Imagine Eddy, a curious and tech-savvy individual who decided to venture into the world of PC building. With a desire to create his dream machine, he embarked on a thrilling journey. However, little did he know that his first attempt would be met with a common challenge that many beginners face.
Eddy eagerly gathered all the components he thought were necessary to build his PC. He meticulously researched the specifications, read numerous guides, and felt confident that he had everything under control. But when he started assembling the pieces, he encountered an obstacle. Eddy realized he had unknowingly mismatched the CPU and motherboard, leaving him stuck with incompatible parts.
Although initially frustrated, Eddy didn’t give up. He persevered, learned from his mistake, and eventually successfully built his PC. This setback became an important lesson for him, emphasizing the significance of understanding the essential components before diving into the exciting world of PC building.
If the idea of constructing your own PC has ever crossed your mind, let me assure you that it’s not only a highly satisfying endeavor but also an excellent way to save a substantial amount of money. However, before you embark on the exciting journey of building a PC, it’s crucial to understand the essential components required. In this article, I will provide you with a comprehensive guide to all the necessary PC parts, enabling you to bring your dream machine to life.
Getting Started
If ever you’ve built PCs before, it’s no biggie because you can do it effortlessly. But what if you haven’t attempted it before? I understand that building a PC might initially appear challenging, but trust me, the rewards are well worth it. Not only can you customize your PC to cater to your specific needs, but you also have the opportunity to explore the inner workings of a computer.
Before delving into the intricate details of different components, it’s important to note that building a PC isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Each person’s requirements are unique, and what works for one individual may not work for another. Therefore, consider this article as a helpful guide rather than an absolute rulebook.
What purpose will your PC serve?
This is one of the questions that you must think about before you set out to build a PC. There are no clear-cut categories here, because a computer is a versatile machine, depending on the software installed on it. A PC can do just about anything with the right software.
However, here are a few common classifications:
- Gaming – very popular
- Media Centre PC
- Office PC
- Content creation PC
Content Creation includes the following among others:
- Video Editing
- Coding
- CAD work
- Modeling and Rendering
- Audio Production
- Graphic Design
These use cases may overlap simply due to the versatility of PCs. For instance, you may want to build a PC for gaming and content creation. However, you must have a major reason for getting a PC built, and that single reason should determine the hardware specifications and capabilities before you make a purchase.
List of Components you need for building a PC
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): This is the brain of your computer that processes data and instructions.
- Motherboard: This is the major circuit board that connects and provides communication between all the components of your PC.
- Memory (RAM): It stores temporary data and instructions for quick access by the CPU.
- Storage: You can choose between Solid State Drives (SSDs), NVMe drives (a newer implementation of SSDs) for fast storage, or Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) for cost-effective storage.
- Graphics Card (GPU): The Graphics Processing Unit or GPU handles the rendering of graphics and visuals. You usually plug in your monitor’s input plug to a GPU output socket in order to view what’s going on in your computer.
- Power Supply Unit (PSU): The PSU provides power to all the components of your PC. There are modular and non-modular PSUs.
- PC Case: This is the box that houses and protects all the components, providing proper airflow and space.
- Monitor: It displays the visual output of your PC. Monitors come in different sizes and for different purposes.
- Keyboard and Mouse: These are essential input devices for controlling your PC.
- Operating System: The OS is the software that manages and controls your computer, providing you with a user interface with which to work in.
- Cables and Connectors: You’ll need various cables to connect the components together, such as SATA cables, power cables, and display cables.
- Cooling System: To keep your PC cool, you may need air-cooling fans or a liquid cooling system.
Optional components
- Sound Card: Sound cards provide enhanced audio quality for specific audio needs such as for audio producers or audio engineers.
- Network Card: A network card enables your computer to connect to a network and more importantly, the internet. You usually have to buy this if your motherboard doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi or you probably require a faster network connection.
- Additional Storage: If you need more storage space, you can add extra SSDs or HDDs.
- Optical Drive: Though this has become obsolete in most cases, optical drives allow you to store data on optical discs such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray Discs for a longer period of time. If you still use CDs or DVDs, you can add an optical drive for reading/writing discs.
Compatibility between components is crucial. Ensure that the CPU, motherboard, RAM, and other parts are compatible with each other and fit within the case. Additionally, consider your specific needs and budget when selecting components. Let’s talk about these components in detail.
Component Selection Guide
In this section, we’ll look at the different components you need to build a PC and the considerations you must factor in before making a purchase.
Selecting the Right CPU
The CPU, or Central Processing Unit is responsible for processing all the data and instructions received by your PC. Without a CPU, your PC wouldn’t be able to function. When choosing a CPU, you have two primary options: Intel and AMD.
