Here are some essential desktop computer components:
1 Processor (CPU): The central processing unit is the brain of the computer and performs most of the computer’s calculations.
2 Random Access Memory (RAM): This is the memory used by the computer to store data that is being used in real-time. The more RAM a computer has, the more applications it can run at the same time.
3 Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD): These are the devices used to store the computer’s operating system, software, and data files.
4 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): The graphics card is responsible for rendering images, videos, and 3D graphics.
5 Motherboard: The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all of the other components of the computer.
6 Power Supply Unit (PSU): The power supply unit is responsible for converting the AC power from the wall outlet into DC power that can be used by the computer’s components.
7 Cooling system: The cooling system keeps the computer’s components from overheating and includes a fan, heatsinks, and sometimes liquid cooling.
8 Input devices: These include the keyboard, mouse, and other devices used to input information into the computer.
9 Output devices: These include the monitor, speakers, and other devices used to display information output by the computer.
Optical drive: This is a device used to read and write CDs, DVDs, and other optical media.
1 Processor (CPU)
The processor (CPU) is a critical component of a desktop computer and is responsible for performing most of the computer’s calculations. The CPU is composed of several key components, including the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), control unit (CU), and cache memory.
In general, a better processor will have a higher clock speed (measured in GHz), more cores (allowing it to perform more calculations simultaneously), and a larger cache (allowing it to access frequently used data more quickly). A faster processor will generally result in faster performance when running demanding applications like video editing or gaming.
An example of a processor that performs well is the Intel Core i9-11900K, which has a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz, 8 cores, and a 16 MB cache. A processor with lower specs like the Intel Celeron G5905, which has a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz, 2 cores, and a 2 MB cache, will not perform as well.
Intel and AMD are the two main manufacturers of processors for desktop computers. Intel is based in Santa Clara, California, USA, and was founded by Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore in 1968. The company has manufacturing centers all over the world.
Here are some of the best available versions of processors on Amazon:
Intel Core i9-11900K
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
Intel Core i7-11700K
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
Intel Core i5-11600K
Note that the best processor for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. It’s a good idea to research and compare different models before making a purchase.
2 Random Access Memory (RAM)
Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of computer memory that allows quick access to data that the computer is actively using. RAM is used to temporarily store data that the CPU needs to access quickly, such as open programs, running processes, and system files.
In general, a better RAM will have a higher capacity (measured in GB) and a faster speed (measured in MHz). A higher capacity RAM allows a computer to store more data, while faster speed RAM allows the CPU to access data more quickly.
An example of a RAM that performs well is the Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 3200MHz, which has a high capacity of 32GB and a fast speed of 3200MHz. A lower spec RAM like the Kingston Technology HyperX Fury Black 8GB 2133MHz DDR4, which has a capacity of 8GB and a speed of 2133MHz, will not perform as well.
RAM is manufactured by several companies, including Corsair, Kingston, Crucial, G.Skill, and Patriot. These companies are headquartered in various locations around the world, including the USA, Taiwan, and China.
Here are some of the best available versions of RAM on Amazon:
Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 3200MHz
G.Skill Trident Z RGB Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4 3200MHz
Kingston Technology HyperX Predator 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4 3200MHz
Crucial Ballistix 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4 3600MHz
Patriot Viper Steel Series DDR4 16GB (2 x 8GB) 3200MHz
Again, the best RAM for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. It’s a good idea to research and compare different models before making a purchase.
3 Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD)
A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD) is a component of a desktop computer that is responsible for storing data. HDDs and SSDs are both types of storage drives, but they differ in the technology used to store data.
HDDs store data on spinning magnetic disks, while SSDs store data on flash memory chips. SSDs are generally faster than HDDs because they have no moving parts, which allows them to access data more quickly. However, HDDs are typically cheaper and have larger storage capacities.
In general, a better HDD or SSD will have a larger storage capacity (measured in GB or TB) and a faster read/write speed (measured in MB/s). A larger storage capacity allows for more data to be stored, while a faster read/write speed allows for quicker access to data.
Some examples of HDDs that perform well are the Western Digital Black 6TB and the Seagate IronWolf 12TB. These drives have large storage capacities and fast read/write speeds, making them ideal for storing large files like video or music libraries.
Some examples of SSDs that perform well are the Samsung 970 EVO Plus 2TB and the Crucial MX500 1TB. These drives have high storage capacities and very fast read/write speeds, making them ideal for running demanding applications like video editing or gaming.
Some of the companies that manufacture HDDs and SSDs include Western Digital, Seagate, Samsung, and Crucial. These companies are headquartered in various locations around the world, including the USA, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Here are some of the best available versions of HDDs and SSDs on Amazon:
Western Digital Black 6TB HDD
Seagate IronWolf 12TB HDD
Samsung 970 EVO Plus 2TB SSD
Crucial MX500 1TB SSD
Seagate FireCuda 520 2TB SSD
Again, the best HDD or SSD for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. It’s a good idea to research and compare different models before making a purchase.
