PC Parts List: Essential Components for Building a Computer in 2024

Building a computer in 2024 requires understanding eight essential components that work together to create a functional system, plus several optional additions that enhance specific capabilities. Each component serves a critical role, and understanding their functions, specifications, and compatibility requirements ensures successful builds. The total cost for a complete PC build ranges from $400 for basic systems to over $5000 for high-end workstations, with the sweet spot for gaming and productivity falling between $1000-1500. This comprehensive parts list covers everything needed to build your first PC, including current pricing, performance tiers, and compatibility considerations that determine which components work together.

Understanding the Core Components: What Every Build Needs

The central processing unit (CPU) serves as your computer's brain, executing instructions and coordinating all system operations. Modern CPUs from AMD and Intel range from $60 budget processors to $700 high-end models, with mainstream gaming and productivity CPUs typically costing $200-400. The CPU determines your motherboard choice through socket compatibility—AMD's AM5 socket supports Ryzen 7000 and upcoming 8000 series processors, while Intel's LGA 1700 socket accommodates 12th, 13th, and 14th generation Core processors. CPU selection affects nearly every other component choice, from RAM compatibility to cooling requirements, making it the logical starting point for planning any build.

The motherboard connects every component and determines your system's expansion capabilities and feature set. Prices range from $70 for basic boards to $800 for flagship models with extensive overclocking features and connectivity options. Motherboard selection depends primarily on CPU choice, but form factor also matters—ATX boards offer the most expansion slots and features, Micro-ATX provides a balance of size and capability, while Mini-ITX enables compact builds with some sacrifice in expandability. Modern motherboards include crucial features like M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, USB 3.2 Gen 2 or USB4 ports, WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 connectivity, and support for DDR4 or DDR5 memory depending on platform generation.

Memory (RAM) provides temporary storage for active programs and data, directly impacting system responsiveness and multitasking capability. DDR5 has become mainstream in 2024, with 32GB kits ranging from $90 for basic 4800MHz modules to $200 for high-performance 6000MHz+ kits with RGB lighting. Most users need 16GB minimum for comfortable computing, 32GB for gaming with background applications or content creation, and 64GB or more for professional workloads like video editing or 3D rendering. Memory compatibility depends on your motherboard and CPU combination—Intel systems generally run any DDR5 speed, while AMD Ryzen 7000 processors perform best with DDR5-6000 configured with specific timings.

Graphics cards (GPUs) handle visual rendering for games, creative applications, and increasingly, AI workloads. The GPU market in 2024 offers options from $150 entry-level cards capable of 1080p gaming to $2000 flagships pushing 4K resolution at maximum settings. NVIDIA's RTX 4000 series dominates the high-end market with superior ray tracing and DLSS 3 frame generation, AMD's Radeon RX 7000 series provides competitive traditional performance at lower prices, and Intel's Arc series offers budget-friendly options with improving driver support. GPU selection depends on monitor resolution and refresh rate—1080p gaming needs $200-300 cards, 1440p requires $400-600 investment, and 4K gaming demands $700+ graphics cards.

Storage Solutions: Balancing Speed, Capacity, and Cost

Storage technology in 2024 predominantly features NVMe SSDs using the M.2 form factor, with traditional SATA SSDs and mechanical hard drives serving specific niches. A 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive costs $50-80 and provides 7000MB/s read speeds, making it the standard for boot drives and primary storage. PCIe 5.0 drives offer up to 12000MB/s but cost significantly more and provide minimal real-world improvement for most users. Every build should include at least a 500GB NVMe boot drive, though 1TB has become the practical minimum given current game sizes—Call of Duty alone requires 200GB, and many modern titles exceed 100GB.

Secondary storage strategies vary by use case and budget. Gamers benefit from 2TB or 4TB NVMe drives to store their library without constant uninstalling and reinstalling. Content creators often combine a fast 500GB boot drive with 2-4TB of PCIe 4.0 storage for active projects and 8-16TB of mechanical storage for archives. The dramatic price reduction in SSD technology makes all-solid-state builds practical—a 2TB NVMe drive costs what 500GB did two years ago. However, mechanical drives still offer unmatched capacity per dollar, with 8TB drives costing $150 and 20TB drives available for $300, making them ideal for media storage, backups, and archives.

Understanding storage interfaces and compatibility prevents bottlenecks and ensures optimal performance. M.2 slots support different key types and protocols—M-key slots accept NVMe drives, B-key supports SATA, and B+M keys work in either but perform according to the slot's capability. Motherboards typically include 2-4 M.2 slots, but some share bandwidth with SATA ports or PCIe slots, disabling them when populated. Reading motherboard manuals reveals these limitations and optimal population order. Additionally, PCIe generation affects maximum speeds—a PCIe 5.0 drive in a PCIe 3.0 slot operates at 3.0 speeds, though backward compatibility ensures functionality.

