Without these components working in sync, we would not be able to do anything with our computers.
Inside this Article
Why Build Your Own PC?
Building your own personal computer (PC) comes with a lot of advantages.
For starters, pre-built workstations are a lot more expensive than building your own.
Because with pre-built PCs, you will be forced to rely on the options that they decide to offer.
Depending on what you need, you will also learn to put the different components together or apart.
Nonetheless, here are the essential components of a general-purpose PC:
1.
Case
Purpose
A PC case is one of the essential parts needed to build a PC.
Its a rectangular-shaped box that holds most of the components of your PC.
Design
Cases have different compositions, but the most common are steel, plastic, and aluminum.
Additionally, cases usually come in three sizes, including full, mid, or mini-tower.
On the other hand, modern cases usually have glass side panels to see the components contained therein.
The addition of glass panels has both a functional purpose as well as an aesthetic purpose.
The motherboard, being the largest component, is probably the best identifier for internal compatibility.
You will also want to ensure that the case provides adequate airflow to prevent your components from overheating.
Motherboard
The motherboard is nothing less than a fully formed chipboard that connects all of your computers components.
Additionally, a motherboard usually contains two chips called the northbridge and southbridge.
The base of a motherboard is composed of a reformed mixture of fiberglass and resin.
This combination produces a very hard yet lightweight material that offers insulation for the motherboard.
Embedded into the base of the motherboard are intricately connected lines of copper and aluminum called tracers.
Tracers form the circuitry that connects the different ports on the motherboard.
There are three standard sizes for motherboards: Mini ITX, MicroATX, and ATX.
Its as simple as that.
To illustrate our point, lets compare the number of slots on a Mini ITX and ATX.
The Mini ITX is the smallest in size and contains up to two RAM slots.
At the opposite end is the ATX, which has enough room for up to eight RAM slots.
Many of the essential data processing tasks and functions of the computer are performed by the CPU.
These functions make the CPU one of the essential parts needed to build a PC.
A CPU contains a concentrated smattering of metallic connectors at the bottom.
These connectors latch directly onto a dedicated PCU port on the motherboard.
In turn, data and resources flow into the motherboard through this point of contact.
A metal frame provides additional support and insulation.
A standard CPU has many arithmetic logic units (ALUs), a single control unit, and registers.
Furthermore, ALUs are useful for running timers on other components on the computer.
The difference between 32-bit and 64-bit has to do with the number of calculations per second they can perform.
Another determinant of CPU performance is the number of cores on the CPU.
CPUs initially operated with only a single core, but modern CPUs can contain two to eight cores.
GPUs have widespread use in devices that require graphics rendering.
Some of the devices that use GPUs include gaming consoles, tablets, and mobile devices.
GPUs excel at a particular graphics processing technique called parallel processing.
This works because the data is broken up into smaller units and distributed across available cores for simultaneous processing.
Generally speaking, GPUs contain more cores than CPUs.
In fact, a single GPU core is only about a tenth as powerful as a single CPU core.
Integrated vs.
Dedicated GPUs
GPUs can be either integrated or dedicated.
Both types operate on the same principle, which is to receive data from the CPU for processing.
However, the two types acquire their resources for processing data quite differently.
Dedicated GPUs attach directly to the motherboard through special ports for external devices called PCI slots.
Graphics Cards
Graphics cards are the most popular example of dedicated GPUs.
A graphics card is essentially a full-blown circuit board with all the components required for graphics processing.
The basic task of a graphics card is to generate images and videos for display on an output unit.
As such, you oughta consider your choice of GPU very carefully.
First, you should probably determine the amount of memory that you need.
As a general rule, the more memory a GPU has, the more detail it can offer.
Given the variety of options in the market, these benchmarks shouldnt be hard to find.
Second, consider the throw in of GPU that is most appropriate for your PCs form factor.
Integrated GPUs are most suitable for laptops and PCs that dont need to run high-powered visual processing software.
Dedicated GPUs are also ideal for gaming rigs since a lot of graphics processing needs to take place.
Graphics cards are pretty bulky, though, so you will likely need to have a full tower-sized case.
Third, consider if youll need a single monitor to two monitors for any purpose.
These outputs offer a world of difference when it comes to picture and display quality.
The RAM is used to store and access temporary data.
As you may know, computers are in a constant cycle of downloading and saving data.
Most of the basic tasks that you accomplish on your gear rely on the RAM.
The same thing happens when your rig shuts down, either on purpose or by accident.
