{"id":24496,"date":"2025-05-20T14:30:20","date_gmt":"2025-05-20T06:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shopee.sg\/blog\/?p=24496"},"modified":"2025-07-11T10:49:06","modified_gmt":"2025-07-11T02:49:06","slug":"how-to-build-pc-step-by-step","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shopee.sg\/blog\/how-to-build-pc-step-by-step\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Build Your Own PC: Step-by-Step Guide To A Custom Gaming Rig"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ever thought about building your own PC but felt it might be too daunting? Fret not! It’s actually much simpler and way more rewarding than you might think. Creating your custom gaming rig means getting exactly what you want without paying extra for unnecessary parts. Whether you’re an amateur or an experienced builder, this easy step-by-step guide will teach you how to build your own PC from scratch!<\/span><\/p>\n

Is it really cheaper to build your own PC?<\/span><\/h2>\n

One big reason people consider DIY PC builds is the potential cost savings. By picking each component yourself, you avoid the labour and brand mark-ups that prebuilt manufacturers charge. Local data suggests that a mid-range custom gaming PC build might cost around $800\u2013$1,000, whereas a pre-assembled PC with similar specs could be $1,500 or more. To see where these differences come from, let\u2019s compare a hypothetical DIY build to an equivalent prebuilt system using current 2025 prices in Singapore:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Component<\/b><\/td>\nDIY Build (Approx. Cost)<\/b><\/td>\nPrebuilt PC (Same Specs)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CPU<\/b><\/p>\n

Intel Core i5-13400F (13th Gen, 10-core mid-range processor)<\/span><\/td>\n

$200<\/span><\/td>\nIncluded (same i5-13400F)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
GPU<\/b><\/p>\n

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (12GB graphics card)<\/span><\/td>\n

$485<\/span><\/td>\nIncluded (same RTX 3060)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Motherboard<\/b><\/p>\n

B760 chipset board (for Intel 13th Gen)<\/span><\/td>\n

~$150<\/span><\/td>\nIncluded (comparable board)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
RAM<\/b><\/p>\n

16GB (2\u00d78GB) DDR4 memory<\/span><\/td>\n

~$80<\/span><\/td>\nIncluded (16GB installed)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Storage<\/b><\/p>\n

1TB NVMe SSD (PCIe SSD for OS and games)<\/span><\/td>\n

~$100<\/span><\/td>\nIncluded (often 512GB\u20131TB SSD)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Case & Fans<\/b><\/p>\n

ATX Tower Case + cooling fans<\/span><\/td>\n

~$100<\/span><\/td>\nIncluded (standard case & fans)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Power Supply<\/b><\/p>\n

650W PSU (80+ Bronze rated)<\/span><\/td>\n

~$100<\/span><\/td>\nIncluded (with system)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CPU Cooler<\/b><\/p>\n

Air cooler (if not included with CPU)<\/span><\/td>\n

~$40<\/span><\/td>\nIncluded (stock or basic cooler)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Operating System<\/b><\/p>\n

Windows 11 Home (64-bit)<\/span><\/td>\n

~$150<\/span><\/td>\nIncluded (pre-installed)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total Cost<\/b><\/td>\n\u2248 $1,300<\/b> (DIY parts + OS)<\/span><\/td>\n\u2248 $1,600<\/b> (prebuilt system)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

How to build your PC: The plan, budget and the works<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"planning<\/p>\n

Before we wield the screwdriver, it’s crucial to <\/span>plan your build<\/b>. This means deciding what you want from your PC, setting a budget, and choosing compatible components that will bring your dream rig to life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Define your PC\u2019s purpose<\/span><\/h3>\n

Are you building a hardcore gaming machine for the latest AAA titles, a simple desktop for browsing and office work, or a balanced PC for both gaming and productivity? For instance, a gaming rig will prioritise a powerful Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), whereas a general-purpose PC might put more budget into a fast storage drive or a quieter case. Also, consider what games or software you want to run \u2013 check the recommended system requirements of those programs or games.<\/span><\/p>\n

Set a budget<\/span><\/h3>\n

You can build a solid gaming PC at various price points; having a budget in mind will narrow down component options. Remember to account for <\/span>all<\/b> components (listed below) and also any peripherals (monitor, keyboard, etc.) or an operating system license if you need those. The great thing about PCs is that you can always upgrade later, so you can start with a modest build and improve it over time if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ensure compatibility<\/span><\/h3>\n

All your chosen parts must work together. Nothing\u2019s worse than realising your new CPU doesn\u2019t fit your motherboard, or your power supply can\u2019t handle your graphics card. Make sure, for example, that your motherboard has the correct socket for your CPU, that it supports the RAM type (DDR4 vs DDR5) you picked, and that your power supply unit (PSU) provides enough wattage for your CPU and GPU at full load.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

An easy way to check this is to use a tool like <\/span>PCPartPicker<\/b>, which lets you select components and will alert you to any incompatibilities. Using such a tool, you can plan out your build, select compatible parts, and even check pricing and availability across retailers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pro tip:<\/b> PCPartPicker also estimates your build\u2019s power consumption and suggests a suitable PSU wattage<\/span><\/p>\n

