Components
A practical checklist for choosing PC components
What each part is responsible for, and the support lists, slot configurations and clearances to check for each one.
8 min read
Topic
Components
CPUs, graphics cards, motherboards, memory, storage, power supplies, cases and cooling.
Start here
Components
How to choose a power supply for a PC build
Confirm form factor, case length and the exact connectors your motherboard and graphics card require.
5 min read
Components
How to Choose a CPU for Your PC
Start with workload and target performance, then choose a platform whose motherboard and cooling costs fit the total build.
11 min read
Components
CPU Specs Explained: Cores, Threads, Clock Speed, Cache, and TDP
CPU specifications describe different constraints; no single number predicts real application performance.
11 min read
Components
What Is a CPU Bottleneck and How Can You Identify One?
A bottleneck is the component that limits a specific workload at a specific setting, not a permanent label attached to a PC.
11 min read
Components
How to Check CPU and Motherboard Compatibility
Confirm socket, chipset support, BIOS version, power delivery, memory generation, and cooler mounting before purchase.
11 min read
What to check first
- 01
Identify the exact models and revisions.
- 02
Check the manufacturer support lists and manuals.
- 03
Compare evidence for the workload, not specifications alone.