The purchase of a new desktop computer can put in difficulty the less experienced users, who do not know which components to buy and what needs to be changed inside the case. The purchase of computer parts can make a difference in terms of performance and will unquestionably last longer, given that the pieces chosen will be more than adequate for at least 3-4 years (which is not always guaranteed with the parts of a pre-assembled computer that we can buy in store or mall). But how to know which parts to buy ">
Main components of the computer
Below we have collected all the main components of a computer, to be absolutely taken if we want to start it and use it for the basic functions (surfing the Internet etc.).
Processor or CPU
Processors can be either Intel or AMD, and each of these manufacturers offers advantages and disadvantages. Clearly, the more you spend and buy a powerful processor, the more your computer will have high performance and speed. Multicore processors are those with multiple CPU units, so they offer the ability to open multiple programs without slowing down the PC.To feel good we will have to focus on a processor with at least 4 cores, but the better they are (let's not scruple them, the better to abound to be able to find ourselves with powerful computers even in which year).
The best Intel processor for value for money is definitely the Intel Core i5-9400F (€ 171), equipped with 6 cores at the frequency of 2.9 GHz (which can be automatically raised up to 4 GHz) and support for RAM memories DDR4.
If, on the other hand, we want to focus on an AMD processor, we recommend that you consider the AMD Ryzen 5 2600 (€ 158), equipped with 6 cores and 12 virtual threads, available at the frequency of 3.4 GHz (can be raised up to 4 GHz ), simple overclocking and support for DDR4 memories.
To learn more, please read our guides on the differences between AMD and Intel processors and between i5 and i7 CPUs and how to buy the processor or CPU of the computer; what you need to know .
Motherboard
The motherboard is a very important component for the computer, since it houses the processor and all the other internal components for the PC (which can be connected or inserted into it).Obviously we have to choose a motherboard compatible with the chosen CPU, since the insertion point of the processor is profoundly different between Intel and AMD.
If we have decided to focus on an Intel processor (such as the one recommended above), we recommend that you take a look at the MSI Z390-A PRO motherboard (€ 135).
If instead we took an AMD processor (like the one recommended in the previous chapter), we can view the Gigabyte B450 AORUS M motherboard (€ 88).
By now all recent motherboards use the new BIOS called UEFI (Universal Extensible Firmware Interface) although, as seen in another guide that explains what the BIOS is used for and what it does on a computer, only a few more technical users may need it .
READ ALSO: How the computer motherboard is made
RAM
Computer RAM is where short-term memory resides, which empties the moment you turn off your PC (while the hard disk is long-term memory). The more space we have, the more programs we can open simultaneously without slowing down the PC. The minimum amount of RAM that we recommend you use is 8GB, so you can perform the vast majority of tasks without problems.For both motherboards seen previously we can use a RAM kit (consisting of two 4 GB modules each) such as the Kingston HyperX Fury 8GB (€ 56).
The technology currently used for RAM is DDR4, which offers high speeds and very low energy consumption, as also described in our guide to computer RAM types: DDR, shape and speed .
SSD
The mechanical hard disk has now been replaced by SSDs, very fast and silent storage units, which we recommend using regardless of all modern PCs in place of mechanical disks.A good SSD to buy for the equipment we are creating is the 1TB SanDisk Ultra 3D SSD (119 €), which offers the right compromise between the amount of space and the price, while still maintaining very high performance.
To use it, simply connect the drive with a SATA cable to the motherboard and use one of the power cables available from the power supply.
To choose another SSD, we invite you to read our guide to the best SSDs to buy to make your PC go as fast as a tablet .
power supply
Power is an important component to choose, because it must be powerful enough to power the various parts connected to the motherboard and computer. If possible, we always choose a power supply with a power greater than 450W, so that we can also provide for a hardware update without having to change this component again. To improve the cooling of the air and reduce the size of the wires, we choose a modular power supply, that is, with most of the removable cables (we connect from time to time only the cables that are needed).The best power supply that we can use for the configuration that we are creating in this guide is the Thermaltake Smart SE 530W (53 €).
In another article we showed you how to choose the PC power supply, which summarizes everything you need to know.
Homes
The case is the casing that holds all the pieces assembled on the motherboard inside, so it is the most visible part of a computer (the one that immediately catches the eye as soon as we see it). The higher price may depend above all on the aesthetics and the particular design.The important thing is that the case of our interest can contain the motherboard previously chosen (since it can also have different shapes), the power supply and that it has a sufficient number of front ports to be able to immediately use some PC features ( for example USB ports, headphones ports, microphone ports etc.) without having to use the sockets and connectors on the back of the computer each time.
The best case for all the components chosen so far (sober without overdoing it) is the Cooler Master MasterBox Lite 5 (50 €).
