I'm building my first PC. Reddit's r/PCMasterRace and r/BuildAPC have been really helpful in getting started, partly for the suggestions and stuff like that, but a loooooot of research has been going into this. My SO has built a few and everytime I say I think I've settled on a part, he'll ask me something random (to a n00b like me) like, "didja check its benchmarks?" and then not explain what that is or means so back to the drawing board I go.

I can truly say though that I am really enjoying this process. It's like a puzzle, and I've always enjoyed figuring out how to put things together. I'm building a mid-range one because $$$, but it will be built for gaming. Because of the $$$ I can only purchase one or two parts a month so based on my timeline I'll really be able to start building around August, possibly September, but hopefully August.

I got my PSU this month, and by mid April I should have my video card. I'm pretty sure I've settled on which one I want, but that could all change in the next few weeks before I purchase.

Has anyone else around here built a gaming PC?
What is your best piece of advice when it comes to building one?

PC Part Picker and Tom's Hardware have been pretty helpful resources along with those subreddits I mentioned above, any others you like?

I'd also loooove to hear any horror stories you've had in building a PC. Words of warning are appreciated 

Thanks for the help or just the read-through!

I work in IT, have built more PCs than I can count. 

Do your homework (which you are).  It's not anywhere near as mysterious and complicated as some seem to believe. 

I'd love to hear what you end up with.  Maybe a pic or two? 

...what Olan said!

The one time I built a PC strictly for gaming was the same instance in which I built a full scale mech cockpit in my garage, so I'm afraid my input might be overkill... plus, this was for MW3, so you cand deduce how long ago that was.

To me, it sounds as if you have a pretty good handle on things (and that your SO might be a bit of a handy resource). Building a PC isn't as hard as it's made out to be... irritating, sometimes? Absolutely!... Difficult? Naaaaaahhhh!!!

Thanks for your input!

That would be sooooo cool to be able to create a mech cockpit for Battletech or something *looks around apartment* Alas, it shall have to wait.

It sounds a lot cooler than it is for practicality's sake. If I remember correctly, when all was said and done, that cockpit was about 16 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 5 feet high. Took up a good part of half of the garage, plus, in order for me to keep the towers from overheating I had to work in a "window A/C unit" and, even at that, you'd sweat your hoopty off inside if you played for longer than an hour at a time.

Was it fun? Hells YEAH!

Did the neighborhood kids enjoy it? Hells YEAH!

Was it practical? Ummmmm... no... not really... especially if you asked my wife.

And, I never really got to paint it beyond the base-coat of gray primer, either... kind of a bummer.

It did make for one helluva bonfire when it was dismantled, though, and the PC components got donated to a good cause, soooooo....there's that.

Still sounds like a hoot! It also reminds, me, I have a friend in Montreal who often goes to this place called Hangar 51. It's a bar/gaming place, BUT they also have these massive pods that let you control mechs in a dope simulator thing. It's on my to do list!

www.h51.bar/

...they had those at a Dave & Buster's (think Chuck E Cheese for grown ups) in Columbus! I loved those things! 

P.S. Geez, Bree! If you ever do get out as far east as Montreal, look me up... I'm on the way.

Haha will do! Those simulated mechs won't know what they're in for!

...we will crush you on the down-low and bury you in kitty litter!