Parts Needed to Build a PC (Computer Parts List & Explanation). How to build a cpu

a screwdriver will be your most needed tool during the entire construction process. However, it’s a good idea to have a variety of screwdrivers in your tool kit that vary in length, size, and head shape.

Exactly How to Choose a CPU: Complete Guide

Therefore, it is extremely important that you know exactly what you want to do with your pc before purchasing – it will help you tremendously when the time comes to select components.

In this article, we will go over the processor in detail, as it is necessary to choose the right brain for your computer.

Without further saying goodbye, let’s talk about how to choose a processor for your PC:

What is a CPU?

Short for Central Processing Unit, it is a chip that carries out instructions and transfers data in every major device you own, from the smallest tablet to the most powerful desktop computer. Whether you have CPU problems or want to expand your knowledge, here’s everything you need to know about the CPU, the heart of almost every system.

Don’t waste your money on the best CPU available if you don’t need one, and don’t save on your CPU just to regret it later.

It’s important to get the best bang for your buck, and that means identifying what you want to achieve and purchasing your CPU accordingly.

The best processor for the GTX 1080 Ti will not necessarily be the best processor for the GTX 1070 or 1060 – keep that in mind.

Once you know what the purpose of your build is, you can start qualifying the processors. But that doesn’t mean you choose the processor with the highest clock frequency. Instead, consider how many instructions it can execute per clock (this will have a much greater effect on performance than the clock speed itself.)

You should also consider other important information about your CPU, such as power consumption, thermal power, safety features, maximum memory, expected overclocking limits, and more.

Once you’ve got all this information, you can make a rational decision on what gives you the best value for your money.

Here are some things you should consider:

Some cases allow you to simply screw a 2.5-inch drive into a bay that also supports larger 3.5-inch drives, although more modern PC chassis allow the use of brackets on the back of the motherboard tray. For the latter:

Computer Parts List (PC Components)

Here is a computer parts list with all the basic hardware you will need for a running computer:

Let’s take a closer look at them:

The computer case is nothing more than a fancy looking box that contains all the components of the computer. It can be opened and closed and usually has predefined areas with bolts and holes where all other components are to be placed and fixed.

PC cases come in a variety of colors, sizes, with or without fans, some have LED lights, some don’t, some have glass side panels, and some look absolutely crazy.

Usually, you can think of a computer’s case as a black (or white) box with a few buttons on top. This is where all of your components will fit when you’re done building your computer.

You don’t actually need a case, you can also just put everything on the floor or mount it on a wall, some do, but being able to just lift the entire PC by lifting the case up is handy.

Some cases that are extremely popular and often recommended are the NZXT H500 – ATX Mid-Tower or the Phanteks Enthoo Pro.

Motherboard

Next up is a very important part, the motherboard.

The motherboard is a printed circuit board to which all other pieces of computer hardware will be attached. It is like a central hub that manages and connects all other parts.

The motherboard has connectors for cables such as power and data cables, slots for cards such as GPUs, and slots for processors.

There are also many small hardware components, such as transistors, capacitors, jumpers, and many other small parts that make different hardware components work well together.

Check out the best motherboards for popular AMD Ryzen processors here and Intel processors here.

Not all computers have a dedicated graphics card. If you’ve decided to use your motherboard’s onboard graphics instead of installing a dedicated graphics card, you can skip this section.

How to build a PC

We’ve put this guide in an order that makes sense for most builds, although it may not be optimal for every computer. You’ll need to check the layout and see which components will need to be installed first, but usually the best way is to start with power. First, set aside the box / bag of screws that come with the case, as we’ll need them for the next steps.

Just be sure to check out our helpful guide on how to avoid these inexperienced mistakes when building your PC so you can get started in no time.

Best case

Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic Gaming Computer Case

Do you want a compact case that is easy to build inside your computer and looks amazing? This is what the Lian Li offers with the PC-O11 Dynamic, designed in collaboration with DER8AUER.

When you assemble your new PC, you need a case that looks good, is tough enough to fit everything inside, has multiple features like dust filtering, smart RGB lighting, and won’t strain your budget. This sums up the Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic perfectly.

Installing the CPU

source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Headquarters

You noticed that I said we’ll install the power supply first, but that’s only if we’re sure everything is working. Before we can fit everything into the computer case, we need to check that all our components actually work inside the box. Instead of throwing everything inside the case and discovering there’s a problem, the best solution is to unpack everything on a flat surface of your choice and install a few components to test.

