When you are going to build a desktop PC, it will seem complicated to you. If you have the right idea and plan, building a desktop PC yourself will not be that easy. And if you have the right idea about building a PC, then building a PC with your own hands will not only save you money. Besides, you will be able to build a customized Desktop PC according to your needs. From here, you can find out what parts are needed to build a complete desktop PC and how to select them.
Computer Processor
The processor is the brain of the computer, which processes all the calculations and instructions. There are basically two main brands of computer processors available in the market - Intel and AMD. Intel's Core i3, i5, i7, i9 series and AMD's Ryzen 3, 5, 7, 9 series are popular. For general work, i3 or Ryzen 3 is enough, but for gaming or video editing, i5/Ryzen 5 or above models are required. While buying a processor, you should pay attention to the number of cores, clock speed and cache memory. Remember, check if the processor includes a cooler, otherwise you will have to buy a separate cooler.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the main circuit board to which all the components are connected. When choosing the right motherboard, the first thing to do is to make sure that it is compatible with your chosen processor. Intel processors require an LGA socket and AMD processors require an AM4/AM5 socket. The motherboard's chipset is important to determines what type of processor, RAM and other features you can use. A good motherboard should have enough USB ports, M.2 slots, PCIe slots and a sound card. ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX - these three form factors are available. You should choose a motherboard according to the size of your case.
RAM
RAM or Random Access Memory is the temporary memory of a computer where running programs and data are stored. Currently, DDR4 RAM and DDR5 RAM are common. While 8 GB of RAM is sufficient for general tasks, 16 GB or more is required for gaming and multitasking. Professional work such as video editing, 3D rendering may require up to 32 GB or 64 GB. When buying RAM, check the frequency (MHz), CAS Latency and your motherboard's support. It is better to use two RAM sticks for dual channel configuration, which increases performance.
Storage Device
There are two types of components available in the market for storage, one is HDD or Hard Disk Drive and the other is SSD or Solid State Drive. If you need more memory, it is quite cheap to get HDD, but SSD is relatively expensive but so much faster. If you are looking for a good solution, you can use 256 GB or 512 GB SSD for the operating system and important programs and 1 TB or 2 TB HDD for storing files. There are two types of SSD, SATA and NVMe. NVMe SSD is very fast and connects to the M.2 slot. Choose the best storage according to your budget and needs.
Graphics Card
Graphics card or GPU is essential for gaming, video editing, 3D modeling and graphic design. For general office work, the processor's integrated graphics are sufficient, but for gaming and professional work, a dedicated graphics card is required. NVIDIA and AMD are the two main GPU manufacturers. NVIDIA's GeForce RTX and GTX series and AMD's Radeon RX series are popular. When choosing a GPU, consider VRAM (Video RAM), CUDA cores/Stream processors, and power consumption. Make sure your power supply is powerful enough and there is enough space in the case for the GPU.
Power Supply Unit
The power supply supplies power to all the components of a desktop PC. This selection is very important because a poor quality power supply can ruin your entire computer. Calculate the total power requirements of your system and buy a power supply unit with 20-30% more watts than that. Usually 500W to 750W is enough for most systems. High-end gaming PCs may require a power supply of 850W or more.
Computer Casing
The computer case or cabinet houses all the components of the PC. When choosing a computer case, you should consider the form factor of the motherboard, the size of the GPU, the cooling system, and the space for the storage drive. There should be enough fan slots for good airflow. The front panel has USB ports, audio jacks, and a power button. The build quality, cable management options, and design of the case are also important. Cases with tempered glass panels look attractive and can be equipped with RGB lighting.
Cooling System
Keeping the system cool is essential for long-term performance and component lifespan. Most processors come with a stock cooler, which is sufficient for normal use. However, aftermarket CPU coolers are required for overclocking or heavy work. There are two types of air coolers and liquid coolers. Air coolers are cheap and reliable, while liquid cooler fans are more effective, although they are a bit more expensive. A cooling fan should be installed with the computer casing as needed. An exhaust fan can also be used at the back/top if necessary. Good airflow can reduce the temperature by 10-15 degrees.
Monitor
Monitor selection will depend on the type of work you do. For general work, a 19-21 inch 1080p monitor will suffice. For gaming, it is better to have a high refresh rate monitor of 1440p to 4K such as 120Hz, 144Hz, 165Hz and a low response time of 1ms-5ms. Color accuracy is important for designers, so IPS panel monitors are good.
Keyboard and Mouse
The two main input devices for computer use are the keyboard and mouse. You should buy a keyboard based on your needs. If your budget is low, you can go for a membrane keyboard and if your budget is high, you can go for a mechanical keyboard. Gamers need an anti-ghosting, programmable keyboard with RGB lighting features. Consider DPI, polling rate, ergonomics and sensor type when choosing a mouse. Wired mice are reliable and latency-free, while wireless mice are quite convenient to use. Gaming mice have additional buttons and customization options.
Operating System and Software
After building a complete PC, you need to install the operating system. Windows 10/11 is the most popular and supports gaming and most software. Linux is free and open-source, the best operating system for programmers and developers. macOS runs only on Apple hardware. In addition to Apple's OS, you need antivirus, browser, office suite, driver update tools. After building the system, check the BIOS settings, update all drivers and run stress tests to check stability.
Conclusion
Everyone has the desire or dream of building a good quality desktop PC. Before building a desktop PC, select the PC parts keeping in mind the budget, purpose of use and future upgrade possibilities. By selecting the right components and carefully combining them, you can build a powerful, customized one at an affordable price that can meet all your needs.