My teenager son wants to build a computer

[Anonymous]

… and he persuaded me to buy parts. We did that under the guidance of a family member. Now that family member is no longer available to actually help build the computer… I can’t return parts as return window has closed… where can I find help to put it all together?

[Anonymous]

I built my first computer back in 2019 and helped my daughter build hers a year later. We followed this guy's video on Youtube. He has a bunch of them that are more recent, but the basics are still the same.

Here's the step by step guide for putting it all together. If it's not a gaming pc, that's fine. The process is the same.
https://youtu.be/PubJxQBKBio?si=YEyWGeOlNf9bIsFk

Here's another one for how to install the operating system. I'm assuming you're using Windows:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfwjISmkEJM&list=PLRnHcRQUxuoeQM4-llcMNXTakKZcAAyB6&index=15

[Anonymous]

Also meant to add that Reddit is a good place to go for more timely support. Here's a link to the "build a pc" sub.
https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/

If you scroll down, on the right side of the screen is a section labeled Resources that also has videos and guides that can help as well.

[Anonymous]

Micro Center will do this. Other computer repair shops probably will, too.

But, honestly, it's not that hard. Your son probably has at least one friend who knows how to do this Even if not, anyone can learn to put the parts together by watching a few Youtube videos and looking up information online.

[Anonymous]

My son built a computer when he was 15. It was amazing to see.all kinds of lights inside and water cooling with glowing water. He worked manual labor jobs and paid for it all himself.he is now a engineer making huge money

[Anonymous]

Tell your son to figure it out and if he abandons the project just take the pieces to goodwill

[Anonymous]

Just don't do this, and you'll be fine

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2lmfF0k2UcU

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

How old is your son? Building a computer is not particularly difficult and with a little common sense not dangerous. Every connector is keyed in a way that it will only go in the correct way. Some of the components take a little force to snap in. You could buy/acquire a used e-waste computer and practice taking the pieces in the out if you are worried. The biggest danger associated with building a computer is being stupid and having it plugged in or not discharging the capacitors after unplugging it. The most common danger is scraping your hands while trying to connect things in the small spaces.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone for your inputs! This is very encouraging. Yes, my son does have one friend who has built it himself and who is also 13 years old… But that child is also very busy and it’s hard to schedule time to work on the project together…. One thing I’m really glad about is that this computer building project seems to be a major distraction from games…. I will try and work with my son and figure out things together…. And you guys are right if everything fails, just consider it a sunk cost… Try and take it to Micro Center and see if they can help and salvage… I hope to come back here in a few months and report back on our success.

I don’t think I’m comfortable, letting my son just figure it out on his own… Plus working together could strengthen our relationship (recently strained due to limiting g games) and he seems to be open to it….

[Anonymous]

If he spec'd everything out properly, it's really just a matter of putting pieces in slots. There are only a couple of actual screws (or possibly none depending on the case). It's really hard to screw up. If he plans on using thermal paste on the CPU, make him watch a video, otherwise pieces will either fit or not - kind of like a preschool block game.

[Anonymous]

Just about anyone can do it if they have the right parts. Screw motherboard into case. Add and wire power supply and seat daughter boards. Connect the wires to pins and terminals properly and you're on your way.

Just take your time and be aware of static electricity.