The requirements and costs for building a computer in 2024.

Now is a great time to venture into PC assembling.

Throughout our journey, we have assembled over 50 computers of varying power for diverse tasks. We'll guide you on how to select components, recommend the best manufacturers, and where to save money.

Before you begin assembling a computer, it's essential to know what it's composed of and where to procure the best components. If you've already purchased everything, you can proceed directly to the assembly instructions.

Here's what you'll learn:

• The pros and cons of building a PC yourself or purchasing a pre-assembled one
• The components making up a computer
• The different types of home PCs
• Understanding if the components will work together
• Where to get the best PC components
• The cost of building a gaming computer

A word of advice: read the manual

Assembling a computer is a complex process that varies with each set of components. The processor, the graphics card, and all other PC components may look slightly different than described in the guide, having more connectors or a different connection scheme.

A universal tip if you find yourself lost: always refer to the components’ instructions - they are always in the box and on the manufacturer's website. If you buy a component second-hand, you can find installation tips from bloggers on YouTube.

Is it better to assemble a computer yourself or buy a pre-assembled one?

Pre-assembled computers come in handy for those who lack the time or desire to build a computer themselves. They might be more expensive and have components that are several years outdated. However, you're guaranteed a functional computer with warranties on all parts.

 

Pre-built systems will be appreciated by fans of eccentric models.

With a custom-built PC, you have more control: you can assemble an affordable computer for office and educational tasks or create a gaming beast with the latest hardware. Buying components separately is cheaper, and you don't have to pay for the assembly.

There's also a third option - PC configurators. This is a middle-ground solution between doing it yourself and buying a pre-built system. You can choose the parts yourself, and the assembly will be done by professionals from the store.

This material is entirely dedicated to self-assembly: from choosing and purchasing components to plugging the system unit into the socket. Recently, manufacturers have perfected 'foolproof' designs: it's impossible to insert any computer part incorrectly into its slot or accidentally damage it. Therefore, assembling a PC in 2024 is more akin to building a Lego set than operating a particle accelerator.

Installing a RAM module in a computer is foolproof: the notch at the bottom of the stick simply won't align with the slot if it's not the right way around, preventing you from securing it. Similar fail-safes exist for all other components.

Moreover, being adept at assembling computers and understanding their components is a valuable skill. It ensures that you won't be left without a high-quality PC in a foreign country, where there might be no PC configurators or preassembled options. The satisfaction of successfully booting up the system unit after a lengthly assembly process is comparable to the first successful development of a film reel.

The thing about PCs is that they contain many elements, each of which needs to be correctly installed and connected. When all these parts come together and work as a cohesive whole, you'll feel like the most skilled PC builder on the planet.

Components of a Computer

A computer is made up of both essential and optional components. Essential components are those without which the computer simply cannot function, while optional ones enhance the computer's performance and make it more user-friendly. In this guide, we won't be covering additional components such as Wi-Fi modules, disk drives, and boards with extra USB ports.

Here are the components that are necessary for building a computer:

1. The Processor, also known as the CPU or Central Processing Unit, is the brain of the computer. It's responsible for all computations, running applications, and the overall performance of the system.

 

2.The CPU cooler plays a crucial role in preventing the processor from overheating, which could cause the computer to shut down within minutes to avoid damage. There are two types of coolers available: air and liquid coolers.

 

3. The Graphics Card, also known as GPU or Video Chip, is responsible for rendering the display on the screen, graphics in games, and functioning in programs for video processing and 3D graphics.

 

4. The motherboard, colloquially known as the "mother," is the heart of the computer assembly. All internal components and external peripherals, such as mice, keyboards, and printers, attach to it. While the motherboard doesn't directly enhance system performance, it can hinder it if a compatible but overly powerful processor is connected to a cheap or outdated board. In such a case, the motherboard simply can't fully harness the processing power.

 

5.Random Access Memory (RAM) is your computer's temporary data storage. It dictates how many browser tabs you can have open simultaneously and how quickly large files and programs will load. It comes in the form of thin rectangular modules, which are inserted into a slot on the motherboard.

 

6. Permanent memory, or Read-Only Memory (ROM), is the device where all information is stored, including the operating system, all programs, and games. Sometimes, people mistakenly refer to permanent memory as hard drives. However, this is only accurate for outdated HDD storage devices. While you can still use HDDs for data storage, Solid State Drives (SSDs) are now more popular due to their faster and more compact design.

