Understanding the Parts of Your PC
Understanding the Parts of Your PC
Each part in your PC has a specific job. Once you know what each one does, choosing and assembling them becomes much easier.
You don't need to memorize this, just take a mental note of the compatibilities and what each part does.
You don't need to memorize this, just take a mental note of the compatibilities and what each part does.
Motherboard
Everything connects here—your CPU, RAM, storage, and more.
Socket Compatibility:
CPU Socket type, RAM, Expansion slotsForm factor matters: ATX, mATX, ITX (bigger boards = more features.)
Chipsets: Affect features like overclocking, PCIe lanes, etc.
Built-in extras: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RGB headers—check what’s included.
Don't always buy the most expensive one—just the one that fits your needs.
CPU (Processor)
The brain of your PC.
It handles instructions, logic, and calculations.Socket Compatibility:
MotherboardBasic use: Running your operating system, software, and games.
Common brands: AMD Ryzen, Intel Core (i3, i5, i7, etc.)
Cores and threads: More = better for multitasking or heavy tasks like streaming or video editing.
Clock speed (GHz): Higher = faster, but not always a clear win.
CPU cooler
Some CPUs come with a basic stock cooler - fine for casual use or budget builds.
But for gaming you’ll want something better.Compatibility:
CPU socket, motherboard brackets/fan headers, case's height clearance.Air coolers: More affordable, easier to install, and quieter than you think.
Liquid coolers (AIOs): Sleeker look, great for small spaces or overclocking, but more complex.
Bonus: A good cooler can extend the life of your CPU and keep fan noise low, even when your game gets wild.
GPU
(Graphics Card)Renders visuals—games, video, design, and 3D applications.
Essential for: Gaming, creative work (video editing, 3D), visual performance.
Common types: Dedicated (NVIDIA, AMD) or integrated (built into CPUs.)
*If you’re not gaming or doing heavy visual work, integrated graphics may be enough.VRAM matters: 8GB is a solid sweet spot for modern gaming.
Ray tracing & DLSS: Fancy features—great, but not essential for everyone.
RAM (Memory)
Lets your PC run multiple tasks at once.
Socket Compatibility:
Motherboard - speed and type.More RAM = smoother experience, especially for gaming or content creation.
Most beginner builds use 16GB. Motherboards will have a max GB allowance.
Speed (MHz) matters, but only up to a point—check what your motherboard supports.
Two sticks (dual-channel) is better than one—more balanced and efficient.
You can’t mix types, and they’re not physically interchangeable (DDR4/DDR5.)
Storage (SSD/HDD)
Where your files, software, and operating system live.
Socket Compatibility:
Motherboard connect slots amount and type.SSD = fast, quiet, durable. SATA connection.
HDD = slower, cheaper, better for bulk storage. SATA connection.NVMe SSDs = super fast. Connects directly to the motherboard via M.2 slots.
Not all M.2 slots support NVMe—some are SATA-only.
Some boards have multiple M.2 slots, but only one supports full speed.
Power Supply (PSU)
The heart. Delivers energy to every component.
Compatibility:
Your PSU needs to match the power demands of your other components.Choose a reliable, well-reviewed PSU—don’t cheap out here.
Modular vs non-modular: Modular = fewer cables = cleaner build.
Look for 80+ Bronze certification or higher for efficiency.
Make sure it has enough wattage for your build (500–750W is common.)
case
The body. Holds everything together—and gives it style.
Size affects airflow, part compatibility, and cable management.
Pick one you like the look of—but make sure it fits your parts.
Airflow matters: Mesh > glass if you want better thermals.
Some cases come with fans—others don’t.
Smaller form factor? Great for minimalists, harder to build in.
Motherboard
Everything connects here—your CPU, RAM, storage, and more.
Socket Compatibility:
CPU Socket type, RAM, Expansion slotsForm factor matters: ATX, mATX, ITX (bigger boards = more features.)
Chipsets: Affect features like overclocking, PCIe lanes, etc.
Built-in extras: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RGB headers—check what’s included.
Don't always buy the most expensive one—just the one that fits your needs.
CPU (Processor)
The brain of your PC.
It handles instructions, logic, and calculations.Socket Compatibility:
MotherboardBasic use: Running your operating system, software, and games.
Common brands: AMD Ryzen, Intel Core (i3, i5, i7, etc.)
Cores and threads: More = better for multitasking or heavy tasks like streaming or video editing.
Clock speed (GHz): Higher = faster, but not always a clear win.
CPU cooler
Some CPUs come with a basic stock cooler - fine for casual use or budget builds.
But for gaming you’ll want something better.Compatibility:
CPU socket, motherboard brackets/fan headers, case's height clearance.Air coolers: More affordable, easier to install, and quieter than you think.
Liquid coolers (AIOs): Sleeker look, great for small spaces or overclocking, but more complex.
Bonus: A good cooler can extend the life of your CPU and keep fan noise low, even when your game gets wild.
GPU
(Graphics Card)Renders visuals—games, video, design, and 3D applications.
Essential for: Gaming, creative work (video editing, 3D), visual performance.
Common types: Dedicated (NVIDIA, AMD) or integrated (built into CPUs.)
