Build the Ultimate $2000 Gaming PC with EVGA RTX 3080 and Intel i7 12700k

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. PC Hardware and Costs
   1. RTX 3080 Ultra
   2. Asus 1000 watt power supply
   3. Asus Prime z690a motherboard
   4. Intel 12th gen i7 processor
   5. Corsair Vengeance RAM
   6. Samsung 980 SSD
   7. PC case
3. PC Build
   1. Motherboard setup
   2. CPU installation
   3. RAM installation
   4. SSD installation
   5. CPU Cooler installation
4. Power Supply Installation
5. Extensions Cables
6. Windows OS Installation
   1. Downloading Windows 10
   2. Creating installation media
   3. Installing Windows
   4. Activating Windows

Building the Ultimate $2000 Desktop PC

Are you ready to build the ultimate desktop PC? If you've been itching to upgrade or build a new PC, then this guide is for you. In this step-by-step walkthrough, we will take you through the entire process of creating a powerful and high-performance desktop PC using top-of-the-line hardware. With a budget of $2000, we will show you how to maximize performance and value. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced PC builder, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to build a top-notch PC from scratch. So let's dive in and get started!

PC Hardware and Costs

To build the best desktop PC within your budget, it's crucial to carefully choose each component. Here are the key hardware components we will be using in this build, along with their costs:

1. RTX 3080 Ultra: The graphics card is the heart of any gaming PC, and the RTX 3080 Ultra is a powerhouse. With a price tag of $749.99, it delivers incredible performance and can handle the most demanding games with ease.

2. Asus 1000 watt power supply: A reliable and efficient power supply is crucial to ensure smooth and stable operation. The Asus 1000 watt power supply, priced at $162.55, provides more than enough power for all your components.

3. Asus Prime z690a motherboard: The motherboard acts as the central hub for all your PC components. The Asus Prime z690a, priced at $269.99, offers excellent features, reliability, and compatibility.

4. Intel 12th gen i7 processor: With its impressive performance and multitasking capabilities, the Intel 12th gen i7 processor is an excellent choice for this build. Priced at $377.99, it offers great value for its price.

5. Corsair Vengeance RAM: To ensure smooth and lag-free performance, we will be using 32GB of Corsair Vengeance DDR5 RAM clocked at 5200MHz. Priced at $179.99, this RAM provides fast and reliable memory.

6. Samsung 980 SSD: For ultra-fast storage and quick boot times, the Samsung 980 1TB NVMe SSD is a perfect choice. Priced at $99, it offers plenty of storage space and blazing-fast read and write speeds.

7. PC case: A well-designed and spacious PC case is essential for proper airflow and cable management. The case we have chosen is priced at $139.99 and features a sleek all-white design with nine RGB fans for optimal cooling.

The total cost of all the components Mentioned above is $2060.48, just slightly over the budget of $2000. Now that we have all the necessary hardware, let's move on to the next step.

PC Build

Motherboard Setup

Before installing the motherboard into the case, it's essential to ensure it is properly set up. Follow these steps:

1. Carefully unbox the motherboard, ensuring you don't damage any components.
2. Install the Intel CPU into the motherboard, aligning the notches and arrows.
3. Install the RAM sticks into the proper slots, ensuring they are securely seated.
4. Install the M.2 SSD into the designated slot, firmly locking it in place.

Once all these components are installed, you can proceed to install the motherboard into the PC case.

CPU Installation

To install the CPU Cooler, follow these steps:

1. Remove any existing fans from the radiator if necessary.
2. Attach the CPU Cooler brackets to the back of the motherboard.
3. Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the CPU.
4. Carefully place the CPU Cooler on top of the CPU, ensuring it aligns with the brackets.
5. Secure the CPU Cooler using screws, tightening them evenly.

RAM Installation

To install the RAM sticks, follow these steps:

1. Line up the notches on the RAM sticks with the slots on the motherboard.
2. Insert the RAM sticks into the slots, applying even pressure until they click into place.
3. Ensure the RAM sticks are properly seated by gently pushing down on them.

SSD Installation

To install the M.2 SSD, follow these steps:

1. Remove the cover from the M.2 slot on the motherboard.
2. Insert the M.2 SSD into the slot at a slight angle.
3. Push the SSD down until it is fully seated.
4. Replace the cover to secure the SSD in place.

CPU Cooler Installation

To install the CPU Cooler, follow these steps:

1. Remove any existing fans from the radiator if necessary.
2. Attach the CPU Cooler brackets to the back of the motherboard.
3. Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the CPU.
4. Carefully place the CPU Cooler on top of the CPU, ensuring it aligns with the brackets.
5. Secure the CPU Cooler using screws, tightening them evenly.

Now that all the components are installed, you can proceed to install the power supply.

Power Supply Installation

To install the power supply, follow these steps:

1. Ensure all the necessary cables are unplugged.
2. Position the power supply in the designated area within the case.
3. Use the provided screws to secure the power supply in place.
4. Connect the necessary power cables to the appropriate components, such as the motherboard, GPU, and storage drives.

With the power supply installed and connected, you can now proceed to install the extension cables for a cleaner and more organized look.

Extensions Cables

To install the extension cables, follow these steps:

1. Identify the necessary extension cables for your setup, such as CPU, PCIe, and peripherals.
2. Plug one end of each cable into the appropriate component.
3. Route the cables neatly, ensuring they are Hidden as much as possible.
4. Connect the other end of each cable to the corresponding connectors on the power supply.

By using extension cables, you can achieve a clean and organized look while maintaining optimal cable management.

Windows OS Installation

To install the Windows operating system, follow these steps:

1. Download the Windows 10 installer from the official Microsoft website.
2. Create a bootable USB flash drive using the downloaded installer.
3. Plug the USB flash drive into the new PC.
4. Boot the PC from the USB drive.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10.
6. Once the installation is complete, activate Windows 10 using a product key.

Congratulations! You have now successfully built your ultimate $2000 desktop PC with all the latest and greatest components. Enjoy your powerful and high-performance gaming experience.

Highlights:

• Building a high-performance desktop PC within a $2000 budget.
• Carefully selecting top-of-the-line components for optimal performance.
• Step-by-step guide to installing the motherboard, CPU, RAM, SSD, and CPU Cooler.
• Installing the power supply and utilizing extension cables for cable management.
• The process of installing Windows 10 and activating it with a product key.

Resources:

• RTX 3080 Ultra: Website
• Asus Prime z690a motherboard: Website
• Intel 12th gen i7 processor: Website
• Corsair Vengeance RAM: Website
• Samsung 980 SSD: Website
• PC case: Website