When building a PC, here are the 7 basic components you need, along with factors to consider when selecting them:
1. Processor (CPU)
A CPU (Central Processing Unit) is like the brain of a computer. Its main job is to carry out instructions and process data so that everything on your computer works properly. When you open a program, click on something, or type, the CPU is responsible for figuring out what needs to be done and making sure it happens quickly.
In simple terms, the CPU:
- Processes Information: It takes in data, follows instructions, and performs calculations.
- Runs Programs: Any app or software you use is managed by the CPU, whether it’s for work, entertainment, or browsing the web.
- Coordinates Everything: The CPU communicates with other parts of the computer, like memory and storage, to keep things running smoothly.
Following factors should be considered while selecting a Processor:
- Performance: Choose based on tasks (gaming, content creation, general use). Consider cores/threads.
- Brand: Intel vs. AMD. AMD often offers better multi-core performance for productivity, while Intel might have stronger single-core performance.
- Compatibility: Ensure your CPU is compatible with your motherboard (socket type).
2. Motherboard
A motherboard is like the central hub or backbone of your computer. It holds and connects all the important parts, like the CPU, memory (RAM), storage, and other components, allowing them to work together.
Here’s a simple explanation of what the motherboard does:
- Connects Everything: It links the CPU, memory, storage, and other hardware (like your keyboard, mouse, and screen) so they can communicate and work as a team.
- Supplies Power: The motherboard helps distribute electricity from the power supply to different components, ensuring everything gets the power it needs to function.
- Holds Components: Key parts like the CPU, RAM, and graphics card plug directly into the motherboard, keeping everything in one place.
In short, the motherboard is like the “body” of the computer, with the CPU as the “brain” and everything else plugged into it to keep the whole system running smoothly.
Following factors should be considered while selecting a Motherboard:
- Compatibility: Must support your CPU (socket type) and RAM (DDR4/DDR5).
- Form Factor: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX depending on case size and expansion needs.
- Features: Consider the number of PCIe slots, USB ports, and support for NVMe storage.
- Chipset: Higher-end chipsets offer more features (e.g., overclocking support, faster RAM speeds).
3. Memory (RAM)
RAM (Random Access Memory) is like the short-term memory of your computer. It temporarily stores the data and information that your computer needs right now, making everything faster and smoother while you’re working.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what RAM does:
- Speeds Things Up: When you open a program or file, RAM stores the data temporarily so the CPU can access it quickly. This helps your computer run faster without having to constantly pull data from slower storage (like a hard drive or SSD).
- Multitasking: RAM allows your computer to handle multiple tasks at once, like having several programs open at the same time without slowing down.
- Temporary Storage: Unlike your hard drive, which stores data permanently, RAM only holds information while the computer is on. Once you shut down or restart, everything in RAM is erased.
In simple terms, RAM helps your computer do things quickly and efficiently while you’re using it, making it easier to multitask and run programs smoothly.
Following factors should be considered while selecting a RAM:
- Capacity: 16GB is often the minimum for gaming; 32GB is recommended for more demanding applications.
- Speed: Higher clock speeds (MHz) improve performance, especially in memory-intensive tasks. DDR4 RAM typically ranges from 2400MHz to 3600MHz, while DDR5 can go from 4800MHz to 6400MHz and higher. The higher the frequency, the better the performance in tasks that require fast data transfer between RAM and the CPU.
- Compatibility: Ensure the RAM type (DDR4/DDR5) is supported by your motherboard.
- CAS Latency (CL): It is the number of clock cycles it takes for the RAM to respond to a command from the CPU. Lower latency means faster response time. DDR4 RAM usually has a CL ranging from 14 to 19, while DDR5 typically has a higher CL, often starting at 32 or higher due to the increased frequency.
4. Graphics Card (GPU)
A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or graphics card is like the artist of your computer. Its job is to handle everything related to visuals and images, so what you see on your screen looks smooth and sharp.
