How to Build a Gaming PC in the UK (2025/2026 Step-by-Step Guide)

Building a modern PC requires minimal tools: - **A magnetic #2 Phillips screwdriver** (standard cross-head). - **A clean, well-lit table** (wooden or laminate; avoid working on carpet). - **A pair of small snips or scissors** for cable ties. - **A USB flash drive** (8GB or larger) prepared with the official Windows 11 Media Creation Tool.

Static electricity is easily managed: simply plug your power supply into the UK wall socket with the PSU power switch turned OFF, and touch the bare metal casing periodically to discharge any static.

Place your motherboard flat on top of its cardboard packaging box (never on top of the antistatic bag, which can be conductive on the outside).

For AMD AM5 and Intel LGA1700: 1. Push down and outwards on the retention lever to release it, then lift the metal retention frame. 2. Locate the golden triangle mark on the corner of the CPU. 3. Match it with the corresponding triangle indicator on the motherboard socket. 4. Gently lower the CPU straight into the socket without sliding or forcing it. 5. Lower the metal frame and press the lever down until it locks into place. The black plastic socket protector will pop off automatically.

Unscrew the metal heatsink shield above the primary M.2 slot (the one closest to the CPU socket). Peel the blue protective film off the thermal pad on the underside of the heatsink. Insert the M.2 SSD into the slot at a 30-degree angle, press it gently flat, and fasten the heatsink securely.

Open the retention clips on slots 2 and 4 (counting from left to right away from the CPU). Align the notch in the RAM stick with the key in the motherboard slot. Push down firmly on both ends simultaneously until you hear a distinct, satisfying click.

Install the appropriate AM5 or LGA1700 mounting brackets. **CRITICAL**: Check the copper base plate of your cooler and peel off any warning sticker or plastic protective film! Apply a pea-sized dot of thermal paste to the centre of the CPU heatspreader. Mount the heatsink and tighten screws alternately in an X-pattern to ensure even mounting pressure.

Install your power supply into the bottom PSU chamber of your case with the fan facing downwards through the dust filter. Connect your required cables before sliding the PSU in: 24-pin ATX, dual 8-pin CPU, and PCIe/12VHPWR graphics cables.

Remove the relevant PCIe slot covers on the rear of the case. Push the PCIe release latch open on the motherboard. Align the graphics card with the top PCIe x16 slot and press down until locked. Fasten the two screws into the case bracket, then connect the power cable until completely flush.

Connect your monitor to the GPU (NOT the motherboard), attach keyboard and mouse, and plug in the power lead. Press the power button.

On initial boot with DDR5 RAM, the motherboard may take 45-90 seconds to train memory; this is normal. Tap DEL or F2 to enter BIOS. Enable **AMD EXPO** or **Intel XMP** to unlock rated memory speeds. Then insert your Windows 11 installation USB and reboot to install your OS.