PCPartPicker, how it works

Building your own desktop with PCPartPicker has never been easier: it is often called “LEGO for adults”. And while this phrase might be a little condescending (adults can enjoy LEGO too), it's not wrong. Even so, the breadth of choices, options, and compatibility issues can be intimidating, especially for a novice PC builder. In this article we will see how PC Part Picker works, the number one when it comes to building a PC.

PCPartPicker is probably the "pick my parts" service par excellence. Start using the tool with a single part, like a processor or motherboard, and you can search its huge database of PC hardware for components that are compatible with the other parts of your build.

It's perfect for anyone who's afraid their $ 300 video card won't fit in the $ 100 case. You can start anywhere - whether there's a particular case or an oddly specific Blu-ray drive you want to use , start with these and go crazy.

PCPartPicker, how it works

By default, the site displays the lowest price available from the most popular and trusted online merchants, so you know exactly where to buy at the lowest total price to build your computer. It also includes many other options, so you can specifically see how much your computer costs, if you want to buy each part, or consider free Amazon Prime shipping.

There are also price comparisons and built-in alerts. If you still feel intimidated by the whole process, don't worry: PCPartPicker also includes Desktop PCs with pre-selected components and guides on how to assemble them. If there is a site you need to bookmark for your new PC, add this.

How to make sure all PC components are compatible

There is nothing worse than ordering a bunch of PC parts online, getting delivered, and finding the CPU you ordered is not compatible with the motherboard. Some components such as the CPU have specific features that only work with supported hardware. For example, it will not be possible to install an Intel CPU in an AMD socket motherboard.

The main culprit when it comes to compatibility issues is the motherboard, which has to work with various other components, such as CPU, RAM, and more. It is the heart of the PC and has to interact with various connected hardware, so we need to be vigilant when specs and requirements occur.

When building a new machine, it's best to start with the motherboard and CPU. Here are some tips that will help ensure that the motherboard and other purchased parts work together:

• Check the CPU socket of the motherboard and compare it with the chosen processor.
• Find out which RAM the motherboard supports (e.g. DDR4 2300 MHz).
• Similarly to the card, see what RAM the CPU can support.
• Whether or not the motherboard will support an SLI GPU configuration.
• Check the size and dimensions of the ATX when fitting inside smaller cases.
• Make sure your power supply is providing enough power.

PCPartPicker can help you set up a new PC (or an upgrade if you select which hardware you already have installed. By working with the CPU first, the system actually deletes incompatible motherboard sockets and RAM. If you somehow manage to add in various articles that they just don't work together, the website will issue a warning to fix the problem.

There are also some useful little features, like the ability to save and share your machine. If you are new to building the system, this allows you to have your parts list checked by someone with more experience who can test your PC and possibly recommend cheaper alternatives to save you some money. As an added bonus, it will also provide a rough estimate of how much power the power supply will need to supply.

Overall, PCPartPicker is an invaluable tool for collecting parts for a new PC. It might interest you: Everything you need to know to choose a video card