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Computer parts

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 cards

Video 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.

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Length 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.

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Number of fans

The more fans your video card has, the cooler it'll stay. Keep in mind that more fans also means a larger video card.

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Connectors 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.

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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 processors

Brand

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 AMD

Clock 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 processors

Processor 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.

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Cores 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.

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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.

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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.

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Number and capacity

The RAM memory you buy consists of 1, 2, or 4 modules. For example, one of 16GB, or 2 of 8GB. So check the number of RAM slots on your motherboard.

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RGB LED lighting

Are you building a PC full of RGB LED lighting? Don't forget about your RAM.

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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 mother boards

RAM 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.

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Chipset motherboard

The chipset provides the communication between your CPU and computer parts. A letter + a number (such as Z590) indicates the version.

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M.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 boards

GPU connector (PCIe x16)

In this slot, you place the video card. Make sure the video card fits, it can't be too big.

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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 SSDs

Speed (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 SSDs

Key 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 SSDs

Brand

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 offers a lot of storage for little money, but isn't very fast. Choose a desktop HDD for your PC.

View all 3.5-inch HDDs

2.5-inch SSDs

A 2.5-inch SSD is the same size as a 2.5-inch HDD, but much faster and more durable. It's just slower than NVMe SSDs.

View all 2.5-inch SSDs

2.5-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 coolers

The 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 coolers

Socket (CPU)

The socket of the processor cooler has to match that of your processor and motherboard, or it won't fit.

View all processor coolers

LED lighting

Match the processor cooler with the rest of your components with the RGB LED lighting. This way, you get a light show next to you 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 cases

Number of included fans

Some computer cases include fans. You can place them at the front, back, or at the top of the computer case.

View all computer cases

Transparent side panel

A computer case with a transparent side panel allows you to see all the RGB components when you're gaming.

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Room 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 units

Modular/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 and you need to use multiple cables.

View all computer power supply units

Certification

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 keyboards

Mounting 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.

View all mounting brackets

Antistatic bracelets

Are you going to build a computer? With an antistatic wrist strap, you prevent a static shock on your computer parts.

Operating systems

Do you build your own gaming desktop? You need an operating system to use your PC. Without this, your computer of course won't work. 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 cables

PCIe adapters

A motherboard often has more PCIe connectors than you need. With a PCIe adapter, you can create extra M.2 or USB connectors, for example.

Thermal paste

With thermal paste, you prevent your processor and motherboard from overheating. This isn't included with every CPU.

View all thermal paste

Gaming desks

A gaming desk is slightly different from a regular desk. It has cable management and a large worktop, for example.

View all gaming desks

Make your computer faster with an SSD

Samsung PCIe NVMe solid state drive

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 write and read much faster than SATA SSDs. So you create a lightning-fast storage capacity with very short loading times.

Samsung SATA B M key solid state drive

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.

Samsung 2 5 inch solid state 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.

Upgrade your PC and make it faster with RAM

DIMM memory for desktop PC

RAM for your desktop

RAM for your desktop is always the 'DIMM' type. Your motherboard determines whether you need the old version (DDR4) or the new version (DDR5), 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.

If laptop is slow, upgrade with Sodimm memory

RAM for your laptop

Want to make a laptop faster? You always need "SO-DIMM" RAM. Again, your motherboard determines whether you need DDR4 or DDR5, which memory speed you choose, and how many modules you can install. Usually, you can upgrade your laptop with 1 or 2 units. Just like with desktops, you can find out by going to "Performances"/"Memory" in the "Task manager" menu.

Synology DIMM RAM sticks

RAM for your NAS

A NAS needs SO-DIMM. In addition to the DDR version (DDR4 or DDR5), brand-specific factors are also important. The RAM for a Synology NAS is different than for QNAP. Check the official compatibility list on the website of the NAS brand if you're not sure whether your RAM is supported.

FAQ about components

Question Answer.
Question Answer.

Which video card do you need to game in 4K?

Gaming in 4K requires a powerful video card if you want at least 60 fps. Suitable GPUs for NVIDIA are the RTX 3080, RTX 3080 Ti, and RTX 3090. For AMD, this are the Radeon RX 6800, RX 6800 XT, RX 6900, and RX 6900 XT. Is one of those terms in the name? You can game in high resolution without problems. Don't forget the CPU. This needs to be powerful enough to send 4K images.

How do you know if your processor and motherboard are compatible?

It's not always easy to compose your own computer. The socket of your motherboard should be exactly the same as that of your processor, or they won't work together. If you have an Intel processor with an LGA 1200 socket, your motherboard should also have an Intel LGA 1200 socket.

Which Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processor do I choose for gaming?

The processor is one of the most important PC parts. The speed of the processor is indicated with the code name. For gaming, an Intel Core i5 or i7 or an AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 will do. These processors are powerful enough for the new releases and are extra future proof.

How much storage capacity do you need?

Do you want a fast and durable SSD? A 1TB one is enough for your operating system and lots of games. Choose 2TB if you never want to worry about capacity. If you want, you can expand the capacity with an affordable but slower 4TB hard drive, for example. This will definitely be enough for you.
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