![What parts are needed to build a computer](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/What-parts-are-needed-to-build-a-computer.jpg)
Are you planning to build a PC of your own? Want to learn about the parts you’ll need to have the computer up and running? I get you.
For starters, you must have a Motherboard, CPU, GPU, RAM, Storage Unit, Power Supply Unit, and a Monitor (of course). And depending on your purpose & usage, you might need peripherals like mouse, keyboard, cooling fans, etc.
Do note that the components list keeps growing, depending on how potent you want your PC to be. And despite the list, I sense of problem here.
If you’re building a PC for the first time, you aren’t particularly aware of how these components work. Or even where they actually fit in. Well, the time for doubt has passed, as in this article, I’ll walk you through every part, its importance, compatibility check, and more.
Contents
List of Parts Needed To Build a PC
Below is the list of parts you’ll need to build your PC:
- Motherboard
- CPU (Processor)
- RAM Memory
- Storage Unit (HDD/SSD/NVME SSD)
- GPU (Graphics Card)
- PSU (Power Supply Unit)
- PC Case
- Monitor
- CPU Cooler
- CPU Heatsink
- Peripherals (Keyboard, Mouse, etc)
In case you’re building a PC of your own and want to check compatibility between the parts you’ve picked, then you can use our PC Builder, add all the parts you want and even order them in a single click from reputed vendors like Amazon, BestBuy, NewEgg, etc.
All PC Build Components Explained!
This section will not digress. Instead, I shall discuss each part, taking one at a time. Read this thoroughly if you want to DIY an all-in-one PC without breaking a sweat.
1. Motherboard
![Motherboard of a PC](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Motherboard-of-a-PC-1024x576.png)
The motherboard acts as the backbone of your computer. As a central hub, it features memory slots, processor sockets, storage expansion slots, and even slots for additional components like coolers and more. It is basically the foundation of your PC.
Types of Motherboards to choose from
- Mini-ITX
- Micro-ATX
- ATX
ATX motherboards are the most standard versions, they offer the most features and slots. Micro and Mini variants are compact and smaller. They are minimal and hence meant for smaller PC builds.
If you want to choose the right motherboard, you should first cross-reference it with the processor. This means that the socket type should match the processor.
For instance, a Line Grid Array socket on your motherboard means that you would require an Intel chipset. But that’s not all.
You must also check if the number of memory slots, storage modules, and expansion slots aligns with your current and future needs. Also, you should try and establish GPU and storage compatibility.
For GPU, check for the PCIe slot compatibility and power requirements, whereas for the storage modules, see if the motherboard supports M.2 or SATA and if the storage speed is supported or not.
Picking the right motherboard is also about checking the connectivity options, including the number of USB and Ethernet ports supported, overclocking support, and even the BIOS version.
2. CPU or Processor
![Processor of a PC](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Processor-of-a-PC.jpg)
The processor, or the CPU, acts like the computing brain. Simply put, it handles all the calculations and datasets whilst impacting the responsiveness and speed of the device. If your computer hangs, most probably you should blame our CPU.
Regarding CPU types, you can choose from AMD and Intel. We have the Core I versions like i3, i5, and more for Intel. For AMD, you can choose between different Ryzen variants. The generation of a processor is also important.
The CPU socket should align with the motherboard’s socket in the compatibility section. The previous section discussed motherboard-CPU compatibility, and the same theory still holds.
Individually, you must check for the CPU cores (as per your work requirements), TDP or Thermal Design Power, clock speed, and compatibility with cooling systems before proceeding.
And if you plan on going into the depths of CPU compatibility, you should factor in the IPC or Instructions per Clock, hyper-threading capabilities, and support for Virtualization.
3. RAM (Memory)
![RAM of a PC](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/RAM-of-a-PC-1024x376.jpeg)
Your CPU requires temporary storage to process data. Imagine the temporary shopping cart you get while shopping at a grocery store. Until the power is turned on, RAM can hold data and allow the CPU to use the same actively.
Therefore, more RAM often means the ability to process multiple tasks without experiencing lags.
Coming to the RAM selection, you are more likely to come across DDR4 variants. DDR here stands for Double Data RAM. DDR5 is the latest version you can get. There is another RAM variation in SDRAM or Synchronous Dynamic RAM, but it isn’t all that popular now.
Regarding RAM compatibility, you must see if it aligns with the memory type the motherboard supports. Plus, compatibility with the CPU and Motherboard’s frequency is also necessary.
You should also see if the dimensions match the ones relevant to the motherboard’s RAM slots.
4. Storage (HDD/SSD/NVME SSD)
![Storage of a PC](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Storage-of-a-PC.jpg)
No one needs convincing when it comes to picking up a storage drive for your computer. As the name suggests, storage drives help store information, data, and everything else, even when you shut down or change the device.
In simple words, storage drives offer permanent storage solutions for everything on your computer.
Coming to the choices, you can pick from:
- HDD: More old-school, slow, and prone to physical harm
- SSD: The modern, fast, and reliable storage type
- NVMe SSD: Improves speeds from legacy SSD.
