First Custom Gaming PC Build
PC Builds

First Custom Gaming PC Build

From selecting components to overclocking my dream gaming rig

29867

About This Journey

After years of gaming on pre-built systems and laptops, I decided to build my own high-performance gaming PC. This journey details the entire process: researching and selecting components, ordering parts within budget, assembling the system, installing and configuring software, troubleshooting issues, and optimizing performance through overclocking. I'll share performance benchmarks, temperature monitoring, and real-world gaming experiences.

Journey Stats

Total Budget
$1,850
Cpu Model
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
Gpu Model
NVIDIA RTX 3070
Ram
32GB DDR4-3600
Storage
1TB NVMe SSD + 2TB HDD
Avg F P S
165+ at 1440p

Journey Timeline

End

Build Complete & Overclocked!

July 30, 2023

The build is 100% complete! Spent the last week optimizing performance, tweaking fan curves, and successfully overclocking the CPU and RAM for extra performance. Running cool and stable. Gaming bliss!

Build Complete & Overclocked!
Cpu O C
4.6 GHz all-core
Ram O C
3800 MHz CL16
Temps
CPU < 75C, GPU < 70C under load
Benchmark Score
Top 15% on 3DMark
D35

Benchmark Deep Dive & First Game Impressions

July 20, 2023

Ran a suite of benchmarks (Cinebench, 3DMark, various game benchmarks). Results are solid! Compared scores online. Played Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p High settings - smooth as butter. Absolutely blown away by the performance leap.

Benchmark Deep Dive & First Game Impressions
Cinebench R23
14850 pts (multi)
Benchmark3d Mark Time Spy
11900 pts (graphics)
Cyberpunk Avg F P S
95 FPS (1440p High)
Status
Performing as expected (or better!)
D25

Cable Management Deep Dive (The Struggle!)

July 10, 2023

Spent an entire evening dedicated to cable management. Routing cables behind the motherboard tray, using zip ties and velcro straps. It's tedious but makes a huge difference for airflow and aesthetics. Still not perfect, but proud!

Cable Management Deep Dive (The Struggle!)
Time Spent
4 hours
Tools
Zip ties, Velcro straps, Patience
Outcome
Clean interior, Improved airflow
Difficulty
Higher than expected
D15

Installing the GPU & Power Supply

June 30, 2023

Installed the beastly RTX 3070 GPU and the power supply unit. Carefully connected all the power cables (CPU, GPU, motherboard, drives). Things are getting crowded in the case now. Double-checking all connections.

Installing the GPU & Power Supply
Components Installed
GPU, PSU
Cabling
Started power connections
Challenge
Fitting GPU, Routing thick cables
Feeling
Getting closer to first boot
D5

Parts Arrived - Unboxing Day!

June 20, 2023

Boxes upon boxes arrived today! Felt like Christmas morning. Unboxed everything, checked for damage, laid out all the components. Reading motherboard manual cover-to-cover before starting assembly.

Parts Arrived - Unboxing Day!
Status
All parts received
Condition
Looks good
Next Step
Motherboard prep
Feeling
Excited, Ready to build!
Start

Component Research & Ordering

June 15, 2023

Kicking off my first PC build journey. Spent weeks researching CPUs, GPUs, motherboards, RAM, etc., balancing performance and budget ($1850). Finalized parts list and placed orders!

Component Research & Ordering
Budget
$1,850
Core Components
Ryzen 5800X, RTX 3070, B550 Mobo
Research Sources
Tech reviews, Subreddits
Status
Parts ordered
TZ

Tyler Zhang

112 followers

Software developer and gaming enthusiast. First-time PC builder sharing the process to help others overcome the intimidation factor.

Journey Progress

Completion100%

Started

June 15, 2023

Completed

July 30, 2023

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