Are you interested in getting into the world of PC gaming? When you build your own PC, you will have the freedom to choose what components you want, easier upgrades, and more performance for the money when compared to pre-built PCs.
While it may seem intimidating at first, with the right guidance, anyone can build a PC. In this beginner-friendly guide, you will find out what components you need to build your dream PC, and how to assemble it.
Why Build Your Own PC?
Building your own PC offers several advantages:
- Customization: You can choose any combination of components to fit your requirements, whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or just need a reliable workstation.
- Budget Efficiency: By selecting components that match your needs, you can make the best use of your budget without overspending on features you don’t require.
- Ease of Upgrades and Maintenance: A self-built PC is easier to upgrade and maintain, as you have full control over each component and can replace or upgrade them as needed.
Key PC Components
Here are some of the key PC components that you need to build a PC.
CPU
A CPU (Central Processing Unit) is a mini, powerful chip that functions as the brain of the computer. When buying a new CPU, it is crucial that it provides great single-threaded and multi-threaded performance, so you can run your favorite games and productivity programs with ease.
Best Enthusiast CPU – AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
- 16 Cores and 32 Processing Threads
- 5.7 GHz Max Boost
- Native AVX-512 support
Best High-End CPU – AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
- 8 Cores and 16 Processing Threads
- 5.5GHz Max Boost
- Unlocked for Overclocking
Best Mid-Range CPU – AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
- 6 Cores and 12 Processing Threads
- 5.4 GHz Max Boost
- Based on AMD Zen 5 Architecture
Best Budget CPU – Intel Core i5-12400F
- 4.4GHz Max Turbo
- 6 Cores and 12 Processing Threads
- DDR5 Memory Support
RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is an essential component for every PC because it provides fast access to data needed to run programs. The more RAM you have in your PC, the more possibilities you have to run multiple programs simultaneously without slowing down.
Best DDR5 RAM – CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB
- 6400MHz Memory Speed
- Custom Intel XMP 3.0 Profiles
- Dynamic Ten-Zone RGB Lighting
Motherboard
The motherboard connects all of your computer components to your CPU, which makes choosing one a vital part of building your own PC. Before buying a new motherboard, check its specifications to make sure it’s compatible with your CPU.
Best AM5 ATX Motherboard – ASUS ROG STRIX X670E-F
- Two PCIe 5.0 M.2 Slots and Two PCIe 4.0 M.2 Slots
- Onboard Wi-Fi 6E with 2.5Gb Ethernet Port
- AI-Optimized Overclocking
Best AM5 Micro-ATX Motherboard – GIGABYTE B650M AORUS Elite AX
- Twin 12+2+1 Digital VRM Design
- PCI Express 5.0 Support
- Front and Rear USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C
Best LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard – ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus
- ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile ll
- VRM and M.2 Heatsink
- USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C with Thunderbolt Support
Best LGA 1700 Micro-ATX Motherboard – MSI MAG B760M
- Core Boost Technology
- USB 3.2 Speeds up to 20Gb/s
- Gen 5 PCI-e with Steel Armor
Storage Drive
A storage device stores videos, pictures, music, and other computer data on either solid-state flash memory or high-speed magnetic disks. SSDs (Solid State Drives) offer quicker boot times and faster programs rapidly, while HDDs (Hard Disk Drives)are great for storing large amounts of data.
Best PCIe 5.0 SSD – Crucial T705
- Read Speeds up to 14,500 MB/s
- Write Speeds up to 12,700MB/s
Best PCIe 4.0 SSD – Samsung 990 Pro
- Read Speeds up to 7450 MB/s
- Write Speeds up to 6900 MB/s
Best SATA SSD – WD Blue SA510
- Read Speeds up to 560 MB/s
- Write Speeds up to 520 MB/s
Best HDD – Seagate Barracuda
- Multi-Tier Caching Technology
- Trusted Dependability
Graphics Card
A graphics card, or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is a computer part that’s used for displaying image data on your screen. Graphics cards are an essential component for gamers because they provide better graphical processing performance than a CPU’s integrated graphics.