Intel CPUs are renowned for their exceptional single-threaded performance, making them a preferred choice among gamers. Conversely, AMD CPUs excel in multi-threaded performance, which proves advantageous for power-hungry content creation tasks like video editing and rendering.
When selecting a CPU, you must also consider the socket type, number of cores, and threads. The socket type determines the compatibility of your CPU with different motherboards, while the number of cores and threads affects the CPU’s multitasking capabilities.
For a cost-effective build, the AMD Ryzen 3 3300X is an excellent choice. It boasts four cores and eight threads and is compatible with the AM4 socket type. If you’re aiming for a mid-range build, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is an exceptional option, offering six cores and twelve threads, with compatibility for the AM4 socket type. And for a high-end build, the Intel Core i9-11900K is a powerhouse, featuring eight cores and sixteen threads, and is compatible with the LGA 1200 socket type.
Choosing the Perfect Motherboard
The motherboard plays a vital role in connecting all the various components of your PC, enabling seamless communication between them. When selecting a motherboard, consider the socket type, form factor, and features.
The socket type determines which CPUs are compatible with the motherboard, while the form factor determines its physical size. The most common form factors are ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. ATX is the largest and offers extensive features, while Mini-ITX is the smallest and provides more limited features.
Regarding features, prioritize according to your specific needs. Gamers might value a motherboard with exceptional audio and networking capabilities, whereas content creators might require ample connectivity options.
For those on a budget, the ASRock B450M-HDV is an excellent choice. It’s compatible with the AM4 socket type, has a Micro-ATX form factor, and offers essential features. If you’re aiming for a mid-range build, the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-PRO is a solid option. This motherboard is compatible with the AM4 socket type, has an ATX form factor, and provides impressive gaming features. Finally, for a high-end build, the ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero is hard to beat. It supports the LGA 1200 socket type, features an ATX form factor, and boasts high-end features such as Wi-Fi 6E and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.
Deciding on Memory (RAM)
RAM, or Random Access Memory, serves as the temporary storage for data and instructions while your CPU processes them. Without RAM, your PC would not be able to function properly. RAM is like a work table where you keep your files and folders while you work. When you’re done, you simply move your files and folders to a file cabinet.
The RAM allows your PC to hold the applications in its memory pool. RAM is volatile, meaning that it can only work if there is a power supply. Once the power supply is cut off, RAM loses everything in its memory banks.
Here are a few guidelines for selecting RAM: consider the capacity, speed, and latency. The capacity determines how much data the RAM can handle at once, while the speed determines the rate at which it can transfer data to and from the CPU. Latency indicates how quickly the RAM can respond to requests from the CPU.
For a budget-friendly build, 8GB of DDR4 RAM with a speed of 3200MHz should suffice. If you’re aiming for a mid-range build, I recommend opting for 16GB of DDR4 RAM with a speed of 3600MHz. And for those pursuing a high-end build, 32GB of DDR4 RAM with a speed of 4000MHz or higher would be ideal.
Picking the Right Storage Solution
Just like the allegory of a work table I mentioned earlier, the file cabinet is where you store your files and folders once you are done. The file cabinet is permanent storage, just like a hard drive.
Hard drives are able to hold files stored in their memory banks even if the power is cut off. In other words, hard drive storage is non-volatile.
When it comes to storage, you have two primary options: Solid State Drives (SSDs) and Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). SSDs used to be the preferred storage option for speedy file access, but NVMe drives have replaced them largely.
SSDs provide incredible speed and are perfect for your operating system and frequently accessed applications. Conversely, HDDs offer more cost-effective storage for large files such as videos and photos, although they are slower in comparison.
For a budget build, I recommend either a 500GB NVMe or a 1TB HDD. If you’re looking for a mid-range build, consider combining a 1TB NVMe with a 2TB HDD. And for a high-end beast, a 2TB NVMe or more along with a 4TB HDD would be suitable.
Choosing the Right Graphics Card (GPU)
The GPU, or Graphics Processing Unit, handles all the graphics rendering in games and applications. GPUs are a big deal, especially among gamers and content creators.
Therefore, if you are a gamer or intend to play games on your PC build, selecting the right GPU involves considering factors such as performance, power consumption, and compatibility with your CPU and motherboard.
If you’re on a budget, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super or the AMD Radeon RX 580 or 5500 XT are excellent options. For a mid-range build, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or the AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT would serve you well. And if you’re aiming for a high-end build, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or 4080, or the AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT/7900XTX are high-end choices to consider.