To do this, unpack the power supply, CPU, RAM and the motherboard. The first step is to install the CPU, which also requires you to remove the motherboard from its packaging. It is a very easy process whether you are using an AMD or Intel chip.

Place the motherboard on the cardboard box. (It’s safe in here. Never put it on the carpet.)

source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Headquarters

source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Headquarters

Now we need to install a CPU cooler. Depending on the radiator you purchased, you may already have a layer of thermal paste applied to it. If not, we must do so before installing the radiator. (Tip: less is more.) These instructions will guide you through the installation process, which may vary by manufacturer and manufacturer.

Especially with aftermarket coolers – both water and air coolers – pay close attention to the instructions that come with the product. Therefore, it is better to do all these steps with the motherboard outside of the computer case for ease of use.

Power up

source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Headquarters

All this hard work will pay off now. Time to boot up and make sure everything is working properly now that everything is in the case. Turn on the power adapter and press the power switch. You should now be greeted by a BIOS POST screen, asking to install the operating system if it is not detected. Now you need to follow the OS installation instructions. If you run into problems, it’s time to fix the problem.

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Do you need extra power for gaming and intense workload? The best graphics card is a must-have. As a bonus, it’s easy to install a graphics card. We usually leave the GPU for last due to how much space it usually takes up in the case.

About Our Step-by-step Guide to Building Your Own Computer

There are several different ways to build a computer, and when that happens, choose the one you feel most comfortable with.

The process we outlined in our computer building infographic is just one of the ways we prefer to build computers, but there is some flexibility in this regard.

For example, you can easily switch between steps (and we actually did when we went through our detailed build guide), and even do what’s called a compilation “out of the box.

On the Internet, you can find reviews everywhere, and the truth is that almost all of the different methods can be justified with their own pros and cons. Examples of other build commands that may work and some common “build methods” include:

1. Building Outside of the Case:

This method involves partially mounting the motherboard and related units (CPU, CPU cooler, and RAM) outside the case, and then grafting the entire unit inside the case before continuing with mounting.

• In addition to the case, you have a lot of “work space” to mount the CPU, cooler and RAM
• You have better visibility to make sure the components are properly mounted

• Mounting components on the motherboard without proper support may result in damage
• Trying to install the motherboard in an enclosure with components already installed, such as a CPU cooler, can be difficult depending on where the motherboard mounts are located. Sometimes you may not be able to get the screwdriver right where it should be if other parts like your CPU cooler or RAM get in the way.
• If you have an aftermarket CPU cooler, it may have a rear bracket that needs to be attached to the motherboard reading. In this case, install the hardware on the motherboard before mounting the motherboard into the case (although some cases may have a cutout in the motherboard backplane that allows access to that part of the motherboard – as the case may be).

2. Changing Up the Order of Mounting Components

Whether you choose to build “inside the case” or “outside the case”, you can still assemble the parts in almost any order you want.

Examples:

• Power -> Motherboard -> CPU -> RAM -> Graphics card -> Mass storage and optical drives
• Motherboard -> Power -> Mass storage and optical drives -> Processor -> RAM -> Graphics card
• It depends on you! However, if you are new, we suggest that you follow the build guide until you understand your personal preferences regarding the build order.

Pros/Cons:

• Depending on the order of assembly, some parts may interfere with other parts when you try to assemble them, or result in a smaller work space / space inside the enclosure for installing other parts.
• Be careful as there are some components that need to be installed in a specific order (for example, you cannot install a CPU cooler without first installing a CPU).
• If you deviate from the suggested order, think about it in advance as sometimes you may not be able to access the mounting points (for example, some graphics card / motherboard combinations may make it impossible to release the RAM latches after the graphics card is installed; in in this case, install the RAM in front of the graphics card).

Computer Assembly Steps

Step 1: Open Case

It is easiest to work on the computer with the computer sideways on a flat surface with the open side facing up. Be sure to ground yourself (by touching the housing) before installing the parts.

All screws that are delivered with the housing should be stored separately and note the different types. Most housings will ship with several different bolt packages and may be of different sizes or threads, so make sure you align them in the correct mounting locations as best you can. If in doubt, see the documentation that came with the computer case.

Step 2: Mount Motherboard

1. Screw the motherboard brackets to the case
2. Knock the back I / O board out of the case (if present) and replace it with the motherboard I / O board
3. Fix the motherboard in place on the mounting brackets

Several different motherboard sizes (also known as “form factors”) are commonly available, so most cases have screw positions that will fit different motherboard sizes. You don’t need to install mounting brackets on all of them; only the ones that fit your motherboard will be ok.

