Computer parts
All our components
What computer parts does a gaming PC have?
Brand
In addition to the brand of the chipset (NVIDIA/AMD), you also choose the brand of the video card. For example, Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, or Inno3D.
View all video cardsVideo card chipset
NVIDIA and AMD have their own chip sets that indicate the performance of the GPU. For example, an RTX 3080 is more powerful than a 3070.
View all video cardsLength of the video card
The video card needs to fit in your case, so check the length. You can even measure the space in your case to be sure.
View all video cardsNumber of fans
The more fans your video card has, the cooler it will stay. Keep in mind that more fans also means a larger video card.
View all video cardsConnectors of the video card
Make sure the ports match those of your monitor, that you have an optimal bandwidth, and that your motherboard supports the GPU.
View all video cards
Socket
The socket is the rectangular connector on your motherboard you click the processor into. This has to match your CPU, or it won't work.
View all processorsBrand
Composing a desktop often starts with the processor. There are 2 brands, AMD and Intel. Which one you choose depends on personal preference.
Advice on Intel vs AMDClock speed
The clock speed determines how many computations the processor can perform per second. The higher the number of gigahertz (GHz), the better.
View all processorsProcessor series
The series you choose determines how powerful the processor is. An Intel Core i9 is faster than an i7. With AMD, the series is indicated with Ryzen.
View all processorsCores and threads
In addition to clock speed, the number of cores is also important. The more cores, the more computations you can perform at the same time.
View all processors
Type of memory (DDR4/DDR3)
The DDR type determines whether the RAM fits in the motherboard. This has to match. You can check the manual of the PC or motherboard for this.
DIMM or SO-DIMM
DIMM and SO-DIMM indicate the physical size of the RAM module. DIMM only fits in desktops and SO-DIMM only in laptops and NAS.
View all RAMNumber and capacity
The RAM memory you buy consists of 1, 2, or 4 modules. For example, one of 16GB, or 2 of 8GB.
View all RAMRGB LED lighting
Are you building a PC full of RGB LED lighting? Don't forget about your RAM.
View all RAM
Socket (CPU)
The socket is the rectangular connector on your motherboard you click the processor into. They have to be the same, or the processor won't work.
View all motherboardsRAM memory slots
Check how many memory slots your motherboard has. That's the number of RAM modules you install. Check the maximum speed as well.
View all mother boardsChipset motherboard
The chipset provides the communication between your CPU and computer parts. A letter + a number (such as Z590) indicates the version.
View all mother boardsM.2 SSD connectors
Most motherboards have 1 or multiple (cooled) M.2 SSD slots. Sometimes, PCIe 4.0 SSDs are even 10 times faster than SATA.
View all mother boardsGPU connector (PCIe x16)
In this slot, you place the video card. Make sure the video card fits, it can't be too big.
View all mother boards
Storage capacity
The storage capacity expressed in GB or TB. For gaming, we recommend a fast 1TB SSD for your operating system, plus a hard drive for your games.
View all NVMe SSDsSpeed (NVMe)
An NVMe SSD uses PCIe 3.0 or 4.0. The 4.0 is the fastest. The higher the read and write speed, the faster the SSD processes files.
View all NVMe SSDsKey M.2 SSD
An NVMe M.2 SSD has an M key. As a result, it only fits in an NVMe slot. You can check this on your motherboard.
View all NVMe SSDsBrand
There are a number of brands that make fast PCIe SSDs, such as Samsung, Western Digital, Seagate, Kingston, and Crucial.
View all NVMe SSDs
3.5-inch hard drive
A 3.5-inch HDD has a lot of storage for a low price, but it's not very fast. Choose a desktop HDD for your PC. There are also NAS HDDs.
View all 3.5-inch HDDs2.5-inch SSDs
A 2.5-inch SSD is just as large as a 2.5-inch HDD, but much faster and more energy-efficient. Still, it's not as fast as NVMe SSDs.
View all 2.5-inch SSDs2.5-inch hard drive
A 2.5-inch HDD is the slowest option and is usually used in a PS4, laptop, or mini PC. A 2.5-inch SSD is a better choice.
Water or air cooler?
