CPU (CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT)

A CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the primary component of a computer responsible for executing
instructions of a computer program. It performs calculations, manages data storage and retrieval, and
controls other hardware components.

When buying a CPU, several factors should be considered:

Performance:
Clock Speed: Measured in gigahertz (GHz), it represents how fast the CPU can execute instructions.
Higher clock speeds generally mean better performance.
Cores and Threads: More cores and threads allow the CPU to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. This
is crucial for multitasking and certain applications.

Brand and Model:

Popular CPU brands include Intel and AMD. Each brand offers various models catering to different needs,
from budget-friendly to high-performance.

Socket Compatibility:
Ensure that the CPU is compatible with your motherboard's socket. Common sockets include Intel's
LGA1200 and AMD's AM4.

Power Consumption:
Consider the TDP (Thermal Design Power), as it indicates how much heat the CPU generates. This is
crucial for selecting an appropriate cooling solution.

Use Case:
Tailor your CPU choice to your specific needs. For gaming, a high clock speed may be essential, while
content creation benefits from more cores.

Integrated Graphics:
Some CPUs have integrated graphics, suitable for basic tasks. However, dedicated GPUs are necessary for
demanding graphics tasks and gaming.

Cache Size:
L1, L2, and L3 caches store data for quick access. Larger caches can improve performance, especially in
tasks requiring frequent data retrieval.

Overclocking Capability:
Overclocking allows you to increase the clock speed beyond the manufacturer's specifications. If this
interests you, choose a CPU and motherboard that support overclocking.

Compatibility with Software:

Ensure that the software you plan to use is optimized for the CPU architecture. Some applications may
perform better on specific CPU types.

Future-Proofing:
Consider future needs when selecting a CPU. Investing in a more powerful CPU may extend the lifespan
of your system.
Budget:
Stick to your budget while balancing performance requirements. There are CPUs available at various
price points to suit different needs.

Always check the latest reviews and benchmarks for specific CPUs to understand their real-world
performance and how well they meet your requirements. Additionally, consider the overall system
requirements for your intended use, as a balanced system contributes to optimal performance.

Motherboard
A motherboard is the main printed circuit board (PCB) in a computer, and it is a crucial component that
houses the central processing unit (CPU), memory, and other essential hardware components. It serves
as a communication hub, allowing these components to interact and work together to enable the
computer to function.

When buying a motherboard, there are several factors to consider:

Compatibility:
Ensure that the motherboard is compatible with your CPU. Different CPUs use different sockets, so make
sure the motherboard supports the socket type of your CPU.
Check for compatibility with other components like RAM, GPU, and storage devices. Ensure it has the
necessary PCIe slots, RAM slots, and connectors for your needs.

Form Factor:
Motherboards come in different form factors (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, etc.). Choose a form factor that
fits your computer case. Larger cases generally support larger form factors.

Chipset:
The chipset determines the features and capabilities of the motherboard. Different chipsets may offer
different numbers of USB ports, SATA connectors, and other features. Choose a chipset that meets your
requirements.

RAM Slots:
Check the number of RAM slots and the maximum supported RAM capacity. Make sure it is compatible
with the type and speed of RAM you plan to use.

Expansion Slots:
Consider the number and type of expansion slots (PCIe, PCI) for additional components like graphics
cards, sound cards, or network cards.

Storage Connectors:
Ensure the motherboard has enough SATA ports or M.2 slots for your storage devices. Also, check if it
supports the storage interfaces (e.g., SATA III, NVMe) of your SSDs or HDDs.
USB and Other Ports:

Check the number and type of USB ports (USB 3.0, USB-C) as well as other ports like HDMI, DisplayPort,
and audio jacks.
Networking:
Determine if the motherboard has built-in Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities, depending on your connectivity
preferences.

BIOS/UEFI Features:
Consider the BIOS or UEFI features and user-friendliness. A motherboard with a well-designed and
feature-rich BIOS can make system configuration and troubleshooting easier.

Brand and Reviews:

Consider the reputation of the motherboard manufacturer. Read reviews and user feedback to ensure
reliability and performance.

