Before you build a PC, you’re obviously going to need the right parts. That’s why we’re here.
Picking the right components for the build you need can be a daunting process at first, but once you dive in, you’ll see that it’s not only surprisingly simple, it’s a heck of a lot of fun. This guide is by no means meant to be exhaustive, it’s more a primer on what you’ll need to know to gather up the right parts, and start putting your dream build together.
We’ll mostly be focused on building a gaming PC here, but this guide should cover the basics for everything from a high-end work rig for professional applications to a simple media computer.
And if you’d rather buy a pre-built, rather than building your own, we have a guide for that too.
Alright, let’s get to it!
What Do You Need to Build a PC?
Processor (CPU)
The processor, or Central Processing Unit, is the brain of the PC. It’s what converts the instructions you provide into actions the computer can execute, and tells all the other parts of your build how to work together. If the CPU is the brain, the rest of the system is the body.
The CPU is probably the single most important component for any computer, and as you’d expect there are almost endless options at a variety of price ranges. The two primary manufacturers in the consumer PC space are Intel and AMD, and even within those brands, there are plenty of choices.
For AMD CPUs, you’ll most likely be looking at a fifth generation Ryzen, or if you want to run heavy duty scientific or creative applications, a Threadripper workstation CPU.
For Intel CPUs, 14the generation Intel Core CPUs are the most current hardware. For gaming, Intel Core i5s tend to be solid choices with their high single core performance. If you want a more versatile PC for work and play consider Intel Core i7 and Intel Core i9 processors.
Motherboards
The motherboard is essentially a large circuit board that connects all the components that make up your PC, and allows communication between all the different hardware. As with anything in PC building, there are options galore, from simple motherboards at the lower-end of the price spectrum all the way up to feature-rich boards with all sorts of bells and whistles.
The type of motherboard you need will largely depend on what CPU you purchased and what features you’re interested in. Not every CPU works with every motherboard, so you’ll want to make sure you get the right one. Features like CPU overclocking capabilities, lighting, and connectivity options are all factors to keep in mind when purchasing a motherboard.
Check out this full breakdown on how to choose a motherboard for all the info you’ll need to make an informed decision.
Video Card / Graphics Processing Unit
The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) will have the most impact on your gaming experience. The GPU is essentially what allows your computer to do the complex graphics calculations that allow your PC games to look so good. Though many CPUs have integrated graphics, a GPU is absolutely required if you want to have a modern PC gaming experience.
The two biggest players in the world of graphics cards are AMD and Nvidia. Recently, Intel entered the GPU scene with their Intel Arc offering.
If you are looking for performance on a budget, you can go with something on the lower-end of modern GPUs, like the GeForce RTX 4060 available for around $300, or, comparably, a Radeon RX 7600 for around $265.
If it is max performance that you crave, look for a graphics card with a GeForce RTX 4090 GPU ($1,700 - $1,800) or a Radeon RX 7900 ($1,000 - $1,100) GPU is your best bet as of this writing.
System Memory / RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is essentially your PC’s short-term memory. It keeps data you use regularly easily accessible, so your PC doesn’t have to access a storage device every time you need to use that data. It’s different from your primary storage devices in that RAM resets when it doesn’t have power, which is why you still need larger storage drives for long term data storage.
When it comes to RAM, the more the merrier. You can’t really have too much RAM, but for practical purposes, but you might want to have over 16GB if you want to keep your PC viable for several years.
RAM varies widely in speed, size, and design, so check out our RAM guide for answers to any questions you might have when it comes to memory.
Data Storage
Storage is where your data is…well, stored, so your PC can access it. This includes files, games, your operating system, any data that you need to access will be kept on a storage drive. In the past, storage mostly consisted of hard disk drives (HDD), but now solid state drives (SSD) are more widely available. SSDs are significantly faster, quieter, and more durable, but also cost more per gigabyte.
The right storage solution will vary, though a common configuration is a smaller NVMe or SATA SSD for your operating system and most commonly used files, and a larger HDD for your larger files. You can also rely on external storage solutions, which have the advantage of being portable.
