You have made your decision to build your first computer?
I have created this pc build components guide that you can put together on your first pc.
All PC Build Components Guide 2023
(CPU)Processor:
The processor is the heart of a pc build. It handles all the system and application processes running on a computer. There are different processors with different cores & threads with their respective frequencies.
The Core frequency depicts a single-core performance, whereas a thread count along with its frequency depicts the multi-tasking performance of a CPU. A typical core and thread count is 6 cores – 12 threads, 4 cores – 8 threads, etc.
Many CPUs come with integrated graphics, called APUs. In this case, you do not need to have a graphic card for display on your computer. If you do not want to buy a graphics card, or if you want to take a display from your CPU, then you can buy an APU as well.
CPU Processor Faqs
Does a higher count make a CPU better?
No, you will find many old-generation CPUs that are selling at a lower price compared to new-gen processors. But, the main difference here is the clock speed(frequency), it depicts the performance potential of a single core. Always buy a processor with a higher clock speed.
Does a higher thread count make a CPU better?
No. A higher thread does make a CPU better in performance. For example, Ryzen 5 5600x (6-core, 12-thread processor) is 10% faster than Ryzen 7 3700x (8-core, 16-thread processor). You should never buy a processor based on the thread count, and you can check online benchmarks for the CPU.
How to buy a CPU for gaming?
For gaming, you must know that regular 60+ fps gaming performance depends on your graphics card. However, if you play high fps games then you should buy a processor with high clock speed. Mostly, the performance depends on the single-core performance.
How many monitors can I connect to APUs?
With an APU, you can connect up to 2 monitors directly to your motherboard. If you need to connect some extra monitors, then you have to buy a graphics card.
Graphic cards:
Graphic cards also referred to as GPU by pc experts & gamers is a crucial gaming pc component. Although, if you want to connect multiple monitors to your CPU, then you would also have to buy a graphics card.
For people interested in connecting more than 2 monitors, then you should buy a graphic card. Any basic graphic card will do this job. If you are into gaming, you have to do research and pay attention to buy the best graphic card based on your requirements. For more details, you can check my gaming pc build guide.
Graphic card FAQs
How much GPU do you need?
If you want a GPU for connecting monitors, then buy a regular GPU. But, if you want to game, then you have to buy a minimum 4 GB ram graphic card to play at 1080p with 50-60 fps depending on the game.
How much should you spend on a graphics card?
If you are a gamer, then you should focus on buying the best graphics card under your budget. However, for creative professionals, it depends on your requirement and choice of work.
Which Brand of Graphic cards should I buy?
By this, we believe that you mean to buy among the AIB board partners such as ASUS,Gigabyte, MSI, etc. Ideally, you can buy any card from a reputed AIB partner, But make sure that you check the service centre availability and reach your residence.
Ram:
Ram stores all the information that your processor needs to perform a specific process. Higher RAM will allow your system to perform better at heavy tasks and multitasking.
Currently, a pair of 16 GB ram is recommended for everyone, but you can also work through 8 Gb and then upgrade your way through the same.
For Rams, you will find the classic chip showing ram modules along with the stylish RGB ram modules. RGB does not include any increase in performance, but it will make your pc look better.
RAM FAQs
How much ram do I need?
In 2023, you can start with an 8 GB ram module, but it is recommended that you buy at least 16 GB of ram running in dual channels.
What Mhz should I buy?
Currently, a 3200 Mhz – 3600 Mhz ram is ideal for supporting both the intel and AMD processors. Although you can buy a higher frequency ram if you can afford it.
Which one should I buy: DDR4 or DDR5?
DDR5 rams are costlier compared to DDR5. Also, the motherboard supporting DDR5 is expensive as well. Therefore, you should buy DDR4 ram, as they provide better value right now.
Storage Space
For the primary storage for your system, you should always use the fastest SSD in your budget. While buying SSDs, you will find two types of SSDs:
- SATA SSD: These are ssds that are connected via the SATA port these are affordable, and these are 4-5 times faster than traditional hard drives.
- Nvme SSDs: The NVME SSDs are connected via the onboard NVME port directly connected to the CPU. These are up to 7 times faster than SATA SSDs. These are super-fast and expensive compared to SATA SSD.
The SATA SSDs are available in the standard size, and the size similar to NVME SSD i.e. the M.2 form factor.
Note: Never buy a DRAM-less SSD, as these are slower compared to SSD with DRAM. Always make sure to check the SSD description or ask the shopkeeper while buying an SSD.
SSD FAQs
How much SSD storage Do I need?
You should buy a bare minimum of 256 Gb SSD, but I suggest buying a 500 GB SSD being the sweet spot for a new build’s main drive.
Which one should I buy, Sata or PCIE?
No doubt, you should buy a PCIe SSD instead of a SATA SSD, as these have a better read and write speeds compared to SATA SSD.
CPU cooler:
For CPU coolers, you will come across two different types of coolers i.e., stock coolers and aftermarket coolers. The stock coolers are the ones that come with the processor. However, this is common with budget/entry-level processors. For high-end processors, you have to buy aftermarket coolers.
There are two kinds of aftermarket coolers available the market:
- Air coolers: Air coolers cool your pc with a fan that works on the push/pull mechanism.
- AIO (All in One liquid cooler): AIO coolers are also referred to as AIO, here you have a radiator, cooling block and 2-3 fans depending on the size of the AIO.