Note: NVME interfaces are faster than the standard SATA interfaces used by regular SSDs. NVMe SSDs have better data transfer speeds, low latency, and massive queue depths for simultaneous command handling.
Compatibility seekers should ensure that the drive slot — M.2, PCIe, or SATA — aligns with that of the motherboard. Plus, your requirements and data type also matters.
For static datasets like photos and videos, HDD or even standard SSDs sound good. However, if you want to install the OS and apps that you need to load quickly, NVMe SSDs make sense.
5. Graphics Card (GPU)
![Graphics Card of a PC](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Graphics-Card-of-a-PC.jpeg)
Graphics are important when it comes to running a computing device. Therefore, a GPU, or Graphics Processing Unit, is an important addition — helping with the graphics rendering and output.
With a GPU in place, you can eventually view everything on display — from the OS to games. And if it’s a good GPU, the visual experience turns a new leaf.
You can pick a CPU with an integrated GPU or get hold of a dedicated GPU (discrete GPU) for a better experience. Dedicated GPUs need to be separately plugged into the motherboard. They come with dedicated processing capabilities and individual memory allotment.
The GPU you choose should be compatible with the PCIe slot of the motherboard. Not just that, you should even cross-reference the GPU specs with the choice of Power Supply Unit. Other factors you must focus on include the clock speed, memory size, CUDA cores, and compatibility with the featured cooling solution.
6. Power Supply Unit
![Power Supply Unit of a PC](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Power-Supply-Unit-of-a-PC-1024x1024.jpg)
The PSU is the component that helps power up the device components. As your devices respond to DC power, it is the job of a PSU to convert the wall outlet’s AC juice into relevant power.
As mentioned previously, you can choose from SFX and ATX variants. And if you go with ATX, there are other tapered-down options in micro-ATX and mini-ITX.
If you are seeking compatibility, you should calculate the power needs of all the associated components before picking a PSU. More power or wattage primes the PSU for upgraded computers.
Depending on the PSU’s dimensions, you should check for the computer case compatibility. Finally, you should look at the “Efficiency Rating” of the PSU. A higher number means minimal power wastage and better delivery.
80-Plus efficiency rating model is the most common, with the available options being a standard 80 Plus, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium.
6. PC Case
![Case of a PC](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Case-of-a-PC.jpg)
Believe it or not, a computer case is more than essential when it comes to building a PC from scratch. It houses all the key internal parts, helps mount the motherboard, and secures the likes of storage drives, power supply, CPU, and whatnot.
When it comes to choices, you can pick a desktop case, SFF case, mini or micro-ATX case, tower case, or full tower case. While I will have a separate explainer on the PC case types, here is a quick overview:
- Tower Cases are like upright units for multiple storage units and components. If you plan on getting some horizontal space, desktop cases make sense.
- SFF or Small Form Factor cases have smaller footprints and can also be used as Mini-ITX cases for increased portability.
- We can use micro-ATX and full-tower computer cases for medium and large-size PC configurations.
Compatibility-wise, the build plan should be the only reference point. The case you get should be able to accommodate every part of your PC.
Therefore, it is a good practice to check the power supply size, the drive bay count, and the requirement of ports before selecting a case.
8. CPU Cooler
![CPU Cooler](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/CPU-Cooler-1024x519.jpeg)
The CPU cooler is an important part of building a computer. A CPU heats when it works. A CPU cooler can keep overheating issues out, improving performance along the way.
There are two types of CPU coolers:
- Liquid Coolers: These combine pumps, radiators, and water blocks.
- Air Coolers: These combine fans and heat sinks, whereas liquid coolers.
If you want to choose the right CPU cooler, you should ensure that it matches the TDP of the CPU. Plus, the cooler socket should also be compatible with the motherboard socket.
Note: TDP or Thermal Design Power is the maximum heat the component — CPU in this case — generates. TDP is, therefore, the primary guideline for selecting the CPU cooler.
Apart from the TDP and socket alignment, you should also look at other factors like the cooler size and the noise level. Liquid coolers, therefore, are meant to cool down the more demanding workstations.
9. CPU Heatsink
![CPU Heatsink of a PC](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/CPU-Heatsink-of-a-PC-1024x922.jpeg)
Heatsink, as the name suggests, is meant for heat dissipation. Note that a heatsink differs from a CPU Cooler I just discussed above.
If your computer overheats, you might experience throttling and performance degradation. Therefore, it is advisable to have a heat sink in place.
Coming to the choices, you can pick an air-cooled version with heat pipes or liquid-cooled / All-in-One heatsinks with radiators. The former is a passive component rife with heat pipes and fins.
A cooler, on the other hand, uses fan-like active cooling to dissipate heat. More often than not, a heatsink comes across as one of the many CPU cooler components.
Regarding compatibility, you should only purchase a heat sink after cross-referencing the specs with the processor’s TDP. A more robust heat sink might have to come if the computer has other parts like RAM and a dedicated GPU.