Overclocking Support:
If you plan to overclock your CPU, ensure that the motherboard supports overclocking features.

Price:
Set a budget and look for a motherboard that meets your requirements within that budget.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a motherboard that suits your specific needs and
ensures compatibility with your other hardware components.

GPU
A GPU, or Graphics Processing Unit, is a specialized electronic circuit designed to accelerate the
processing of images and videos in a computer. It is a critical component for rendering graphics and is
commonly found in graphics cards, also known as video cards or GPUs. GPUs are essential for tasks such
as gaming, video editing, 3D rendering, and other graphics-intensive applications.

When buying a GPU, consider the following factors:

Performance:
Assess the performance of the GPU by looking at benchmarks and reviews. Consider the specific
requirements of the applications or games you plan to use.

Resolution and Refresh Rate:

Choose a GPU that can handle the resolution of your monitor and the refresh rate you desire, especially
if you are gaming. Higher resolutions and refresh rates may require more powerful GPUs.

VRAM (Video RAM):

VRAM is the memory used by the GPU to store textures and other graphical data. Higher VRAM is
beneficial for gaming at higher resolutions and with more detailed textures.

CUDA Cores (NVIDIA) or Stream Processors (AMD):

These are parallel processing units on the GPU that handle the computations required for graphics
rendering. More CUDA cores or stream processors generally result in better performance.
Ray Tracing and Tensor Cores (NVIDIA):
If you are interested in real-time ray tracing for improved graphics quality or AI-based features, consider
GPUs that support ray tracing cores (like NVIDIA's RT Cores) and tensor cores.

DirectX and OpenGL Compatibility:

Check for compatibility with the latest versions of graphics APIs like DirectX and OpenGL, as this can
affect the performance and compatibility with games and applications.

Power Requirements:
Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide the necessary power for the GPU. High-
performance GPUs often require more power, and some may need additional power connectors.

Form Factor:
Make sure the GPU physically fits in your computer case. Some GPUs are larger and may not fit in smaller
cases.

Connectivity:
Check the number and type of video outputs on the GPU to ensure compatibility with your monitor(s).
HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI are common types of video outputs.

Cooling Solutions:
Consider the cooling solution of the GPU. Some GPUs come with custom cooling solutions for better
temperature management and quieter operation.

Brand and Model Reputation:

Consider the reputation of the GPU brand and specific model. User reviews and feedback can provide
insights into the reliability and performance of a particular GPU.

Budget:
Set a budget and look for a GPU that provides the best performance within that budget. Prices can vary,
especially during times of high demand.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a GPU that aligns with your performance
requirements, budget, and the specific needs of your intended use, whether it's gaming, content
creation, or other graphics-intensive tasks.

Storage
Storage refers to the components or devices used to store and retrieve digital data in a computer system.
There are various types of storage devices, including hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs),
and hybrid drives (combining features of both HDDs and SSDs). When buying storage, consider the
following factors:

Type of Storage:
Choose between HDDs and SSDs based on your needs. SSDs are faster and more durable but can be
more expensive per gigabyte compared to HDDs.
Capacity:
Determine the amount of storage capacity you need. Consider the size of your operating system,
applications, and data files. For larger capacities, HDDs are often more cost-effective.

Performance:
SSDs generally offer faster read and write speeds compared to HDDs, leading to quicker system boot
times and faster application loading. Consider the performance requirements of your tasks.

Form Factor:
Ensure that the storage device's physical size and connector type match your system. Common form
factors include 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives for HDDs and 2.5-inch drives for SSDs.

Interface:
Check the interface of the storage device. Common interfaces for HDDs and SSDs include SATA, PCIe, and
NVMe. Make sure your motherboard supports the chosen interface.

Reliability:
Consider the reliability and durability of the storage device. SSDs are generally more reliable and durable
than HDDs because they have no moving parts.

Endurance (for SSDs):

If you're considering an SSD, look at its endurance, measured in total terabytes written (TBW). This
indicates how much data can be written to the drive over its lifespan.

Cache Size:
For HDDs, check the cache size. A larger cache can improve performance by storing frequently accessed
data.

Noise and Power Consumption:

Consider the noise level and power consumption of the storage device, especially for components like
HDDs that have moving parts.

