The 10 Details Most PC Builders Miss (And Why We Never Do)

Building a computer isn’t just screwing parts together, it’s an art. Even experienced DIY builders, 30 systems in, often miss small but important details. These details are where we shine at Lakes Custom Computers

Here are ten things most builders get wrong… and how we get them right.

1. Cable Management That Lasts

Most builds look neat only from the front. Flip the panel and you’ll find a jungle of tensioned cables and zip-tie scars.
We do it right: every cable is routed with intention, pressure-free, and secured for longevity, not just Instagram angles.

2. Perfect Thermal Paste Application

Too much paste chokes performance. Too little leaves hot spots.
We do it right: precise application every time, tested under load so your CPU runs at its best.

3. Fan Orientation & Airflow Balance

Even veteran builders mix intake and exhaust, or starve GPUs of airflow.
We do it right: every fan placement is mapped for optimal positive/negative pressure, ensuring your system runs cool and quiet.

4. Correct RAM Placement & XMP/EXPO Profiles

Builders often slot RAM incorrectly or never enable high-speed profiles, leaving free performance on the table.
We do it right: memory is installed in the manufacturer’s recommended channels and tuned to its rated speed out of the box.

5. BIOS & Firmware Updates

Many PCs ship with outdated firmware, missing critical stability and security improvements.
We do it right: every system leaves our bench fully updated, tested, and future-proofed.

6. Drive Mounting & Cable Care

Loose SSDs, bent SATA cables, and vibrating HDDs are common mistakes. Sometimes builders dont leave you the spare micro screws needed to add SSD's down the line!
We do it right: drives are mounted with care, cables are neatly routed, and every connection is stress-tested.

7. Correct Power Distribution

Builders often daisy-chain GPU power, overload rails, or use the wrong modular cables.
We do it right: only direct, manufacturer-approved cabling, ensuring stable power delivery for years.

8. Silent But Effective Cooling

Many systems roar at full fan speed, or worse, throttle because fan curves weren’t tuned.
We do it right: every fan and pump is tuned for the perfect balance of noise and cooling.

9. Stress Testing & Burn-In

Too many builders boot to Windows and call it a day.
We do it right: every machine undergoes hours of stress testing across CPU, GPU, memory, and storage, so you get a system proven to perform under pressure. We also install commonly used apps, such as Chrome, Steam, Discord and more!

10. Attention to Aesthetics

Average builds are functional, but clashing RGB, crooked coolers, and misaligned parts ruin the experience. Some builders forget to wipe fingerprints off and the computer looks used before it even arrives. 
We do it right: every build is aligned, balanced, and finished like a showpiece, because performance should look as good as it feels.

The Result: Perfection, Every Time

We limit ourselves to two builds per day because perfection isn’t rushed. Whether it’s your first PC or your fiftieth, when you buy from Lakes Custom Computers, you get every detail done right.

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