Plus, you should check the dimension-specific compatibility with the computer case and even the socket type of the CPU.
10. Monitor
![Monitors of a PC](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Monitors-of-a-PC-1024x973.jpeg)
You must be aware of why a computer monitor is important. It helps you look at and experience every part of a computer’s output.
As far as choices are concerned, the more common versions include LED and LCD monitors. CRT monitors are also around, but they are hardly used in 2023.
For the unversed, LCDs use backlighting as the mode of illumination. On the other hand, LED screens come with light-emitting diodes as the backlighting technology. Hence the name.
LEDs last longer and offer better picture quality, making sense for graphic designers and content creators.
Regarding consideration and compatibility, you must check for the response time, aspect ratio, size, resolution, and refresh rate. Also, the better the GPU is, the better it is to invest in a good monitor.
When choosing a monitor, you should check the compatibility with the motherboard and case, especially for the number of ports. For instance, if you require HDMI, VGA, or even DisplayPort support, you need to see if the motherboard/case has output points for them or not.
11. Input devices
![Input Devies of a PC](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Input-Devies-of-a-PC-1024x722.jpeg)
Input devices help you interact better with the operating system. They are meant to provide input and control the device accordingly. These include keyboards and mice/mouses.
As far as the selection choices are concerned, you can pick a standard keyboard for general use. Or, you can look for ergonomic and mechanical keyboards for more precise requirements. Next, we have the standard or gaming mouse as the choices.
And while no specific compatibility considerations are required, you should prioritize comfort, connectivity, functionality, and price before picking the input device (s).
And that wraps up the list of parts needed to build a PC. But the question remains, what else do you need to build a PC, or does the list constrain everything needed to build a PC? Well, not exactly.
Tools Needed To Build a PC
You can order all the parts you’ll need. However, to assemble all of them and get the PC working, you will need a few tools and add-ons. Below is a list of the basic tools & add-ons you’ll need:
1. Screwdrivers
![Flathead and Head screwdrivers](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flathead-and-Head-screwdrivers.png)
You would need flathead and head screwdrivers for loosening and tightening the screws associated with motherboard sockets and computer cases.
2. Anti-static straps
![Anti-static straps](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Anti-static-straps.jpeg)
You need grounding as PC building involves a lot of static electricity. And while touching a piece of metal beforehand can help, it is always advisable to wear an anti-static band or strap to stay away from electrostatic issues.
3. Thermal paste
![Thermal Paste](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Thermal-Paste.jpeg)
This entity helps enhance CPU cooling by establishing thermal conductivity between the CPU and the cooling solutions. You may learn about thermal paste patterns.
4. Pliers and Tweezers
![Pliers and Tweezers](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pliers-and-Tweezers.jpeg)
These accessories are important for placing smaller components like processors on the socket. While standard pliers are useful enough, Mini and Micro-ATX motherboard variants might need needle nose variants.
5. Cables
![Cables](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cables.jpeg)
While PC building requires a lot of cables, here is a quick rundown of the types.
The more popular ones include power supply and data cables, case panel cables for connecting lights and USB units, processor powering cables (separate for GPU and CPU), fan headers for connecting motherboard cooling solutions to the case, and even display cables.
And once you have the cables in place, you might need cable ties to keep them in place and coming in contact with each other.
In addition to the accessories mentioned, you can keep screws handy and optical drives for CD compatibility. However, those would be optional, unlike reading this detailed article.
And finally, you might even need an open, moderately airy, and well-illuminated space and a flat table to lay down the components and assemble them perfectly. Also, a table with anti-static support is the preferable option.
Frequently asked questions
You should consider buying the CPU and then the motherboard, as per the compatibility. This will help you select the processing juice and the foundation layer per your personal and professional needs.
While building a PC requires several components, we can narrow it down to six essential parts. These include the processor, motherboard, memory module or RAM, storage drive (HDD/SSD/NVMe SSD), graphics processing unit, and power supply.
If you plan to build a PC from scratch, you would require more than 10 parts to get it right. While the most important ones include the processor, RAM, motherboard, storage drive, and power supply unit, you should additionally focus on the GPU, heatsink, CPU cooler, computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and operating system.
Once you get the PC you desire, at least structurally, you should immediately check if the same is powering up or not. If it doesn’t, boot the BIOS or head over to the UEFI module to check the system configuration. Also, be on the lookout for error messages, if any.
Before you plan on building a PC, you must set aside a space with excellent ventilation and good lighting. Once done, you should research and watch tutorials on installing specific PC components.
Next, keeping all the tools like screwdrivers, pliers, tweezers, and cables ready is useful. Labeling all these items is a good practice to save time and effort.
Conclusion
Building a PC is not hard, but there’s much more than looking at a list of components. Plus, you should know where to start, research, and conclude. This article covers every part you need to build a computer, choose the pathway, select compatible parts, and even deploy the tools perfectly to finish the assembly.
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