So, you’ve decided that you want to build your next PC, and are trying to figure out where to start. If you have the patience and know-how, building your own PC is an excellent way to save money, and provides you with a far greater degree of freedom to customize your new rig. So, what exactly goes into building the perfect PC setup? Let’s take a look.
Important Components
For first-time custom PC builders, we recommend starting out with a PC build kit, but if you’re planning to purchase the components yourself, there are a few you’ll want to keep in mind. The absolute must-have computer components for your PC build are
- The central processing unit, or CPU, which allows a computer to carry out all its usual functions such as running programs or making calculations.
- The graphics processing unit, or GPU, which allows a computer to display graphics for the user. If you’re building a rig for gaming or other graphics-heavy functions, a good rule of thumb is to allocate about half of your build budget here.
- The random access memory, or RAM, which determines how many parallel processes a computer can run without becoming bogged down.
- The cooling system, which prevents your computer from overheating during heavy usage. There are several alternative options like water cooling systems, but for most builds. We recommend just sticking with fans and vents.
- The power supply, which provides the power these components need to function. Be sure you know how much power each of your parts are going to consume so you can buy a suitable power supply.
- The motherboard, which connects each of these components and distributes power from the power supply to each of those components as needed.
Of course, the amount of money you’ll spend on each of these components largely depends on how powerful you want your PC to be. So depending on what you’re looking for, you can essentially spend however much you want to. Do keep in mind, though, that not all components are compatible with each other, so if you’re buying your own parts rather than building from a kit, be sure to double and triple-check that all your parts will work with each other.
Data Storage
Of course, no PC is complete without a way to store all your important files, so you need to keep your data storage method of choice in mind when buying materials. Ultimately, your perfect data storage device comes down to two main choices: an HDD or an SSD.
As far as the former goes, you may see certain storage devices labeled as hard disk drives, (HDD) while others are labeled as solid-state drives. (SSD) Both are valid options, and come with their own advantages and disadvantages. HDDs are known for being practical and highly affordable, having been the standard for decades. They’re a reliable option that won’t break the bank, but if you’re looking to get the most performance possible out of your new rig, you’ll want to invest in an SSD.
SSDs are a much newer technology, and as such, have far greater performance speeds, longevity, and power than HDDs. Their main drawback, however, is the price. As the technology becomes more and more commonplace, prices will continue to drop, but as it stands, a solid SSD is going to cost you. While this is absolutely worth it for people who need a high-performance rig like gamers or graphic designers, that’s not the case for everyone. In any event, however, the choice ultimately depends on your personal preference.
The Perfect Monitor
Finally, you need to pick up the perfect monitor to use your new PC with. As is the case with almost any other PC part, you can spend as much or as little as you want on a monitor, and the performance you get out of it will change accordingly. For a basic office computer setup, a more affordable monitor will work just fine, as you probably won’t be using your PC for anything graphically heavy.
Of course, as with storage devices, people like gamers or graphic designers who need a more powerful PC also need a more powerful monitor that’s capable of clearly displaying unique and complex graphics. In addition, pay attention to the size of the monitors you’re looking at so that the monitor you end up purchasing will fit perfectly in your setup.
If you’re planning on a top-of-the-line setup, a large monitor will be just the thing. But if you’d like something a bit more convenient, portable monitors are also an excellent option. Once again, the ultimate deciding factor here is your personal preference, so just make the purchase that feels right for you.
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