How Long Does It Take To Build A PC? Quick Answer
Post Disclaimer
We independently review everything we recommend. The information is provided by How Long Does It Take To Build A PC? Quick Answer and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we may earn a commission if you buy something through links on our post. Learn more
Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out how long it should take. So, How Long Does It Take To Build A PC? If you are Building A New Computer for the first time, you’re probably wondering how long it takes to build a PC in general.
And, as you might expect, the answer is complicated by several circumstances, making it impossible to pinpoint a certain time frame. So, what are the different steps of the Computer Building Process, and how long does each one take? Keep reading because that’s exactly what we’ll show you in this guide.
How Long Does It Take To Build A PC?
The actual construction of the computer will take a skilled builder between 40 and an hour for a straightforward build. It will take a beginner or unskilled PC builder three to four hours, assuming that every step is properly followed and there are no problems.

Time Measurement Of Time While Building A PC
Buying Hardware
It’s time to buy the pieces you desire when you’ve selected what you want. You may do it the old-fashioned way by visiting any reputable local electronics store in your area, and if they have all the parts you need in stock, you’ll have them in no time. Alternatively, you may take the simpler but more time-consuming route of purchasing online and having everything brought to your home.
When it comes to purchasing computer hardware, sites like Newegg, Amazon, and BHPhotoVideo are among the most popular and trusted online retailers, but shipping times vary depending on which site you choose and where you live.
Now, placing all of the components into your shopping cart and pressing “purchase” is the easiest thing; but you shouldn’t rush into the transaction. Why? The trouble with PC components is that their prices are continually fluctuating.
This could be due to several factors, including lower or higher supply, as well as planned new releases. When you consider that a sale might be coming up or that another retailer might be offering that fancy GPU for a little less, it’s easy to see why you might want to perform some market research as well.
We’ve already talked about what the optimum time is to buy PC components, so we recommend you read that post. There could be a deal coming up, or a new generation of GPUs could be on the way, causing shops to discount some good earlier versions. However, if there are no expected price cuts shortly, you might as well order your components now.
As previously stated, acquiring the hardware is simple and should take no more than several minutes, but shipping will take much longer. Furthermore, there may be some additional barriers in the way, such as a lack of stock, late delivery, and mishaps, as well as the possibility of receiving the incorrect item or a defective one, all of which will only slow down the process.
Fortunately, large companies like Amazon deliver quickly and are recognized for outstanding customer service, so delays or defective products should not be a problem. Still, if you’re ordering items online, the wait for them to come will most likely be the most time-consuming part of your PC Build.
Building And Unboxing
Now comes the exciting part: unwrapping the components and assembling the PC. Unpacking takes no time at all, but carefully packing everything within the case is another matter. Someone with knowledge and all of the necessary tools could assemble a PC within an hour, but if you’re a beginner and rely on YouTube videos for guidance, the procedure may take the entire afternoon.
The size of the case will be crucial in this situation, as a greater breathing area will make it easier to put everything properly. As a result, Mini Tower, a Mid Tower, or a tiny form factor case is likely to be more difficult to use than a Full Tower case.
In this era of transparent enclosures and RGB lighting, cable management is also crucial. If you’re going with a translucent or open casing, you’ll want the inside of your PC to seem neat. Even if you aren’t, appropriate cable management is essential for optimum airflow and cooling.
Overall, putting a PC together appears to be more difficult than it is, but if you don’t want to risk harming your expensive new hardware, some retailers can assemble it for you, and there are even internet sites that create and sell custom PCs on demand.
If you bought your PC from one of these services, you would save time and effort, but you would also pay a little more for the service. There’s also the fact that some PC building businesses have fewer customization possibilities than others.
Troubleshooting
We’ve all been there: you’ve assembled everything correctly, sorted the connections, and your new PC is a wonderful sight. When you hit the boot button, nothing happens.
The troubleshooting is where the not-so-fun part begins. You made a mistake with someone along the way. Maybe you won’t connect some wires correctly, mismatched some pins, failed to turn on the power supply, or one of the parts was dead when it arrived.
Whatever the situation may be, there could be a variety of problems with the new PC, as well as a variety of solutions. This is usually the most uncomfortable portion of the procedure, and determining the issue could take anywhere from a few minutes to many hours, depending on the nature of the condition.
Putting The OS And Other Software On The Computer
Thank goodness, the PC is up and running, the hardware is in location, and we can now go on to the software. The first step is to implement the operating system. Windows 10 is currently the most common operating system for gaming, and while the first installation is quite short (10-20 minutes), we all know how unpleasant all the updates can be.
Furthermore, if you’re running an older version of Windows 10, you may have to wait up to an hour for all of the updates to download and install. However, while the OS is obtaining updates, you can download and run other software.
Many of us underestimate how long it will take to set everything up, so don’t expect to have everything ready in under an hour. In reality, if you have a poor connection to the internet, this process may take many hours to complete.
How Long Does It Take To Assemble A Computer?
To return to the article’s initial query and summarize the situation, let’s examine how long it takes to create a PC. Taking into consideration that research and delivery can take anything from a few days to a few weeks, based on the availability of the needed components.
For a straightforward construction, an experienced builder will spend roughly 40 minutes to an hour putting the computer together. It will take 3 to 4 hours for a newbie or inexperienced PC builder if all procedures are meticulously followed so that no complications develop. If errors have occurred, discovering the cause of the problem and resolving it could take several hours, on top of the 3-4 Hour Setup Period.
How Long Does It Take To Build A PC For The First Time?
Depending on the complexity, assembling the PC should take a seasoned builder between forty and sixty minutes. It might take a first-time or unskilled PC builder three to four hours to complete the entire process from start to finish, assuming that all stages are taken meticulously, and no problems develop along the way.
Is Building A PC Hard?
Building a computer is not a challenging task. Although it could sound frightening, most of the time, it is simple and reasonable. If you have a broad understanding of what you are doing, the odds of an accident are extremely low to none. But the truth is that you don’t need to be a technology expert in constructing a PC.
Is It Cheaper To Build A PC?
At first, purchasing a pre-built computer is always more expensive than creating one. However, buying parts separately is frequently of higher quality than the bulk-ordered parts used in pre-built computers.
Conclusion
Overall, if you’re unsure How Long Does It Take To Build A PC? It’s advisable to provide some wiggle room so you don’t hurry the process. Impatience may eventually come back to visit you in the form of unwelcome issues that necessitate component removal and reassembly. This can happen right away or at a later time.
Many people love the process of putting the PC pieces together because it is a one-time task that will last for years. It’s probably ideal to think of it as a delightful experience, particularly if you’re a beginner, so you can get used to it and learn to execute it quickly and precisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it that difficult to put together a computer?
It’s quite simple to construct your computer. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty; all you’ll need is a screwdriver, some patience, and the capacity to follow basic instructions. This approach, of course, applies to the building of desktop PCs. It’s not quite that simple to construct your laptop.
How long does it take the typical person to put together a gaming computer?
My first time took around 4 hours, and each subsequent time took less and less time. It also relies on the complexity of your construction. It will take longer if you need to set up water cooling or other equipment. Expect to spend roughly 4 hours total on a basic setup before you can use it correctly.
Is it more cost-effective to construct your computer?
Building a PC is always more costly than purchasing a pre-built system at first. Individually purchased components, on the other hand, are frequently of higher quality than bulk-ordered components used in pre-built computers.
Is it possible for a 10-year-old to build a computer?
Choosing appropriate components, putting together a computer, and setting it up are all tasks that kids as young as 10-12 years old may handle. It will, however, challenge your youngster and help him or her gain some vital abilities and characteristics.