Build your own gaming PC from scratch

“The part of the process that stressed me out to no end was installing the CPU to the motherboard. There are so many things you could mess up if you don't know what you're doing or, in my case, sort of know but never actually had to do it before. The last thing I wanted to do was mess up the Intel Core i9-12900K I paid decent money for; I even used gloves when it came down to mounting the CPU to the TUF Gaming Z690 motherboard. Once I mounted the CPU into its socket, I was concerned that I could have inserted it incorrectly, but the motherboard these days have little symbols to match the corners of the CPU, so you know it's not upside down. After installing the motherboard and power supply, I finally understood why people enjoy building PCs. I was in a groove. With every component successfully slotted into the motherboard, I gained more confidence. Then came connecting the cables. Once all the boxes were checked, it was time for the moment of truth. Give life to my monster and hit that power button. Nothing.”