Starting to Build a PC for the First Time
Starting to Build a PC for the First Time
Hello everyone,
I’m planning to assemble my first PC and would appreciate some advice from the community.
Estimated purchase time: about a month or two; I’m not in a hurry.
Budget range: up to $2000–2,5000 including shipping.
Priority of system use:
1. Work requiring basic statistical analysis and possibly machine learning in Python and R (I’m a PhD student).
2. Gaming – mainly light games like puzzle or farming simulators. I mentioned to friends I’d try LoL, so I’m open to something that could support it too.
Are you purchasing a monitor?
No
Where are you from? Missouri, U.S.
Thank you ahead of time! And feel free to reach out if you need more details. I’ll do my best.
Some thoughts for you:
Buy the best monitor that you feel you can afford. A monitor will last a very long time.
4k monitors are reasonably priced. See it in person if you can.
Otherwise, go to rtings.com for reviews.
Do not go overboard on fast graphics cards, at least not initially.
Integrated graphics is fine for desk work, HD movie playback and easy games.
Buy a strong psu to be able to handle a future high powered graphics card. 750-850w will do for most.
The psu will only use the power demanded of it, regardless of the max capability.
A quality psu will have at least a 7 year warranty, perhaps 10 or 12.
Processors from either Intel or AMD will have comparable price/performance.
Many on this site are gamers and will tout the amd X3d models for gaming.
But, more conventional processors are better for general use.
Intel I5-14500 might be a good candidate at $240 or so.
AMD R5-7600 at $ 200 might be comparable.
Buy all the ram you might ever need up front. Adding ram later may not work well.
Ram must be matched in a single kit.
2 x 16gb will be about $85.
FWIW:
MY build process:
Before anything, while waiting for your parts to be delivered, download
and read, cover to cover your case and motherboard manual.
Buy a long #2 magnetic tip philips screwdriver.
A small led flashlight is also useful.
I find it handy to buy a power switch like this for testing.
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16812119009...tion=power switch&cm_re=power_switch-_-12-119-009-_-Product&quicklink=true
1. I assemble the critical parts outside of the case.
That lets me test them for functionality easily.
A wood table or cardboard is fine.
2. Plug in only the necessary parts at first. Ram, cpu, cooler, psu.
Do not force anything. Parts fit only one way.
Attach a monitor to the integrated motherboard adapter if you have one, otherwise to the graphics card.
3. If your motherboard does not have a PWR button, momentarily touch the two pwr front panel pins with a flat blade screwdriver.
4. Repeatedly hit F2 or DEL, and that should get you into the bios display.
5. Boot from a cd or usb stick with memtest86 on it. memtest will exercise your ram and cpu functionality.
They boot from a usb stick and do not use windows.
You can download them here:
MemTest86 - Official Site of the x86 Memory Testing Tool
MemTest86 is the original self booting memory testing software for x86 and ARM computers. Supporting both BIOS and UEFI, with options to boot from USB.
www.memtest86.com
Memtest86+ | The Open-Source Memory Testing Tool
Memtest86+ is an advanced, free, open-source, stand-alone memory tester for 32- and 64-bit computers (UEFI & BIOS supported)
www.memtest.org
If you can run a full pass with NO errors, your ram should be ok.
Running several more passes will sometimes uncover an issue, but it takes more time.
Probably not worth it unless you really suspect a ram issue.
Opinions vary on updating the bios.
Normally, one does not update a bios unless there is a fix for something that is impacting you. I violate this rule on a new build and will update to currency up front.
Use the usb option, not the windows option.
If there is a severe problem, the impact is small.
6. Install windows.
7. Install the motherboard cd drivers. Particularly the lan drivers so you can access the internet.
Do not select the easy install option, or you will get a bunch of utilities and trialware that you don't want. Drivers only.
7. Connect to the internet and install an antivirus program. Microsoft defender is free, easy, and unobtrusive.
8. Install your graphics card and driver if you tested with integrated graphics.
You will need to remove the graphics card later to install your motherboard in the case.
As a tip when screwing the motherboard into the posts, give the screw a small counterclockwise turn until you feel a click.
That lets you know that the screw will engage properly.
Make a note of how the graphics card latches into the pcie slot.
The mechanism will be hidden under the card and may be difficult to work if you have not previously checked how.
9. Update windows to currency.
10. Only now do I take apart what I need to and install it in the case.
11. Now is the time to reinstall your graphics card.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
This isn't a finalized project; it's a starting point.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X 4.5 GHz 8-Core Processor
($269.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler:
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 56.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
($90.08 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard
($188.78 @ Amazon)
Memory:
G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory
($197.99 @ Amazon)
Storage:
Solidigm P44 Pro 512 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
($93.96 @ Amazon)
Solidigm P44 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
($138.59 @ Amazon)
Video Card:
MSI GAMING X SLIM GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER 12 GB Video Card
($629.97 @ Amazon)
Case:
Fractal Design Define 7 Compact ATX Mid Tower Case
($143.61 @ Amazon)
Power Supply:
MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($89.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1842.96
Costs cover shipping, taxes, and any available discounts
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2024-11-06 19:52 EST-0500
Your build details remain flexible—whether you require an operating system or specific accessories, the current version is just a guide for customization.
Moved thread from Prebuilt & Enterprise section to Systems section
PCPartPicker List of Components
CPU:
*
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K 3.9 GHz 20-Core Processor
($399.98 at B&H)
CPU Cooler:
*
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 56.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
($90.08 on Amazon)
Motherboard:
*
Gigabyte Z890 EAGLE WIFI7 ATX LGA1851 Motherboard
($229.99 at B&H)
Memory:
*
Patriot Viper Venom 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory
($167.99 on Amazon)
Storage:
*
HP FX900 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
($129.99 on Amazon)
Video Card:
*
Gigabyte WINDFORCE OC GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER 16 GB Video Card
($799.99 on Amazon)
Case:
*
Lian Li LANCOOL 216 ATX Mid Tower Case
($96.99 on Amazon)
Power Supply:
*
MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($109.99 on Amazon)
Monitor:
*
MSI G272QPF E2 27.0" 2560 x 1440 180 Hz Monitor
($215.50 at Walmart)
Overall Total: $2240.50
Costs encompass shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
*Selected lowest-priced items based on specified parameters*
Created by PCPartPicker
2024-11-07 00:44 EST-0500
Thank you! I value the advice and the effort you invested in preparing this.