Build Your Next PC

Building you own PC helps improve all computer functions. Learn the essentials of how to build you next PC and obtain the computing power you need.

Are you growing tired of your personal computer (PC) operating beneath its potential and your needs? Consider building your next PC to improve efficacy, speed, and overall functionality of all your computing tasks. Building a PC is a solution for gamers who need a powerful faster experience. Professional musicians, producers, video editors and graphic designers also benefit from increased functionality of customized PCs.

If the thought of constructing your next computer DIY feels overwhelming, you are not alone. Building a PC does require thorough research and the acquisition of certain hard-to-find components (especially in today’s market). Continue reading to learn the essentials of how to build you next PC and obtain the computing power you need.

Building Your Own PC - Fundamental Requirements

Two of the primary requirements for building your next PC are perseverance and patience. Building a computer is a process which requires research, acquired knowledge and numerous specific components. Occasionally, some of those components are challenging to find. Thorough research is required to not only discover which components you need but also how and where to locate them. You also need to learn how to install and connect these components if you do not know how already.

The quality and type of components you need also depends on the way or ways in which you intend to use your computer. Are you building a gaming computer, which requires a lighting fast GPU/graphics card? Do you need a computer with multiple types of ports and multiple drives for storage and application use? Choosing the right components therefore further requires definitive knowledge of your computing purposes and applicable required component specifications. Directly below is a more detailed explanation regarding primary components needed to build your own PC.

Components for Building Your Next PC

Choosing the best (and accurate) components is the most crucial aspect involved with building a PC. You want the results of your effort to make you proud. You also want your PC to operate with the most power, speed, and functionality possible. Therefore, you need to purchase components compatible with the other components you choose. The primary components required to build your own PC are as follows:

  • Central processing unit (CPU).
  • Power supply unit (PSU).
  • Motherboard.
  • Read access memory (RAM).
  • Graphics card/GPU.
  • Solid state drive (SSD).
  • Cases.

CPU for Your New PC

The central processing unit (CPU) is easily the most important component of your new computer. Choices between AMD and Intel must be made. Affordable options include Intel Pentium and Celeron as well as AMD Athlon CPUs. These types of processors are excellent choices for handing fundamental computing tasks, general applications and media playback with speed and ease. AMD Ryzen and Intel Core CPUs serve broader and more intensive purposes, however. For example, these types of processors excel at handing intense gaming tasks. They are also excellent choices for people looking to construct their own affordable home theatre PC (HTPC).

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper and Intel Core X processors are the cream of the crop choices available today. These CPUs are designed to handle intense video production, streaming games and even 3D modeling tasks. While the intel Core i5 processors have been adequate for gaming PCs, i7 and i9 CPUs are all available now as well. This is important to note because newer games place increase demands on CPUs every year. What other CPUs pack the most punch for your money? The AMD’s Ryzen 5 2600X is excellent for gaming, computing requirements and heavy workloads. The Intel i5-840 offers marginally better single-core performance numbers pursuant to in-game frame rates, however.

Motherboard and RAM

The motherboard you choose must match the socket type required by the CPU you choose. What is a motherboard? The motherboard is the central component tasked with integrating all processes undertaken by your CPU, system memory and GPU/graphics card. Essentially, the motherboard is the backbone of your new PC. Read access memory (RAM) is important to your PC’s buffer speeds and access to files and applications stored in temporary memory. High-quality RAM products allow for lower latencies, faster frequencies, and fluid data transfers. Available types of RAM includes DDR4, DDR5, DDR4-3200 and DDR5-4800, with the latter type serving as a safe compatibility bet with most CPUs. A few of the best motherboard options available today include:

The Kitchen Sink

The power supply unit (PSU) you choose for your PC impacts how your entire system runs. You need a solid reliable PSU to avoid interruptions and even potential damage to components. Your graphics card impacts the quality at which you not only view your games, videos, and content but also how smoothly all graphics functions operate. A solid state drive (SSD) is faster than a traditional hard drive (HD) and is the optimum choice for fast data and application speeds. You will also need a compatible and reliable case to protect the internal components of your PC from dust, damage, and debris. Finally, you will need the following tools/items to build your PC:

  • Carpet free workspace.
  • Computer-specific tool set.
  • Light source (LED recommended).
  • Anti-static wristband and mat.
  • Tray for all magnetic parts.

Links to Sites Selling PC Components (and pre-fab PCs)

Multiple in-store and online options are available for purchasing PC components. Certain providers also sell pre-built (pre-fabricated or pre-fab) PCs. Continue reading to learn more about both options.

Best Sources for PC Components

Newegg is one of the most popular online stores for buying PC components today. Newegg’s vast array of computer components, systems and multiple other products make it a top choice for many PC enthusiasts from beginner to expert. Additional top choices on the market for purchasing high-quality PC components include:

Top Sources for Pre-Built PCs

Both retail and “buy direct” options for purchasing a pre-built PC are available. IBuyPower is one of the top retail-based sources for pre-built computers. Dell is a top source for buy-direct pre-fab PCs. Additional top retail and buy direct providers of pre-built PCs today include:


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