4 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is a component in a desktop computer that is responsible for rendering graphics and images. GPUs are used for a wide range of applications, including gaming, video editing, and scientific simulations.
A better GPU will have a higher number of processing cores and a higher clock speed (measured in GHz). A higher number of processing cores allows for more parallel processing, while a higher clock speed allows for faster processing.
A worse GPU, on the other hand, will have fewer processing cores and a lower clock speed. This can result in slower rendering times and lower overall performance.
Some examples of popular GPU manufacturers include Nvidia and AMD. Nvidia is based in Santa Clara, California, while AMD is based in Santa Clara, California, and Austin, Texas.
Here are some of the best available versions of GPUs on Amazon:
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070
AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT
AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
Again, the best GPU for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. It’s a good idea to research and compare different models before making a purchase.
5 Motherboard
The motherboard is a central component in a desktop computer that connects all the other components together, such as the CPU, RAM, and GPU. It also provides interfaces for input/output devices, such as USB and audio.
A better motherboard will have more expansion slots for adding additional components, such as graphics cards or network cards. It will also support faster memory speeds and have better quality components, such as capacitors and VRMs (voltage regulator modules). A worse motherboard may have fewer expansion slots or lower-quality components, which can affect the stability and performance of the system.
Some examples of popular motherboard manufacturers include ASUS, Gigabyte, and MSI. ASUS is based in Taiwan, while Gigabyte is based in Taiwan and MSI is based in Taiwan and California.
Here are some of the best available versions of motherboards on Amazon:
ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero Z590
Gigabyte AORUS X570 Master
MSI MPG B550 Gaming Edge WiFi
Again, the best motherboard for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. It’s a good idea to research and compare different models before making a purchase.
6 Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The Power Supply Unit (PSU) is a component in a desktop computer that provides power to all the other components. It converts the AC power from the wall outlet into DC power that can be used by the computer’s components.
A better PSU will have a higher power rating and better efficiency, which means it will waste less energy and generate less heat. It will also have more stable voltage regulation, which can improve the stability and reliability of the system. A worse PSU may have a lower power rating or lower efficiency, which can affect the overall performance of the system.
Some examples of popular PSU manufacturers include EVGA, Corsair, and Seasonic. EVGA is based in California, while Corsair is based in California and Seasonic is based in Taiwan.
Here are some of the best available versions of PSUs on Amazon:
EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G3
Corsair RM850x
Seasonic FOCUS GX-850
Again, the best PSU for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. It’s a good idea to research and compare different models before making a purchase.
7 Cooling system
The cooling system in a desktop computer is responsible for keeping the temperature of the components within safe limits. It usually consists of fans and heatsinks, but can also include liquid cooling systems.
A better cooling system will be more effective at dissipating heat and keeping the components cool. It will also be quieter and more reliable. A worse cooling system may not be able to keep up with the heat generated by the components, which can lead to decreased performance and even damage to the components.
Some examples of popular cooling system manufacturers include Noctua, Corsair, and Cooler Master. Noctua is based in Austria, while Corsair and Cooler Master are based in California and Taiwan, respectively.
Here are some of the best available versions of cooling systems on Amazon:
Noctua NH-D15
Corsair iCUE H150i Elite Capellix
Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition
Again, the best cooling system for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. It’s a good idea to research and compare different models before making a purchase.
8 Input devices
The input devices for a desktop computer are the devices that allow users to give input to the computer. The most common input devices are the keyboard and mouse, but other input devices like joysticks, gamepads, and graphic tablets can also be used.
A better input device will be more ergonomic, more durable, and more precise. It will also have more features and customization options. A worse input device may be uncomfortable to use, less accurate, and less reliable.
Some popular input device manufacturers include Logitech, Microsoft, and Razer. Logitech is based in Switzerland, while Microsoft and Razer are based in the United States and Singapore, respectively.
Here are some of the best available versions of input devices on Amazon:
Logitech MX Master 3 Wireless Mouse
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop Keyboard and Mouse
Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard
Again, the best input device for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It’s a good idea to research and compare different models before making a purchase.
You may also want to see:
10 Best Wireless Mechanical Keyboards
My Favourite Wireless Mice For Gaming Or Business
9 Output devices
The output devices for a desktop computer are the devices that allow users to receive output from the computer. The most common output devices are monitors, speakers, and printers.
A better output device will have better display or audio quality, more features, and a longer lifespan. A worse output device may have lower resolution, poorer audio quality, and a shorter lifespan.
Some popular output device manufacturers include Dell, HP, and Acer for monitors; Logitech, Bose, and JBL for speakers; and Canon, Epson, and HP for printers. These manufacturers are based in various countries around the world, including the United States, Japan, and Taiwan.
Here are some of the best available versions of output devices on Amazon:
Dell UltraSharp U2719DX 27-Inch Monitor
Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 Professional Photographic Inkjet Printer
Once again, the best output device for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It’s important to research and compare different models before making a purchase.
You may also want to see:
Which Is The Best 27 Inch Monitor? Top 10
8 Best Printers for Your Papers