Source your components<\/span><\/h3>\n

Once you have a parts list, purchase your components from reputable vendors. You can shop online for convenience or from trusted tech retailers. When your parts arrive, inspect them to ensure nothing is damaged or missing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, let’s go over the <\/span>key components<\/b> you’ll need for a custom PC build. Below is a breakdown of each component\u2019s role and some beginner-friendly tips for choosing the right one:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Component<\/b><\/td>\nRole in the PC<\/b><\/td>\nTips for Choosing<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CPU (Central Processing Unit)<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Brain of your PC<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Executes instructions and runs the show for all your programs<\/span><\/li>\n
  • A good CPU handles your games, multitasking, and overall system responsiveness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Pick one that matches your needs: for gaming, a mid-tier modern <\/span>Intel Core i5<\/b> or <\/span>AMD Ryzen 5<\/b> (6+ cores) is usually plenty<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Ensure your motherboard supports CPU\u2019s socket type<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • The graphics card<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Responsible for rendering images, videos, and games<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Directly affects gaming performance and frame rates \u2013 it’s the muscle behind high-quality game visuals<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Likely the most important (and expensive) part if you\u2019re building a gaming rig<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Look at benchmarks for games you play to choose between, an <\/span>NVIDIA GeForce RTX<\/b> series or <\/span>AMD Radeon RX<\/b> series card that fits your performance needs<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Ensure your PSU can support it (check power draw and that the PSU has the required 8-pin\/16-pin connectors)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Motherboard<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • The central <\/span>circuit board<\/span><\/i> that connects all components<\/span><\/li>\n
  • The CPU sits on it, RAM plugs into it, and it hosts the slots\/ports for your GPU, drives, and peripherals<\/span><\/li>\n
  • The PC\u2019s nervous system, enabling communication between parts<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Choose motherboard that fits your CPU (correct socket and chipset) and has features you want<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Common sizes are <\/span>ATX<\/b> (standard), <\/span>Micro-ATX<\/b> (smaller), and <\/span>Mini-ITX<\/b> (compact) \u2013 make sure board size matches your case<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Check that it has enough RAM slots, the right ports (for your USB devices, etc.), and future expansion room<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
RAM (Memory)<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Short-term memory your PC uses to store data for running applications <\/span>right now<\/b><\/li>\n
  • Think of it as the workspace for your CPU \u2013 holds information your PC is actively using, so it can be accessed quickly<\/span><\/li>\n
  • More RAM lets you run more programs at once or handle memory-intensive tasks (like heavy games or editing software)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • 16GB<\/b> RAM is the sweet spot for modern gaming and multitasking (e.g. two 8GB sticks)<\/span><\/li>\n
  • 8GB <\/b>RAM is all right for those on a tight budget or if you\u2019re building a basic PC \u2013 <\/span>there\u2019ll be less headroom<\/b><\/li>\n
  • Get the correct type your motherboard supports (e.g. DDR4 vs DDR5) and ideally in a dual-channel kit (two identical sticks) for best performance<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Avoid mixing and matching different RAM kits to ensure stability<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Storage (SSD\/HDD)<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Where your data lives: includes your <\/span>SSD<\/b> (Solid State Drive) or <\/span>HDD<\/b> (Hard Disk Drive)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Stores Windows, games, documents, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • SSD is much faster than an HDD: significantly speeds up boot times and game loading<\/span><\/li>\n
  • HDD offers cheaper, large capacity for things like media storage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • For a fast gaming rig, get at least <\/span>1 SSD<\/b> (preferably an NVMe M.2 SSD that plugs into the motherboard like a tiny stick \u2013 no cables needed)<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Many modern games <\/span>require<\/span><\/i> SSD for optimal performance. You can add a larger HDD for additional storage if needed<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Tip: <\/b>Use the SSD for your operating system and favourite games, and an HDD for bulk storage (videos, backups)<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Ensure motherboard has slots\/ports for the drives you choose (most have M.2 slots and multiple SATA ports)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Power Supply Unit (PSU)<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • The PSU is the <\/span>heart<\/span><\/i> that pumps electrical power to all your components<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Converts wall power to the lower voltages your PC parts need and comes with all the cables to connect to your motherboard, GPU, drives, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • A reliable PSU is critical for system stability<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Choose a <\/span>quality PSU<\/b> from a reputable brand with enough wattage for your build (and a bit of extra headroom)<\/span><\/li>\n
  • 80 Plus<\/b> certified units are more efficient and often more reliable\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • E.g. A gaming build with a mid-range GPU might need around 500\u2013650W; high-end GPUs\/CPUs might call for 750W or more<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Case (Chassis)<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • The <\/span>body<\/span><\/i> of your PC that houses everything<\/span><\/li>\n
  • It holds your motherboard, PSU, drives, and all components, and provides mounting points and airflow (fans) to keep things cool<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Comes in various sizes and styles, often with aesthetic features<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Pick a case that fits your <\/span>motherboard size<\/b> and has room for GPU and large components<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Good airflow is important \u2013 look for a case that has fan mounts and comes with fans pre-installed (you can always add more)<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Case with room to work and good cable management features will make build process easier<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CPU Cooler<\/b> (Air or Liquid)<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Prevents CPU from overheating<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Good cooling = better performance and component longevity<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Can be a heatsink\/fan combo (air cooler) or a liquid cooler (radiator + fans)<\/span><\/li>\n
  • CPUs generally come with basic <\/span>stock cooler<\/b>, which is usually fine for normal use, but high-performance or overclocked systems might need upgraded cooler<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n