Most people buy a pre-built system from one of the big box stores but for those that want to customize their computer to their needs, or to have the best performance – building your own is where it’s at.
A motherboard contains a chipset which relays information between the processor and expansion devices. Memory, or RAM, temporarily holds software applications and user data; it is “volatile” and cleared when the computer shuts off.
Motherboard
The motherboard acts as a central hub connecting all of your computer’s functional parts so they can interact. It takes the power supplied to it from a power connector plug and distributes it optimally to all of your system components.
Your CPU, GPU, RAM and ROM all plug into the motherboard. The chipset is a set of specialized integrated circuits that allow the different parts to communicate with one another properly.
Motherboards come in a variety of shapes, sizes and configurations depending on your type of computer. The standard ATX is the most common and is the size of a laptop, but there are smaller form factors like mini-ITX and microATX for compact systems. There are also workstation and enthusiast motherboards that provide advanced features for high-performance computers.
CPU
There are so many different computer components that work together to make your PC run, but the central processor (CPU) is arguably the most important of all. It’s the brain of your computer and handles all of its complex calculations, data manipulations, and logical operations, transforming it into instructions that can be executed by the other hardware components.
Modern CPUs can process billions of instructions per second. They do this through a repeated cycle of fetching, decoding, and execution. First, the CPU receives input from a monitor display screen, keyboard, mouse, or microphone. This data is then stored in the main, primary memory, or RAM (Random Access Memory), which can be retrieved and used at any time—but it’s temporary and loses its data when the power goes out.
RAM
RAM is the short-term storage where your computer keeps the information it needs right now. It processes data much faster than the data stored on a hard disk, making it ideal for tasks that need split-second reactions.
There are several different types of RAM, including SRAM and DRAM. SRAM uses tiny capacitors that are constantly being charged and discharged to store each bit. This makes it much quicker to access than DRAM, but it requires constant refreshing.
SDRAM (synchronized dynamic random-access memory) increases performance by synchronizing the memory’s rate with the CPU’s clock speed. It also reduces latency and allows for higher memory transfer speeds. It is often found in laptops and notebook computers, where it offers lower power consumption.
Optical Drive
The optical drive reads and records data onto a disc formatted for use in a computer. The most common formats are compact discs (CD), DVD, and Blu-ray Disc.
Unlike floppy disks, optical discs are durable and resistant to physical damage. They also offer superior storage capacity and a long life span compared to older technologies.
An optical drive contains a lens through which a laser beam passes to read the information on the surface of the disk. Its photodiodes detect the pattern of pits and lands and translate it into 0s and 1s that computers understand. Optical drives have become less important with the rise of cloud storage, but they remain useful for those who prefer physical media or work with legacy systems. The latest optical drives can read many different formats of discs.
Case or Tower
For high-performance workstations and gamers, a full tower case offers more expansion options and superior cooling. Tower cases are vertical, whereas desktop cases (the type found on most desk set-ups) and all-in-one PCs are horizontal.
Larger cases offer more space to route cables neatly around hardware, rather than splaying them out across the motherboard and GPU. This improves airflow, simplifies future upgrades and maintenance, and gives your build a clean, professional look.
Some cases also come with tempered glass sides, like this Terra case from Fractal Design or the O11 mini-tower from Lian Li. These add an attractive aesthetic to your build and make it easy to show off your hard work! However, keep in mind that a side panel may need to be removed for access to all connectors.