Best Enthusiast Graphics Card – NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super
- Powered by Ada Lovelace Architecture
- Third-Gen RT Cores
- Fourth-Gen Tensor Cores
Best High-End Graphics Card – AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT
- 20GB GDDR6 VRAM
- AMD Radiance Display Engine
- 8K60 AV1 Encode/Decode Support
Best Mid-Range Graphics Card – NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
- 12GB GDDR6X VRAM
- DLSS 3 Technology
- NVIDIA Reflex
Best Budget Graphics Card – AMD Radeon RX 7600
- Powered by AMD RDNA 3 Architecture
- AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution
- AMD Radeon Anti-Lag
Power Supply
A power supply, or PSU (Power Supply Unit), supplies all of the computer’s components with power. When choosing a PSU, make sure that it has a high efficiency rating, so your PC can receive lower power consumption and quiet operation.
Best Power Supply – Corsair RMx
- Fully Modular PSU
- ATX 3.1 Compliant
- Cybenetics Gold-Certified
Best Premium Power Supply – EVGA Supernova 1600 P+
- 100% Japanese Capacitors
- EVGA ECO Mode
- 80 PLUS Platinum Certified
Case
A computer case, or chassis, is used to physically mount and protect the components of a computer. When picking a PC case, you should consider the form factor, its features, and the design that you are aiming for.
Best ATX Case – Corsair iCUE 4000D RGB
- Fits up to 8x 120mm or 4x 140mm Cooling Fans
- High-Airflow Front Panel
- Includes 3x AF120 RGB Fans
Best Micro-ATX Case – Cooler Master Q300L V2
- Supports GPUs up to 360mm
- Includes USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type C Port
- Excellent Thermal Performance
Operating System
An operating system (OS) is the most crucial software of your computer. The operating system acts as a mediator between the user and the computer, managing important tasks such as file management, input/output operations, and memory allocation.
Best Operating System – Windows 11
- AI-Powered Features
- Connect Your Phone To PC with Phone Link
- Password-Free Security with Windows Hello
Optional PC Components
Although these components are not essential for building a PC, they can significantly improve your computer’s performance.
CPU Cooler
The more powerful your CPU is, the more heat it can generate. Choosing the right CPU cooler is crucial for maintaining your system performance and preventing CPU overheating damage.
Best CPU Air Cooler – Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black
- 6 Heatpipe Dual-Tower Design
- Dual NF-A15 140mm Fans
- Color Customizable
Best Budget CPU Air Cooler – Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo
- 4 Jet-Black Heat Pipes
- Enlarged Fan Blades
- Dual-Loop ARGB Rings
Best Liquid Cooler – NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB
- Custom-Designed NZXT Turbine Pump
- Easy Installation
- Large 2.72-inch IPS LCD
Best Budget Liquid Cooler – CORSAIR Nautilus 360 RS ARGB
- Simple, High-Performance Cooling
- Efficient, Low-Noise Pump
- RS120 ARGB Fans
Case Fans
Computer case fans are important for removing heat that your computer’s components generate. When buying case fans, make sure that it provides high airflow, low noise levels, and is compatible with your computer case.
Best Case Fans – Corsair iCUE LINK QX120 RGB
- Powerful PWM-Controlled Fan Speeds
- Quiet Operation
- Exclusive Time Warp Lighting Mode
Best Budget Case Fans – Noctua NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM
- Pressure-Optimized Nine-Blade Design
- Signature Vortex-Control Notches
- Smooth Commutation Drive 2
Wi-Fi Card
If you desire more flexibility than Ethernet cables can provide, your motherboard lacks Wi-Fi support, or just want to upgrade your Wi-Fi performance, it is crucial to have a high-quality Wi-Fi card.
Best PCIe Wi-Fi 7 Card – ASUS PCE-BE92BT
- Cutting-Edge Wi-Fi 7 Support
- Multi-RU Technology
- Bluetooth 5.4
Best PCIe Wi-Fi 6E Card – TP-Link Archer TXE72E
- Wi-Fi 6E Support
- OFDMA and MU-MIMO Technology
- Bluetooth 5.3
Optical Disc Drive
An optical disc drive allows you to read and write data on CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. Despite the digital age we live in, optical drives are still useful for watching movies, listening to music, burning discs, and installing software.
