The Complete PC Hardware Guide for All Users
Unsure about what PC hardware you should be investing your money in? Whether you’re a novice user looking to build your own computer or a more experienced user trying to maximize the performance of your current setup, this guide is designed to help you pick the ideal hardware for your needs. From the basics of CPU sockets and CPUs to motherboards, memory, graphics cards, storage, and more, we’ll cover all the essential aspects of PC hardware to provide a comprehensive primer and make sure you have the knowledge to make the right purchases.
CPU Sockets and CPUs
At the heart of every PC is the CPU (central processing unit). Putting together a PC begins with selecting a CPU and the socket it fits into.
CPU sockets vary depending on the type of processor you’re going for. There are currently five main types of CPU sockets that are compatible with most current AMD and Intel processor models.
Intel LGA 1200: This is a popular socket for Intel’s 10th and 11th gen CPUs and requires an Intel motherboard to support the processor. The ‘LGA’ stands for Land Grid Array and refers to the layout of the pins on the back of the CPU socket.
Intel LGA 1151: This socket is compatible with both 8th and 9th gen Intel CPUs and is the second most popular type of Intel CPU socket.
AMD AM4: This is AMD’s most popular socket for their 3rd gen Ryzen CPUs and requires an AMD motherboard.
AMD AM3+: This socket is suitable for AMD’s 2nd and 1st gen Ryzen CPUs but some motherboards require BIOS updates to be compatible with the latest CPU models.
Intel LGA 2066: This is Intel’s high-end socket and is the most expensive one to purchase. It requires a motherboard with an X299 chipset and is compatible with Intel’s HEDT (High-End Desktop) class 6th, 7th and 8th gen CPUs.
Once you decide on the socket and the processor, its time to start shopping for the other components.
Motherboards
The motherboard is responsible for connecting all the components of a PC together. It contains many different ports and connectors and has a wide variety of features and options, so it’s important to make sure you get the correct motherboard for your needs.
When it comes to motherboard form factors, ATX and Micro ATX are the most popular. These boards are designed to fit into large and small computer cases respectively. Some motherboards also have small improvements in features such as more USB ports, more PCIe slots, and support for multiple GPUs (graphics cards).
When it comes to speed, you’ll want to select a motherboard based on its compatibility with the potential maximum speeds of your chosen CPU and RAM. Motherboards come with different chipsets offering different feature sets. You should take the time to understand what you want from your motherboard before selecting one that meets your requirements.
Memory
Memory, or RAM (random access memory), is responsible for storing data in a computer’s main memory. The more RAM you have, the more tasks the system can handle at once without performance issues. You can think of it as acting as a speed boost for your PC, allowing it to handle more tasks with less lag.
When it comes to RAM, there are a few key variables to consider: size, speed, type, and latency. RAM size refers to the total amount of RAM you need, which should be matched to the specifications of the applications you use. Speed is the rate at which data can be processed, with higher speeds offering smoother operation. Type is the format in which the RAM is stored, with DDR4 being the most common type right now. Finally, latency is the time it takes for data to be transmitted and received between the RAM and the CPU.
Graphics Cards
Graphics cards are responsible for rendering the graphics seen on a computer, and more powerful cards lead to better visuals, both in terms of frame rate and image quality. There are two main types of graphics cards: integrated and discrete. Integrated cards are built directly into the motherboard and are generally cheaper and more power efficient. Meanwhile, discrete cards are standalone graphics cards that can be added for improved performance.
When shopping for a graphics card, the main specifications to look at are the amount of video memory and the video chipset. Video memory (VRAM) is used to store images for faster rendering and is measured in GB. The video chipset refers to the processor on the graphics card, and there are many different models available from AMD and NVIDIA. Higher-end cards offer more features and increased performance, but they are also more expensive.
Storage
Storage is responsible for storing your data as well as that of the operating system and applications. There are two main types: SSDs (solid-state drives) and HDDs (hard disk drives).
SSDs are the more expensive and faster option, offering faster read and write speeds and higher capacities. HDDs are the more traditional and cheaper option, but offer slower read and write speeds and capacity ranges from around 500GB up to 16TB.
When selecting a storage drive, consider the size of the drive and the type of data you plan on storing. You’ll also want to factor in how many drives you need and how much space you need.
Additional Features and Extras
Once you’ve chosen the main components of your PC, there are a few additional features and extras you should consider as well. You’ll want to make sure the PC is ready for any peripherals or accessories you might need, such as a mouse, keyboard, or headset. You can also add components such as fans, lighting, and water cooling for extra cooling and aesthetics.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a more experienced user, this guide should serve as an invaluable resource for picking the perfect PC hardware components. From the basics of CPU sockets and CPUs to motherboards, memory, graphics cards, storage, and more, now you have all the information you need to make an informed decision when building your PC and reaching the best performance you can.
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