 

7. The computer case, or system unit, is a metal box that houses all other components. Its aesthetic appeal is essential, but computer cases also vary in capacity, ease of connecting and routing cables, as well as options for installing air and liquid cooling systems.

 

8. Proper airflow within the computer case is crucial, especially for high-powered systems. Powerful processors and graphics cards can overheat and malfunction if confined within an inadequately ventilated enclosure.
9. The Power Supply Unit (PSU) is a vital component of a PC. It converts alternating current from the power socket into direct current, delivering the required power to all PC components, ranging from cooling fans to graphics cards. On one end, the PSU connects to the power grid, while on the other end, it provides connections for all computer parts.

 

10. Peripherals - which include everything outside the computer case like the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and external sound card - are essential for operating the computer. However, the choice of these peripherals doesn't influence the computer's performance.

What kind of home PCs are available

Stationary computers are not suitable for everyone: you need to organize space for them and put a separate desk for the monitor and keyboard. Most of the work and study tasks at home can be done with a laptop or even a tablet with a keyboard, without the need to assemble and put a giant with a colored backlight.

But a desktop computer is the most productive solution for gaming, complex engineering projects, scientific computing, and working with graphics and video. Theoretically, you can play games and editing on a professional laptop, but it is almost impossible to change parts and upgrade them, and the price/performance ratio of portable solutions is much worse.

If you work only from home and with heavy material, like to play demanding novelties without looking at system requirements - a stationary PC may be the best choice.

There is no standard assembly: you will have to choose a computer for individual tasks. The rest of the text is devoted to the principles of assembly and prices for components, and in this section I will tell you for what purposes you can use a PC and what components you need to pay special attention to in a particular case.

A PC for gaming. Usually such builds, along with PCs for work, are the most expensive. The fact is that games load the entire system simultaneously and all parts must be powerful. In particular, a gaming computer needs a good video card, and this is one of the most expensive components.

What you will need for a gaming PC:

1. Processor - for 6-8 cores with frequency from 3.5 GHz and cache from 32 MB. Games rarely use many computational threads simultaneously, but the power of each individual core is very important for them. You can choose chips without integrated graphics. Most often medium-high level models will suffice: AMD Ryzen 5 with 32 MB cache, Ryzen 7, Intel Core i5, Core i7.
2. Motherboard - any motherboard. The most expensive boards are designed for enthusiasts of overclocking components, but this is a risky occupation: you can squeeze an extra 10% of power out of the processor and memory, but there is always a danger of irrevocably damaging some component. For most gamers, a mid-range board up to 15,000 ₽ will suffice. Pay attention to the chipset: expensive Intel processors will be best served on a motherboard with a Z790 chipset, while for AMD flagships not only the expensive X670 will suffice, but also the mid-budget B650.
3. Video card is the most important component of a gaming assembly. For some games, even integrated graphics will be enough, but we recommend to budget for a graphics card from 25,000 ₽. Optimal models with a good performance margin cost from 45,000 ₽.
4. RAM - preferably 16GB of DDR4. For games you will need a fast RAM with a frequency of 3200 MHz or higher, to stably "feed" the fast processor data for processing. Otherwise, games will be jerky and sluggish.
5. SSD-drive is mandatory, at least for 500 GB. Modern games weigh from tens to hundreds of gigabytes and are very demanding to the storage speed. Although you should not overpay for a professional SSD with a speed of more than 5 Gb/s. For fast downloads mid-budget model with a speed of about 3 Gb/s will be enough.
6. You will need a powerful power supply, from 550 W. In new games, all components work at full power and sometimes there are surges with increased power consumption. Therefore, when planning the assembly it is worth adding up the stated power consumption of all components and add 25-30% on top, so that definitely no overloading happens.
7. The case and cooling are above average. Gaming components get very hot, and at high temperatures their performance decreases dramatically. It is important that the case has many openings and at least two fans for active air circulation. Water cooling is not necessary, but a good CPU cooler should cost at least 3000 ₽.
8. Cooling - you will need a powerful cooler, air or liquid - it does not matter. The main thing is to have enough power to cool the processor. New Ryzen 5 processors in the BOX-version are enough with the complete coolers, but for more powerful ones it is better to choose a separate cooling.