Brand and Model Reputation:

Consider the reputation of the storage device's brand and model. Reviews and user feedback can
provide insights into reliability and performance.

Budget:
Set a budget and choose a storage solution that offers the best balance of capacity and performance
within that budget.

Usage Scenario:
Tailor your storage choice to your specific usage scenario. For example, if you need fast storage for
gaming or content creation, an SSD might be preferable.

Remember that a common approach is to use an SSD for the operating system and frequently accessed
programs and an HDD for mass storage of larger files. This provides a good balance of speed and
capacity. As technology advances, storage options and prices may change, so it's a good idea to stay
informed about the latest developments in storage technology.

RAM
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a type of computer memory that is used to store data and machine
code currently being used and processed by a computer. Unlike long-term storage (such as hard drives or
SSDs), RAM is volatile memory, meaning it loses its contents when the power is turned off. RAM is crucial
for the smooth functioning of a computer as it allows for quick access to data that the CPU is actively
using.

When buying RAM, consider the following factors:

Type of RAM:
DDR (Double Data Rate) is the most common type of RAM. The latest versions include DDR4 and DDR5.
Ensure compatibility with your motherboard, as each generation has a different physical design and pin
configuration.

Capacity:
Determine how much RAM you need based on your computing needs. For general use and gaming, 8GB
to 16GB is usually sufficient. Content creators, video editors, and users running memory-intensive
applications may benefit from 32GB or more.

Speed (Clock Speed):

RAM speed is measured in MHz (megahertz). Higher speeds can contribute to better system
performance, especially in tasks that are sensitive to memory speed. However, the impact may not be
noticeable in all use cases.

CAS Latency (CL):

CAS Latency is a measure of how many clock cycles it takes for the RAM to respond to a request. Lower
CAS Latency values are generally better for performance, but the impact may not be substantial in all
scenarios.

XMP (Extreme Memory Profile):

XMP is a feature that allows RAM to run at higher speeds than the default specifications. Ensure that
your motherboard supports XMP if you plan to use it, and enable it in the BIOS/UEFI settings.

Voltage:
Check the RAM voltage to ensure compatibility with your motherboard. High-performance RAM may
require higher voltages.

ECC (Error-Correcting Code):

ECC RAM is designed to detect and correct errors in data. It is commonly used in servers and
workstations for enhanced reliability. Most consumer systems use non-ECC RAM.

Form Factor:
Ensure that the physical size and shape of the RAM modules (e.g., DIMM) are compatible with your
motherboard. Most consumer motherboards use DIMM slots.
Brand and Compatibility:
Stick to reputable brands when buying RAM. Check the motherboard's QVL (Qualified Vendor List) to
ensure compatibility, although many RAM modules not on the QVL will still work.

RGB and Aesthetics:

If aesthetics are important to you, consider whether the RAM modules have RGB lighting or a specific
design. Some users prefer a clean and minimalist look, while others enjoy RGB customization.

Budget:
Set a budget for your RAM purchase. Prices can vary based on capacity, speed, and brand.

Remember that having more RAM than your system needs doesn't necessarily improve performance. It's
crucial to strike a balance based on your specific usage patterns and requirements. If you're unsure, you
can refer to the recommended system requirements of the software or games you plan to run on your
computer.

PSU
A PSU, or Power Supply Unit, is a critical component of a computer that converts electrical power from
an outlet into a form that can be used by the internal components of the computer. It provides power to
the motherboard, CPU, GPU, storage devices, and other hardware components. When buying a PSU,
consider the following factors:

Wattage:
Determine the power requirements of your system. The wattage of the PSU should be sufficient to
power all components comfortably. Various online calculators can help you estimate your power needs.

Efficiency Rating:
PSUs are rated for efficiency, typically represented by the 80 PLUS certification. Higher efficiency ratings
(such as 80 PLUS Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Titanium) indicate that the PSU wastes less power as
heat.

Modularity:
Modular PSUs allow you to detach unused cables, providing a cleaner and more organized build. Semi-
modular and fully modular PSUs offer varying degrees of cable management flexibility.