This is why its so important to keep your files because it transfers the data into permanent storage.
A single RAM module looks like a rectangular circuit board with compartmentalized circuits.
RAM modules are stored on the memory module slots on the motherboard.
RAM is a staple component for most modern devices.
Everything from PCs, tablets, smartphones, external hard drives, and even gaming consoles have them.
Even smart devices like smart TVs, smart speakers, and smart wearables need RAM to store data.
Most devices require storage for long-term storage, too, although the RAM still handles most fundamental processes.
When it comes to selecting a RAM to purchase, the most crucial consideration is storage space.
As a general rule, you should get as much storage as you’re free to afford.
If the RAM is for short-term storage, then the hard drive is for long-term storage.
Anything that you download or install from the internet is automatically saved into the hard drive.
The files and programs are only removed from the hard drive after you delete or uninstall them on purpose.
The most notable design aspect of hard drives is arguably the design platters.
The platters are mounted on the same spindle, and they rotate during the data reading and writing process.
The platters are stored inside an air-sealed casing that keeps moisture and electromagnetic radiation.
The read/write head can read/write on the platter by magnetizing the area they come into contact with.
At the back of the hard drive is a compilation of circuits called the disk controller.
The disk controller attaches to an equivalent port on the motherboard and communicates between the two components.
HDDs contain moving parts, including a motor-driven spindle and multiple platters attached to the same spindle.
Meanwhile, SSDs rely entirely on integrated circuits that transfer data and power electronically, without any moving parts.
The lack of moving parts gives SSDs the advantage of power efficiency and a quiet and heatless operation.
HDDs and SSDs also use different interfaces, which affects their performance.
PCI ports have more channels to transfer data compared to HDDs.
PCI ports are useful for supporting most of the parts needed to build a PC.
These circuits allow data to be stored even in the absence of electricity.
The reverse is true for SSDs, with faster read/write speeds but in a more expensive package.
If price and total space are not an issue, then we highly recommend an SSD drive.
The bang out of hard drive that you choose will also determine your read/write speeds.
The typical read/write speed for a primary HDD is between 80-160MB/s.
Meanwhile, the typical read/write speeds for an SSD fall somewhere between 200 MB/s to 550 MB/s.
Storage space is another consideration.
We highly recommend a minimum of 500 GB for general purpose use.
These are part of what you pay for.
Cooler
The list of parts needed to build a PC necessarily includes a special-purpose cooler.
Its common knowledge that computers produce heat due to power consumption.
In severe cases, the heat can melt away the plastic and aluminum components of your PC.
To keep the internal temperature of your PC within reasonable levels, you gotta install a special-purpose cooler.
Most motherboards already come with heatsinks that absorb and dissipate heat away from the internal compartment of the PC.
But make no mistake, different components of the PC produce different levels of heat.
Both coolers share the same purpose and function: to dissipate heat away from the hardware.
Both air coolers rely on a baseplate that connects to the CPUs Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS).
However, the coolers differ in the mechanism for transferring heat.
Air and liquid coolers may share the same objective and are both quite good at what they do.
But there are a few factors that can help you distinguish them in terms of performance and value.
Naturally, the most important consideration is how well the coolers can dissipate heat.
It also consumes less power and water than air coolers.
Price is another important consideration.
However, its important to remember that prices always exist within a spectrum.
In other words, you should be able to find different price points with varying specs for both types.
Another factor would be resource consumption and sound.
Generally speaking, liquid coolers consume far less power and water than air coolers.
Besides that, it also has a few vital functions on your PC that has a few critical functions.
First, the PSU converts the current into the appropriate format and voltage.
It can convert currents from AC to DC or DC to AC.
Additionally, it can step down the voltage either up or down to match the devices requirements.
Afterward, the converted currents are distributed across all components via cables on the motherboard.
A PSU is usually pre-assembled into a heavy metal box with a power cable attached to its back.
This position is ideal for transferring heat from inside the case and into the open.
The internal architecture of a PSU is quite complicated, but there are only four key components.
At the opposite end of the PSU are a large bundle of colored cables.
These cables connect to the internal components of your PC to supply them with power.
Cabling arrangements vary, though.
Some cables connect directly to the motherboard, whereas others connect individually to components.
There are three styles of cabling on PSUs, namely: modular, semi-modular, and pre-installed.
Guidelines for Purchase
The first feature to consider come to purchase a PSU is its wattage.
Keep in mind that the maximum wattage for a PSU doesnt automatically mean that it handles exactly that wattage.
