By: Addie Robinson
With a higher platform for online gaming, and the more and more people have begun to take their office to their homes, a need for a personalized computer is more than ever. More and more over the recent years people have started building their own personal computers, picking every single piece of hardware by hand and putting them together. This can be a time consuming and expensive process, but what exactly makes this worth it?
“I spent about eleven hundred dollars total on all of my parts. I got all of my parts over a span of about two months and I actually built it all in a span of about 3 hours when I finally got all of my parts.” Said Jacob Daley, a sophomore computer science major at Georgia Southern who built his own PC.
“It’s honestly been great having one because it was an upgrade from my old laptop so I can play more hardware intensive games and software and I like having a larger workspace and screen when I do my schoolwork.”
What all goes into building a custom PC? There are some main parts that go into the build that one would need: a CPU, a graphics card, a motherboard, RAM, a PSU, and of course a monitor and keyboard.
A CPU includes the instructions and the processing power that connects everything together. It is like the ‘brain’ of the computer, telling the organs what to do and providing them with the power to do so, but having the capabilities to do the actions themselves. The CPU has many functions alongside that, according to SmartBuyer, the CPU is responsible for the cache memory, which is the assistant memory provided to the central (RAM) memory, Threads, which are the individual tasks it can execute, and the cores, which are responsible for how fast it runs.
The graphics card is the prized possession for any PC builder. The graphics card is responsible for all of the visuals the monitor produces. This is typically most important to a lot of PC builders because of the aesthetics it produces. While it is less important as far as how the computer itself runs, the importance is made in the fact that this is the only part of the PC that’s quality can be seen directly on the screen.
The motherboard is what works with the CPU that communicates with the other parts to execute a function. While the CPU is the brain, the motherboard would be like the central nervous system. Motherboards and CPUs do have to be compatible however, because of the amount of power they would require being fed to it.
RAM, as previously mentioned, is the short-term memory the PC has that allows it to run programs and applications. On average, the average user would be satisfied with 8 gigabytes of RAM, however, those that use larger applications, such as video or photo editing softwares, animation software, or games with a large amount of file space, would be better off with larger amounts of RAM, such as 12 or 16 gigabytes.
A PSU, or Power Supply Unit, is responsible for distributing the appropriate amount of power. This will help with the longevity and stability of the PC and will make sure that only the appropriate amount of power is being provided to the PC.
As far as monitors and keyboards go, like the graphics card these have a major role in the aesthetics of the PC, as well as the functionality. In keyboards, ones with customizable key caps are common, because it provides the user with a choice of what kind of feel, sound, and speed their keys will have.
Like the rest of the PC, a lot of keyboards are also heavily customizable. For example, if one were to buy a keyboard that has the correct aesthetics that the user wants, but does not have the right feel or sound, the user can purchase pieces called ‘switches’ that can change how the keycaps feel or sound.
What started out as a hobby for technology enthusiasts has grown into a massive industry, and now a custom pc is almost an industry standard in some places. On the surface, the appeal for a custom PC is the same as the appeal for anything custom made; the user has the choice to prioritize what they want while not having to sacrifice any features in the process. The process goes deeper than that though.
The average cost of building a custom PC can range anywhere from $800 to $2000 according to CliffyB, a PC building guide website. The opportunity to include nearly any features you want in your custom computer is one of the main benefits to building a PC.
There are different features one can choose for the different functions they want their PC to do. Someone who is more of a gamer might choose different parts for their PC than someone who is going to use it for video editing, and ultimately that is the main appeal for building your own personal computer.
On the surface, one would see the cost of building a PC and be immediately turned off, but the benefits the user would have after completing the build would ultimately make the price worth it. Being able to mix and match parts and pieces to fulfill individual needs and goals is something you would not be able to find with a pre-built PC. This is why those who use desktop computers are starting to make the switch.
