Custom Computers – How to Select Components

1. Custom Computers How to Select Components

2. Introductions The objective for building a custom computer is to select a set of components that when assembled produces a system for your particular use with your personal best tradeoffs among performance, quality, physical size, aesthetics, power consumption, ability to adapt to the future, and of course, cost. Here, we will focus on selecting components for gaming custom computers because they constitute the vast majority. The principles and methods for other custom computers are very similar.

3. ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS Customs are built from the following components:

4. CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU) Intel and AMD compete in the CPU market, and the lead switches back and forth fairly often. AMD CPUs provide slightly better price/performance for high-end gaming, but the situation could change quickly. For Intel • Current generation i5 CPUs are the minimum • If the games you want to play recommend i7 or i9 CPUs, then that is the requirement. For AMD • Current generation Ryzen 5 CPUs are the minimum • If the games you want to play recommend a Ryzen 7 or 9, then that is your requirement.

5. GRAPHICS CARD Graphics cards are responsible for generating the images for your monitors. Different games are capable of different resolutions, image detail levels, and frame rates. There are four graphic card decisions: • Nvidia versus AMD Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) chip, • 2. Graphics Card Brand, • 3. Performance level, and • 4. Monitor connector types. Gigabyte, XFX, MSI, and ASUS make the quality Nvidia-based graphics cards. AMD manufactures its own cards.

6. MOTHERBOARD Of all the components required to build a custom computer, the motherboard has the most specifications to consider. • Form Factor (Motherboard size and shape. Should be ATX and Micro-ATX) • CPU Socket and Compatibility • Chipset • RAM Slots (DDR 4 or 5 slots) • PCIe Slots • M.2 NVME Drive Slots • Ports (Be sure the motherboard you select has enough of the right types of ports for your intended use) • Networking (select a motherboard that supports both Ethernet and WiFi 6).

7. RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (RAM) Compatibility: RAM must be compatible with your CPU and motherboard. The motherboard will specify the RAM type, typically DDR4 or DDR5, the speed in Millions of Transfers per Second (MT/s) and will have a list of qualified RAM by manufacturer and model. Capacity: A minimum of 16GB for gaming computers, but you may need more for certain games that depend less on graphics card performance.

8. STORAGE All modern gaming motherboards support M.2 NVMe SSDs, and they are significantly faster than 2.5” SSDs. NVMe SSDs are available from 256GB up to 4TB. For performance and durability reasons, SSDs should never get anywhere close to full. Not all NVMe SSD brands and models are built with the same quality, and relative quality changes through time. You can check out your possibilities on the internet or ask ClickAway for our opinion.

9. CPU COOLER Compatibility: The cooler’s baseplate must cover the CPU’s Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS), and the mounting bracket must be designed for the motherboard. Type: There are two types of CPU coolers: Air and Liquid. *Noctua makes the best air coolers, and Lian Li, Cooler Master, and Corsair make the best liquid coolers. Cooling Capacity: Each CPU has a specified maximum temperature measured in degrees Celsius (C) – typically around 90. Select a CPU cooler that can maintain the temperature below the maximum.

10. POWER SUPPLY UNIT (PSU) Your custom computer will need an ATX power supply that has sufficient capacity measured in watts (w) to power all the system components. CPUs and graphics cards consume the most power, but the other components’ requirements must be satisfied too. • Other Recommendations • Add about 200w as a safety margin and to future-proof. • Go for a fully modular power supplies to minimize bulk and cable routing work. • Power supplies come with various efficiency ratings; we recommend at least go for a 80 Plus Gold.

11. CASE AND FANS • The case decision is about size, air flow, and features. • Size: The case must be capable of mounting and have room for all of the components. • It must have mounts for the motherboard: ATX or micro-ATX. • Must be long enough from front to back to mount the graphics card. • Air Flow: To keep all of the custom computer’s components cool, the case must provide good air flow.The best cases allow air to flow straight in the front, through the case, and out the back with a minimum of obstacles.

12. RGB LIGHTS While RGB is not a component unto itself, it is a possible feature on several components. If you want RGB and want sophisticated control functionality, you should be aware that motherboard, CPU cooler, graphic card, and RAM manufacturers have not agreed on a standard way to control RGB. Therefore, you may want to consider selecting as many of those components as possible from the same manufacturer.

13. CONCLUSION Frequently, customers come into ClickAway with a collection of parts that they were trying to assemble into a custom computer, but they hit one or more brick walls because the parts were not compatible or were not well chosen. ClickAway would be happy to consult with you to assure you end up with a custom computer that is best for you. If you have never built a custom computer, it’s not as simple as it looks. If you don’t know the correct order of assembly and some of the tricks, it can become extremely frustrating. ClickAway also offers assembly services.

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