The answer to the question of whether building a PC is rugged depends on many factors and can’t be decided so quickly. We know that technology has advanced a lot nowadays, and there are endless options in the market, so it becomes difficult to decide what to opt for. When thinking about assembling a PC, it majorly depends on what kind of PC you are thinking of building and what hardware and software you will need to run the PC; once you know this, you can come up with a rough estimation of how much investment you need to do in the pc.

Once the investment estimation is done and you are comfortable doing that much of the investment, we need to consider the building or assembly of the PC. Moreover, building a PC is a very hectic task, and it takes a lot of time, so once you know what hardware parts you need to assemble so that the PC can work flawlessly, you will be able to find how much effort will go into making the hardware parts and is building a pc rugged or not? So, now we have two significant factors that can help us decide whether to build a rugged PC; focusing on these factors only, we will discuss whether to do so.

1. Essential Tips to Choosing The Key Components

Let’s look at the components we require to assemble the PC. Please look at the list below, where we have listed all the essential elements you need for making the PC, which will help you decide on your budget and if building a PC is hard.

1.1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

This is the heart of the PC, as a human heart pumps blood and controls all its functions. The CPU is the heart of the PC, and it controls all the major processes in the machine and is responsible for all of the significant actions that take place. CPU is not the only processing unit on the PC.

There are other processing units like GPU (graphics processing unit), which we will talk about later in this blog, but the CPU plays such a crucial role because it interprets all the commands required to run the PC. In technical language, the CPU is the logic circuitry that performs all the arithmetic, logic, and I/O (input/output) operations.

1.2. Motherboard

The PC’s giant printed circuit board helps execute most of the operations completed with the help of other processing units. The motherboard is also responsible for supplying power to all processing units so they can operate flawlessly. You need to pay attention to the factors listed when choosing a motherboard for your PC. Motherboards are of various kinds, and deciding which motherboard would be best for your PC depends on numerous factors:

• How many processors do we need to connect with the board?
• What amount of power supply is required for the hardware installed?
• Which cooling system is installed on the board?
• Which hard drives are we installing, and are they compatible with our board?
• Which graphics card are we installing on the board?

1.3. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

GPU is the processing unit on the motherboard, which is used mainly for rendering graphics and images and performing complex mathematical calculations rapidly. GPU is used for both professional and personal computers. Previously, GPUs were majorly responsible for rendering 2D and 3D images, but now their application has grown to an extensive range.

Intensive graphic applications are being developed, and when such applications run on the PC, there is a considerable processing load on the CPU. Hence, GPUs built today are so efficient that they can completely take care of the graphic and image rendering, and there are no lags in the output displayed on the monitor.

As the GPUs are so efficient, the workload on the CPU reduces, and the CPU needs to take care of other processes unrelated to graphics or image rendering. Please note that GPU and CPU are the computer’s major functioning parts, so it depends on what type of GPU and CPU you choose when deciding whether to build a rugged PC.

1.3.1. Integrated GPU

An integrated GPU is a kind of GPU built into the PC’s motherboard, which can also be integrated with the PC’s CPU. These are lightweight and small as less space is required to assemble them with the motherboard.

1.3.2. Discrete GPU

A discrete GPU is a kind of GPU mounted on a separate circuit board and then assembled with the PC. These can handle intensive graphic applications and render high-resolution images and graphics quickly. These are mainly used for professional PC setups.

1.4. RAM (Random Access Memory)

The computer’s main memory is used for all the reading and writing information required while performing different tasks. With the help of RAM, the CPU can access the information at any significant point in time, no matter what the physical location of the information is. Moreover, different types of RAMs available in the market are:

1.4.1. SRAM (Static RAM)

Static RAMs are the kind of memory storage that can hold information until the power is supplied to the board.

1.4.2. DRAM (Dynamic RAM)

Dynamic RAMs hold information in electric charges, and the data is stored in capacitors, which are charged whenever power is married to the board.

1.5. ROM (Read-Only Memory)

ROMs are those kinds of memory or storage devices that store data permanently and then cannot be used as read-and-write memories. ROMs store information permanently, making it easy for the CPU to access information anywhere and anytime. There are four types of ROMs, as specified below:

1.5.1. PROM

These are non-modifiable storage devices on which information cannot be modified once data is stored. These are the storage devices on which information is always on the disk once stored.

1.5.2. EPROM

Information stored on these devices can be modified but not permanently stored on the device. To change the data, ultraviolet light exposure is used to erase the data, and new data is stored on the device.

1.5.3. EEPROM

These storage devices are the same as EPROM, on which information, once stored, can be modified. The only difference is that an electric charge alters the information on these devices rather than the ultraviolet light exposure.

