How an online PC builder helps
Each category you complete trims the next list down to parts that physically and electrically work with your picks. There's nothing to memorize. Socket, memory type, case dimensions and power connectors get checked along the way, so an incompatible combination never shows up as an option.
Decide what the PC is for
Parts come second. First answer two questions: what will it do, and at what resolution? That might be office work and school, gaming at 1080p, 1440p or 4K, or creative work. Resolution tells you how much GPU is worth buying; the job tells you whether more cores, RAM or storage will pay off. For a fast start, take a ready-made build for your purpose and edit from there.
Pick parts in this order
Begin with the platform. CPU, motherboard and RAM go together, since they settle the socket and DDR generation. The GPU is next, as nothing affects the price and the power draw more. Leave the case, power supply and cooling for the end, because they must accommodate everything before them: GPU length, cooler height, radiator mounts.
What gets checked automatically
The builder compares CPU socket and chipset; memory type, module count and maximum capacity; board size against the case; GPU length and cooler height; radiator mounts; M.2 slots and SATA ports for your drives; power supply format and length; and the EPS and PCIe connectors your parts require. An error stops the build. A warning, such as a tight GPU fit or a board that could need a BIOS update, is yours to judge.
Preview the FPS first
In games, your CPU and GPU pairing decides performance, and you get the lower of their two ceilings. Run that pair through the FPS calculator at your resolution and settings before buying. If the result disappoints, changing the GPU tends to help most.
Check the price, then buy from the store
Each part shows offers from the stores listing it, in USD and before sales tax. We don't sell anything ourselves: you check out on the retailer's site. Still unsure about wattage? A separate calculator gives a recommended figure for your build.