 

Professional workstation. Unlike games, professional programs are load selective. For example, video editing predominantly loads the video card, while database processing uses only the processor. When assembling a computer for work, it is worth specifying the needs of your particular applications.

What you will need for a workstation:

1. Processor - the more cores, the better. For most work tasks it is more useful to have 48 weak cores than 8 powerful ones, so that the chip can simultaneously process more information or run 5-7 programs simultaneously. It is better not to save money on the processor and focus on the models of the upper segment: AMD Ryzen 7, Ryzen 9, Intel Core i7, Core i9. Or even professional solutions Intel Xeon and AMD Threadripper.
2. Motherboard - an advanced motherboard, such as one with a Z790 chipset for Intel or X670 chipset for AMD. A budget or outdated board will become a "bottle neck" for the processor: it will reduce the speed of data exchange with other components or will not be able to transfer enough power from the power supply to it. Because of this, high-performance CPUs on weak boards will not be fully developed, even if they are formally compatible with them. Also make sure that the board is compatible with all other components and supports fast SSDs with PCIe 4.0 or newer.
3. The graphics card is an optional component. For some tasks, a "stub" cheaper than 15,000 ₽ will suffice. But for others - like professional 3D modeling, creating visual effects or AI training - you will need real monsters more expensive than 100,000 ₽.
4. RAM - you can never have too much. Tasks that can load dozens of compute threads at once will require a lot of memory. For workstations, it is recommended to have 32GB of RAM to infinity. But you may not chase after increased speed: 3200 MHz is enough for most cases.
5. SSD-drive is mandatory. When editing video, processing photos or analyzing databases, it is important for your computer to have all the necessary files in quick access: it will save time waiting for datasets to be loaded, saving projects and launching the programs themselves. It is better not to save money on SSD and take the fastest one with a speed of 5 Gb/s or more.
6. You need a reliable power supply. Working tasks load only part of the system, so it is difficult to overload it - 750 or 850 watts of power will be enough. But it is better to be insured and buy a quality PSU with 80 Plus Gold or 80 Plus Titanium efficiency certificate, so that your computer will definitely survive a sudden power surge or short circuit in the power grid and will not bury hours or even months of important work.
7. The case and cooling are above average. It is important that the case has many openings and at least two fans for active air circulation: inlet and outlet. Good processor cooling is desirable, because top chips get very hot under load and start to slow down, and in work time is money.

 

Computer Media Center. A device for watching movies and TV shows, browsing the internet, and communication that can be connected to a TV in a living room. Such a computer should be small, inexpensive, and connect to all devices in the house.

What you need for a media center:

1. Processor - a basic level is enough. For smooth operation, a 4-6 core chip with a frequency of about 3 GHz or higher is sufficient. It is best to focus on Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 5 with a letter G at the end like Ryzen 5 5600G.
2. Motherboard - compact, with built-in Wi-Fi. The format for the most compact computers is called Mini-ITX. Such a board may cost more than the processor, but without it, you can't build a small PC.
3. Video card - an optional component. The media center will be satisfied with the processor's integrated graphics. Especially since a computer with a video card will require a larger case.
4. RAM - you need at least 32 GB. The picture on streaming platforms is getting better, and you need to play videos from external drives in any resolution and quality. Speed is not particularly important, but it's better not to choose the cheapest model.
5. SSD storage is desirable. You can limit yourself to the simplest one, with a speed of 600 MB/s, just so that the computer turns on, wakes up, and works quickly. And you can use a regular HDD hard drive to store movies if it fits in the case you chose.
6. Power Supply - compact. Special reduced power supplies in the SFX format are produced for computers in small cases. For a PC without a video card, a minimum power model is enough.
7. Case and cooling - compact. Small computer cases are called Mini-ITX or Mini-PC. When choosing a cooler, you need to be careful: triple-check that it will definitely fit in the chosen case.

 

Determining Component Compatibility

Every computer part has specific compatibility requirements with other parts. The motherboard depends on the processor, the video card affects the case size, and the power supply's capacity can determine system stability under high load.

You can manually check compatibility by examining each part's specifications, or use PC configurators. These sites let you select parts, and show whether they can work together.

Use these configurators as a guide to choose your components. Then, look around for the best price before making a purchase.