Power Supply Selection: The Foundation of System Stability

The power supply unit (PSU) converts AC wall power to DC voltages required by components, making it critical for system stability and longevity. Quality PSUs from reputable manufacturers like Seasonic, Corsair, EVGA, and be quiet! range from $50 for basic 450W units to $400 for 1600W titanium-rated flagships. The 80 Plus certification system indicates efficiency—Bronze achieves 82% efficiency at typical loads, Gold reaches 87%, and Titanium exceeds 90%. Higher efficiency means less heat generation, lower electricity bills, and often better component quality, though diminishing returns make Gold the sweet spot for most builds.

Calculating power requirements involves adding component TDPs (Thermal Design Power) and applying overhead for efficiency and future upgrades. A typical gaming system with a Ryzen 7 7700X (105W TDP), RTX 4070 (200W TDP), and standard components needs approximately 450W under full load. Adding 30-40% overhead for efficiency and transient spikes suggests a 650W PSU, while planning for future GPU upgrades might justify 750W or 850W. Online PSU calculators from manufacturers provide detailed recommendations based on specific components, but the general rule suggests 650W for mid-range builds, 750-850W for high-end gaming systems, and 1000W+ only for multi-GPU or extreme overclocking scenarios.

Modular versus non-modular PSUs affect building convenience and cable management. Non-modular units include permanently attached cables for all connectors, creating cable clutter in cases that don't need every connection. Semi-modular PSUs attach essential cables (24-pin ATX, CPU power) permanently while making PCIe and SATA cables removable. Fully modular units allow removing all cables, simplifying installation and enabling custom cable kits for aesthetic builds. The price premium for modularity—typically $20-40—proves worthwhile for cleaner builds and easier maintenance, though budget builds can succeed with non-modular units and careful cable routing.

Case Selection: Form Factor, Airflow, and Aesthetics

The computer case houses all components while managing airflow and providing aesthetic appeal. Cases range from $30 basic boxes to $500 premium showcases with integrated displays and custom manufacturing. Form factor compatibility represents the primary consideration—ATX mid-towers accommodate most builds, ATX full-towers provide maximum expansion and cooling capacity, Micro-ATX cases balance size and capability, and Mini-ITX cases enable ultra-compact builds requiring careful component selection. Modern cases emphasize airflow over silence, reversing the sealed, sound-dampened designs popular five years ago.

Airflow design significantly impacts component temperatures and system noise. Mesh front panels became standard in 2024, providing unrestricted air intake compared to solid or glass panels that force air through narrow gaps. The optimal configuration positions intake fans at front and bottom, exhaust fans at rear and top, creating positive pressure that reduces dust accumulation. Quality cases include dust filters on intakes, tool-free drive mounting, cable management systems with rubber grommets, and sufficient clearance for tall CPU coolers and long graphics cards. Measuring your intended space ensures the case fits your desk or floor placement while leaving room for cable connections.

Cable management features distinguish quality cases from budget options. Dedicated cable routing channels behind the motherboard tray hide cables from view, while 20-25mm of clearance accommodates thick cable bundles. Velcro straps, cable ties, and rubber grommets organize and secure cables, preventing them from interfering with airflow or component installation. RGB integration has become standard, with built-in controllers, vertical GPU mounting brackets, and tempered glass panels showcasing illuminated components. However, solid panel options remain available for professional environments or users preferring understated aesthetics.

Cooling Solutions: Managing Thermal Performance

CPU cooling solutions range from $20 stock coolers included with some processors to $400 custom liquid cooling loops. The included AMD Wraith coolers and Intel stock coolers adequately cool processors at stock speeds but struggle with sustained loads or overclocking. Aftermarket air coolers dominate the mainstream market—tower coolers like the Noctua NH-D15 ($90) or be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 ($90) match or exceed most liquid coolers while operating quieter and requiring no maintenance. Budget options like the Cooler Master Hyper 212 ($30) or Thermalright Peerless Assassin ($40) provide excellent value for standard builds.

All-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers offer superior cooling capacity and aesthetics at increased cost and complexity. Entry-level 240mm AIOs cost $60-80 and slightly outperform air coolers, while 280mm and 360mm radiators provide meaningful temperature improvements for high-end CPUs. Premium AIOs include RGB lighting, customizable LCD displays showing system statistics, and software control for pump and fan speeds. However, AIOs introduce potential failure points—pumps wear out after 5-7 years, coolant can evaporate, and leaks, while rare, can damage components. This reliability consideration makes air cooling attractive for systems requiring long-term stability.

Case fans significantly impact overall system temperatures and noise levels. Modern 120mm and 140mm PWM fans range from $5 basic models to $40 premium options with advanced bearing designs and RGB lighting. Quality fans from Noctua, Arctic, and be quiet! prioritize airflow (measured in CFM - cubic feet per minute) and static pressure (for radiator mounting) while minimizing noise. Most builds benefit from 3-6 case fans total—two front intakes, one rear exhaust, and optional top exhaust for hot components. Fan placement matters more than quantity; strategic positioning creates efficient airflow paths that cool components without creating turbulence or dead zones.

