PB Tech Pre-Built PC Unboxing & Setup Guide

So you just got your brand new PC, let's quickly look at how to set it all up so you can get to work or start playing games.

PLEASE NOTE: The PB Tech Gaming PC range comes pre-configured and ready to go, so you can plug in your peripherals and power it on!

Frequently Asked Questions (Clickable):

- What's the best way to take my new PC out of the box?

- I want to install / re-install the Windows OS, what do I need?

- Where can I find my Windows Activation / Licence Key?

This guide is for those who have purchased one of our pre-built systems - it quickly covers the safest way to unbox them (some are pretty heavy) and how to connected plug everything in correctly if you're new to high-end PC.

The safest way to unbox your gaming PC is as follows.

STEP 1. There are two boxes, the big case box and a second smaller accessories box on the side. Start by removing the accessories box and place it to the side, we'll come back to that soon.

STEP 2. Then open the top of the big box. (You can tell which side is top by looking at the writing/pictures on the box)

STEP 3. Check the hand handles on the sides of box are pushing out. (this is so they don't catch on the internal polystyrene) 

Most PB Tech pre-built PC come in two boxes, the big box has the PC inside and the small box has accessories.

Cut open the top of the big box but don't lift the heavy PC out, there's an easier way!

Now fold the cardboard box tabs out, we'll turn it over and lift the box off next.

It might be tempting to grab and lift it out, but don't, we'll let gravity do the hard part here!

STEP 4. Fold your top tabs onto the side of the box and roll it upside down like this.

STEP 5. Now lift the box off.

Now the box is open, slowly turn it over.

It's best to turn it over slowly in three stages, up, side then upside down.

Now that the PC box is open side facing down, you can lift off the box easily!

You'll be able to see the feet, remove foam from this side first, roll, now the other.

STEP 6. Pull the plastic covering bag off.

STEP 7. Place the PC on its side with glass side window panel facing up

STEP 8. Remove the side panel.

Depending on your exact PC case, this will be one of the following methods.

- Rear Panel Screw(s)

- On Side Panel Screws

- Deepcool Quick Release Bar

Now that the PC box is off, you can remove the polystyrene edge protectors.

then remove the protective bag covering your pc.

With the PC on its side with glass window facing up, remove the panel.

STEP 9. Remove any travel safety straps inflated bags and GPU holder bars

- Cable ties - cut away (TIP! nail clippers are great for removing cable ties)

- Inflated bags - lift out

- GPU support bar - twist the top clockwise to release the bar

We'll do anything and everything to ensure a PC reaches its new home safely, including cable ties for heavier components - we install them in such a way that the PC can run fine with them still in, but it will look much cooler without them!

Some mini PC with really heavy components get the gaps filled with inflated air, these should be removed before turning on as they limit the PC internal airflow.

Our high specification PC have special formed packaging which is solid inside, this must be removed as before turning on as it seriously insulates the internal components.

STEP 10. Place your PC on your desk, floor or wherever it will be living - we'll plug everything in next!

STEP 11. Grab your accessories box (this is the smaller box we detached from the larger box in STEP 1.)

STEP 12. In you accessories box you'll find a power cable, and if your PC have WiFi built-in, your wireless antenna.

Remember the small box from Step 1? It's got all the power cable, WiFi antenna and various extras inside that we'll need for the last few steps.

The power cable for a PC is C13 type, often also known as a kettle-cord.

The WiFi antenna cable is easily spotted thanks to the gold connection point(s).

STEP 13. If your PC has WiFi built in, on the back of your PC connect the antenna to the WiFi antenna gold connection points by gently screwing them in clockwise.

STEP 14. Plug in your power supply cable into the PC.

STEP 15. Check the switch is set to the I position.

STEP 16. Plug in your keyboard and mouse into the rear USB ports.

When connecting your monitor (or TV) for gaming or graphic design/editing, it's important to use the right PC outputs to get maximum performance.

STEP 17. If you PC is a Gaming PC or Workstation PC, connect your monitor (or TV) to the horizontal Graphics Card output.

or

STEP 17. If you PC is an everyday Home or Office PC with integrated graphics, connect to the vertical motherboard output.

Ok let's turn it on!

For PC with WiFi, the wireless antenna gently screws into the matching gold connection points on the back of the PC.

The power cable connects to the PC, select the I position for power on (If O is down your PC will not draw power)

If your PC has a graphics card installed inside, it's very very important for you to plug your monitors/TVs into those outputs only.

STEP 18. Press the on button located on the front of your PC, the location changes a little from case to case but it's usually on the top/front, near ports for USB and Audio.

To make things easy for those wanting to perform a clean installation of Windows 11 on their PC, you can install windows from microsoft.com/software-download/windows11, and if your PC came with Windows 11 pre-installed use the Licence Key which is stickered to your PC Case.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This process will erase all data on your PC/ Once windows is re-installed you'll then need to install drivers, these are available from each individual component brand website. We highly recommend pre-downloading these to a USB drive ahead of the Windows 11 OS re-installation.  (TIP: WiFi / network drivers are often the most important!)

How to clean install Windows 11 from a USB

STEP 1. You can create your own Windows 11 USB key using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool.

STEP 2. With your PC OFF, insert the Windows USB flash drive into a USB port on your PC.

STEP 3. Turn your PC on & keep tapping the F8 key (about once a second.) until it loads to the boot menu. If you fail to see a boot menu, restart & tap F12 key instead.

STEP 4. Highlight the Windows 11 USB key and press ENTER to select it.

STEP 5. Your PC will now load into the Windows 11 installation menu, select Windows 11 Home or Pro as per your original PC installation.

STEP 6. Follow the prompts, when asked for the Windows Key use the code to activate.

Occasionally you may need to re-confirm the Windows OS software licence for the PC. If your PC came pre-installed you can find your Windows Key stickered to your case, most often on the side of the case, but in some cases (like double sided glass) it will be placed on the back.

If you are having trouble with any of the steps above, or just have a question about your new PC , you can get in touch with the PB Tech Customer Service Team here.