How Long Does It Take To Build A PC?
Here at Battlerigs, we have built hundreds of PC’s for social media and clients alike. However, one question we get from our audience a lot is “how long does it take to build a PC?”, well in this article we will go in depth, looking at all of the factors that could contribute to how long it takes to build your gaming pc. Buckle up as we explore factors such as the specs of the computer, the experience of the builder, and your confidence.
Factors
The time it takes to build a PC can vary greatly depending on several factors. Today, we’ll delve into four of the most significant reasons why PC building can take longer than expected. Understanding these key influences will help you set realistic expectations for your own build process.
We’ll take a deep dive into each of these four factors, explaining how they impact the overall build time. From component selection and pre-build preparation to the actual assembly and troubleshooting phases, we’ll cover everything you need to know. By the end of this discussion, you’ll have a clear picture of what contributes to a smooth and efficient PC build, allowing you to plan and execute your own project with confidence.
Finally, after exploring these four key elements, we’ll wrap up with some concluding remarks on “How Long Does It Take To Build A PC?”. This will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect when building your PC, ensuring a successful and rewarding experience.
Specs
The initial factor influencing PC build duration is the complexity of the chosen components. Lower-end systems typically comprise fewer parts, and those parts tend to be less intricate. These builds often utilize non-modular power supplies, eliminating the need for extensive cable management as the cables are pre-attached. Additionally, budget-oriented systems frequently employ fewer fans and forego water cooling altogether, streamlining the assembly process.
However, constructing a mid-range or high-end machine introduces a potential for extended build times. These systems often incorporate All-in-One (AIO) liquid cooling solutions, which offer improved thermal performance over air cooling. While AIO coolers are generally straightforward to install, some enthusiasts opt for even more elaborate custom water loops.
These intricate cooling systems necessitate the installation of numerous additional components, meticulous planning for coolant tube routing to ensure proper flow and avoid restrictions, and potentially hours of hand-bending rigid tubing to achieve a desired aesthetic. Essentially, custom water loops introduce a layer of complexity akin to installing a miniature plumbing system within your PC case. While this approach yields superior cooling performance, it significantly increases build time.
In conclusion, the complexity of the chosen components directly impacts the time required to build a PC. Lower-end systems, with their simpler parts and pre-attached cables, assemble swiftly. However, high-performance builds incorporating advanced cooling solutions demand meticulous attention to detail and additional time for installation. All of these factors contribute to the question “How Long Does It Take To Build A PC?”.
Experience
When it comes to building your battlerig, experience is a major factor which will affect the speed in which you build it. If you are a first time computer builder, you may follow a step by step guide on how to build a pc, meaning you will be much more careful than an experienced builder. However, if an experienced builder such as myself was to build a PC, it would probably be completed much quicker.
In the past 3 years, I have built over 150 gaming PC’s for both Instagram and clients, with most of those incorporating an AIO cooling system. For a basic computer, it usually takes me about an hour to construct the PC, including cable management and windows installation, however, if I was to construct a fully custom water-cooled rig such as the ones shown below, it would take a lot longer, as I would have to hand-bend the tubes, optimise the flow of the liquid, and pressure test it for an hour before putting the liquid in. Water cooled builds usually take me 6-8 hours, including pressure testing.
Confidence
Confidence can significantly impact the time it takes to build a PC. Someone feeling confident in their abilities is more likely to dive into the process, tackling challenges head-on. They might be comfortable consulting online guides or troubleshooting minor issues without hesitation. This decisiveness can shave off precious minutes or even hours compared to someone who hesitates at every step, fearing they might break something.
However, overconfidence can also be a pitfall. A beginner who skips crucial research steps or ignores compatibility warnings might end up spending extra time backtracking and fixing mistakes. A healthy balance is key. A confident builder with a good understanding of the process will likely complete the task efficiently, while someone with a realistic assessment of their knowledge will be more likely to seek help when needed, avoiding costly delays.
Cable Management
Cable management, while not directly affecting a PC’s functionality, can certainly impact your build time. A well-organized approach with cables neatly routed and secured takes extra time upfront. You’ll need to strategically plan cable paths, utilize zip ties or Velcro straps, and ensure proper airflow isn’t obstructed. This meticulous process can add 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of your case and the number of components.
However, the benefits of good cable management outweigh the initial time investment. A clean interior makes future upgrades and troubleshooting significantly easier. You’ll spend less time wrestling with tangled cables just to access a specific component. Additionally, improved airflow due to proper cable placement can lead to better system cooling, potentially boosting performance and lifespan. So, while spending extra time on cable management might seem tedious during the build, it can save you time and frustration down the line.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while factors like experience and chosen specifications will influence the overall build time, don’t underestimate the impact of your comfort level and approach. A confident builder with a realistic view of their knowledge can navigate the process efficiently. Cable management, though adding some time upfront, offers significant advantages in the long run. With these considerations in mind, you can approach your PC build with a clear picture of the time investment involved and reap the rewards of a custom-made machine that perfectly suits your needs.
So, “How Long Does It Take To Build A PC?” is not a general question, as each computer is different, however, it depends of experience, specs, and confidence.
