When building your own PC, choosing the right parts can be overwhelming. It can be especially tricky to determine the correct order in which to purchase all your components. Understanding how each part interacts with the others and what pieces are most important can help you make smart purchasing decisions and ensure your PC runs smoothly.
Taking the time to carefully plan out your parts list and purchase order can save you time and money in the long run. In this article, we’ll explore the different components needed for a PC, highlight the priority items, and give tips on the best order to acquire everything. Whether you’re a first-time builder or a seasoned pro, it never hurts to brush up on the basics and make informed decisions on your hardware purchase.
What Order Should I Buy My PC Parts?
When building a PC, it is important to carefully consider the order in which you purchase your parts. This can help ensure that you have all the necessary components and that they are compatible with each other. The ideal order for buying PC parts is as follows:
1. Set a budget and make a list of components you need. This list should include your desired CPU, motherboard, graphics card, RAM, storage, power supply, and case.
2. Start with the CPU and motherboard. These are the foundation of your PC and will determine the compatibility of other components.
3. Choose the graphics card. This will depend on your intended usage, such as gaming or video editing.
4. Select the RAM and storage. RAM amount should match your CPU & Motherboard. For the storage you should consider both an SSD and a HDD.
5. Lastly, choose a case that fits your components and provides adequate cooling. Check if the case you want can accommodate the motherboard as it can come in different sizes.
Important notes:
– Make sure all components are compatible with each other and fit within your budget.
– Do some research first on the components you want, always check the expected power draw to make sure that your power supply is sufficient.
– Prices fluctuate, so check online or in-store regularly to find the best deals. Sometimes it’s worth waiting for a sale.
– You can always wait to purchase a component, for example, if you have a weaker graphics card, one can always wait and save up until you can afford an upgrade.
FAQ
1. What is the most important component to purchase first when building a PC?
The most important component to purchase first when building a PC is the central processing unit (CPU). This will determine the compatibility of the rest of the components that will be selected.
2. Should I purchase the motherboard before or after the processor?
It is recommended to purchase the motherboard after selecting the processor, as the motherboard should be compatible with the chosen processor.
3. Do I need to have a specific power supply unit in mind for my build before purchasing other components?
Yes, it is important to determine the power requirements for the build and select a power supply unit (PSU) accordingly before purchasing any other components.
4. When should I purchase my graphics card for the build?
The graphics card can be purchased after selecting the CPU and motherboard, as it is important to ensure compatibility with these first.
5. Do I need to choose a case before or after purchasing components?
It is recommended to select a compatible case after choosing the other components, as the size and form factor of the motherboard, CPU cooler, and graphics card will impact which cases will work for the build.
Conclusion
In summary, figuring out what order to buy your PC parts can make or break your building experience. By starting with the essentials like the CPU, motherboard, and RAM, then slowly adding on peripherals such as graphics cards and storage, you can ensure a seamless and successful build. Additionally, don’t forget to shop around for deals and discounts to save some money along the way. With careful planning and consideration, purchasing your PC parts in the right order can lead to a powerful and reliable computer that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
