If you search for how to build a gaming PC Linus Tech Tips, you are not looking for a generic checklist. You are looking for a build philosophy shaped by real mistakes, practical tradeoffs, and years of on-camera trial and error. Linus Tech Tips, led by Linus Gabriel Sebastian since 2008, has become one of the most trusted references for PC building because it shows what actually happens when parts do not fit, cables refuse to cooperate, or a system does not boot the first time.
This guide follows that same practical mindset. It explains how to build a gaming PC the Linus Tech Tips way, grounded in specific guidance from their long-running build content, including the widely referenced “How to Build a PC, the Last Guide You’ll Ever Need” first released on 11 January 2020 and the first-person POV PC build video published on 12 May 2024. Understanding how components interact at a system level is a big part of this process, which is why many first-time builders also explore structured foundations like the Tech Certification to better understand hardware compatibility, performance bottlenecks, and platform behavior.
Start With the Right Build Philosophy
One of the most consistent points Linus makes across years of videos is that gaming performance depends more on balance than on raw specs. The most expensive part is not always the most important part.
For gaming-focused builds, Linus repeatedly emphasizes that the graphics card should take the largest share of the budget. In multiple builds shown between 2022 and 2024, mid-range CPUs paired with stronger GPUs consistently outperformed expensive CPUs paired with weaker graphics cards in real games.
This is why many Linus Tech Tips builds use processors like Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 class chips for gaming, reserving higher core-count CPUs for users who stream, edit video, or run heavy multitasking workloads.
Choosing the Core Components
Every Linus Tech Tips gaming PC build starts with careful part selection.
The CPU must match the motherboard socket and chipset. Linus often reminds viewers to double-check socket compatibility before purchasing. Installing an AM5 processor on an AM4 board, or vice versa, is a common beginner mistake.
The motherboard should support the CPU generation out of the box or have BIOS flashback support. In several videos from 2023, Linus showed systems failing to boot because the BIOS was not updated to support a newer processor.
RAM configuration matters more than many beginners expect. Linus consistently recommends dual-channel memory and enabling XMP or EXPO in the BIOS. In multiple troubleshooting videos, systems lost measurable performance simply because memory profiles were never enabled.
For storage, NVMe SSDs are the default recommendation. Linus moved away from recommending hard drives for active game libraries years ago, showing side-by-side load time comparisons where SSDs reduced loading screens dramatically.
Preparing the Workspace the Linus Way
One reason Linus Tech Tips build videos resonate is that they show realistic workspaces. The advice is simple but specific.
Use a flat surface with enough room to lay out all components. Ground yourself to avoid static discharge. Keep screws organized. In the 12 May 2024 POV build video, the camera shows exactly how much time is lost when screws are misplaced or mixed between components.
This preparation step sounds minor, but it prevents many of the mistakes Linus intentionally demonstrates on camera.
Installing the CPU, RAM, and Storage
Linus always installs the CPU, RAM, and M.2 SSD on the motherboard before placing it in the case. This makes installation easier and reduces the risk of bending pins or damaging slots.
When placing the CPU, alignment markers must match the socket. Linus often pauses here in videos to stress that CPUs should drop into place without force. If pressure is needed, something is wrong.
Thermal paste application is another recurring topic. In several test videos, Linus demonstrated that a small, centered amount of paste works just as well as more complex patterns. Overapplication does not improve cooling and can create mess.
Mounting the Motherboard and Power Supply
Once core components are installed, the motherboard goes into the case. Linus frequently points out the importance of motherboard standoffs. Forgetting them can short the board, a mistake shown more than once in older build videos.
Power supply selection is treated seriously on Linus Tech Tips. The channel has published multiple PSU teardown videos showing how cheap, unbranded units fail. Linus consistently advises using reputable brands with proper efficiency ratings and enough wattage headroom.
Cable routing is not just cosmetic. Linus demonstrates how poor cable management restricts airflow and raises temperatures, especially in compact cases.
Installing the GPU and Final Connections
The graphics card is usually the largest and heaviest component. Linus often supports the GPU during installation to avoid stressing the PCIe slot. In builds from 2023 onward, GPU sag became a recurring topic, with Linus recommending support brackets for heavier cards.
Front panel connectors are another area where beginners struggle. In the POV build video, Linus shows how small and awkward these connectors are, emphasizing patience and motherboard manual diagrams.
First Boot, BIOS, and Common Fixes
A successful first boot does not mean the build is finished. Linus repeatedly stresses the importance of BIOS configuration.
On first startup, enter the BIOS and confirm that the CPU, RAM, and storage are detected. Enable XMP or EXPO for memory. Check CPU temperatures at idle. In several troubleshooting segments, Linus showed systems running at reduced performance simply because default settings were never adjusted.
Driver installation comes next. Graphics drivers should be downloaded directly from NVIDIA or AMD, not from generic sources. Chipset drivers from the motherboard manufacturer also matter for stability.
Real Mistakes Linus Shows on Purpose
Part of why people trust how to build a gaming PC Linus Tech Tips guides is that mistakes are not edited out.
Linus has shown systems failing to boot because the display cable was plugged into the motherboard instead of the GPU. He has shown builds where the power switch connector was misplaced, making the PC appear dead. These moments are intentional teaching tools.
According to community feedback across 2022 to 2024, many first-time builders reported these exact mistakes and credited Linus videos for helping them fix issues quickly.
Time Expectations and Patience
Linus is clear about time expectations. A first-time build can take three to six hours. Experienced builders may finish in one to two hours, but only because they have made mistakes before.
Rushing is the fastest way to create problems. This is a recurring theme across Linus Tech Tips content.
Going Deeper Into System Understanding
Building a gaming PC is hands-on, but understanding why certain configurations work better than others comes from deeper system knowledge. Topics like memory latency, PCIe bandwidth, thermal limits, and power delivery are often discussed at a surface level in videos, but they sit within broader computing principles. Builders who want to go beyond trial and error often explore advanced frameworks such as Deep Tech Certification programs to understand how hardware, firmware, and operating systems interact under load.
The Content and Creator Angle
Linus Tech Tips also shows how building PCs connects to content creation and community trust. The channel’s transparency, including admitting mistakes and showing failures, built a loyal audience. For creators, retailers, and educators in the gaming space, understanding how technical clarity translates into credibility is valuable. This is where broader strategy insights, such as those covered in the Marketing and Business Certification, become relevant for turning technical knowledge into sustainable engagement.
Conclusion
How to build a gaming PC Linus Tech Tips remains popular because it is grounded in reality. It does not assume perfection. It assumes human error, budget constraints, and learning through doing.
The core lesson is simple. A good gaming PC is not about showing off parts. It is about understanding how each component fits into a system, taking your time, and learning from mistakes. That mindset is what Linus Tech Tips has taught consistently for more than a decade, and it is why these build guides continue to be trusted by beginners and experienced builders alike.