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NEW PC BUILD? HERE ARE THE 10 COMMON PC BUILDING MISTAKES AND WHAT TO DO AFTER YOUR BUILD
Iwona Zalewska
If you’re planning to build your own PC, there’s a lot to think about. From start to finish, every detail matters—choosing the right components, assembling them properly, and setting up software once your system is running. Whether it’s your very first build or you’ve done it before, this guide walks you through the top 10 mistakes most builders make and how to avoid them. Dodge these errors and your PC build process will go much more smoothly!
1. Buying a cheap, low-quality power supply One of the biggest mistakes new builders make is buying a poor-quality power supply. Before you buy one, make sure you know how much wattage your other components need. It’s a smart idea to go slightly above your estimate to allow for future upgrades and long-term stability. Power supplies are rated using the 80 Plus certification
system, which ranges from Plus to Plus Titanium. Your choice depends on your power requirements and budget, but always check that the PSU provides sufficient, reliable power. Affordable options exist—you just have to pick wisely.
2. Picking incompatible components It’s surprisingly easy to buy parts that don’t work together. Tools like PCPartPicker can save you time and frustration by automatically checking component compatibility. If you’re using Kingston products, you can also use Kingston’s own compatibility search tool or speak with their support team for help through Ask An Expert.
3. Forgetting the I/O shield Tat thin metal plate that fits on the back of your case—the I/O shield—is one of the most forgotten parts. It provides housing for your motherboard’s ports, but it needs to be installed before the motherboard itself. Forgetting it means disassembling the build later, so always remember to pop it in first.
22 | November/December 2025
4. Skipping motherboard standoffs Motherboard standoffs or risers liſt the board slightly off the case to prevent electrical shorts. Failing to use them can cause the board’s underside to contact metal and potentially short out. Always check that every standoff is properly placed before tightening the motherboard screws.
5. Installing fans the wrong way Good airflow is vital for keeping your PC cool. Fans push warm air out and pull cool air in—but if installed the wrong way around, they can trap heat instead. Most fans have small arrows showing airflow direction. If your case comes pre-installed with fans, you’re likely fine, but if you add more, double-check the orientation to ensure air moves efficiently through the case.
6. Incorrect CPU installation New builders oſten struggle with installing the CPU. Applying too much pressure or inserting it in the wrong orientation can damage the delicate pins. Luckily, every CPU has a small marker (like a golden triangle) that matches one on the motherboard socket—line those up, and it should drop neatly into place.
7. Applying too much or too little thermal paste Termal paste allows heat to transfer from the CPU to the heatsink, keeping the processor cool. Too little paste prevents proper heat transfer, while too much can overflow and cause problems. A pea- sized drop in the center of the CPU is generally perfect.
www.pcr-online.biz
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