1.5.4. Flash Memory

These are those storage devices you use daily, like pen drives and USB slot storage devices like portable hard drives, etc. The information on these devices can be modified quickly and does not require any particular mechanism for modification.

1.6. CPU Case

This is another crucial key component you must consider while assembling a PC. Choosing a good CPU case is very important as it is only your protection layer for all your expensive computer parts. So, when choosing a CPU case, you should pick one that can play its role well and protect all the expensive parts. Let’s have a look at the various options that are available in the market for CPU cases:

1.6.1. Full Tower Cases

These PC cases are typically tall and are made for big-sized motherboards and heavy water-cooling systems. These cases are mainly used for assembling a gaming PC, as a gaming PC requires an excellent cooling system and a heavy motherboard for smooth functioning.

1.6.2. Mid-Tower Cases

These cases usually come with a height of 16 inches and are the most commonly used PC cases for personal computers. Earlier, these cases used to come up with a space of 3-4 optical drive bays and the space for 3-4 storage disks. Nowadays, everyone has adopted flash drives, and no one uses the old-fashioned optical drives like before. The space available in these cases is commonly used for fitting in water cooling systems and SSDs for memory storage.

1.6.3. Mini Tower Cases

Mini tower cases are usually between 12 inches and 16 inches in size. These cases are generally used for small-sized motherboards. These cases are only used for small personal computers, are not very popular, and are only used for personal computers designed mainly for office work.

1.6.4. Mini ITX

Mini ITX are motherboards built for personal use and for PCs that are not used for extensive image or graphic rendering. These systems are tiny, and the cases are also built to fit in small motherboards and a slight cooling system for the board to function smoothly.

1.6.5. SFF PC Case (Small Factor Form)

Small factor forms are those types of PC cases which are meant for highly small-sized motherboards. These cases are small in size and are very compatible.

1.7. System Coolers (Fan)

This is an essential component of your PC, and it must be chosen carefully as it does a critical job in the whole system. A tremendous amount of heat is generated when you use your PC extensively. It needs to be evacuated outside the system so that the temperature inside the PC case is adequate for all the parts to function efficiently.

Many reasons can cause the heat inside the PC case to rise, like dust accumulating inside the PC case, extensive PC use, etc. So, while choosing a cooling system for your PC, please pay attention to the cooler’s quality and note that it is a good brand which manufactures efficient and good products. Let’s have a look at some of the options that are available in the market for PC cooling systems:

1.7.1. Fans

The most basic cooling system available in the market for your PC is a cooling fan, which is attached to your PC case and throws out the hot air outside the case through vents provided in the case. This is the most basic one, and it is usually used for computers with basic functionality that can’t take too much load and do not perform extensive functions.

1.7.2. Heat Sinks

This old technology is used mainly with older versions of CPUs. Heat sinks are small elements attached to those parts of the CPU that generate heat, and the function of the heat sink is to throw that heat out of the CPU so that adequate temperature can be maintained for the proper functioning of all the parts.

1.7.3 Water Cooling

This is the modern evolution of cooling systems, and the principle used in IC engines is implied in these cooling systems. Whenever the heat inside the CPU rises, the water starts to boil, and the heat is transferred outside the system using fans. This cooling system is mainly used in gaming PCs or computers for video editing with software, which puts a lot of loads on the CPU, and the system gets heated up due to extensive use in rendering images and graphics.

1.8. Power Supply Cables

Another critical component that plays the most crucial role but is not given much importance while a PC is assembled and helps you decide if building a PC is rugged. Power supply cables are the most critical components of the PC, as without any power supply, the PC won’t work and is useless.

Working with good quality power supply cables makes the PC run smoothly and efficiently. As the power reaches all the parts equally and supports their functioning well, there is no lag or disturbance in the computer’s working. Let’s have a look at all the types of cables you will need while assembling the PC:

1.8.1. Power Cables

Power cables are the most critical cables required in the whole assembly so that the PC can get enough power to run the PC and the power can reach each part of the motherboard, CPU and GPU. Power cables have further segregation. Let’s have a look at it:

1.8.1.1. Motherboard 24-Pin

This is the motherboard’s main power supply port, and all the power required by the parts assembled on the motherboard is transferred through this pin. It has a total of 24 ports, and someone additional 4-pin ports, 6-pin ports and 8-pin ports are also used if the power supplied to the motherboard is not enough for the functioning of it.

1.8.1.2. Power Supply Unit

This is the power supply cable, directly connected to the electric supply, and the other end of the cable is connected to the CPU, through which the power is supplied to every part of the CPU.

1.4. Data Cables

The most commonly used data cables are SATA cables, which allow high-speed for high-speed data transfer. These cables connect the SSD to the CPU to complete the reading process and access the information stored on the SSD. SATA cables are so popular because they allow data transfers at very high speeds.