Here’s a simple explanation of what a GPU does:
- Renders Images and Videos: The GPU creates all the visuals you see, whether it’s images, videos, or the graphics in games. It processes this visual data much faster than the CPU can, which makes everything look clear and smooth.
- Helps with Gaming and Graphics: If you play video games or work with graphic design, video editing, or 3D modeling, the GPU is crucial for delivering high-quality visuals and performance without slowing down.
- Takes Load Off the CPU: The GPU specializes in handling visual tasks, which frees up the CPU to focus on other things, making your computer run more efficiently overall.
In short, the GPU is responsible for creating all the graphics you see on your screen, making sure they look great and run smoothly, especially in games or high-definition videos.
Following factors should be considered while selecting a Graphics Card:
- Performance Needs: High-end GPUs are essential for gaming, video editing, or 3D rendering. Look for VRAM capacity (e.g., 8GB to 16GB).
- Resolution: Choose based on the resolution and refresh rate of your monitor (1080p, 1440p, 4K).
- Price-to-Performance: Find a balance between your budget and gaming or rendering performance.
5. Storage (SSD/HDD/NVMe)
Storage is where your computer keeps all your files, programs, and data permanently, even when it’s turned off. There are different types of storage, each with its own advantages:
HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
- How It Works: HDDs use spinning magnetic disks to read and write data.
- Speed: Slower compared to modern options, but still good for basic storage needs.
- Capacity: Typically cheaper, so you can get larger storage sizes (like 1TB or more) for a lower price.
- Good For: Storing a lot of files, like photos, videos, and documents. Great for general storage if speed isn’t a priority.
SSD (Solid State Drive)
- How It Works: SSDs use flash memory (no moving parts), which makes them much faster than HDDs.
- Speed: Much faster, which means your computer boots up quickly and programs load faster.
- Capacity: More expensive than HDDs, so you may get less storage for the same price.
- Good For: Speedy performance, fast file access, and booting up your computer. Ideal for running operating systems and frequently used programs.
NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express)
- How It Works: NVMe drives are a type of SSD, but they connect directly to the motherboard via the PCIe interface, allowing even faster data transfer.
- Speed: The fastest of all, with data transfer rates much higher than traditional SSDs. Perfect for high-performance tasks.
- Capacity: Typically more expensive than both HDDs and SSDs, but the best choice for speed.
- Good For: High-end gaming, video editing, or any task that requires lightning-fast data processing and file access.
Following factors should be considered while selecting a storage device:
- Type: SSDs are faster and recommended for OS and frequently used applications. HDDs offer larger storage at a lower price but are slower.
- Capacity: Choose based on your storage needs (500GB SSD for basic use; 1TB+ for gaming or media).
- Speed: NVMe SSDs are much faster than SATA SSDs.
6. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
A PSU (Power Supply Unit) is like the heart of your computer, providing it with the power it needs to run. It converts electricity from your wall outlet into the correct type and amount of power for your computer’s components.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what the PSU does:
- Supplies Power: The PSU takes AC (alternating current) from the wall and converts it into DC (direct current) that your computer components, like the CPU, GPU, motherboard, and storage, can use.
- Distributes Power Safely: It ensures that each component gets the right amount of power. Too much or too little can damage parts, so the PSU is designed to balance power distribution safely.
- Wattage Rating: The PSU has a wattage rating (like 500W, 650W, etc.), which tells you how much power it can supply. You need enough wattage to handle all the parts in your system, especially high-power components like the GPU and CPU.
In short, the PSU keeps your computer powered and running smoothly by providing the right amount of energy to each part. It’s a critical component to ensure stable and reliable performance.
Following factors should be considered while selecting a PSU:
- Wattage: Ensure the PSU has enough wattage to power your components (use a PSU calculator).
- Efficiency Rating: Look for 80 Plus ratings (Bronze, Gold, Platinum) for better power efficiency.
- Modularity: Modular PSUs allow for cleaner cable management by letting you attach only the cables you need.
Click here, to calculate power required for your PC.
7. Case
A computer case is like the protective housing or shell for all the parts of your computer. It holds and organizes the components, keeping everything secure and properly cooled.