Choosing a Reliable Power Supply (PSU)
The PSU, or Power Supply Unit, is responsible for delivering power to all the components in your PC. When selecting a PSU, consider factors such as wattage, efficiency, and certification.
The wattage determines the amount of power the PSU can provide, while efficiency refers to the amount of power lost as heat. Certification indicates the PSU’s efficiency and reliability.
For a budget build, a 500W 80+ Bronze certified PSU should suffice. If you’re building a mid-range PC, aim for a 650W 80+ Gold-certified PSU. And for a high-end powerhouse, an 850W 80+ Platinum-certified PSU is recommended.
Putting It All Together
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary components, it’s time to assemble them. This is where the magic happens, and you can actually do this with some dedication, effort, and patience. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide that even a 5-year-old should be able to follow.
What if you can’t? here’s a video to help you understand this process and follow along if necessary.
- Ensure you have all the necessary tools before you start.
- Follow the instructions carefully and avoid applying excessive force.
- Double-check that all components are securely attached and properly seated.
- Organize your cables for optimal airflow and aesthetics.
- Test your PC to ensure smooth functionality.
Concluding Thoughts
Here at Build My PC, we are advocates of building your own PC over buying a pre-built. This doesn’t mean that pre-built PCs are entirely wrong to consider. Sometimes it is wiser to buy a pre-built PC than build one.
Nevertheless, by understanding the different PC parts and their functions, you can make informed decisions that align with your budget, performance needs, and future upgrade plans.
In summary, for a budget build, you can consider the AMD Ryzen 3 3100 CPU, an MSI B450M PRO-M2 MAX motherboard, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, a 240GB SSD or a 1TB HDD, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super or an AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT GPU, and a 500W 80+ Bronze certified PSU.
For a mid-range build, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU, an ASUS Prime B550M-A motherboard, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, a 500GB SSD, a 2TB HDD, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or an AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT GPU, and a 650W 80+ Gold certified PSU are solid choices.
Finally, for a high-end build, you can consider the Intel Core i9-11900K CPU, an ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero motherboard, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, a 1TB SSD, a 4TB HDD, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or an AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT GPU, and an 850W 80+ Platinum certified PSU.
Did this article meet your expectations? Let us know in the comment section below. Take some time to check out our build guides for different use cases. Best of luck with your build!
Frequently Asked Questions
To build a PC, I will need several essential components. These include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a motherboard, RAM (Memory), storage options like SSD or HDD, a graphics card (GPU), a power supply unit (PSU), a case, a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, an operating system, and the necessary cables and connectors.
The choice of CPU for my PC build depends on my specific needs and budget. There are popular options available from both Intel and AMD. Factors such as performance, core count, thread count, and compatibility with the motherboard should be considered.
When selecting a motherboard, I need to consider the socket type, form factor, features, and compatibility with my chosen CPU. The socket type should match my CPU, and the form factor should fit my case. Features may vary, so I need to prioritize based on my requirements.
The amount of RAM I need for my PC build depends on my usage. For most users, 8GB to 16GB of RAM is sufficient. If I engage in gaming or resource-intensive tasks like video editing, I should consider 16GB to 32GB or more.
I can choose between SSDs (Solid State Drives) and HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) for my PC build. SSDs offer faster performance and are great for the operating system and frequently accessed applications. HDDs provide more cost-effective storage for larger files. I can combine both for optimal performance and storage capacity.
The choice of GPU depends on my intended usage, budget, and compatibility with my CPU and motherboard. I need to consider factors such as performance, power consumption, and compatibility with the games or applications I plan to use.
The PSU wattage I need depends on the power requirements of my components. It’s recommended to choose a PSU with sufficient wattage to handle my components comfortably. I should also consider efficiency ratings and certifications for reliability.
Cooling is important to keep my PC running optimally. Most cases come with built-in fans, but if needed, I can add more. I should consider factors such as airflow, CPU cooling (air or liquid), and the overall temperature management of my system.
To ensure compatibility, I need to carefully check the specifications and requirements of each component. I should pay attention to the socket type of the motherboard, supported RAM frequencies, GPU dimensions, and power supply connectors. If I’m unsure, I can research and consult compatibility charts or online resources.
Yes, one of the advantages of building my own PC is the ability to upgrade components in the future. I should consider future-proofing by choosing a motherboard with expansion slots and ensuring compatibility with potential future upgrades.
I may need additional accessories based on my needs. These can include Wi-Fi adapters, sound cards, optical drives, or specialized peripherals. I should consider my specific requirements when selecting additional accessories.
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