7 Tips to watch for Before Building a PC!

A Report by CYS Global Remit Network Admin Support Team

Building a workstation at home has never been more accessible. Thanks to abundant content from PC enthusiasts and tech experts, information is readily available. However, the real challenge lies in asking yourself the right questions before diving in. Here are seven essential considerations for building the perfect PC for your needs.

1. What Are You Using Your PC For? 

Gaming: Gaming PCs prioritise GPU performance. You'll need a powerful graphics card (RTX 4070 Super or higher for 1440p, RTX 4080 Super/RTX 5080 for 4K), paired with a capable CPU like AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D or Intel Core i5-14600K. Aim for 32GB DDR5 RAM, fast NVMe storage, and don't skimp on the PSU—modern GPUs are power-hungry. 

Work: Requirements vary dramatically by profession. Office productivity needs modest specs (mid-range CPU, 16-32GB RAM, integrated graphics). CAD work, programming with multiple VMs, or handling large datasets requires workstation-class components with ECC RAM, powerful multi-core CPUs, and professional GPUs. 

Creative Work: Video editing demands balanced high performance—multi-core processors (AMD Ryzen 9 7950X or Intel Core i9-14900K), 64GB+ RAM, multiple NVMe drives, and GPUs with substantial VRAM. Colour-accurate monitors are equally important for professional work. 

2. What's Your Budget? 

Low Budget (~$1,000): Focus on essentials—AMD Ryzen 5 7600 or Intel Core i5-13400F, 16GB DDR5 RAM, RTX 4060/4060 Ti, and a reliable 650W PSU. Wait for sales periods like 11.11 for better deals. 

Mid-Range (~$2,000): The sweet spot for most builders. Afford RTX 4070 Ti Super or RTX 4080, AMD Ryzen 7 7700X or Intel Core i7-14700K, 32GB DDR5 RAM, quality motherboard with WiFi, and premium cooling. Note:Don't attempt water cooling on your first build. 

High-End (~$3,000+): Builders at this level typically know their specific requirements and purposes. 

3. How Relevant Do You Want Your PC to Be? 

True futureproofing is impossible technology evolves too rapidly. Instead, buy for your current needs plus 20-30% headroom. A well-balanced 2025 system should remain relevant for 4-5 years with potential GPU upgrades. 

4. Can I Save on One Part and Splurge on Another? 

No! All components must complement each other. Pairing a top-end GPU like RTX 4090 with a budget CPU creates severe bottlenecks, wasting money and performance. Research benchmarks to ensure components are well-matched. For gaming builds, budget roughly 1.5-2 times more for your GPU compared to your CPU. 

5. Power Supply: Buy Quality, Buy Once 

Never compromise on PSU quality. Calculate your system's total power draw and add 20% headroom. Look for 80+ Gold efficiency, modular cables, and reputable brands like Corsair, EVGA, or Seasonic. A quality PSU protects your entire system and lasts through multiple upgrades.

6. Cooling: Balance Performance and Noise 

Stock coolers work for basic builds, but aftermarket cooling improves performance and reduces noise. Air coolers like Noctua NH-D15 offer excellent value. AIO liquid coolers provide better aesthetics and cooling for high-end CPUs. Factor in case clearance and RAM compatibility. Warning: Never attempt custom water-cooling alone without professional help.

7. Motherboard: Your Build's Foundation 

Your motherboard determines upgrade paths and connectivity. Ensure it supports desired RAM speeds, has adequate PCIe slots, and includes features you need (WiFi, Bluetooth, multiple M.2 slots). Don't overspend on unused features, but don't limit future upgrades by going too budget.

Final Thoughts 

Building a PC centres on balancing performance, budget, and future needs. Start with your use case, set a realistic budget, and research thoroughly using forums, YouTube reviews, and compatibility tools like PCPartPicker.

After building, install monitoring tools like Heaven Benchmark and HWMonitor to track your PC during its first weeks. Watch for warning signs: unexpected clock speed drops, uncontrolled temperature rises, or unusual odours—these may indicate assembly issues.

Remember: there's no universally "perfect" build, only the perfect build for you. Take your time, research thoroughly, and build something you'll be proud to use every day.