Keep these key points in mind:

1. The processor's socket
2. When choosing a processor, make sure the socket matches the motherboard and power level. Don't use high-performance processors with weak motherboards. If you opt for powerful cooling, don't go cheap on the motherboard as budget and basic models may lack necessary connectors.
3. For video cards, consider power consumption, length, and slot number, which determine the part's size. Large video cards may not fit in a compact case, could block motherboard connectors, and may destabilize the system with a weak power supply.
4. When choosing drives, check if they can connect to the motherboard. This is especially important for SSDs in M.2 form. If you choose a 2.5" SSD, make sure there's space for it in the case.
5. RAM should be compatible with the processor, which applies to type - DDR4 or DDR5 - and the speed of a specific die. For example, new AMD processors may not work well with the fastest and priciest DDR5 versions. If you buy multiple RAM dies, they should be identical to avoid slowing down your system.
6. The power supply should fit in the case and have all necessary connectors. Standard ATX models will fit most cases, but compact ITX and mini-PCs may need a non-standard SFX PSU.
7. The case should fit all components. Check motherboard size, CPU cooler height, power supply size, video card length, number of drives, and diameter of the case coolers for internal air circulation.

Where to Buy PC Hardware

The primary advantage of assembling a PC yourself is the cost savings on components, as each one is individually selected and purchased. These components can be purchased from retail stores, overseas, or second-hand.

Retail stores are the most convenient place to buy computer parts: they offer warranties, immediate availability without the need for delivery wait times, and a wide selection. All current processors, graphics cards, and other components can be found in these stores.

Purchasing from abroad allows you to obtain rare parts not imported to Russia. Typically, these components come from China, Europe, or the USA. However, common components are not cost-effective to buy from the USA and Europe due to higher delivery costs.

You can buy parts directly from manufacturers such as Intel, Nvidia, and Kingston, who have their own stores. Computer parts stores, like Europe's largest, Mindfactory, are also good options.

Shipping these parts requires using mail forwarding services, which cover the cost of the purchase, warehouse storage, and shipment to Russia. These services cost about a hundred dollars, making them useful only when buying many parts at once.

Parts can also be bought from China and other Asian countries via Aliexpress or Ozon Global. However, due to fluctuating exchange rates, it can either be profitable or unprofitable to buy from these platforms. It's advisable to avoid buying HDDs and power supplies from these sites due to the high probability of receiving used or counterfeit items.

Purchasing video cards, motherboards, and CPU cooling from China is also not recommended due to similar prices to those in Russia, and the potential for receiving counterfeit or handmade parts. It's safer to buy SSD drives and BOX processors from these marketplaces, as they have a minimal percentage of defective, fake, or used items.

When ordering, choose Russian Post delivery over pickup points for easier item checking.

Buying parts second-hand is the riskiest option because components like processors and video cards can be sold after being used for overclocking or mining. On the upside, these parts can often be found for a fraction of their retail cost.

However, components used for a long time might not last long after purchase due to their previous heavy usage. This is especially true for video cards used in humid environments at full capacity.

When buying second-hand parts, ensure they are not damaged, such as bent pins on the processor or corrosion and scratches on RAM cards and motherboards. Always ask the seller to demonstrate the part working in a computer.

How much does it cost to assemble a gaming computer

Deliberately, I'm not discussing in the text how to choose each of the components. These are detailed topics that deserve separate texts.

Nevertheless, here are a few current PC builds for different budgets. You can buy all the details from them and assemble the computer according to the guide - they will all suit each other.

Budget, about $600. It will allow running games at medium settings in Full HD and handling everyday tasks.

1. AMD Ryzen 5 5600G BOX processor. You don't even have to buy a graphics card for it: the built-in GPU can withstand simple games at medium graphics settings thanks to 6 cores, 12 threads, and integrated graphics. If there is a graphics card, it is better to buy Ryzen 5 5600X: it is without integrated graphics and slightly more powerful.
2. Cooling. The 5600G comes with a cooler, so you don't need to buy it for the build. But any cooler more expensive than 1500 ₽ will benefit the system.
3. GIGABYTE B450M motherboard - any compatible motherboard will do. This one supports 2-4 RAM modules up to 64 GB. It is more than enough for a budget build.
4. Deepcool Matrexx 30 case - a basic case without lighting and frills, suitable for ATX motherboards and smaller. At the front - several USB 3.1 ports for fast data transfer.
5. No graphics card needed - the built-in processor will suffice. On such a card, new games will start on low settings or three-four-year-old games on high settings.
6. G.Skill RIPJAWS RAM - two 16 GB will be enough, we divide them into two 8 GB modules. We are looking for strips with a frequency of at least 3600 MHz: such a requirement from the processor. In other respects, you can buy the most budgetary ones of the appropriate size and standard.
7. 512 GB SSD M.2 A-data Legend 710 storage - M.2 memory with NVMe standard support for 512 GB, such can be put in a more powerful build.
8. Be quiet! System Power 10 550W power supply - there are no very resource-intensive parts in the assembly, so you can limit yourself to 550 watts of power.