Mouse and keyboard
The mouse and keyboard are the main input tools on the computer, since they allow you to move the cursor and write in the text fields.If we have previously had a desktop PC, we can save on these components by "recycling" the mouse and keyboard, particularly if they are still in good condition. If, on the other hand, we are looking for a new kit, we recommend that you focus on the kit offered by the Trust Classicline Keyboard and Mouse Set (€ 26).
Do we want wireless devices? In this case we can focus on the Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Kit (24 €).
READ ALSO: Best PC keyboard to buy: wifi, ergonomic and backlit .
Monitor
The monitor is an important output device, since it shows everything that happens on the operating system, allowing us to interact with the various programs. If we have abandoned an old PC, we can still use the old monitor, in particular if it supports 1080p resolution and if it has a DVI or HDMI cable . If, on the other hand, the monitor is too old, does not support the required resolution or has the old VGA connection, we recommend that you focus on the new HP 24W 24 "Desktop PC Monitor (€ 99).If we are looking for other monitor models, we can find them in our guide to Best PC monitors to buy between 100 and 200 Euros .
Auxiliary components (specific needs)
In this part of the guide we have collected the secondary components, which can be purchased at a later time or only in the presence of specific needs (for example video games).Dedicated graphics card
On all modern CPUs (including those indicated at the beginning of the guide) there is an integrated graphics chip, capable of offering the minimum 3D performance for the operating system and for the graphic acceleration required by the programs.However, if we want to play some recent video game titles and obtain good quality, we will have to mount a dedicated video card; since the expense is not indifferent, we can very well carry it out a few months after buying all the basic components and assembling the essential PC.
If we want to bet on an NVIDIA card (maximum quality with any game), we advise you to consider the 6 GB Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2060 (€ 409).
If instead we want to save something without sacrificing too much quality, we can focus on an AMD card like the 8 GB XFX Radeon RX 590 (€ 249).
To view other models of video cards and learn more about how to choose them, we refer you to reading our guide on How to choose the video card for PC graphics .
Cooling down
All processors have a small heatsink with fan in the package, capable of keeping the temperature of this delicate component under control. Too bad that this component tends to be always very noisy and to fill up with dust easily, overheating the CPU and slowing down its performance after a short time.
To get better cooling we can opt for an enhanced heatsink, such as the ARCTIC Freezer 7 Pro Rev. 2 (€ 20), compatible with both CPUs proposed in the guide.
If instead we want superior cooling, we can focus on liquid cooling, choosing a kit such as Enermax Aquafusion 120mm (80 €).
Want to find out more about heatsinks? We advise you to read the guide on the CPU heatsink: when to buy it new .
Wifi connection
If your computer is close enough to your home modem, you should connect it via Ethernet cable to bring Internet connectivity. However, if the PC is too far away, we will have to equip it with an internal Wi-Fi adapter, so that we can connect wirelessly.
The best product we can buy for the purpose is the Asus PCI-Express Wireless AC1300 (€ 47), equipped with two adjustable antennas, compatible with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks and equipped with support for IEEE 802.11ac technology (transfer rates up to 867 Mbps). This card is placed in the PCI-Express x1 slot in the central part of the motherboard, usually just above the video card slot.
Conclusions
Generally speaking there are two important things to keep in mind when buying a new computer or any piece of hardware. Whatever you buy today, it will surely be surpassed by a new product in a year, it will surely be surpassed by the average PC after 3 years and it will be obsolete after 5 years.
When choosing the pieces of a computer you have to consider what you need today, without thinking about tomorrow and, at the same time, try to buy recently released parts, in order not to buy already old components that may become incompatible with the outgoing ones .
READ ALSO: Check Compatibility between CPU, RAM and motherboard, if they work together in a PC .
The second rule is to keep the computer balanced : if you buy a PC with an underpowered processor, it is useless to buy a high-level graphics card or mount 16 GB of RAM.
If you have a 1080p monitor, there is no need to buy a graphics card capable of handling higher resolutions (4K), since we will never use them (as long as we have that monitor of course).
To be sure of the compatibility between the various parts of the computer, including the processor, motherboard, RAM and video card, you can find a valid support on the PC Part Keeper site, perfect also for those who need to change some pieces on their old PC.
Finally, another important thing to consider is that if you buy a PC assembled today by choosing certain pieces, nothing prevents you from changing a few months or a year from having to buy everything back.
As seen, you can easily change RAM, power supply and hard disk without large technical capabilities and the same goes for the video card.
Below we have collected all the best guides on how to assemble a good PC based on the available budget, so you can compare them with the components seen in this guide:
- Assembled PC of excellent level from 600 Euro with high performance
- Assembling a perfect and excellent 300 Euro PC: what to buy
- Which is the most powerful PC with the best hardware ever (which you can buy)
- How to assemble the PC, assemble the parts and build a computer from scratch