The water cooler has a built-in pump. There are also air coolers. These don't cool as effectively, but are often more affordable.
View all processor coolersThe number of fans and the size
Check the size of your cooler and fans and make sure they fit in your case. If necessary, measure the length of your case.
View all processor coolersSocket (CPU)
The socket of the processor cooler has to match that of your processor and motherboard, or it won't fit.
View all processor coolersLED lighting
Match the processor cooler with the rest of your components with the RGB LED lighting. This way, you get a light show while gaming.
View all processor coolers
Size of the case
The case size determines the size of the motherboard, and more. An ATX motherboard doesn't fit in an ITX size case, for example.
View all computer casesNumber of included fans
Some computer cases include fans. You can place them at the front, back, top of the computer case.
View all computer casesTransparent side panel
A computer case with a transparent side panel allows you to see all the RGB components when you're gaming.
View all computer casesRoom for video card
This specification indicates how large the video card can be, so it fits in your case.
View all computer cases
Wattage
The power indicates in watts. With a high wattage, you have more power to supply high-end components with power.
View all computer power supply unitsModular/not modular
With a modular computer power supply unit, you choose which cables you put in yourself. With PSUs that aren't modular, all the cables are fixed.
View all computer power supply unitsCertification
The 8- PLUS (bronze, gold, platinum) certification indicates how energy-efficient the power supply unit is and how little power is wasted.
View all computer power supply units
Gaming keyboards
You game with a gaming keyboard. Many have programmable macros, mechanical keys, or RGB LED lighting.
View all gaming keyboardsMounting brackets
Some casings have a built-in HDD or SSD holder, and some don't. With a mounting bracket, you can make your own holder.
Operating systems
Do you build your own gaming desktop? You need an operating system to use your PC. Choose between Windows Home and Pro.
SATA cables
With a SATA cable, you can connect your 2.5-inch SSD or 3.5-inch hard drive with your motherboard, and you can transfer data.
View all SATA cablesThermal paste
You need thermal paste to prevent your processor and motherboard from overheating. This isn't included with every processor.
View all thermal paste
Advice on building or upgrading your own PC
Make your computer faster? Choose an SSD.
NVMe M.2 SSD
Does the motherboard of your laptop or desktop have an M.2 connector with the same notch as the one on the photo? You'll need an NVMe M.2 SSD. These SSDs are much faster than SATA SSDs, both the read and write speed. So you create a lightning-fast storage capacity with very short loading times.
SATA M.2 SSD
In addition to NVMe, there are also SATA M.2 SSDs. If your motherboard has the same notch as you can see here, install a SATA M.2 SSD. These are slightly slower than NVMe M.2 SSDs, but are still 10 times faster than a regular hard drive.
2.5 inch SSD
Newer laptops and desktops mostly require the M.2 SSDs, but older devices have a 2.5-inch connector for a 2.5-inch SSD. These are larger than an M.2 SSD. There are also laptops and desktops with both a 2.5-inch and an M.2 SSD connector.
Make your PC faster? Upgrade your RAM.
RAM for your desktop
RAM for your desktop is always the 'DIMM' type. Your motherboard determines whether you need the old version (DDR3) or the new version (DDR4), which maximum memory speed you choose, and how many modules you can install. You can find out by going to "Task manager" and selecting "Memory" under "Performances". You can see all the information at the top right here.
RAM for your laptop
Want to make a laptop faster? You always need "SO-DIMM" RAM. Again, your motherboard determines whether you need DDR3 or DDR4, which memory speed you choose, and how many modules you can install. Usually, you can upgrade your laptop with 1 or 2 unis. Just like with desktops, you can find out by going to "Performances"/"Memory" in the "Task manager" menu.
RAM for your Mac
MacBooks require SO-DIMM, but iMac uses DIMM. In addition to the DDR version (DDR3 or DDR4), the year it was manufactured in is also important. For example, the RAM for an iMac made before 2017 is different than the RAM of one made after 2017. On your Mac, click on the Apple logo at the top left and select "About this Mac". You can see which MacBook or iMac you have here.
FAQ about components
Which video card do you need to game in 4K?
How do you know if your processor and motherboard are compatible?
Which Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processor do I choose for gaming?
How much storage capacity do you need?
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