Custom PC Build
The first custom desktop I built for myself back in 2020: a hands-on introduction to researching compatible parts, assembling a system, and learning the details that make a PC feel truly personal.
Assemble my first desktop from individual components: a balanced, affordable system capable of 1440p gaming that would also teach me the full assembly process. A side goal was to find a case with a reverse layout so that the glass panel would face into the room.
Started with the case-placement requirement, choosing the reverse-layout darkFlash V22. I then used PCPartPicker to validate compatibility and built around a Ryzen 5 3600 and RTX 2070 Super for affordable 1440p gaming.
This was my first custom PC build and the project that sparked my interest in computers and IT. Before this build, I had virtually no experience with computers beyond playing games on laptops and using basic software. Since then, I've come a long way, earning a degree in IT and going on to work professionally in the field. Looking back on this project now, it's rewarding to see just how far I've come since I first started.
I initially decided to build my own PC after a conversation with a friend. He told me that building a computer from scratch would give you much greater bang-for-your-buck compared to a prebuilt system, but that the biggest reward would be the satisfaction of seeing your little creation glowing in the corner of your room every day.
He was absolutely right. Seeing the finished product and knowing that I had put it together myself was incredibly satisfying. In many ways, it gave me the same sense of accomplishment that comes from restoring a classic car—taking the time to learn how everything fits together, adding personal touches that reflect your personality, and eventually knowing the machine inside and out.
The best part is being able to enjoy the result of all that effort. With a classic car, that means finally taking it out for a cruise. In my case, it meant firing up a heavily modded Fallout 4 and watching the PC I built handle it with ease.
I started my planning by envisioning where the PC would sit in my room. I wanted to place it on the left side of my desk, which meant that a conventional case layout would leave the glass panel facing away from me. While this was not a major issue, I wanted all the fancy components inside the PC to be on full display for me.
Because of this, I began looking for a case with a reverse layout and eventually found the darkFlash V22. This mid-tower case uses an unconventional design that rotates the motherboard 90 degrees, placing the rear I/O at the top of the case instead of the back. It also positions the GPU vertically, which makes for a very unique look. Most importantly, its reversed layout allowed me to display the internal components on the side facing me, making it a perfect fit for what I had envisioned.
I used 'pcpartpicker.com' to research compatible components and create a preliminary parts list. I had a rough idea of what I wanted: well-balanced components that would not break the bank while still letting me play games with my friends at solid graphics settings. This build dates back to 2020, so some of the components look dated beside current hardware. Despite this, it has served me extremely well over the years and taught me a great deal about the PC-building process.
Since completing this build, I've upgraded the GPU to an NVIDIA RTX 4080, which provided a significant improvement in gaming performance. I also expanded the storage capacity by adding a couple more SSDs. For now, I plan to continue using this PC as my primary system, though I'm already looking forward to starting a new custom build in the near future.
CPUAMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor
CoolerDeepcool Castle 240 RGB V2 69.34 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
MotherboardMSI MAG B550M BAZOOKA Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard
MemoryG.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
StorageWestern Digital Blue 2 TB M.2-2280 SATA Solid State Drive
GPUGigabyte WINDFORCE OC 3X GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8 GB Video Card
CasedarkFlash V22 ATX Mid Tower Case
PSUEVGA SuperNOVA 750 G3 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
Fans3 x Noctua F12 PWM chromax.black.swap 54.97 CFM 120 mm Fan
OSMicrosoft Windows 10 Pro OEM - DVD 64-bitThis project served as my earliest foundation for building and understanding computers. It taught me the fundamentals of computer hardware, system assembly, component compatibility, operating system installation, and troubleshooting.
What began as a goal to play games at 1440p ultimately became the project that sparked my interest in the world of IT. The experience gave me the confidence to continue learning, take on more advanced PC projects, and eventually pursue a career in the field.