Both types of CPU coolers are ideal for keeping your CPU temperatures under check.
CPU Cooler FAQs
Which is better: an air cooler or a liquid cooler?
It all depends on the CPU temperature. If you are running a mid-range/upper-range processor such as i5, then you can buy an air cooler.
If you are planning to buy the top end processors such as i7, i9 or Ryzen 9, then you should buy a 240mm/360mm AIO cooler.
CPU Cabinet:
The CPU cabinet is a frame to put all the components together. For CPU cabinets, you have to choose among three different sizes in India :
- Full Tower
- Mid Tower
- Mini Tower
These are the sizes of the pc cabinets that are popular and available in India. You can buy a pc cabinet from reputed brands such as cooler master, corsair, NZXT, Phanteks, etc.
These brands provide high-quality and sturdy pc cabinets that you buy with different features such as a front USB port, good cable management, aesthetics, theme, etc.
Choosing a CPU cabinet will not directly affect your CPU performance. But, still I recommend that you buy a cabinet with good reviews.
Note: If you are planning to use an air cooler, then you can buy a cabinet that comes with good airflow. The increased airflow will help you to keep your computer running at optimum temperatures.
Motherboard:
You have to buy a motherboard based on your CPU socket. CPU socket connects your processor to the rest of the system components.
There are different motherboard series that you can buy :
- A series such as A520.
- B Series such as B660 (Intel), and B650 (AMD).
- X series motherboards are the top of the line for AMD & Z series motherboards are top-of-the-line for Intel processors.
Depending on your budget you should choose a motherboard for yourself. For most people, the B Series motherboard provides the best value.
Whereas if you are interested in top-of-the-line products, then you can consider buying the X/Z series of motherboards.
Motherboard Faqs:
Which is the best motherboard?
This depends on your requirement, but for the majority of people, the B-series are the best value-for-money deal. If you are interested in features such as overclocking, then a Z/X series motherboard will be the best pick.
Which Company Motherboard is Best in India?
The best companies for motherboards are MSI, ASUS, Gigabyte, and AsRock. You can buy any motherboard from them, but be sure that they have a service centre nearby for any help you need.
Power Supply:
The most underrated pc component, yet the most crucial one is the power supply. In India, the majority of people do not pay attention to this component.
You have to buy a power supply that can handle the power requirements of your system components for a stable & steady pc experience.
There are different ratings for power supplies such as 80+ Bronze. Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium. The 80+ Bronze rating means that the power supply has to deliver more than 80% efficiency under 100% load.
Now the efficiency increases with the rating, for example, an 80+ platinum power supply will deliver 90% efficiency under 100% load.
While searching for a power supply, you will find two types:
- Modular power supply: These power supplies have individual connector cables for each connection.
- Non-modular power supply: These power supplies have a complete set of cables attached to the power supply unit.
Modular power supplies make cable management easy for you.
Power supply FAQs
- How much power supply do I need?
For calculating your power supply requirements; You can visit the pcpartpicker, provide all the components, and you will get a power supply requirement.
- Do I need a 1000W power supply?
Maybe not! Most users do not need to buy such a high-watt power supply. Most people will have their requirements met at 600-650 watts. In case you are building a high-end pc, then you might need a higher power supply. Most of the high-end components have their power requirement mentioned.
Monitors:
Monitors are important, as this is the visual medium through which you interact with your computer. Buying a good monitor is as important as buying a good processor/graphics card.
While buying a monitor, you have to pay attention to the following:
- Resolution & display size
- Display panel
- Refresh rate
Resolution: It means the pixels that a monitor can show both horizontally & vertically.
Display Size: Display size refers to the size of your screen that you can see. For example, 1920 X 1080p, 2k & 4K. Bigger screens come with a bigger size. Some popular sizes & resolutions are :
- 24/25-inch with 1080p.
- 27 inch with 2k(1440p).
- 27 inch & above with 4k.
Now you can choose the ideal display size and resolution based on your preference.
Display panel: There are three different kinds of display panels available in India:
- TN panel
- VA panel
- IPS panel
To keep this straight, IPS panels have the best viewing angle & experience. Whereas TN panels have the least impressive viewing angles. The VA panels bridge the gap between TN panel & IPS panel with good colours and decent viewing angles.
Considering the price, TN panels are the most affordable & IPS panels are expensive. VA panels come in between the price of TN and IPS panels.
Refresh rate: High refresh rate means that the screen will load faster, and this means smoother animations & more enjoyable viewing experience. However, this is mostly relevant for gamers or content creators. If you are a casual user, then the 60 Hz refresh is more than enough for you.
Monitor FAQs
How do I know what size monitor to get?
It’s easy! Know your resolution & then get the ideal size for the resolution. 24 inch for 1080p, 27 inch for 2k/4k. You can go even for a bigger size, but 27 inches is a sweet spot.
Keyboard & Mice:
A good keyboard and mouse will make your experience more enjoyable. Whether you are video editing gaming or doing office work, buying a good-quality keyboard/mouse should be your top priority.
For keyboards, you have two different options:
- Membrane keyboards (most popular and regular keyboards that you would have already used).
- Mechanical keyboards ( These are expenses that come with individual switches for each key providing a better key-pressing experience.)
For Mice, you will find different options such as gaming mice, productivity mice, or casual use mice.
Both keyboards and mice are available in both wired and wireless options.
Here, everything depends on your budget, you should choose one that provides the best quality with your budget.