Expert PC help —
diagnose, fix, or build.

Before you start: back up anything you can't lose. A clean install erases the drive.

1. On another working PC, go to Microsoft's official Windows 11 download page and get the Media Creation Tool.
2. Insert a USB drive (8GB+, it will be wiped) and run the tool, choosing "Create installation media."
3. Back up your files to an external drive or cloud storage — Documents, Pictures, browser bookmarks, and any license keys.
4. Restart your PC, boot into the boot menu (usually F12, F10, or Esc at startup) and select the USB drive.
5. Follow the on-screen setup. When asked, choose "Custom install," select your main drive, delete existing partitions, and let Windows create new ones.
6. Complete setup, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your Microsoft account.
7. Install drivers for your GPU, chipset, and any peripherals from the manufacturer's website.
8. Reinstall your everyday apps and restore your backed-up files.

Stuck on partitioning, drivers not detecting, or activation issues? That's the most common place people get stuck — a live session sorts it out in minutes.

Parts checklist, in the order to buy them:

• CPU — pick this first, it decides everything else.
• Motherboard — must match your CPU's socket (e.g. AM5, LGA1700).
• RAM — 16GB minimum for most people, 32GB for gaming/creative work.
• GPU — sized to your resolution and budget, not the other way around.
• Storage — an NVMe SSD for your OS and main apps.
• PSU — never skimp here; buy 80+ Bronze or better with headroom above your GPU's draw.
• Case — check GPU length and radiator clearance before buying.

Assembly order:

1. Install the CPU, RAM, and M.2 SSD onto the motherboard outside the case first — much easier to work with.
2. Mount the motherboard standoffs, then the board itself, into the case.
3. Install the PSU and route cables before adding the GPU.
4. Seat the GPU in the top PCIe slot and connect its power cables.
5. Connect front-panel headers (power switch, USB, audio) — these are the most common build-day headache.
6. First boot: enter BIOS, confirm all RAM is detected, enable XMP/EXPO for full RAM speed, then install Windows.

Not sure which parts are actually compatible with each other? We'll help you build a parts list before you spend a cent, or stay on the line while you assemble it.

RAM: check your motherboard's supported speed and max capacity first. Buy RAM in a matched kit (e.g. 2x8GB) rather than mixing sticks — mismatched RAM is a common cause of instability.

SSD: confirm you have a free M.2 slot (fastest) or SATA bay. Clone your existing drive with free software before swapping, or do a fresh Windows install on the new drive.

GPU: check your case clearance, PSU wattage and connector count, and that your CPU won't bottleneck the new card. Uninstall old GPU drivers with DDU before installing a card from a different brand.

DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION — usually a storage driver or SSD firmware issue. Update your storage controller drivers and SSD firmware first.

No signal on boot — reseat the GPU and RAM, check the monitor cable is in the GPU (not the motherboard) port, and confirm the PSU cables are fully seated.

100% disk usage in Task Manager — often Windows Search indexing or a failing drive. Run a SMART health check on your drive before anything else.