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How to Boot a PC for the First Time (Checklist)

Final Checks and Steps Before Turning On and Starting Your New Custom Computer

Published On: Sep 16, 2019

So you've installed all your PC parts and think you're ready to boot your new PC build for the first time. However, if you want to make sure you've done all the required steps and completed everything that you need to do correctly for a stress-free, smooth and successful first boot, in this guide we'll quickly go over a basic checklist before pressing that magical On button and starting-up your new computer.

1: Check Component Connections

You'll first want to double check all your components are all still inserted all the way into their slots and firmly held in place via screws and/or their socket clips. It's unlikely, but during the installation of your motherboard into the case or while you plugged in all the power cables into the motherboard, a component may have accidentally been moved around a little or disconnected if it wasn't properly fitted and/or screwed in.

Loose screws may lead to a component being loosed in its motherboard socket, so it's worth double checking now. Remember not to tighten screws too far; just turn them a fraction more than when they feel tight. Go ahead and check your CPU cooler, memory module/s, graphics card/s, and any other components you have in your motherboard.

2. Check Front Panel Connections

Double check the front panel connections that you plugged in earlier in the building process, as there is the chance something may have become loose during later steps. While you're at it, double check all of your power supply cables are firmly plugged into place.

If you connected your power supply cables a while back in the process, or you've since been digging into some cable management 'cause you know what's good for you (and your system), you might as well double check those cable connections as well to ensure all power cables are securely connected all the way in to your motherboard (and any other components that require a direct connection from your PSU).

3. Connect Monitor and Peripherals

Ok, it's time to connect up your peripherals so that you can see what happens on-screen when you first boot-up, and so that you can proceed with installation should your PC start up properly the first time. 

The keyboard and mouse should plug into any USB ports; ideally you'll want to plug them in the back of your PC to keep your front ports available. Older keyboards and mice will plug into the PS/2 connections instead, also on the back of your PC. 

Depending on the monitor, you will either need just the video cable (either HDMI, DVI, DP or VGA) from the back of the monitor into the back of your graphics card (not your motherboard), or you'll need both a video cable and a dedicated power cable connection from the back of your monitor into a wall socket. 

If you have a set of speakers or using a headset, you can plug these in now if you want to. Same with your network connection; an Ethernet cable will plug from the back of your PC to your router, or if you're using a wireless dongle then plug that into the back.

4. Plug Power Supply to Wall (& Turn On)

Replace your case's rear side panel if you haven't already done so. However, keep the main side panel off for the time being so you can see what's going on when you boot-up in the next step. 

Then plug in the main power cable of your power supply to a wall socket (ideally into a surge protector of some sort if you have one), and turn the power on at the wall.

Now, turn on the switch on the back of your power supply, and turn on your monitor.

5. Press Power-On Button (On Front of Case)

You now have everything ready to go, so it's time to cross fingers, pray to the skies, and press that scary On button on the front of your case.

If you've done everything correctly throughout the PC building process, which you should have if you followed a full step by step guide like ours, you should now hear your case fans start up (hopefully only lightly because nobody likes a loud system), and you should also see a light on your PC and on your motherboard (some boards may not have a light though).

Something should show up on your monitor, too (make sure the monitor is turned on). Look inside your case to check that your case fans and the CPU fan is spinning. Keep in mind that your graphics card fan/s may not spin unless they're under load, so don't worry if there's no sign of life in that department.

If everything seems to be working, replace your side panel as you shouldn't run your PC without both panels in place for too long as it affects airflow.

More importantly, high five yourself or the nearest feline/dog/dude/dudette because you've now successfully built your first PC and ascended to rank of Jedi within the Master Race of gaming (which is PC for anyone who's been chilling under that proverbial rock for the past decade). 

Or, if you've been using our gaming PC installation guides instead as a refresher (and you've already built a PC in the past)...give yourself (or that cat) a high 4.

Once you successfully do a first boot of your computer and all seems well, it's time to wade into the notorious waters of the BIOS and install your operating system software.

6. No Response from PC? Here's What to Do

If there's no response when you turn on your PC, or something seems to be wrong, you're going to have to track back over your steps to see whether you missed something, didn't connect something properly, or to find another issue. Worst case is that a component isn't working and you can simply return it for a replacement, which really isn't that bad and does happen sometimes.

Don't get down on yourself or stress out if your new computer doesn't turn on, as it could be something very simple that you either missed or that you can quickly rectify, and you should be up and running in no time to claim that Jedi status.

We won't leave you hanging: see the troubleshooting new PC builds guide to learn how to find and fix common first-boot problems.

PC Assembly Hub: How to Assemble a PC

About the Author

I'm Julz, creator of BGC. In my teens I learned game programming as a hobby in my spare time, which led to a keen interest in the hardware side of things as well. I then started this site to share what I was learning about DIY at the time, and through years of trial and error and slow reiterations in the quality and depth of content, over time the site has evolved from a very rudimentary little blog with only a handful of pages into a relatively in-depth resource for PC builders and gamers that has helped many gamers and power users take the plunge to build their first PC with confidence to reap the benefits of doing so.

My fav games of all time are the immortal OOT, Perfect Dark, MGS1, MGS2, GE007, DKC2, and HL1, but since trying VR for the first time a few years ago I've been completely fascinated by it and the limitless possibilities it presents. Once you experience the greatest virtual reality experiences available today like Half Life Alyx and Saints and Sinners just to name two, if you're like me you'll feel pretty freakin' excited about the future of gaming and entertainment as a whole.

PS: After a long hiatus from hobbyist game dev, I recently made a return and am excited to say I'll soon be announcing my first official game release - an immersive story-driven VR Sci-Fi Adventure powered by Unreal Engine. When the time is right I'll be announcing the first sneak peak trailer on my Twitter if interested.

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