How hard is it to actually assemble a PC?

I've always contemplated building my own PC in regards to it being more cost efficient rather than purchasing a gaming pc from Dell, HP, or the like. However the daunting task of trying to assemble it once all the hardware has been bought has always seemed like a job best suited for a more technological savvy individual. Now my question is how hard is it really to put together a gaming rig i.e. putting hardware into place and making sure it functions properly. I know there's a sticky that breaks down the hardware that i would need but i just want to know how hard assembly will and could be.

It's pretty easy, but I really think you need to have someone who knows guiding you through the process the first time. If you were on your own, you could probably make do with reading all instructions, watching a bunch of tutorial videos online, etc. The hardest part then is making sure everything is made to go together and troubleshooting any issues that may arise.
 
I just learned recently, myself. Had a friend walk me through all the steps, and was shocked how what looked intimidating broke down to a pretty simple 'plug everything in in the right order' process.

I recently built one of my own.  And I didn't know much at all.  I had always been able to install a card or whatever but had no idea about everything else.  The only thing that is a must is to get the CPU mounted to the Motherboard by someone that knows what they are doing because if you bend one of those tiny pins you will mess it up.  Other than that it is all pretty forgiving I would say.

Find a friend that knows computery things and ask them to help you with it. Youtube probably has a million DIY computer video type things.  
 
 
Once you've done it though, agreed, not hard at all.

Depends on how computer literate you are really but either way it shouldn't be too hard. Still, if you're unsure it's best to consult a guide or someone you know who's built a PC before. It's not hard per se, just easy to fuck up if you do something wrong.

" Not hard at all. "

" @Clinkz said:

" Not hard at all. "

bullshit, ive been a PC gamer for two years and i cant keep up with all the new hardware and what graphics card is compatible with this motherboard and will it make me change my CPU and  FFFFFUUUUUUU----- "

It helped me to take apart a computer I already owned and transplant it into a new case. Once you've got that basic part down, the rest is all about knowing what parts you're going to need to get the thing running.
 
Basically, read tech sites. Read reviews and figure out what parts are the best for your needs. Study one of the many guides you can find for free on the internet. When you think you're ready, and when the time to buy is right (usually after the release of a major hardware advancement), buy buy buy.
 
Most of the stuff is simple plugging in of parts. Probably the most daunting thing for me on my first build was applying thermal paste. There's an optimal pattern for different processors, and applying the right amount takes practice. Unfortunately, it's annoying having to clean off both contact points every time you mess up, and thermal paste comes in tiny little tubes that are relatively expensive for what they are.

" Not hard at all. "

It is stupid easy. I finally built my own computer about two years ago and it took about thirty minutes or less. I was paranoid about putting the processor in, but it just kinda slid into place. I put the clamp down and that was it. If I can do it, anyone can.

"
I'm a complete technical ignoramus, but even i could assemble a PC a few years ago. 
You don't have to understand the hardware in order to assemble it. Compatibility issues may occur. AMD/ATI is a good match. So is Intel/NVIDIA. "

" @The_Drizzle: If you are smart enough to build IKEA furniture, you can build your own PC. "

It is all plug and play. The hard part is making sure it is all compatible. I suggest finding a knowledgeable buddy to help you the first time. 

Here, let Brad walk you through it:
 
 

Very easy. I've assembled two and I'm not that great with computers.

I did it for a co-op in high school, the hardest part is making sure you have the right type of ram and its not that hard any ways.  
The mother board comes with a manual on how to hook up the power button and stuff. Most things these days are colour coded so if you look in the general area it should go well.
 
 @eroticfishcake:  Why do you need to keep track of new hardware, just live in the year ago or two realm. Or not its not really that hard the numbers are usually bigger. I had a 9600 since last summer and now i have a g210m.  I didn't even know that nvidia wasn't going to make a series 10. Now its g _ _ _    right? So what ever the biggest number should be the most high end. I aim for the mid range cards any ways.

It was easy a few years ago. It's even easier now with so many tutorial videos.

It's very very easy. Most of the time your motherboard will have a pretty good set of step by step instructions with it that you can use if it's your first time so you don't really need someone there to help you out. There's really not much to it and you save a lot of cash by shopping for the best prices for each individual part.

Thing doesn't fit in the slot? Try another slot. 
 
Once you run out of things to put into other things your computer will be built.

It's like the hardest thing ever, you need a blowtorch, a crowbar, a soldering iron and some duct tape.  
 
Or at least that's how some people perceive it >.> 
 
Building PCs aren't that hard (I'm not going to say it's ridiculously easy either you are working with complex electronics and must be careful), but there are a plethora of guides and each instruction manual fully contains the information you need as well.  
 
 
@ButtonsMcBoomBoom said:

" Thing doesn't fit in the slot? Try another slot.  Once you run out of things to put into other things your computer will be built. "

Assembling a PC is really easy.
 
Just figuring out if it certain components or parts work is a different story. Also you're asking this from a site where most PC gamers will have knowledge on how to build a computer. They'll see it as easy, but your average joe will probably not know how or finds it too difficult.

It's pretty easy, but it can't hurt to have someone walk you through it the first time. 
 
Also, you'll almost certainly want to get some input on what to buy to avoid any compatibility issues, missing components, or wasting your money on something. Hell, I've built quite a few PC's and I still make sure I get a second opinion from a few people before I make a purchase.

If you know the difference with motherboards and what processors graphics cards (AGP(old now) or PCI Express (type) etc) it's like playing with lego.

There are just a few things you should always keep in mind: 
 

• Don't touch anything before getting rid of your static charge (or wear gloves)
• Try not to touch any shiny parts, only plastic parts on the outside, if possible.
• Don't break off anything, even the smallest part could be essential
• Think about the order before you start. Some parts can get hard to reach once something else is in place
• Work slowly, no rush. When in doubt, ask someone. Do it by the book.
• Never run anything without cooling in place, not even for a 20 second test run.

These days when we upgrade/buy a new computer, my dad just sits back and says "Build it for me, will ya?" :3
As long as you know that the parts you are getting are compatible with each other, it's almost as easy putting a jigsaw puzzle together. You really can't put something in the wrong slot, (Hur Hur) and the CPU is pretty much fool-proof compared to a few years ago. Just watch a couple of DIY videos on youtube to see where all the small LED light cords for the case goes, and you're fine.
The only real thing that you can fuck up badly is the CPU, but as I said, it's now filled with so many counter-measures that you'd have to be hitting the motherboard with a hammer to do any real damage.