1.5. Monitor

The device that helps you with all the display functions and using it only, you can work on the PC until and unless the output is displayed, you can’t work with the PC. Choosing a good monitor is crucial as it can change your experience with your PC.

A good monitor with high-end resolution can help you experience all your videos and games and whatever graphics are being displayed crisply and in good quality. A good monitor is always essential whether you need a PC for personal use, you need it for doing editing, or you need it for editing or gaming. If the quality of the monitor is not suitable, it can directly affect your eyes and harm them, so while choosing a monitor, choose wisely and pay attention to the build quality of it.

1.6. Keyboard

The keyboard is an essential input device you will need to work on your PC. To give commands to the CPU, you will need a keyboard as the keyboard takes commands from humans in English and then sends them to the CPU in computer language so that the CPU can interpret them and complete the action. Some good options available for keyboards in the market are listed below:

1.6.1. Logitech MX Key S

This keyboard comes with an ergonomic design and fast, fluid typing features that can be helpful for you while working.

1.6.2. Epomaker TH80 Pro

This mechanical keyboard makes your work experience very fluent.

1.6.3. Logitech Signature K650

This keyboard comes with a wrist rest, which is not offered in many keyboards, and the unique design is created to take care of the comfort while working.

1.6.4. Logitech K38

This bluetooth keyboard comes with multi-device connectivity and a unique design for comfort while working, along with soft keys to provide a superb typing experience.

1.7. Mouse

The mouse is another input device that helps toggle animations on the monitor. Without a mouse, you won’t be able to work until and unless your monitor comes with a touch sensor.

2. How To Connect Components to The Motherboard?

To start with, let’s understand what connections we need to make on the motherboard:

The first connection on the motherboard is to connect the CPU or the processor to the CPU slot. You will see a square slot in the motherboard that looks precisely like the processor. Just match the triangle on the processor with the triangle on the slot, and then fix the processor there.

When you are done attaching the CPU to the motherboard, attach the CPU cooler just above the CPU. Once you are done attaching the CPU cooler, don’t forget to connect it to its power socket on the CPU.

The next step is to attach the RAM to the slots available for RAM on the motherboard. To attach the RAM easily, match the bump on the RAM with the bump carved on the slot and fix it there; you can check out how many slots are available for RAM on your motherboard and attach RAMs accordingly.

Last but not least, now we need to attach the GPU to the motherboard. There is a slot specifically for the GPU. After the GPU is attached to the case, do not connect the PCI cable to supply power to the GPU.

3. Tips for Attaching All The Parts To The Case

This stage of building the PC will help you determine whether building a PC is rugged, as this is the last step to making the PC.

Install the motherboard on the PC case, fix the IO shield on the case and once the shield is fixed on the shield then using the support of the IO shield, fix the motherboard onto the case and make sure you fix it properly so that it doesn’t fall off.

After the motherboard, we need to install the power supply unit in the case. To install the power supply unit firmly on the case, use some screws. The power supply must be attached to the left bottom on the back side of the case.

The next step is to take care of the cable management, so attach all the required cables to their respective ports for the proper functioning of the PC. Attach the motherboard power cable, CPU power cable, and power cables for input devices. Now attach your storage system to the case, find a secure place, and attach it. Once it is attached to the case, connect the SATA data cable and the SATA power cable to function correctly.

4. Installing An Operating System On Your PC

By now, we have built the PC, and you must have figured out whether building one is tricky. So now, when all the parts are together in the case, the PC needs an operating system on which it can operate. Choose an operating system which matches your requirements and is helpful for you. Let’s have a look at the popular options available: Once you choose any of the operating systems for your PC, follow the steps written below to install it:

• Insert the storage device on which the setup for the OS is stored into the flash drive slot on your PC case.
• Once the system reads, open the folder and the setup for that operating system.
• Start following the setup steps and complete the installation process.
• 4. The installation takes time, and the PC might restart several times to complete the installation.
• Once the operating system is installed on your computer, it is ready to use.

So, deciding whether building a PC is rugged depends on factors like the purpose of creating the PC, the budget required to make the PC, etc. So, we cannot assemble a PC without considering all these factors.

5. Final Words

We hope this guide has given you a complete explanation of how to assemble a PC, whether building a PC is complicated or not, how much effort it takes to construct a single PC, what parts are required for it and how we can choose the parts and what parts should be chosen carefully and which brands are good for what parts.

So, the next time you think of building a new PC for yourself, please consider all these factors so that the process becomes easy for you, and you have all the knowledge before assembling the PC.

Last Updated on July 17, 2024 by Sathi