A method for making PDC with excellent abrasion resistance at high pressure in a single HPHT step without introducing high residual internal stress. In one aspect of the method, the diamond mass is subjected to an initial high pressure to compact the mass. The initial pressure is then lowered to a second pressure prior to the application of heat to the reaction cell. In another aspect, the diamond mass is subjected to an initial pressure to compact the mass, followed by raising the temperature to melt the sintering aid. The initial pressure is then lowered to a second pressure prior to lowering the temperature below the melting point of the sintering aid.