*If you’re not gaming or doing heavy visual work, integrated graphics may be enough.VRAM matters: 8GB is a solid sweet spot for modern gaming.
Ray tracing & DLSS: Fancy features—great, but not essential for everyone.
RAM (Memory)
Lets your PC run multiple tasks at once.
Socket Compatibility:
Motherboard - speed and type.More RAM = smoother experience, especially for gaming or content creation.
Most beginner builds use 16GB. Motherboards will have a max GB allowance.
Speed (MHz) matters, but only up to a point—check what your motherboard supports.
Two sticks (dual-channel) is better than one—more balanced and efficient.
You can’t mix types, and they’re not physically interchangeable (DDR4/DDR5.)
Storage (SSD/HDD)
Where your files, software, and operating system live.
Socket Compatibility:
Motherboard connect slots amount and type.SSD = fast, quiet, durable. SATA connection.
HDD = slower, cheaper, better for bulk storage. SATA connection.NVMe SSDs = super fast. Connects directly to the motherboard via M.2 slots.
Not all M.2 slots support NVMe—some are SATA-only.
Some boards have multiple M.2 slots, but only one supports full speed.
Power Supply (PSU)
The heart. Delivers energy to every component.
Compatibility:
Your PSU needs to match the power demands of your other components.Choose a reliable, well-reviewed PSU—don’t cheap out here.
Modular vs non-modular: Modular = fewer cables = cleaner build.
Look for 80+ Bronze certification or higher for efficiency.
Make sure it has enough wattage for your build (500–750W is common.)
case
The body. Holds everything together—and gives it style.
Size affects airflow, part compatibility, and cable management.
Pick one you like the look of—but make sure it fits your parts.
Airflow matters: Mesh > glass if you want better thermals.
Some cases come with fans—others don’t.
Smaller form factor? Great for minimalists, harder to build in.
Motherboard
Everything connects here—your CPU, RAM, storage, and more.
Socket Compatibility:
CPU Socket type, RAM, Expansion slotsForm factor matters: ATX, mATX, ITX (bigger boards = more features.)
Chipsets: Affect features like overclocking, PCIe lanes, etc.
Built-in extras: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RGB headers—check what’s included.
Don't always buy the most expensive one—just the one that fits your needs.
CPU (Processor)
The brain of your PC.
It handles instructions, logic, and calculations.Socket Compatibility:
MotherboardBasic use: Running your operating system, software, and games.
Common brands: AMD Ryzen, Intel Core (i3, i5, i7, etc.)
Cores and threads: More = better for multitasking or heavy tasks like streaming or video editing.
Clock speed (GHz): Higher = faster, but not always a clear win.
CPU cooler
Some CPUs come with a basic stock cooler - fine for casual use or budget builds.
But for gaming you’ll want something better.Compatibility:
CPU socket, motherboard brackets/fan headers, case's height clearance.Air coolers: More affordable, easier to install, and quieter than you think.
Liquid coolers (AIOs): Sleeker look, great for small spaces or overclocking, but more complex.
Bonus: A good cooler can extend the life of your CPU and keep fan noise low, even when your game gets wild.
GPU
(Graphics Card)Renders visuals—games, video, design, and 3D applications.
Essential for: Gaming, creative work (video editing, 3D), visual performance.
Common types: Dedicated (NVIDIA, AMD) or integrated (built into CPUs.)
*If you’re not gaming or doing heavy visual work, integrated graphics may be enough.VRAM matters: 8GB is a solid sweet spot for modern gaming.
Ray tracing & DLSS: Fancy features—great, but not essential for everyone.
RAM (Memory)
Lets your PC run multiple tasks at once.
Socket Compatibility:
Motherboard - speed and type.More RAM = smoother experience, especially for gaming or content creation.
Most beginner builds use 16GB. Motherboards will have a max GB allowance.
Speed (MHz) matters, but only up to a point—check what your motherboard supports.
Two sticks (dual-channel) is better than one—more balanced and efficient.
You can’t mix types, and they’re not physically interchangeable (DDR4/DDR5.)
Storage (SSD/HDD)
Where your files, software, and operating system live.
Socket Compatibility:
Motherboard connect slots amount and type.SSD = fast, quiet, durable. SATA connection.
HDD = slower, cheaper, better for bulk storage. SATA connection.NVMe SSDs = super fast. Connects directly to the motherboard via M.2 slots.
Not all M.2 slots support NVMe—some are SATA-only.
Some boards have multiple M.2 slots, but only one supports full speed.
Power Supply (PSU)
The heart. Delivers energy to every component.
Compatibility:
Your PSU needs to match the power demands of your other components.Choose a reliable, well-reviewed PSU—don’t cheap out here.
Modular vs non-modular: Modular = fewer cables = cleaner build.
Look for 80+ Bronze certification or higher for efficiency.
Make sure it has enough wattage for your build (500–750W is common.)
case
The body. Holds everything together—and gives it style.
Size affects airflow, part compatibility, and cable management.
Pick one you like the look of—but make sure it fits your parts.
Airflow matters: Mesh > glass if you want better thermals.
Some cases come with fans—others don’t.
Smaller form factor? Great for minimalists, harder to build in.
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