Need More Power?
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual|January 2021
The role of a PC power supply unit is to convert the AC electric power that comes from the mains to the DC power that the computer requires. However, it can do much more than that. A good quality power supply can make your system more efficient, stable and reliable. The power supply is often the first component to fail in an older system, so making sure you understand the full role of the PSU in your build is very important.
Need More Power?
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PSU: Aerocool Integrator 700W

Build: Turn to page 78 to start preparing your PC case

Making Your Choice

As with any purchase, there are several things you need to consider before you choose a power supply. Getting things wrong here could mean a difficult build or additional expense later.

PC POWER REQUIREMENTS

The first thing to consider is exactly how much power your PC build will require as a minimum. The exact power requirement will vary depending on the components you have chosen. If you are using a 4GHz i7 processor and an Nvidia GTX 1080 graphics card, you will need to look for a PSU with a higher wattage than if you are using a 3.2GHz i5 and a GTX 750. As a basic rule of thumb, add up the power requirements for CPU, GPU and HDD; you can find this in the documentation or on the manufacturer’s website. Then add on 250W, which is the average power requirement of a base system, and finally add on 100W.

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The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual

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The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual

The Right RAM

A fast and easy way to add a performance boost to your PC is to install high quality, fast RAM (Random Access Memory). DDR4 is the latest variation of PC memory and is the fastest and most efficient yet but just like many other components in your build, RAM isn’t quite as simple as it might at first seem. Different motherboards support different maximum amounts, as do different operating systems and it is available in many different speeds and configurations.

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Expansion Cards and Extras
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual

Expansion Cards and Extras

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Fitting The Motherboard Into The Case
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual

Fitting The Motherboard Into The Case

If you have been following the steps of the build so far, you should now be in a position to fit the motherboard, along with the fitted CPU, cooler and RAM, into your prepared case. This not only involves screwing the board into place but also correctly connecting all the case controls like the power switch, HDD LED, front USB ports etc.. Your motherboard will also have been supplied with a back plate.

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Troubleshooting Your Build
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual

Troubleshooting Your Build

Hopefully, if you have followed all of our instructions carefully, you won’t have any problems during the first boot of your new PC. However, problems can and do occur, even for experienced builders. The difference between a beginner and an experienced builder is the ability to solve problems and troubleshoot the PC build. If you have a problem with your computer, it will likely be one of these.

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Preparing the Case
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual

Preparing the Case

Choosing a case used to be almost an afterthought when building a custom PC. One grey box was much the same as another grey box. Thankfully the days of grey boxes are well and truly over and our choice of PC case ranges from tiny media boxes designed to go next to a TV, to bespoke glass towers aimed at those who want to show off their perfectly co-ordinated components. However, whichever case you choose, some preparation is needed before beginning your build.

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Upgrading to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or 8.1
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual

Upgrading to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or 8.1

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Need More Power?
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual

Need More Power?

The role of a PC power supply unit is to convert the AC electric power that comes from the mains to the DC power that the computer requires. However, it can do much more than that. A good quality power supply can make your system more efficient, stable and reliable. The power supply is often the first component to fail in an older system, so making sure you understand the full role of the PSU in your build is very important.

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The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual

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The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual

Final Checks and First Boot

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