Just Getting into PC Building and Not Sure Where to Start.

PC Building
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So I’m completely new to PC building. I love playing video games, but I need more direction to start somewhere on building my own PC. Can anyone help me out in getting started? Which sites or YouTube videos I can use to gather more information on the parts and/or where to start on a build? I want something that has the capabilities to run games like Marvel Rivals and host streaming. I’m not the most versed in all the jar-gin so please explain it to me like you’d explain it to someone who has no idea about the inner workings of a computer.

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For starters, welcome to the club of building. Secondly, GamerNexus and JayzTwoCents are a solid starting point for building information. Now, the issue you will run into is RAM cost because economy, but you will have to decide if you want a DDR4 build or DDR5 (current gen) build. Either one is a solid choice, but it definitely depends on your budget and available options to pay for it all. That takes care of my intro. :rofl: Now, the following will what you should prioritize for each piece.

  1. PC Case/Chassis - Determine the case size you want that accommodates your choice of case fans, CPU coolers, motherboard, and graphics cards. Prettier doesn’t always mean better.
  2. Motherboard(MOBO) & CPU compatibility - You have 2 options here: Intel & AMD. They are not interchangeable. If get an Intel MOBO, you will need an Intel CPU as with AMD. Next is deciding on generation. AMD is fairly simpler with AM4 or AM5. Intel, focus on generations 10-14. (It’s worth noting that Intel has had cooling issues the last few years in comparison to AMD.)
  3. CPU Cooling - Also 2 options here. (Technically, 3.) Air Cooler or AIO (All In One) Water Cooling. Can’t go wrong with either one so long as you pick good brands. Air cooling is typically the cheaper option of the 2. The 3rd, water block cooling, is absolutely optional and more for advanced enthusiasts. It’s just FYI in case you come across it.
  4. RAM Memory - This may be the most difficult currently with prices, but this will coincide with MOBO compatibility with DDR4 and DDR5. 16GB of memory is standard sweet spot these days. MOBO manufacturers have what’s called a QVL which lists tested RAM memory sizes and speeds. It’s more of a guideline, but a good point of reference. Now, this is something I wish I learned before that isn’t shared often enough. MOBOs typically have 4 slots for RAM (A1, A2, B1, B2). You only need to use 2 for optimum stability (A2, B2). You can technically use all 4 slots, but stability may vary.
  5. Graphics Card/GPU - You have more wiggle room here since most MOBOs are compatible with multiple GPU generations. Just make it’s a solid model that fits in your case setup.
  6. Power Supply/PSU - You have options between non-modular, semi-modular, and full modular and are rated from 80PlusBronze to 80PlusTitanium. My recommendation is 850W-1000W and go for at least silver or gold at the least. Full modular is also highly recommended being you only need to connect what you need and nothing more. Makes for easier cable management as well.

That’s pretty much the core stuff. Hopefully this made enough sense to get you on your way. All that’s left from here is to choose your main storage and operating system. Best of luck to you. :call_me_hand:

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Welcome! Do you have a budget in mind? Then we can make some suggestions and even some parts lists

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A goog content creator to whatch is zzt (or Zach’s tech turf) I watched his shorts up to a year and a half ago and they have really helped me. And to build a 1080p build (which is the lowest resolution that you what no play at) you need at least $700 for all new parts. For 1440p (the “middle to high” ground) you need at least 1k to 1.5k. For 4k (he “ultra” resolution) you need at least 4k to 6k unless you what to use upscaling (which I don’t recommend). So for a hole stup you probably need 1k-1.1k for 1080p, 1.2k-1.7k, and for 4k 5k-8k. So set a budget and go with wjat resolution fits. And can you list all of the games that you what to play? And what fps at what settings you are hoping to get? Let us know and than we can help more. (Disclaimer: some of these prices may be inaccurate. Don’t rely on them especially for long)

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