For example, a 750-watts power supply can adjust to power requirements lower than 750-watts.
If your system requires only 500-watts, then the power supply will match these requirements.
As power supplies deal directly with electricity, they pose a level of risk for your hardware.
Most power supplies feature automatic voltage protection (OVP) and short circuit protection.
A hardware-based surge protector can also pull electrical surges away from your hardware.
Efficiency is another important consideration, next to wattage.
An independent body assesses the efficiency of PSUs using the 80 Plus rating system.
The system has six levels patterned after the hierarchy of precious metals.
A power supply can only receive this rating if it follows the 80/20 rule.
Display/Monitor
A display or monitor is a piece of computer hardware that displays visual information.
The list of parts needed to build a PC would not be complete without a display.
Monitors are a lot like TVs, which are output devices that only display information.
LCDs produce thin and lightweight monitors, while cathode-ray tubes produce thick and bulky monitors.
The clue is in the name; the key component to an LCD screen is liquid crystal.
A liquid crystal is a hybrid substance that can convert itself into either a liquid or a sold.
LCDs have a subset called LEDs.
Both rely on liquid crystals to reflect images, but the difference is in the backlights.
LCDs and LEDs distribute these micro components evenly across the screen.
However, the key difference is that the light-emitting diodes are arranged in zones.
The first question you’re gonna wanna ask is, how manymonitors do you need?
Most people only need one for basic tasks like surfing the internet or creating files.
Screen size is another important consideration with monitors.
LCD computer monitor size varies from 17 inches up to 26 inches.
Screen sizes between 19 to 22 inches should suffice for general purpose use.
Most LCD screens have a widescreen aspect ratio (16:9), ideal for watching movies and videos.
Larger screens certainly make for more enjoyable streaming or gaming experience, but they also come with higher prices.
Native resolution is the maximum resolution that your monitor can produce, and its a key consideration.
Files with resolutions higher than your native resolution will appear blurred and fragmented.
Connectivity is also important because it tells you how your monitor will connect to your gear.
Modern LCD monitors connect via DVI cables, while older monitors connect via VGA ports.
Operating System (OS)
An operating system is an underlying system or base layer of a computer interface.
It allows users access to nearly everything on the computer, including hardware, software, and computer files.
Modern operating systems make use of a graphical user interface (GUI).
Modern operating systems usually come with their own tools for setup, configuration, and troubleshooting.
They allow programs to exist without having to carry their own UI and special software.
Operating systems have different skins or appearances and user interfaces.
You have probably encountered the terms x64 and x86.
These are two separate families of instructions sets for operating systems.
To explain, the number in the symbol represents the width of the instruction set in bits.
In this case, x86 represents the 32-bit sized instruction set while x64represents the 64-bit sized instruction set.
The width of the instruction set should also necessarily match the bit capacity of the processor (CPU).
In simple terms, x86 matches the 32-bit CPU and OS while x64 matches the 64-bit CPU and OS.
Selecting the correct OS with the appropriate instruction set is important.
Another thing you better check is whether or not your processor supports your processor brand and model.
Most have limitations when it comes to the brand and model of processors that they can work with.
You will also double-check that your OS instruction set matches your computers CPU capacity.
Luckily, most brands offer both the x86 and x64 instruction sets for every version of their OS.
Input devices are essentially peripheral devices or accessories from which the computer receives data.
These devices may provide general input or otherwise have a specific input to particular software.
Most PC setups require both a keyboard and a mouse, even if the monitor has a touchscreen.
Older input devices have wires, while newer ones are entirely wireless.
Wired devices usually connect to your machine via a USB port.
Most wireless devices come with a receiver that you’re gonna wanna plug into USB ports.
The receiver installs the necessary drivers into your machine as well as transmits all input from your rig.
First of all, you should probably decide whether to get a wireless or wired input gadget.
Most brands advocate for wireless devices because of the convenience that they offer.
You will also need to see to it that your input devices are compatible with your operating system.
Check the system requirements of the input gear before making a purchase.
You will also need to check the ergonomic quality of your input devices.
Standard devices can heave ergonomic features, such as soft keys and lightweight palm rest.
However, some manufacturers of input devices market their devices specifically for their ergonomic qualities.
These so-called ergonomic devices claim to offer a comfortable user experience while reducing strain on your hands.
Ergonomic keyboards, for example, contain features like concave or tapered keys or well-spaced keys.
It doesnt take into account additional components and specifications that you may need for special use cases.