An I / O board is an input / output board that is simply a metal shield tailored to a specific motherboard. You need to remove the default I / O board that might have been shipped with the case and replace it with the one that shipped with the motherboard.

screws and brackets are often shipped with the computer case, however sometimes screws may be shipped with the motherboard.

Step 3: Mount Processor (CPU)

1. Find the CPU socket handle on the motherboard
2. Lift the latch lever to release and pivot the hinged cover of the processor socket.
3. Holding the processor by the sides, align the alignment notches, or the triangle marked at the corner of the processor, with the triangle marked on the motherboard. Gently insert it straight into the motherboard socket to seat the processor
4. Lower the processor socket cover over the processor and lower the latch lever again to secure the closed processor socket handle

Do not use force to seat the processor. Avoid touching or pressing the back of the CPU with your fingers, as any debris from your hands can destroy the heat transfer surface for the cooler that will be installed next.

Another important thing to keep in mind is to remove any plastic packaging from the CPU socket cover before installing the CPU and cooler. There is usually a piece of removable hard plastic around the CPU socket cover that is used to protect the CPU terminal pins on the motherboard. Make sure to remove it and throw it away when installing the CPU.

Step 4: Install CPU Cooler

Make sure the CPU cooler is installed directly on the back of the metal casing of the CPU. We’ve heard stories of installations where the plastic wrapping of the CPU socket cover (which is to be thrown away after installing the CPU) hasn’t been removed and the CPU cooler has been mistakenly mounted on the plastic. Don’t make this costly mistake as it will overheat and damage your CPU.

1. If necessary, apply thermal paste to the back of the processor
2. Replace the CPU heat sink / cooler and fasten it in place.
3. Connect the power cable that came with the radiator fan to the connector on the motherboard.

Some CPU coolers already have a thermal pad applied, in which case you can skip step 1. If not, apply thermal paste to the surface of the CPU before putting the CPU cooler in place.

It’s important to choose the RAM that will best suit your motherboard and CPU, and this 3200MHz kit is perfect for the Ryzen 5 5600X and the included motherboard. There is also room for tweaking later when you need a little more system memory.

CPU + Cooler

If you’re planning on overclocking, or even if you’re generally concerned about overheating your CPU and other hardware, it’s a good idea to invest in additional case fans.

There are three main things you need to consider when looking at case fans; Airflow, RGB lighting and noise output. Here is a simplified explanation of each of them:

• Airflow: This is the primary function of the fan and the main cooling element, so it’s by far the most important of the three. Fan airflow is measured in “CFM” (cubic feet per minute) and the higher this number, the more efficiently it will keep the CPU cool.
• RGB Lighting: This doesn’t have much of an effect on the cooling capabilities of the fan, but adds a stylish lighting effect to your PC case. Extra cables are likely to be needed here, so it’s worth considering if you really need RGB lighting.
• Noise Level: Ideally, the fan should be as quiet as possible without sacrificing cooling performance. If your fan is too loud it may affect your gaming experience.

Liquid Coolers

You can also use a liquid cooler to prevent the CPU from overheating. They are much more expensive than air coolers and also much more complicated to install and maintain. However, they are probably better at cooling.

This is because they use water as a thermal conductor to dissipate heat from the CPU. So instead of just blowing air on them, they actually absorb heat. As a result, everything remains cool at all times and the noise level is significantly reduced.

Some CPUs also come with included coolers to help keep them from overheating, but if you’re determined to overclock your CPU an additional fan or liquid cooler is basically a necessary addition to your build.

The graphics processor or GPU is the most important component of any gaming PC, and usually the most expensive component on any build list.

Latest Blog Posts

These are some of our recent PC Builder blog posts.

Getting Started

New to PC Builder? And you don’t know why to choose us? Here we share points that tell you why we’re the best in the market to help build your PC’s compatibility.

It is totally up to you! But in order to give you a little more benefit about us, we are solely devoted to PC component compatibility for the best benefit of our users. We always update our system so that you only get the best and latest parts available on the market.

Our system works by testing the different compatibility of each component with other selected PC parts by the user and to achieve such a large goal. We have written thousands of lines of algorithms to make sure you always get what’s compatible and latest for your build.