Here’s a simple explanation of what a computer case does:
- Protects the Components: It provides a sturdy and safe enclosure to protect sensitive parts like the motherboard, CPU, GPU, and storage from dust, physical damage, and static electricity.
- Organizes Components: The case has spaces or slots designed to neatly fit all the hardware (like the motherboard, hard drives, and power supply) and keep them in place.
- Manages Cooling: Most cases come with built-in fans or slots for additional fans to help air circulate, preventing your components from overheating during use.
- Aesthetic and Customization: Cases come in various sizes and designs, allowing users to pick one that matches their style. Some have windows to showcase the internal components and RGB lighting for extra flair.
In short, the computer case keeps everything in one place, protects it, and helps maintain a proper temperature so your computer can function reliably and look good.
Following factors should be considered while selecting a computer casing:
- Size (Form Factor): Ensure it fits your motherboard (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX) and GPU.
- Airflow: Good airflow is essential for keeping components cool.
- Cable Management: Look for cases with good cable routing options for a cleaner build.
- Aesthetics: RGB lighting, tempered glass panels, and other design elements if appearance matters to you.
Cooling System (Optional)
Cooling systems for a PC are essential to prevent your components from overheating, especially during intense tasks like gaming or video editing. Computers generate heat, and cooling systems help dissipate that heat to keep everything running smoothly and extend the life of your hardware. There are 3 types of cooling systems:
HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
Cooling systems for a PC are essential to prevent your components from overheating, especially during intense tasks like gaming or video editing. Computers generate heat, and cooling systems help dissipate that heat to keep everything running smoothly and extend the life of your hardware. There are 3 types of cooling systems:
Air Cooling
- How It Works: Air coolers use fans to blow air over a heatsink (a metal structure attached to components like the CPU or GPU). The heatsink absorbs heat, and the fan blows it away, cooling the component.
- Components: Typically consists of a heatsink and one or more fans.
- Pros: Affordable, easy to install, and reliable.
- Cons: Limited cooling capacity for high-performance tasks, and may be noisy if you need a lot of fans.
Liquid Cooling
- How It Works: Liquid cooling uses a liquid (usually water with additives) to absorb heat. The liquid circulates through tubes, drawing heat away from the components and passing it through a radiator where fans help dissipate the heat.
- Pros: More efficient cooling than air systems, especially for high-performance PCs. Often quieter since fewer fans are needed.
- Cons: More expensive and complex to install. There’s a small risk of leaks, though modern systems are generally safe.
AIO (All-in-One) Liquid Cooling
- What It Is: An AIO cooler is a pre-assembled, closed-loop liquid cooling system that combines a pump, liquid tubing, and a radiator with fans. It’s “all-in-one” because everything you need for liquid cooling is included in a compact unit, and you don’t have to manually fill or maintain the liquid.
- How It Works: The pump circulates coolant through a block placed on the CPU, which absorbs the heat. The heated coolant is then pumped to a radiator where fans cool it before it recirculates.
- Pros:
- Better cooling than air systems.
- Easier to install compared to custom liquid cooling loops.
- Cleaner look, especially for PCs with windowed cases.
- Lower risk of leaks since it’s sealed.
- Cons:
- More expensive than air cooling.
- Slightly more complex to install compared to traditional air coolers.
- May not match the cooling performance of custom liquid cooling loops for extreme overclocking setups.
Why Cooling is Important?
- Prevents Overheating: Without proper cooling, components like the CPU and GPU can overheat, leading to performance throttling (slowing down to prevent damage) or even hardware failure.
- Improves Performance: Lower temperatures mean your CPU and GPU can run at higher speeds for longer without thermal throttling.
- Extends Lifespan: Proper cooling ensures that your components last longer by reducing wear and tear from heat.
In short, cooling systems (air or liquid) are crucial to keep your PC running efficiently and safely. AIO coolers are a great middle-ground option, offering effective liquid cooling in a convenient, easy-to-install package for users who want better performance without the complexity of custom loops.
