Building the Best PC Hardware: All You Need To Know
Do you want to build a killer gaming PC? Or have you dreamed of having an ultra-fast workstation? Choosing the right components is the first and most important step in building a successful PC.
With hundreds of components to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to pick the best pieces of hardware for your PC. Do you go for a powerful processor or focus on getting better graphics cards? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, unfortunately. You’ll need to pick the components that work best for your situation and goals.
Don’t worry, though. We’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll break down the must-have PC hardware components and what to look for when buying them. You’ll soon be ready to purchase the essential hardware required to build a powerful PC. Let’s get started!
The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The central processing unit (CPU) is the main processor in your computer and is responsible for most of your computing needs. It’s the one component that will make the biggest difference in your computer’s performance.
When buying a CPU, you’ll need to consider several factors, such as the type of processor (Intel or AMD), the processor’s clock speed, the number of cores it has, and the CPU socket type. All these factors contribute to the overall performance of your PC.
For gaming, we recommend getting a mid-to-high range Intel CPU, ideally from the i5 or i7 series. If you’re looking for a workstation, then consider getting a higher-end Xeon processor. Either way, make sure the processor you purchase supports the latest socket type offered by the motherboard.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the “centerpiece” of your PC. It’s the component that all other components plug into, and it’s responsible for managing the data flow between your components.
When it comes to motherboards, you’ll need to consider several factors, such as the type of processor socket, RAM capacity, available expansion slots, and more.
For gaming, we recommend getting a mid-to-high range socket like Intel’s LGA 115X or AMD’s AM4. For workstations, consider getting an E-ATX or ATX motherboard to ensure the component compatibility.
Memory (RAM)
Random access memory (RAM) is a quick, temporary storage for your data. Most modern PCs come with 8GB to 32GB of RAM, but you’ll need more for serious gaming or workstation tasks.
When selecting RAM, you’ll need to consider the type of RAM, the speed, and the capacity. For gaming, we recommend getting DDR4 RAM with a speed of 3000MHz or higher and a capacity of 16GB or more.
For workstations, consider getting a 64GB to 128GB capacity of ECC RAM, which is more reliable, with a higher frequency of 2400MHz or above.
Graphics Card (GPU)
The graphics card is responsible for rendering 3D graphics, and it’s a crucial component if you want a powerful gaming PC. Keep in mind that the GPU needs to be compatible with the motherboard’s PCIe slot.
When buying a graphics card, we recommend getting something from the NVIDIA RTX 30 or AMD RX series. These GPUs are powerful enough to handle modern games and workloads.
While you’re at it, you can also get a dedicated PhysX card if you want to get more performance out of your games.
Storage
Storage is responsible for storing all your data, from games and applications to media files. There are two main types of storage for PCs: hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs).
A hard drive is cheaper and offers more capacity, but it’s slower compared to an SSD. On the other hand, an SSD is much faster, but it’s also more expensive.
We recommend getting a combination of both. Get a high-capacity hard drive for storing all your data, paired with a smaller SSD to store the OS and some of your programs.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The power supply unit supplies power to your components, and it’s an essential part of a PC build. We recommend getting a high-quality PSU from a reputable brand, like Corsair or EVGA. Ensure it’s of the correct wattage for your components, and make sure it has multiple PCIe cables if you’re using multiple GPUs.
Case and Cooling
The case is where you’ll store all your components and where you can show off your build. It’s also important to have good airflow, so make sure the case offers plenty of fan and radiator mounting options.
You’ll also need to consider a cooling solution. This can either be an air cooler or a liquid cooler. Both offer great performance, but liquid coolers are typically quieter.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many components to consider when building a PC. Choosing the right parts can be tough, but hopefully, this guide has made the task easier. With these components, you’ll have no problem building the perfect gaming or workstation PC. Now all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your new build! So, what are you waiting for? Seize the day and start building your dream PC today!
Building the best PC hardware doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right knowledge and components, you can craft the perfect PC for your needs. Let’s go get started building!
Image Credit: Pexels