Building My First Gaming PC
Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
I successfully built my first AMD-based gaming PC for under $750. I have made a guide that covers everything you need to know to build the same system, from parts selection to Windows installation. The total build time should be around 3-4 hours for someone that is a beginner. I purchased my parts from Micro Center, and for beginners, it is an amazing store because the employees assist with any questions or concerns.
Components & Models
Performance: 1080p gaming at 60+ FPS on high/ultra settings
What You'll Need: Screwdrivers, Windows 11 USB drive, monitor, keyboard, mouse
Build Process
Phase 1: Motherboard Preparation
Step 1: Install CPU
Place motherboard on box (smooth surface)
Push down CPU socket lever, lift retention bracket
Align CPU's gold triangle with socket triangle
Drop CPU in gently (zero resistance)
Lower bracket, secure lever arm
IMPORTANT: CPU only fits ONE way. Don't touch gold pins!
Step 2: Install RAM
Open RAM slot clips (push down both ends)
Align RAM notch with slot notch
Press firmly until two clicks
Use both slots for dual-channel
Step 3: Install M.2 SSD
Locate M.2 slot (between CPU and PCIe slot)
Remove small screw at end
Insert SSD at 30° angle, push down flat
Secure with screw (don't overtighten)
No cables needed: M.2 gets power through the slot!
Phase 2: Case Installation
Step 4: Prepare Case
Remove both side panels (glass and metal for Inland X1)
Install I/O shield from inside (push until clicks)
Clear any wires and push towards the side
Step 5: Mount Motherboard
Lower motherboard, align with I/O shield
Match screw holes with standoffs
Install all screws, hand-tighten only
Step 6: Install CPU Cooler
AMD cooler has pre-applied thermal paste (don't touch!)
Push all 4 push-pins until click (X pattern)
Connect 4-pin fan to CPU_FAN port
Phase 3: Power Supply
Step 7: Install PSU
Mount PSU at bottom, fan facing down
Secure with 4 screws through back
Step 8: Connect Power Cables
Essential connections:
24-pin ATX → Motherboard right edge
8-pin CPU → Motherboard top-left (CPU_PWR)
Phase 4: Graphics Card
Step 9: Install GPU
Remove 2 slot covers from back
Insert GPU into top PCIe x16 slot
Press firmly until click
Secure GPU bracket with screws
Connect 8-pin PCIe power from PSU
IMPORTANT: GPU needs 8-pin power! Won't display without it.
Phase 5: Front Panel Connections
Step 10: Connect Case Cables
Two main connectors:
USB 3.0 (blue) → USB3 header (bottom-right)
HD AUDIO (black) → F_AUDIO header (bottom-left)
Small front panel pins:
POWER SW, RESET SW, POWER LED, HDD LED
Use motherboard manual for exact pinout
Phase 6: Pre-Boot Checklist
Before powering on, verify:
24-pin ATX power connected
8-pin CPU power connected
8-pin GPU power connected
CPU cooler fan connected
RAM fully seated
Monitor connected to GPU (not motherboard)
No loose screws inside case
First Boot & BIOS Setup
Step 11: Power On
Turn on monitor first
Flip PSU switch to ON
Press case power button
Press DELETE repeatedly to enter BIOS
Expected: Fans spin, lights on, MSI logo appears
Step 12: Configure BIOS
IMPORTANT: Enable XMP for RAM:
Click 'A-XMP Profile 1' box at top
DDR Speed changes 2400 → 3200 MHz
Press F10 to save, confirm Yes
PC restarts
Verify detection:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5000 at ~3.6 GHz
Memory: 16GB DDR4
DDR Speed: 3200 MHz (after XMP)
Storage: Inland 512GB SSD visible
CPU Temp: 30-50°C at idle
Windows 11 Installation
Step 13: Boot from USB
Insert Windows USB drive
Restart, press F11 repeatedly (Boot Menu)
Select 'UEFI: [Your USB Drive]'
Step 14: Install Windows
Select language → Next → Install now
Enter key OR 'I don't have a product key'
Select 'Windows 11 Home' → Next
Accept terms
Choose 'Custom: Install Windows only'
Select 'Disk 0 Unallocated Space' (476 GB)
Click Next - Windows auto-creates partitions
Installation begins (10-30 minutes)
Step 15: Complete Setup
Select region/language
At network screen: 'I don't have internet'
Create user account and password
Configure privacy settings
Driver Installation
Step 16: Install WiFi
Insert TP-Link WiFi adapter
Windows may auto-detect
Connect to WiFi network
Step 17: Install Drivers (In Order)
1. Windows Update: Settings → Windows Update → Check
2. AMD Chipset: From msi.com (A520M-A PRO page)
3. AMD GPU Drivers: From amd.com (RX 6600 Adrenalin)
4. Audio/LAN: From msi.com (Realtek drivers)
Step 18: Verify RAM Speed
Download CPU-Z (free from cpuid.com)
Memory tab → Should show 1600 MHz
(1600 MHz = 3200 MHz DDR - it's doubled)
Common Issues & Solutions
No Display / "Input Not Supported"
Solution: Monitor MUST connect to GPU, not motherboard. Ryzen 5 5000 has no integrated graphics.
PC Won't Boot
Check:
PSU power switch ON
24-pin ATX connected
8-pin CPU power connected
High CPU Temps
Check: CPU cooler push-pins fully locked (check from back). All 4 must click!
Performance Expectations
Gaming (1080p High/Ultra):
Fortnite: 120+ FPS
Valorant: 200+ FPS
Call of Duty: 80-100 FPS
Conclusion
Key Takeaways:
CPU only fits one way - look for triangle
RAM must click twice (both sides)
Enable XMP in BIOS for full RAM speed
Monitor connects to GPU, not motherboard
GPU needs external power cable
Install AMD GPU drivers for best performance
Maintenance:
Clean front mesh filter monthly
Dust out case every 3-6 months
Keep GPU drivers updated
Build Summary: Total cost $737, build time 3-4 hours, excellent gaming performance.
Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mho0M1Ns0Rw&t=298s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN2HqCpdOzE
Build completed: December 2025
I hope you enjoyed this guide and it assisted you towards your PC build. Good Luck!
Sincerely, RA
