How Long Does it Take to Build a PC

Are you considering building your own PC? 

Building your own personal computer allows you to tailor your system and specifications to meet your performance requirements, be it for gaming, graphic design, or everyday use. It is also a great way to understand more about the technology you use every day and to ensure you can upgrade components easily in the future.

If you are considering building your own PC from scratch one question you may have is how long does it usually take to build one from scratch? 

We, at PC ReFix, are answering this question and more in this small guide. 

How Long Does it Take to Build a PC?

Building a PC can take anywhere from a few hours to a whole day, depending on several factors like whether or not you have all the parts procured, how experienced you are in assembling the machine. 

So the answer comes down to your experience, the complexity of the machine you are assembling, and how quickly you can get your hands on the required parts. 

We will explore what influences build time and provide some time estimates based on different levels of experience.

Factors Influencing Build Time

Experience Level

The more experience you have, the quicker the process tends to be. Beginners often take their time to carefully follow guides and double-check their work, which is important to avoid any damaging mistakes. Experienced builders know the quirks of different components and can assemble them more swiftly.

Complexity of the Build

A basic PC used for tasks like web browsing and word processing is much quicker to assemble than a high-performance gaming or video editing system, which may be required for tasks like to trim videos and may involve intricate cable management, multiple GPUs, or extensive cooling setups

Availability of Components

Your build can only go as quickly as your slowest-shipped component allows. If you are waiting on a specific part that is backordered or in high demand, this can delay the start of your project. Planning ahead and ordering parts with ample lead time can help mitigate these delays.

Average Time Estimates

For Beginners

If this is your first build, allocate a full day—about 6 to 8 hours. This gives you plenty of time to go step-by-step, watch tutorial videos as needed, and carefully handle the hardware. It is better to take your time than to rush and make costly errors.

For Intermediate Builders

With a few builds under your belt, you might be more familiar with the assembly process. Typically, building a PC might then take about 4 to 6 hours, provided there are no unexpected issues.

For Experts

Those who have built numerous PCs can often complete a build in about 2 to 3 hours. This speed comes from familiarity with the components and knowing how to troubleshoot common issues on the fly.

How to Reduce the Time for Building A PC from Scratch

Before you start, spend time planning which components you will need based on your budget and what you want to do with your PC. This planning phase can take a few hours to a couple of days, especially if you are comparing prices and reviews to get the best deals.

The actual assembly involves installing the motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage, power supply, and other components into the case. This can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours for most builders. Make sure to follow a guide or video if you are unsure about the steps to take.

Once your PC is assembled, you will need to install an operating system like Windows or Linux, which can take about an hour. After that, installing drivers and essential software will take additional time, depending on your internet speed and the number of programs you need.

After everything is set up, you should spend time testing your PC to ensure everything is working properly. This includes running benchmarks and checking for any potential issues like overheating or unusual noises, which can take another hour or two.

To make your build go faster, organise all your tools and components beforehand. Reading the manuals for your motherboard and other parts can also prevent common mistakes. Additionally, consider building in a clean, well-lit area where you can easily keep track of all your screws and parts. Avoiding distractions can also help you focus and finish the build more quickly.

Looking for Professional Help?

If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of building your own PC, or just want to make sure it is done professionally, contact PC ReFix. Our team of experts can help you build the PC of your dreams, handle upgrades, or perform repair services in Essex.

Give us a call today to find out more about our services and we will help you assemble your PC tailored to your specific needs!