How to Test Your New PC Parts | PC Build Guide

Before you ever start building your new PC computer you need to test your PC parts to make sure that your components are working and ready to go. ►⏩►⏩ Check specs and pricing in the links below…

There is nothing worse than finishing your first ever PC build, or really any PC build and pressing the power button to find that nothing happens. This could be caused by a variety of circumstances, but usually, it is only a pinched wire or misplaced cable.

Troubleshooting can be a bear when you have installed your entire system into your case, managed all of your cables neatly, and even attached the side panel. So in this video, I am going to show you how to and discuss the importance of partially building your computer before you ever build it into the case.

Why build your PC outside of the case first?

As mentioned in the intro building your pc outside of the case is the best way to make sure all of your components are properly working and if not easily troubleshoot any issues that arise.

It really is that simple. There is nothing worse than getting everything inside of the case to find out for some reason your computer is not firing up!

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:32 - Vendor Provided Parts Disclaimer
01:47 - Installing the CPU
02:40 - Installing the RAM
03:28 - Installing Storage Drives
07:36 - Installing the CPU Cooler
17:57 - Installing the GPU
18:41 - Connecting the Power Cables
21:14 - Testing the PC Parts
22:41 - How to Jumpstart a Motherboard
23:35 - Final Thoughts

First and foremost make sure you touch something metal to de-static yourself before starting the build. Computer components have before more stable and shock-resistant over the past few years, but it is always safe to keep yourself free from static when building. You can buy a static wrist band if you want to be extra safe.

I have a silicone pad I am going to be building on, but you can simply build on top of the motherboard box, it is totally safe to do so.

CPU
I am going to start by installing the CPU. Make sure you align the triangle symbol on the CPU to the triangle symbol on the motherboard when installing. Then swing the arm into place. It should snap into place with very little force.

RAM
Now I will install the Memory onto the board. Make sure that you install them according to your motherboard manual (usually that means placing them with a slot open between each stick if only installing two sticks on a 4 slot motherboard. Also, check to make sure that the pins are correctly aligning before you attempt to push the RAM into place.

You will hear a click and the tabs will lock the RAM into the motherboard.

Storage
Now I am going to install my M.2 storage directly into the PCIe slot on the motherboard. Simple remove the screw, slide the SSD into the port, and reattached the small screw. You may have to add a standoff for the M.2 to be installed. That will all depend on your particular motherboard.

Cooler
Now comes the fun part, or tricky part, installing the Cooler. I am using an Air Cooler, So I will be able to install it and leave it connected and simply place my motherboard into my case after the testing is complete.

Ok, moving forward. I am going to remove the center fan, per the instructions, and mount the bracket on the backside of my motherboard. I am going to apply a pea-size dot of thermal paste and gently spread it around the CPU surface. Now I will secure the cooler to the motherboard and reinstall the center fan of the Dark Rock Pro 4.

GPU
Finally set your GPU into place. Make sure that the tab used to secure your GPU into the case once you go to install it is not being pushed up by either your box or whatever surface you are building on. I will simply allow the tabs on the GPU to hand over the side of the box.

How to test your PC
Once you flip the power switch you should see some LED lighting if your motherboard has it and your fans should kick on as well. After that you can go ahead and click the power button on your motherboard. If your motherboard does not have a power button you can “jumpstart” your computer.

Take your screwdriver and touch the positive and negative front panel pins this will jumpstart your computer.

Now you should get a picture on the screen and the computer should boot directly into the bios. This is what is consider a POST (Power-On-Self-Test). Once you see the computer post, you’re good to go!

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[chungushimself]

Ya know sometimes it amazes me when i see the size of a REAL Air cooler and the fact that thats gonna be essentially hanging off the mainboard by four screws. I know its all legit things are made for this and what not it just looks intense sometimes.

[-RoundTwo]

That was a quick POST. My builds like to make me stew for a while thinking about all the things I could have possibly forgotten.

[roguk]

Never power on top of the antistatic bag, it may seem to work properly but it will be hotter than it should be due to electrical interference that could damage millimeter circuits that can reduce actual computer performance permanently. You might notice that interference while you play games and see something wrong with the image fluency. Just do it on the mobo box if you dont want to regret.

[senpaiex-noobgaming]

never thought that andrew garfield can build a pc

[dododareal]

i never knew about the two finger tightening rule, thanks!

[minkles]

Most Mobos have LEDs now that show post sequence so I jump start after I add CPU and cooler, then I add ram and jump start again and so on and so on. I've had a faulty CPU once and made the confident mistake of just throwing it all into the case haha

[ivanyordanov]

Great video. Did you peeled off the thermal stickers of the NVME heatsinks after installing the drives? I think you screwed them directly but you may cut off this while editing.

[benf]

If you're too scared to jumpstart the pc can you just use the power connectors from your case and use the button??

[vermilionlin]

how to turn it off after jumpstart?
should I just turn off power supply? or will it get broken

[gowthamt]

Can you make a video on maintenance of a premium or mid range gaming laptop for 3 to 4 years.. tips and tricks

[totolaunione]

Question, Is it necessary to conect my HDD to test the pc? great video btw

[robertasviskupaitis]

do you know if any motherboard at least powers up and throws any lights or codes with ONLY a PSU and nothing else?

[ladfilms]

Nice, keep it up 👏👏, for 4k Editing asus A15 ryzen 7 4800H with rtx 2060 GPU, this laptop satisfied me or not? Because my videos are multiple shots nd they make 4-5 layers, Asus A15 handle that much of load? Plzz reply 🥺 nd which is the best GPU for 4k editing(ryzen 7 4800H) 1660ti or 2060?

[SkulosGav]

Did you make the video about the tree way storage? Because i am confused...

[МаксимЕремин-ят]

Saw that in your 1500 ryzen pc build set there are 2 processors. Why?

[aiklim]

Hey Ben . I test it like you do .But i don't get anything on screen.
It's some problem about CPU?

[cjsavage]

I’ve literally done everything it turns in but no display I check everything but still no post

[alekosmc]

So I have power to the motherboard, but the jumpstart does not work, thoughts?

[queeffersthrlnd]

After you are done testing the unit and it works. Do you just put it as is in the case and screw it in. Or do you remove anything/take any of this apart before putting in the case besides the psu cables?

[test]

Hi Ben, can you do this test aswell when you plan to watercool the cpu (openloop)? will my cpu be safe without any cooler for this boot test?