If you want to learn more about all the different types of storage, check out our guide on choosing the right storage.
Cases
The PC case is where all of your precious parts are going to live, and what most people think of when they imagine a PC. Cases are one of the most customizable parts of a PC, so you can get cases in just about every shape and size you can imagine. Though every case is different, they are all designed for roughly the same components, meaning they share similarities across brands and layouts. There’s always going to be a place to install the motherboard and power supply, for example, though the configurations of where everything is located may vary.
Unless you’re looking to build something small, or with advanced features like custom cooling loops, most cases will work just fine. Just find one that’s the right size, and looks the way you want it to, and you should be good to go.
Another important feature to consider when it comes to cases is cooling. Many cases will come with fans already installed, which can be useful, but if low temperatures are important to you, you’ll want to make sure there’s room for the cooling solution you need. A simple rule of thumb is that if you’re wanting to do a lot of custom work, the bigger the case, the better.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
As you probably guessed by the name, the Power Supply Unit (PSU) provides the power that allows your build to function. The PSU is often overlooked, because if you have a relatively simple build, any power supply will usually work. That said, it’s absolutely worth doing your research on efficiencies, wattage, and quality, especially if you’re putting together a more complex system. If you are using high-end video cards (or multiple video cards) or a custom cooling loop, you’ll definitely want to make sure you have a PSU with enough wattage.
A good reference is this power supply calculator, which allows you to see what kind of power requirements you’ll need based on your system.
CPU Heatsink/Fan
Your CPU works incredibly hard, and that creates heat.
Keeping your CPU cool is critical to your system running properly, and though many CPUs come with a cooler, often times you’ll want something a little more powerful. These options can range from simple fans and heatsinks to elaborate liquid cooling solutions. For your first build, you’ll probably want either a fan based solution, or an All In One (AIO) liquid CPU cooler if you’re planning on overclocking your CPU. The process of installing these cooling solutions varies from product to product, but usually involve attaching it to your motherboard, and using thermal paste to make sure heat is dissipated properly from your CPU.
It sounds complicated, but it’s really not. Even the AIO liquid coolers are self-contained, and you don’t ever have to actually deal with the liquid inside. Simply make sure the cooler is compatible with your CPU and motherboard, and that you have enough room in your case. The rest is just a matter of following the included instructions.
Monitors
Now that you’ve picked out the parts for your build, it’s time to talk about everything else you’ll need for a quality gaming experience. Let’s start with a monitor. After all, a sweet gaming PC isn’t much good if you can’t see anything.
You can go with a simple, entry-level 1920×1080 monitor or TV if you want, but part of the fun of PC gaming is that you have more options. If you invested in a good system thus far, you might want to move up to higher resolutions, like 2540×1440, or even 3840×2160 (4K) for truly crystal clear images. You can also upgrade to a higher refresh rate like 144Hz or even 240Hz, which will make everything look significantly smoother. Depending on your GPU, you may want to invest in a monitor that supports either Nvidia’s G-Sync or AMD’s Freesync, as this will reduce screen tearing and further improve your gameplay experience.
All of these factors, including others like display size or aspect ratio, are going to increase cost. That said, there’s not much point in having a powerful PC if what you’re seeing doesn’t look great, so it’s probably worth the investment. For gaming however, it’s primarily about choosing a monitor with low input lag and fast pixel response times.
If you’re looking for a moderately priced entry-level gaming monitor, the curved Acer ED242QR has Freesync and a 144Hz refresh rate, a perfect match for an entry level to mid-range GPU. If you want to go super high-end, the Alienware 34 has just about everything you need for a luxurious gaming experience.
Mouse
A mouse is just a mouse right?
Nope. Like everything else we’ve been talking about, you can get a mouse that perfectly matches your style. If you’re a gamer, having mappable buttons might be important to you, as well as being able to adjust the DPI (essentially the speed of the cursor) on the fly. Maybe you want a wireless mouse, or an outside-the-box design.
