10 Must-Know Tips for Building Your Dream PC

Hey, I’m Mat

Whether you’re looking to build or buy your first PC, I’m here to make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible. With these tips, you’ll be able to put together a setup that’s perfectly suited to your needs. Let’s dive in and get started!

1.What’s the Goal?

First things first—set a max budget that works for you. It's not just about keeping costs down; it's about making your money go as far as possible to hit the performance goals you're after.

Make a list of everything you want your PC to do—whether it's gaming, streaming, video editing, or just handling office work.
Do some research on current builds within your budget range so you know what’s out there.
PCPartPicker is a great tool to help with compatibility and pricing.
Set aside around 10-15% of your budget for things you might not have thought of—better case, extra fans, or unexpected costs.

2. Monitor & Task Selection

With your budget in mind, think about the resolution and refresh rate that suit your needs:
For competitive gaming (think Fortnite, CS:GO, or Valorant):
A 1080p, 144Hz monitor to keep the gameplay smooth.
For visually demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring:
A 1440p monitor strikes a solid balance between visuals and performance.
For video editing or 3D rendering:
Look for a 1440p or 4K monitor with good color accuracy (high sRGB or AdobeRGB coverage).
For basic office tasks:
A standard 1080p monitor will do just fine.

Check benchmarks for your GPU and CPU with tools like UserBenchmark or review videos to make sure they can handle what you're looking to do.

If you're into editing or rendering, go for a GPU with plenty of VRAM (think 8GB+ for 4K workloads).

Don’t spend on a high-refresh-rate monitor if you don’t need it—better to put that money into other components.

3. Component Selection

Your GPU will carry the load for gaming and rendering, while your CPU’s got multitasking, encoding, and all that other heavy lifting. Combine that with fast storage and the right amount of RAM for the tasks at hand.

For gaming, a mid-range GPU like the RTX 3060 or RX 6700 XT will have you covered at
1080p or 1440p.

If you’re editing or rendering, go for GPUs that excel at CUDA cores (NVIDIA) or OpenCL
(AMD), like the RTX 4060 or RX 6800.

For multitasking and streaming, opt for a CPU with more cores and threads, such as the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X or Intel i7-13700K.

Don’t forget about RAM—dual-channel (two sticks) for the best performance, and go for
32GB if you’re into editing/rendering or 16GB for gaming.

4. Motherboard & PSU Selection

Your motherboard connects it all together, and the PSU powers everything up. Look for a board that supports PCIe 4.0, has enough SATA ports, and has compatibility with future CPUs. Get a PSU with the right wattage and an 80+ Gold rating to keep things efficient.

If you’re building for high-end rendering, check the motherboard for compatibility with extra storage, like M.2 slots for NVMe drives. Use a PSU calculator to figure out the wattage you need, then add a little buffer—100-150W
extra should do the trick. Stick to trusted brands like Corsair, EVGA, or Seasonic when picking your PSU.

5. Cooling

Proper cooling’s a must for gaming, editing, and rendering. Overheating can cause crashes, throttling, or worse, permanent damage.

If you're using a stock CPU cooler, check reviews to see if it’s enough for your setup.
For example, AMD Ryzen CPUs tend to come with decent coolers, but Intel stock coolers
might struggle under pressure.
For video rendering, look at aftermarket coolers like Noctua or even liquid cooling to keep
things running at optimal temps.
Be mindful when applying thermal paste—spread it evenly, not too thick, to help transfer heat from the CPU to the cooler

6. Case & Storage

A case isn’t just for looks. It needs good airflow, space for your components, and room for upgrades down the line. As for storage, prioritize fast NVMe SSDs for quicker boot and load times.

Pick a case with at least two pre-installed fans.
If airflow’s a concern, grab a few extra fans to boost cooling.
For video editing, go for NVMe SSDs to store current projects and use an HDD for older files or backups.
Start with a 500GB SSD for your OS and software and at least 1TB for games or other work files.

7. Building the PC

Preparation is everything. Start by assembling key parts like the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and cooler outside the case to make it easier.

Watch a PC build tutorial beforehand. Channels like Linus Tech Tips or JayzTwoCents are perfect for this. Always handle components by their edges to prevent static damage—an anti-static wrist strap is a good investment. Be careful not to overtighten screws—just firm enough to hold them in place without causing damage.

8. Testing the Build

Before sealing up the case, test everything to make sure it powers on and reaches the BIOS.

Double-check all power connections, especially the 8-pin CPU connector and GPU power cables.
Keep a small speaker handy if your motherboard has a speaker header—it’ll beep out error codes if something’s wrong.
If the build doesn’t boot, try reseating the RAM and GPU, and check the power switch connections.

9. Cable Management

A tidy setup not only looks great but improves airflow and makes future upgrades easier.

Use zip ties or Velcro straps to keep cables organized. Route cables through the back of the case where possible—most cases have cutouts for this. Avoid running cables over sharp edges or bending them too tightly to prevent damage.

10. Operating System Install & Setup

Install Windows from a bootable USB, update it, and get all necessary drivers in place.

Use the Windows Media Creation Tool to create your bootable USB. Download drivers directly from your motherboard’s and GPU’s official sites—don’t rely on Windows to find them all. Use free tools like CPU-Z or HWMonitor to check that everything’s running at the right speeds and temperatures.

Final Thoughts

Building your own PC can be a seriously rewarding experience, whether you're gaming, editing, or tackling creative projects. By following these tips, you’ll not only build a machine that’s perfect for your current needs but one that’s ready to grow with you.

Best of luck, and happy building!

Auckland's BEST PC Technician | Builder | Performance Tuner