Our millions of satisfied users are our proof of trust in them. We’re only here to help people who want to build their own computer, but lack adequate knowledge of components and their compatibility. So they got mixed up with their construction, but with us they didn’t have to worry anymore.

Yes, of course, you can present your build with us, just register to our system and upload your build and we will be happy to share your build in PC Builder. We just love seeing people build their computers with our system and they trust us.

We currently work with Amazon LLC as our sole reseller as Amazon is a one stop shop for everything and makes all components available. Most of us like to buy all the parts in one place rather than looking for them on different platforms.

Yes, our system is free and will always be the same. We believe that knowledge grows as we share it with others, and that limiting our system will only limit us.

We assure you that your hardware will never be removed from our system and is available to you whenever you want to access or edit it.

If you have trouble finding the correct component in our system builder, you can contact us at [email protected] with the name or link of the component and we will update it ASAP on our system.

No, if one of the components is not available on our system, it does not mean that the component is not suitable for your build. Various components are available and we may have omitted some of them my mistake. If you find such components, please contact us at [email protected] with the name or link to the component and we will add it accordingly.

If you are just starting to build a computer or have any questions, feel free to share them directly with our community and computer experts will help you build a computer. Click here to visit our Forum.

Yes, sometimes the price can be lowered and raised by merchants at any time. It is for this reason that you can sometimes see differences in prices for a few components – but we are working hard to keep the latest prices according to the seller and to keep the margin of the price error to a minimum.

It is difficult to share the answer to this question in a few lines, but to keep it simple, we are affiliated with Amazon LLC and this is the only way we can make a living and maintain this website free of charge.

But wait! Even after double and triple checking that everything is going well, it is recommended to use an automated tool that checks the entered components against the database to confirm that there are no conflicts. It’s worth visiting PC Part Picker, enter all the components, and then check everything.

Build your PC

Each PC set will be different – due to component selection, motherboard configuration, and so on – and some components are easier to install on the motherboard before inserting it into the case. In this way, we create a computer on our own. For step-by-step assembly, watch the video. At the end of the article, we list the specific parts we have selected.

Placing the AMD Ryzen Threadripper processor.

Install the processor. Since every motherboard and CPU is different, see your motherboard and CPU manual for installation instructions specific to your setup. In general, all processors have some kind of markings that help in the correct orientation on the motherboard. And make sure the CPU is seated properly as you can easily damage the pins in the CPU socket.

Add RAM modules. Again, the motherboard’s user manual gives recommendations on which slots should be used for memory modules to optimize your computer’s memory.

Add a mass storage device. Oliver installed two high-speed NVMe flash drives in his version. Here’s where you’ll want to use the thermal pads that come with your drives or purchased separately.

Carefully place the motherboard in the case.

Insert the motherboard. At this point in assembly, Oliver is ready to insert the motherboard into the case. Once the motherboard is properly positioned, secure it with the screws. This is where the magnetic tipped screwdriver is a blessing as it is a challenge to retrieve a dropped bolt from the case.

Plug in the power adapter. Although the orientation of the power supply will depend on the case, make sure the fan is pointed at the vent, otherwise hot air will be trapped inside the case and the computer may overheat.

Fan adjustment in the housing.

Connect the CPU cooler. See the refrigerator assembly instructions. Our cooler contained thermally conductive paste, but if not, you can apply it a bit – about a large grain of rice. You will likely need to connect your refrigerator to the motherboard and to the power supply, following the instructions in its manual. If you have additional fans, join them as well.

Connect your storage. Now connect your storage device to the power supply and motherboard.

Connect components to the front I / O panel. You may also need to connect the audio and USB connectors, as well as the power and reset button to the I / O panel on the case. Be sure to connect all fans in your case.

Installing our graphics card.

Oliver’s parts list

Every build is different, right? Here’s what Oliver chose for his version, along with the pricing. The final cost of his massive computer is $ 5,064, about 400,000 less than the basic Power Mac configuration.

Motherboard ($ 850): Asus ROG Zenith Extreme II

CPU cooler ($ 160): Corsair H100i RGB Platinum

PSU ($ 240): Corsair HX1200

GPU (400,200): EVGA Nvidia RTX 2080ti

SSD ($ 300): Samsung 860 Evo

2x high-speed NVMe SSD ($ 300 each): Samsung 970 Pro

Fans ($ 130): Corsair LL120 RGB

Case ($ 260): Corsair 680X RGB

If you decide to build your own, let us know in the comments what components you chose and how the setup went.

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