PC build guides

Copy-and-adapt builds by budget and target resolution — part order, BIOS, airflow and upgrade planning. Written by Kevin Zhao.

14Articles

All PC build guides

14 results

Guides // 001

How to Build a Gaming PC in 2026: Step-by-Step for First-Timers

A no-jargon, first-timer walkthrough: the exact part-install order, what plugs where, first boot, and the five mistakes new builders always make.

15 min read

Guides // 002

PC Part Compatibility: The Checklist That Prevents a Dead Build

Socket, chipset, RAM QVL, GPU clearance, PSU connectors, radiator support: the compatibility checks to run before you buy a single part.

10 min read

Guides // 003

First BIOS Setup: EXPO, Fan Curves, Resizable BAR and a Safe Undervolt

The handful of BIOS settings worth changing on a new build, the ones to leave alone, and how to test memory and a Curve Optimizer undervolt for stability.

10 min read

Guides // 004

Cable Management for Airflow: A Repeatable Method

Routing order, tie points, service loops and fan-curve balance for a clean back panel and measurably cooler temps.

8 min read

Guides // 005

Upgrade Path Planning: Buy the Platform and PSU Once

How to pick a socket, chipset and PSU today so your next upgrade is a drop-in GPU or CPU swap, not a full rebuild.

9 min read

Guides // 006

Project Entropy PC Requirements: Which of Our Builds Actually Runs It?

Steam's minimum spec for Project Entropy is 2010-era hardware. We check it against SetupLevel's own build tiers to see how much headroom you really have.

3 min read