A computer is a device that allows you to access the internet, write documents, watch videos, and play games. Computers are made of electronic components which are used to store data. If you’re looking forward to buying your first PC, there are some common mistakes that newbies make while building it. These mistakes can cost you money or can even create problems in the future so avoid them by reading carefully.
Not checking compatibility before purchasing an item Most often people buy parts without considering their compatibility with other parts they already have. Before buying anything, always check whether it’s compatible with your motherboard or not because if the processor does not fit into the motherboard then it will be useless for you. So while buying hardware things always check whether it’s compatible or not.
Not buying an operating system Operating System is the first thing that you should consider while building a PC because other hardware components can run without an OS whereas other software like games cannot run until you install an OS on your storage device. There are many Operating Systems available which offer great features so pick one according to your requirements.
Using a pirated version of Operating System Digital Right Management (DRM) protects software from piracy but there are some cases in which people use pirated operating systems by cracking them and if something happens with your computer, then you will be forced to pay for that cracked OS too or else you won’t be able to get any support.
Common Mistakes
- Not Building on a Large Clear Space
Building a PC is the most technical job which requires time and patience. If you don’t have enough space to build your PC then it will be tough for you to do anything. So before starting your work, make sure that there is proper space around you to place all parts without any difficulty. Also, you should always use a static guard when building your computer because many times while assembling components they come in contact with each other so if you still don’t buy one, then always touch something metal that is grounded.
- Failing to Have an Internet-Connected Device Handy
When building a PC, many people make mistakes like not having a smartphone to check out for DIY (Do It Yourself) sites or DIY videos. But it is important because these websites contain all the information about the building process and components which you need to know before building your computer.
- Disregarding Cable Management from the Onset
Cable management is very important while building a PC because if you don’t keep them organised then your PC may look messy. If cables are not managed properly then they can cause problems in the future like dust accumulation, overheating, damage to hardware, and other weird problems.
Also, not plugging all cables correctly It’s a common mistake among many people while building PCs because while connecting cables with ports, people make mistakes like forgetting to connect fan cables with power supply units or other ports. So while building a PC always check for these things and if you find any mistake then fix it before starting your computer otherwise it may lead to disk corruption or hardware failure.
- Ignoring Component Manuals
Many people don’t read manufacturers’ manuals which may cause problems in the future during the installation of different components. This is very important because different brands have their way of installation so you might get confused when installing them on your computer. So always keep a manufacturer’s manual near you while building a PC or do some research before doing anything related to hardware.
- Forgetting to Put I/O Shield On
While installing a motherboard on a PC case, you need to put an I/O shield on the backside of the motherboard because if not done then it can cause problems during installation of components as well as damage your motherboard. So always remember to put shields on motherboards before starting the assembly process.
- Failing to Install Motherboard Standoffs
It’s very important to install motherboard standoffs while building a computer so always keep in mind that you need to do this. Installing a motherboard standoff is a very simple but tedious job if done without any proper tools or with an improvised one.
So be careful about that otherwise you will end up messing up your PC components. Also, it may destroy your motherboard if you try to connect more than one power cable with an ATX connector. So never do this mistake because it’s not just harmful to the motherboard but also decreases the performance of the computer.
- Careless Handling of CPU & Other Components
When opening a CPU Box, you need to open it in an anti-clockwise way but many people open it by taking out the plastic clips which can create problems in the future. If you open it by taking off the clips then they won’t attach back to their place and will cause dust accumulation under them that can create heat, shorten their life and damage the motherboard.
- Applying Too Much or Too Little Thermal Paste
If you apply too much thermal paste between your CPU and cooler then it will be of no use or if you don’t apply it at all, then the heat of the processor will increase which can damage your motherboard and other components. So always follow the correct amount of pressure while installing a cooler on your CPU.
- Installing RAM the Wrong Way
Random Access Memory (RAM) installation is very important because if installed the wrong way then your computer won’t boot properly. So always make sure that you are installing RAM in the correct slots otherwise it will cause problems during the booting process.
Also, people often fail to install an operating system that is required for booting the computer. So always keep in mind that while installing OS you need to install it on your storage device like Hard disk or Solid State Drive.
- Not Installing Components Until They ‘Click’ In
Many components require proper installation or they can create problems during startup. If you don’t install CPU Cooler until it clicks in place, then the motherboard may be damaged and if you don’t tighten screws of your RAM sticks, then they can damage your motherboard too, so always follow correct polarity and install them with care.
Also, if we install more components at once then there is a chance that either we will fail to connect some cables properly or some parts will not fit in their position. So always implement a step-by-step guide for building a computer because it takes time but provides better results.
Conclusion
One mistake is that of allowing Pets to be Nearby. Pet hairs are the biggest enemy of computer components because their body heats up easily due to less cooling mechanism inside it, unlike a computer which has high-quality cooling fans inside it. So always keep pets away from your working space because even their hair can damage your hardware whereas paws will cause trouble when you connect wires with ports. After building your computer, always check for these mistakes and fix them before starting it because it takes only 5 minutes but gives you better results.
She is a freelance blogger, writer, and speaker, and writes for various entertainment magazines.