Optional Components and Accessories

Sound cards, once essential, became largely obsolete as motherboard audio improved dramatically. Modern motherboards include high-quality audio codecs supporting 7.1 surround sound, dedicated audio capacitors, and electromagnetic interference shielding. External USB DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) provide superior audio quality for audiophiles and music producers, starting around $50 for basic models and exceeding $500 for professional interfaces. Similarly, network cards prove unnecessary for most users, as motherboards include gigabit Ethernet and often WiFi 6E or WiFi 7. However, 2.5Gb or 10Gb network cards benefit users with high-speed internet or NAS devices.

RGB lighting transforms builds from functional to spectacular, though coordinating ecosystems proves challenging. Major manufacturers use proprietary control software—ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, and Corsair iCUE rarely cooperate. Selecting components within one ecosystem simplifies control, though third-party solutions like OpenRGB attempt universal compatibility. RGB components include fans ($15-40 each), RAM modules ($20-50 premium), LED strips ($15-30), and GPU support brackets with lighting ($30-50). While RGB adds visual appeal, it increases power consumption and potential failure points, making it purely optional for aesthetic preference.

Peripheral selection significantly impacts user experience but falls outside core PC building. Mechanical keyboards range from $50 entry-level options to $300+ enthusiast boards with hot-swappable switches and custom keycaps. Gaming mice vary from $20 basic models to $150 wireless options with high-precision sensors and adjustable weights. Monitors deserve special consideration—$200 buys 1080p 144Hz for competitive gaming, $400-600 provides 1440p 144Hz+ for balanced performance and visuals, and $800+ enters 4K 144Hz or ultrawide territory. Monitor selection should match GPU capability to avoid bottlenecks or underutilization.

Component Pricing Tiers and Budget Allocation

Building a $500 budget PC in 2024 requires careful component selection and some compromises. Allocating $100 for a Ryzen 5 5600 or Intel i3-12100F, $80 for a basic B450 or H610 motherboard, $40 for 16GB DDR4, $150 for an RX 6600 or RTX 3050 graphics card, $40 for a 500GB NVMe SSD, $50 for a 450W bronze PSU, and $40 for a basic case creates a system capable of 1080p gaming at medium-high settings. This configuration handles esports titles at high frame rates and modern games at acceptable quality, proving PC gaming remains accessible at lower budgets.

The $1000 sweet spot enables balanced builds without major compromises. Spending $250 on a Ryzen 7 7700 or Intel i5-14600K, $150 on a quality B650 or B760 motherboard, $90 on 32GB DDR5, $400 on an RTX 4060 Ti or RX 7700 XT, $80 on a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, $80 on a 650W gold PSU, and $70 on a airflow-focused case delivers excellent 1440p gaming and productivity performance. This tier represents the best performance per dollar, avoiding the diminishing returns of high-end components while providing meaningful improvements over budget builds.

High-end $2000+ builds target enthusiasts and professionals requiring maximum performance. Allocating $500 for a Ryzen 9 7950X or Intel i9-14900K, $300 for a feature-rich X670E or Z790 motherboard, $150 for 32GB high-speed DDR5, $800 for an RTX 4070 Ti Super or RX 7900 XTX, $150 for 2TB PCIe 4.0 storage, $150 for an 850W gold PSU, $100 for a premium case, and $100 for robust cooling creates a system handling any current workload. Further budget increases enable RTX 4080 or 4090 graphics cards, 64GB+ RAM, extensive storage arrays, and custom cooling solutions, though practical benefits diminish beyond this point for most users.

Where to Buy Components: Retailers, Warranties, and Deals

Online retailers dominate component sales in 2024, offering better selection and prices than physical stores. Amazon provides fast shipping and easy returns but rarely offers the best prices. Newegg specializes in computer components with detailed specifications and user reviews, though customer service has declined. B&H Photo offers competitive prices with excellent customer service and no sales tax in many states. Micro Center's physical stores provide unmatched in-store deals and bundles, particularly CPU and motherboard combinations saving $50-100, making them worth visiting if located nearby.

Price tracking and comparison tools maximize savings across retailers. PCPartPicker automatically compares prices across major retailers, tracks price history, and alerts users to sales. Honey and Keepa browser extensions show Amazon price history and apply coupon codes automatically. Reddit's r/buildapcsales community highlights exceptional deals within minutes of availability. Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day offer significant discounts, though component sales occur year-round. Graphics cards and SSDs see the most dramatic price fluctuations, sometimes varying 20-30% within weeks.

Understanding return policies and warranties protects against defective components and buyer's remorse. Amazon's 30-day return window provides peace of mind for uncertain purchases. Newegg's return policies vary by seller and often include restocking fees. Manufacturer warranties typically start from purchase date, not installation, encouraging prompt building. Registering products immediately, photographing serial numbers, and keeping receipts streamlines any necessary RMA processes. Credit cards offering extended warranties or purchase protection provide additional coverage, doubling manufacturer warranties or covering accidental damage during assembly.