.

The mid-range Core i5 chips are suitable for people who want a good balance between performance and cost. If you're on a budget but you still need ample speed for power usage, shoot for a computer with an i5 chip, at least.

Computers with Core i7 and i9 chips are more expensive, but professionals who don't have the time for loading and rendering screens will appreciate the power that these processors bring to the table. If money is no object and you're looking for the absolute best computer you can buy, don't settle for anything less than a Core i7 chip.

Also, keep in mind that the latest generation chips are typically more powerful and efficient than their predecessors. For example, Intel's current 8th generation chips have at least four cores so they're faster (but less power-hungry) than their equivalent 7th generation counterparts.

Storage

Currently, there are two types of computer storage types to choose from: HDD (hard disk drive) and SSD (solid state drive).

HDDs still use rapidly spinning magnetic disks called "platters" to store information while SSDs use flash memory (similar to what smartphones and tablets use).

Computers with SSDs are more expensive but their read and write rates are much faster than computers with conventional HDDs. SSDs don't have moving parts too so they're lighter, cooler, quieter, more efficient and are harder to damage than a conventional drive.

With these advantages, always choose a computer with an SSD over one with a conventional hard drive. They might be more expensive but their speed and efficiency are definitely worth the difference.

Some computers combine the best of both worlds with hybrid drives. These combine a small SSD and a large HDD in a single package. While hybrids aren't as fast as a true SSD, they are less expensive and hold more. Of course, as SSD prices continue to drop and sizes increase, hybrids will eventually disappear.

On the other hand, storage capacity depends on your needs. As usual, the bigger the drive, the more expensive a computer will be. The good news is that you can always expand your storage space with a memory card, external drive or even replace the entire drive if needed. You could also use cloud storage in addition to your local drive.

Screen Size

Screen size is mostly a decision you'll have to make if you're buying a laptop. Laptop displays typically range between 11 and 17 inches and if you're planning on running multiple windows, the extra screen real estate will make a big difference.

However, keep in mind that the bigger the screen, the less portable a laptop will be. Bigger screen laptops will also have less battery life, so take that into consideration when choosing one.

With desktops, portability and battery life obviously doesn't matter but most people choose 24-inch or larger monitors.

Resolution

It all depends on your preferences (and budget), but no matter what the size, your display's resolution will determine how sharp your screen will appear.

Most budget laptops only come in 720p, decent enough for smaller display sizes, but aim for at least a 1080p (1920 x 1080) display.

High-end computers typically come with Ultra HD/4K displays but as usual, they are more expensive.

Size and weight

Obviously, the size and weight of desktops don't matter that much, but for laptops, portability can be a big factor. Lugging around a big and heavy laptop can be a hassle, so if you're planning on taking your laptop with you all the time, pick one that has a 13-inch screen or smaller.

Looking for the ultimate in portability? Some high-end laptops called ultrabooks can be amazingly slim and light. However, if you're on a budget and still prefer performance over portability, a thicker and heavier laptop will typically give you more bang for your buck.

Operating system

You've had a question on your mind for years, maybe even decades: PC or Mac? The good news is that both operating systems have improved over the years and it just depends on how you're using your PC or laptop. If you ask me, the line between the two operating systems keeps blurring with each update.

Creative professionals have traditionally used Macs for years and they tend to stick with the programs that they're familiar with, so Apple computers are more popular with video and graphics editors. If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem and use an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, you'll also appreciate how all these gadgets work together.

However, you can get a similarly spec'd PC for a much lower price point and that's one thing that Windows machines have - cost. Windows is still widely used in the workplace too and a lot of people are comfortable with it. Again, it all depends on what programs and user interfaces you prefer.

Alternatively, if you feel adventurous, you can explore other operating systems like the Chrome OS on Chromebooks or even Linux.
Psst... if money is no object, here are the absolute best laptops you can get in 2018. Spoiler alert: they're expensive.
Connectivity

There are tons of connection options nowadays and they keep evolving, so it can be quite confusing. To future proof your purchase, look for USB-C, USB 3.1 ports and at least 801.11AC on the Wi-Fi side.

Computers with these options may be more expensive but you'll be set for years to come. And as usual, the more ports a computer has, the better.

Price

At the end of the day, it still all boils down to how much you're willing to spend. If you're only planning on using your computer to browse the web, send emails, and watch the occasional video, then you can get away with a cheaper computer. Remember, nowadays, even the cheapest ones are powerful enough to run everyday tasks.

If you will depend on your computer for work, aim for at least a mid-ranged one. They might cost more, but you'll appreciate the speed and the time you'll save. As a general rule, the better the performance, the more expensive a computer will be. Assess your budget and how you'll be using your machine, hopefully with these tips, you'll find the right balance between price and performance.
Click here for our picks for the best laptops under $500.
Our top pick for the best budget laptop is the Asus VivoBook F510UA. Check out this laptop on Amazon.

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Things you need to look for when buying a new computer - Komando.com

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Are you in the market for a new computer? With all the geeky jargon and specs being thrown around, it can be quite confusing. Nowadays, there are many reasonably priced budget laptops on the market. With the power of modern hardware, they can even provide a decent computing experience without completely draining your wallet.