Medium, $1500. It will allow running games at high settings in Quad HD now, but in a couple of years, it will only support mediums.

1. Intel Core i5-12600KF processor - an excellent processor of the past generation with 10 cores and 16 threads. Suitable for all games and household tasks. It cannot be overclocked.
2. Cooling. Since the processor cannot be overclocked, you can limit yourself to any inexpensive cooler and not spend money on separate cooling. But a good be quiet! or Thermalright cooler will make the system quieter, cooler, and more aesthetic.
3. ASUS Prime Z690-P WIFI D4 motherboard - since the CPU cannot be overclocked, you can save on the motherboard and instead of the most advanced version, buy a regular one. Comes with a good Wi-Fi module.
4. Be quiet! Pure Base 500 case - a minimalist case without lighting and glass doors. An ordinary ATX motherboard will fit inside.
5. Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3070 Ti video card - supports all modern games at high settings, you can play projects in virtual reality. There will be no problems with such a video chip's graphics work for another three or four years.
6. G.Skill Sniper X RAM - 2 modules of 16 GB each. As a result - 32 GB of DDR4 memory.
7. Kingston NV2 1 Tb SSD M.2 storage - a disk for loading the system and main files. It will be possible to store 5-7 games at the same time.
8. Be quiet! Straight Power 11 - 750 watts will be enough for future upgrades without replacing the PSU.

Great, ~$2700. This will enable you to run games at ultra settings in 4K now and have performance to spare for the future.

1. Intel Core i7-13700KF BOX processor - With 12 cores and 16 threads, this 13th generation Intel processor is suitable for any games and won't freeze under heavy load. You can overclock it if the performance becomes insufficient in the future.
2. Cooling - Choose high-end air coolers from Noctua or powerful water cooling from Arctic Cooling, Lian Li, ASUS, EKWB, or NZXT. Under continuous heavy load and overclocking, the processor generates significantly more heat than in standard operation mode. To avoid making a mistake, check the processor's heat dissipation or TDP and the cooler's capacity, i.e., what TDP it is designed for. It's better to select a cooler with a higher TDP rating, as the processor's declared parameters may be underestimated.
3. ASUS Prime Z790 motherboard - This advanced socket motherboard will support new components for several years. Basic models will not offer this feature. Boards of this generation are released with support for DDR4 RAM or the newer DDR5. Currently, DDR4 is optimal in terms of price and quality. If you plan a partial upgrade in two or three years, consider a motherboard with DDR5.
4. Thermaltake S300 case - A sleek and minimalistic box with a glass wall to showcase the entire assembly.
5. GigabyteGeForce RTX 4080 graphics card - It supports demanding virtual reality games and ray tracing for the most realistic lighting and reflections in games. This graphics card is designed for gaming at 4K resolution and will be overkill for 1440p monitors and below.
6. Thermaltake Water 3.0 cooling system - You need to purchase this separately as the CPU doesn't come with a cooler.
7. G.Skill Sniper X RAM, 2 x 16GB - This is optimal for a good gaming build. We recommend DDR4 memory, as it's currently on par with DDR5 models. However, the newer standard will become dominant in a few years. Ensure your motherboard supports the memory you choose.
8. WD Black SN 850X 1TB SSD M.2 drive - This allows you to store your operating system and a few heavy games on the disk.
9. Storage Drive - 4000GB 2.5" SATA WD Blue 2.5" SSD. This large and fast SSD is for storage, light-demand games, and movies.
10. A 850 watt be quiet! Dark Power 12 power supply - This was chosen with a buffer, as the system actually consumes about 700 watts. With this power supply, you'll be able to upgrade your components without worrying about power shortages.