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How to Build a Gaming PC — Complete Beginner Guide 2026
Building a PC for the first time is less complicated than it looks. Components fit together in specific ways that make most mistakes physically impossible. Wrong parts do not connect.
Everything You Need to Buy
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600 — around $175
- Motherboard: MSI PRO B650M-A WiFi — around $130
- RAM: 32GB DDR5-6000 CL30 — around $70
- GPU: RX 7700 XT or RTX 4060 Ti 16GB — around $290
- Storage: WD Blue SN580 1TB NVMe — around $65
- Case: Fractal Design Focus 2 — around $85
- CPU Cooler: Deepcool AK400 — around $30
- PSU: Corsair RM750e 750W — around $88
- Thermal Paste: Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut — around $9
Step 1 — Install the CPU
Work on the motherboard flat on a non-conductive surface before putting it in the case. For AMD Ryzen: lift the retention lever, align the triangle corner of the CPU with the socket triangle, lower without force, close the lever. CPUs never require downward force. Resistance before fully seated means check orientation.
Step 2 — Install RAM
Check your motherboard manual for which slots to use — almost never slots 1 and 2. Press firmly until both retention clips click. More force than feels comfortable is normal and required.
Step 3 — Install NVMe SSD
Remove the retaining screw, slide the WD Blue SN580 in at 30 degrees, press flat, replace the screw. Do this before mounting the motherboard in the case — much easier with clear access.
Step 4 — Install CPU Cooler
Apply a pea-sized dot of Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut to the center of the CPU. Mount the Deepcool AK400 and tighten in a crossing diagonal pattern. Connect the fan cable to the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard.
Step 5 — Mount Motherboard in Case
Verify standoffs align with motherboard holes before mounting — extra standoffs cause shorts. Lower the motherboard into the Fractal Design Focus 2, align rear ports with the IO shield, start all screws before tightening any.
Step 6 — Install PSU
Slide the Corsair RM750e in with the fan facing down. Route all cables through the case before installing the GPU — much easier before a large graphics card blocks access.
Step 7 — Install GPU
Remove rear expansion slot covers. Push the GPU into the top PCIe x16 slot until the retention clip clicks. Connect PCIe power cables and verify they are fully seated. A partially connected PCIe power cable is the most common cause of GPU failure to post.
Step 8 — First Boot and BIOS
Connect the monitor to the GPU not the motherboard. Press the power button. In BIOS immediately enable XMP or EXPO so your DDR5-6000 RAM runs at its rated speed rather than the default slower speed. Verify CPU temperature at idle is under 45 degrees Celsius.
Shop on Amazon: Fractal Design Focus 2 – Best Beginner Case
Shop on Amazon: Deepcool AK400 – Best Budget CPU Cooler
Shop on Amazon: Corsair RM750e – Best PSU for This Build
Shop on Amazon: Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut – Essential Thermal Paste