The most important thing is probably comfort, so make sure you find a mouse that feels right. One of the most popular gaming mice (for good reason) is the Logitech G502 Hero, but there are lots of great mice out there from companies like Corsair, Razer, and plenty of others.
Computer Keyboards
Even with something as seemingly straightforward as a keyboard, there are a ton of options. Do you want the traditional feel of a membrane keyboard, or the precise tactile feedback of mechanical switches? Do you want wired or wireless? Do you need macro keys? How important is RGB lighting?
There’s a lot of great keyboards out there, so you can find exactly what works for you. One of the most popular mechanical keyboards is the Corsair K70 LUX. The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition is a great entry-level mechanical board with Razer optical switches.
The best way to learn your own preference is by testing different keyboards, but this guide on how to choose the right keyboard is also a great place to start.
Preparing Your Case
The first step to getting your motherboard in your case is installing standoffs. Standoffs are small brass spacers that match up with the screw holes on your motherboard, and work to keep the metal on the motherboard from touching the metal in your case. Make sure to install them where screw holes are present in the case, and consult your case manual if it isn’t obvious where these holes are.
Your motherboard will come with a cover called an I/O shield. This cover should be placed over all the external connections that are visible from the outside of the case. Make sure you line it up properly and snap it on. It’s easy to forget this step, and it can be a pain to go back to install it, so do your best to remember the first time.
Installing the motherboard
Remember, your motherboard is essentially a huge circuit board, which means it’s delicate.
It’s important to be careful as you line up the holes and add screws to all of the standoffs you placed inside your case. You want the motherboard to be secure and not loose, but you also don’t want to over-tighten the screws. If the board is bending at all, you’ve over-tightened.
You may need to push the motherboard slightly back towards the expansion slot cover before screwing it in, but as long as you line up all the screws, you should be good to go.
Install Everything Else
Once your motherboard is mounted, everything else is fairly straightforward. Use the video we shared above for more detail.
The GPU will live in the PCIe slot. Make sure you remove any expansion coverings, and be sure it clicks into place properly and is secured with screws once installed.
If you have an M.2 drive, carefully install it into the appropriate slot on your motherboard, and use the small screw to keep it secure. Again, do not over-tighten.
A good rule when installing components is to use a bit of force, but if you feel like something isn’t fitting, it’s good to double check that it’s in the correct place. This stuff is designed to fit together, so you shouldn’t have to push too hard.
Your video card, storage devices, and motherboard will all need power from the power supply.
The proper cables should be included with your PSU. If not, use the adapter provided with the video card box. Your hard drive or SSD will also need a power cable, as well as a SATA or data cable, unless you’re using an M.2 as described above. All of these cables should be included with your devices.
The right cable to use from the power supply to the components that need that power should be fairly obvious. Simply match the plug to the connection the component needs, and check any manuals if it isn’t super clear.
Installing fans will vary on your cooling setup, but again, it should be fairly clear what goes where. Simply match the cable to the input on your motherboard, and check your manual if you run into any issues.
Fire It Up
Once everything is wired up and looks the way you want it to, it’s time to plug in the power supply, hit that power button, and turn on your new computer. If everything is connected properly, you should see your motherboard’s BIOS screen.
The final step is to install your operating system of choice, and start using your new PC!
Error Messages
If everything didn’t come together on your first try, don’t panic, this happens to the best of us. It’s almost always an easy fix.
Luckily, your computer will often tell you what is wrong, whether in the BIOS menu, or via an error message from your motherboard. This is where research comes in handy, as any error you’re running into will be something someone else has probably encountered and resolved as well.
We put together a handy guide to five common PC problems and how to fix them, so take a look at that before you spend too much time researching.
Congratulations!
Whether this is your first PC, or your fiftieth, congrats on taking the time to learn how to put a PC together. There’s always more to learn, but if you’ve come this far, you’re well on your way to becoming a DIY master.
Have fun, and happy PC gaming!