What do you need to assemble a PC?
Although assembling a PC is as simple as putting together LEGO bricks, you should understand the building elements before you start. Assembling a PC can have many styles and purposes, but some components are part of the basic equipment and are indispensable for every PC.
① CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) executes computer software instructions. Main brands are Intel and AMD, with choices depending on needs and budget. Intel uses LGA sockets, making CPU handling easier but requiring care during installation. AMD uses PGA and LGA, especially in high-end Threadripper CPUs. Entry-level CPUs have fewer cores and limited processing and multitasking capabilities. High-end processors, like Intel's Cascade Lake or AMD's EPYC, offer more cores and features like security, virtualization, and large memory caches. For consumers, core and thread counts are crucial; more cores and virtual cores (threads) enhance performance, beneficial for tasks like gaming and live streaming simultaneously.
② RAM: Known as memory, allows fast data storage for the operating system, reducing reliance on slower storage devices. DDR5 is the latest, enhancing PC speed, while DDR4 can include RGB lighting. Minimum 8 GB is needed, with 16 GB recommended for optimal performance and quick boot times. For intensive tasks like video editing, 32 or 64 GB is better. DDR5 starts at 4800 MHz, but can reach up to 6400 MHz with XMP settings in BIOS, requiring a compatible motherboard. More RAM, particularly up to 16 GB, significantly boosts performance, important for gamers who should balance speed and cost when choosing RAM.
③ Storage: Including traditional HDDs, SSDs, and NVMe or SATA m.2 drives, have evolved beyond magnetic technology on spinning disks. Large storage options over 20 TB are cost-effective with 4-8 TB HDDs, but SSDs and m.2 drives offer much faster data transfer rates. SSDs use memory for data storage and retain data without power, unlike DDR4 memory. SSDs connect via SATA, offering speeds over 500 Mb/s. Memory types in SSDs vary from SLC to QLC, with 3D NAND for higher density. mSATA drives in laptops evolved into m.2 storage cards, with NVMe or PCIe m.2 drives offering speeds up to 7000 MB/s read and 5000 MB/s write with PCIe Gen4, significantly faster than previous generations.
④ GPU: The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is an expansion card fitting into the motherboard's PCIe slot, handling complex graphics, images, and computations, outputting to displays. Motherboards may have integrated GPUs driving basic desktop applications, but dedicated gaming GPUs offer superior performance in FPS and detail. The two major GPU manufacturers are NVIDIA and AMD, with MSI providing cards for both. NVIDIA's 3000 series significantly outperforms the 2000 series, catering to serious gamers with models from RTX 3090Ti to RTX 3050. AMD offers mid-range Radeon RX 5500XT to 5700 XT and high-end 6000 series (RX 6950 XT to RX 6700 XT) and performance cards (RX 6650 XT to RX 6400).
⑤ Motherboard: Known as the mainboard, connects all computer components, including the processor, memory modules, graphics card, expansion cards, hard drives, and peripherals like network, keyboard, and mouse. Motherboards come in various sizes: ATX (30.5cm x 24.4cm), Micro-ATX (24.4cm x 24.4cm), and Mini-ITX (17cm x 17cm). Chipsets on the motherboard, specific to certain CPUs, offer varying options and connectivity, with higher-priced chipsets providing more features. Intel and AMD CPUs have their own chipsets, with Intel's 12th generation CPUs compatible with H610, B660, H670, and Z690 chipsets, and AMD's high-end Ryzen CPUs matching B550 or X570 chipsets. Mid-range or entry-level AMD CPUs work with B550, X470, or B450. Overclocking is possible with many AMD CPUs and motherboards. Ensure your power supply can support the motherboard's power requirements, especially if it supports overclocking.
⑥ CPU Cooler: CPUs generate significant heat, which can cause system shutdowns or permanent damage if not properly managed. To keep the CPU cool, fans and heatsinks are essential. While most boxed CPUs come with a basic cooler, it's often recommended to purchase a better one for improved system performance. Coolers are categorized into two types based on their cooling medium: water cooling and air cooling. Air coolers are further classified into tower, downdraft, and updraft based on their design and airflow direction. Users should choose a cooler that fits their specific needs and setup.
⑦ Power Supply: When building a PC, the power supply unit (PSU) is crucial as it converts AC to DC power for the CPU, motherboard, graphics card, and peripherals. A 500-600 watt PSU is generally sufficient for basic PC use with internet, Word, and Excel. For NVIDIA GPUs, the RTX 2000 series requires about 650-750 watts, the RTX 3080 needs 750 watts, and the high-end RTX 3090 over 850 watts. AMD GPUs have similar requirements. Ensure the PSU has enough connectors for the motherboard and graphics card. Efficiency varies from 80 Plus Bronze to Titanium, with Titanium being over 90% efficient. Modular PSUs help with cable management. Be cautious with CPU and PCI connectors as they are not interchangeable.