Form Factor:
Ensure that the PSU's form factor (ATX, SFX, etc.) matches your computer case. ATX is the most common
form factor for standard desktop PCs.

Connectors:
Check that the PSU has the necessary connectors for your components, including the motherboard, CPU,
GPU, and storage devices. Ensure it has enough PCIe connectors if you plan to use multiple graphics
cards.

Rails and Amperage:

Check the number of +12V rails and their amperage. This is important for powering high-end GPUs and
other components. Some PSUs have a single powerful +12V rail, while others have multiple.

Quality and Brand:

Invest in a high-quality PSU from a reputable brand. A reliable PSU is crucial for system stability and
component longevity. Read reviews and user feedback to gauge the reliability of a specific model.

Protection Features:
Look for PSUs with protection features such as over-voltage protection (OVP), under-voltage protection
(UVP), over-current protection (OCP), short-circuit protection (SCP), and over-temperature protection
(OTP). These features help safeguard your components from damage.

Noise Level:
Consider the noise level of the PSU, especially if you prioritize a quiet system. Some PSUs come with
fanless modes or quiet fans to minimize noise.

Certifications:
Check for safety certifications, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification. This ensures that the
PSU meets safety standards.

Warranty:
Consider the length of the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period often
indicates greater confidence in the PSU's reliability.

Budget:
Set a budget for your PSU. While it's essential not to cheap out on the PSU, you also don't necessarily
need the most expensive model unless your system demands it.

Choosing a reliable and appropriately sized PSU is crucial for the stability and longevity of your computer
system. Always prioritize safety and quality when selecting a power supply for your build.

Case
The term "system unit" typically refers to the main enclosure or case that houses the primary
components of a computer. Inside the system unit, you'll find components such as the motherboard,
central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage devices (HDDs or SSDs), power supply unit (PSU),
and various other internal components. When you're looking to buy a system unit or a pre-built
computer, consider the following factors:

Form Factor:
System units come in different form factors (e.g., ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX). Ensure that the form factor
of the system unit is compatible with your needs and available space.

Motherboard Compatibility:
Check the compatibility of the system unit with your preferred motherboard. Ensure that it supports the
form factor and other specifications of your chosen motherboard.

CPU Compatibility:
Ensure that the system unit is compatible with the CPU you plan to use. This includes checking for the
correct socket type and any specific requirements of the CPU.

Cooling Solutions:
Consider the cooling solutions provided with the system unit. Some units come with built-in fans or
liquid cooling systems. Ensure that the cooling solution is adequate for the components you plan to
install.

Power Supply Unit (PSU):

Verify the quality and wattage of the included PSU. Ensure that it provides enough power for your
components and has the necessary connectors. In some cases, pre-built systems may come with non-
standard PSUs, so consider this if you plan to upgrade components later.

Expansion Slots:
Check the number and type of expansion slots on the motherboard. This is important if you plan to add
additional components such as graphics cards, sound cards, or other expansion cards.

Storage Options:
Consider the available storage options, including the number of drive bays and the types of storage
devices (HDDs, SSDs) the system unit can accommodate.

RAM Slots:
Ensure that the motherboard has enough RAM slots and supports the type and speed of RAM you plan
to use.

Connectivity:
Check the availability and types of ports on the front and back of the system unit. Ensure that it meets
your connectivity needs for USB, audio, video, and other peripherals.

Graphics Card Support:

If you plan to use a dedicated graphics card, ensure that the system unit has enough space and
appropriate PCIe slots to accommodate the card.

Brand and Build Quality:

Consider the reputation of the system unit manufacturer. Read reviews and user feedback to assess the
build quality and reliability of the system unit.

Operating System:
Verify whether the system unit comes with an operating system pre-installed. If not, you'll need to factor
in the cost and installation of an operating system.

Warranty and Support:

Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer and the availability of customer support. A good
warranty can provide peace of mind in case of any issues.
Budget:
Set a budget for your system unit purchase. Consider whether the included components align with your
performance requirements and budget constraints.

When buying a system unit, whether pre-built or as a case for a custom build, these considerations will
help ensure that the unit meets your needs and is compatible with the components you plan to use.