Best External Optical Drive – ASUS External Blu-ray Burner
- BDXL Support
- Super-Speed USB 3.0
- Includes CyberLink Power2Go
Best Budget External Optical Drive – LG Portable DVD Burner
- M-DISC Support
- Silent Play Technology
- 8x DVD Writing Speed
USB Flash Drive
USB flash drives are commonly used for data backup, storage, and transferring data between devices. You can also use USB flash drives to create a bootable USB installer disk, so you can reinstall or recover Windows whenever you are having OS issues.
Best USB Drive Overall – SanDisk Extreme Pro
- Read Speeds Up to 420MB/s
- Write Speeds Up To 380MB/s
Best USB-C Flash Drive – Kingston DataTraveler Max
- Read Speeds Up To 1,000MB/s
- Write Speeds Up To 900MB/s
Best Durable Flash Drive – Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth
- Waterproof Up To 200 Meters
- Shock & Vibration-Resistant
Best Keychain Flash Drive – Samsung BAR Plus
- Read Speeds Up to 420MB/s
- Write Speeds Up To 380MB/s
Best Budget Flash Drive – PNY Turbo Attaché 3
- Read Speeds Up To 100MB/s
- Light-weight, Capless Design
Essential PC Accessories
These are the most essential accessories that can improve your PC experience.
Mouse
A computer mouse is an essential PC accessory because it helps you control the cursor on your computer. The best computer mice provide great comfort and precision, as well as include helpful features such as customizable buttons.
Best Wired Gaming Mouse – Logitech G502 X
- 25K DPI Optical Sensor
- LIGHTFORCE Switches
- Hyperfast Scroll Wheel
Best Wireless Gaming Mouse – Razer Cobra Pro
- Focus Pro 30K Sensor
- GEN-3 Optical Switches
- 10 Customizable Controls
Best Budget Wired Gaming Mouse – Logitech G203
- 8,000 DPI
- 6 Programmable Buttons
- Lightsync RGB
Best Budget Wireless Gaming Mouse – Razer Basilisk V3 X
- 5G Advanced 18K Optical Sensor
- GEN-2 Mechanical Switches
- Up To 285 Hours Of Battery Life
Keyboard
A PC keyboard is a device that enables you to input text, access menus, play games, and perform a variety of other commands. Choosing the right keyboard can enhance your computer experience, so it’s important to pick a keyboard that suits your personal tastes.
Best Full-Size Gaming Keyboard – Razer Huntsman V2
- Hybrid On-Board Memory and Cloud Storage
- Multi-Function Digital Dial
- 8000 Hz Polling Rate
Best Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboard – SteelSeries Apex Pro
- OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable Switches
- Adjustable Actuation
- Supports Rapid Trigger
Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard – ASUS ROG Claymore II
- Detachable Numpad
- Up to 43 Hours Of Battery Life
- Supports Fast Charging & USB Passthrough
Best Budget Gaming Keyboard – Razer Huntsman Mini
- Doubleshot PBT Keycaps
- Fully Programmable Macros
- Highly Portable
Monitor
The best monitors provide a low response time and high refresh rate, which can significantly improve your computer experience. It’s also important that your monitor can display vivid colors and sharp detail. Keep in mind that you will need to match your monitor with your PC specs. For example, if you buy a 4K monitor, it’s best to have a high-end gaming PC.
Best 4K Monitor – LG Ultragear ‎32GS95UE
- Anti-Glare OLED Display
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 Certification
- DTS Headphone:X Support
Best 1440p Monitor – ASUS TUF VG27AQM1A
- 260 Hz Refresh Rate
- NVIDIA G-Sync/AMD FreeSync Premium Compatible
- HDR-10 Support
Best 1080p Monitor – Alienware AW2523HF
- 360Hz Variable Refresh Rate
- 0.5ms Response Time
- VESA AdaptiveSync Display Certification
Best Ultrawide Monitor – LG Ultragear 34GS95QE
- Low-Reflection OLED Display
- 0.03ms Response Time
- Ultra-Thin Design
Headset
A headset is essential for communicating with your friends during online gaming sessions. It also makes it easier to hear the music and sound effects of the game, which can increase your immersion. Make sure to get a good headset that provides great comfort, noise cancellation, and excellent sound quality.
Best Wired Gaming Headset – Logitech G Pro X
- DTS Headphone:X 7.1 Surround Sound
- Memory Foam Padding
- Blue VO!CE Microphone
Best Wireless Gaming Headset – SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
- Premium Hi-Fi Audio Drivers
- 360-degree Spatial Audio
- AI-Powered Noise-Cancellation
Best Audiophile Gaming Headset – Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X
- Outstanding Audio Quality
- Studio-Quality Microphone
- Extremely Comfortable
Best Budget Gaming Headset – Razer Kraken V3 X
- Lightweight Build
- Cutting-Edge TriForce 40mm Drivers
- Ultra-Clear Voice Quality
Speakers
Many of the best PC speakers support Dolby or DTS audio, which can offer deep bass and crisp audio They also provide stylish effects such as RGB lighting, which syncs to your game’s sound effects. This is great for those who want their gaming setup to look sleeker.
Best Overall Gaming Speakers – Logitech G560
- DTS:X Ultra Surround Sound
- LIGHTSYNC RGB Screen Sampler & Audio Visualizer
- Powerful Soundscape
Best PC Soundbar – Razer Leviathan V2 X
- Razer Chroma RGB
- THX Spatial Audio
- Crisp Treble and Punchy Bass
Best Gaming Sound System – SteelSeries Arena 9
- True 5.1 Surround Sound
- Reactive PrismSync
- Optical & Bluetooth Support
Best Budget PC Speakers – Creative Pebble Pro
- BassFlex Technology for Deeper Bass
- RGB Lighting
- Bluetooth 5.3 Support
Surge Protector
Surge protectors are important for protecting your PC from damage because they can absorb power surges before they reach your computer. When choosing a surge protector, it must have a high joule rating of over 3000, so it can last through many power spikes.
Best Surge Protector – Belkin PivotPlug
- 4,320 Joules of Protection
- 12 AC Outlets
- 8-Point Safety System
Key PC Building Tools
By gathering these essential tools and materials, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle your PC build with confidence.
Anti-Static Wrist Strap
When you are building a PC, there is a major risk of your computer’s components getting damaged by static electricity. You can prevent this from happening by using an anti-static wrist wrap.
Magnetic Screwdrivers
A Philips #2 screwdriver is most often used when building a PC. You will also want to have a Philips #1 screwdriver for installing components such as an M.2 SSD. Using magnetic screwdrivers can help you retrieve screws that fall into tight and hard-to-reach places.
Thermal Paste
Thermal paste is a critical tool to have because it helps improve the thermal conductivity between the CPU and the heatsink. Even though most CPU coolers come with thermal paste, it’s good to have extra just in case.
Cable Ties
Cable management is an important part of PC building because it can improve your airflow and allow for easier upgrades. You can use cable ties to help you organize the cables that are attached to your PC.
Magnetic Parts Tray
It’s easy to misplace screws while you are building your PC. A magnetic parts tray is a highly effective tool that can help you easily organize your screws and keep them secure, even if the tray is knocked over.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Need to remove old thermal paste? You can use a microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol to wipe the surface of the CPU and the cooler.
Compressed Air
Dust build-up is one of the biggest threats to your PC’s performance because it can cause overheating and reduced airflow. Compressed air is a helpful tool that can remove dust and debris from hard-to-reach areas inside your computer, so you can extend the lifespan of your computer.
PC Building FAQs
Is it cheaper to buy a new PC or build one?
In most cases, building a PC is usually cheaper than buying a pre-built PC. Building your own PC allows you to choose individual components that are more beneficial for your needs, and helps you avoid markup costs from PC manufacturers
Does building a PC require soldering?
No, soldering components is not required. PC components already come pre-assembled, so all you have to do is install them properly.
Is it hard for a beginner to build a PC?
While it may seem difficult at first, Building PCs is actually very easy to do. As long as you follow the installation directions properly and have a bit of patience, anyone can build their own PC.
How much video memory is needed for gaming?
To find out how much video memory your graphics card should have, read the guide Graphics Cards Explained: How Much VRAM Do You Need?
