Is it worth building your own PC?
Building your own PC can be a more economical solution as it allows you to choose specific components tailored to your needs. This provides better performance and can be cheaper than pre-built PCs.
Compu-mail's build-your-own PC configurator allows you to select the best components that fit your needs while staying within your budget. Flexibility for future upgrades is also an advantage if the need for additional performance or functionality arises.
Our sharp experts, or nerds as we allow ourselves to call them, will ensure that your components are compatible so you avoid bottlenecking. Additionally, we run a 24-hour burn-in test to ensure your new PC functions 100% as it should.
Is it cheaper to build your own computer?
Yes, it is often cheaper to build a PC yourself via our configurator and let us assemble it for you. By selecting individual components through the configurator, you can optimize your PC for both price and performance, instead of paying extra for a pre-built model with overpriced components that you might not need.
You can customize your computer to meet your specific needs and save money by avoiding unnecessary features or components that cost more but don't add to the performance.
Some people may need to play high-end games on a budget, where GPU and CPU are most important, and want to avoid spending a lot on high-end power supplies and SSDs. These components only affect game loading times during startup, not "in-game" performance. Here, a configurable PC is the perfect option for the demanding gamer who wants to build a budget-friendly PC.
What should a good desktop PC contain?
A good desktop PC should have a powerful CPU, the right amount of RAM (we recommend 16 GB RAM), a fast SSD, and a reliable graphics card to ensure your new desktop PC delivers the desired performance for multiple purposes.
Having strong components across the board ensures fast performance for both gaming and work. At Compu-mail, you can use our PC configurator to choose components that meet your needs and preferences, avoiding incompatible components or so-called bottlenecking.
Contents of a good gaming PC
A strong and powerful build-your-own gaming PC should have a high-end CPU, at least 16 GB RAM, and a powerful graphics card with high VRAM capacity to run the latest games on high settings without performance issues or low FPS.
Efficient cooling and a good power supply are also important to ensure stable performance during intense gaming since this naturally requires a lot of energy and generates a lot of heat. At Compu-mail, you can select the best components to create the ultimate gaming experience.
Contents of an office-use computer
A build-your-own computer for office use should focus on an efficient CPU and, according to our recommendations, have at least 8 GB RAM and a fast SSD for smooth multitasking and quick data access.
Windows or Linux?
The choice between Windows and Linux depends on your preferences and the purpose of your PC. Windows is often chosen for its broad software compatibility and user-friendliness, making it ideal for gaming and general use.
Linux is popular for its stability and security and is often preferred by developers and those looking for a more customizable and cost-effective solution. We recommend choosing Windows unless you have specific needs for the operating system, such as development or server use.
Case
The case houses all your components and, depending on the choice, can give you the desired appearance of your PC. Cases come in many different sizes, where the form factor is particularly important. Additionally, you will find soundproof cases for quieter PCs and RGB cases with beautiful lighting.
PC cases come in various form factors, which must match the motherboard's form factor. These must always be compatible.
The following form factors are available:
- Mini-ITX
- Micro ATX
- ATX
- Extended ATX
Motherboard
The motherboard is an essential component of your PC as it connects all your components. The motherboard has a form factor that must fit into the case. Typically, the motherboard is where you can save the most money if you're on a budget.
Always choose a motherboard that matches the case you selected. Using our PC configurator ensures compatibility between the motherboard and case.
RAM
RAM affects how many applications your computer can handle simultaneously. More RAM allows for better multitasking and improves performance for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. Today, RAM sizes typically range between 8-64 GB.
When is 8 GB RAM enough?
8 GB RAM is sufficient for light office tasks, internet browsing, and students. However, it can be limited for demanding games or software. Fortunately, RAM can always be upgraded if needed.
When is 16 GB RAM enough?
16 GB RAM is ideal for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking. It is the standard for most gaming PCs.
When is 32 GB RAM necessary?
32 GB RAM is necessary for heavy tasks like 3D rendering and advanced data processing. It is often found in the most powerful gaming PCs.
When is 64 GB RAM necessary?
64 GB RAM is primarily used by gamers who want the absolute best or professionals working with extremely demanding programs.
How much RAM does Windows 11 use?
Windows 11 requires at least 4 GB RAM, but 8 GB is recommended for a smooth experience. Larger memory may be necessary for heavy multitasking and demanding programs.
Hard drive – SSD or HDD?
The choice between SSD and HDD depends on the need for speed versus capacity. SSDs are faster and improve overall system performance, making them ideal for operating systems and programs. HDDs are cheaper and offer more storage capacity for a lower price, which makes them suitable for data storage.
Is 128 GB enough?
128 GB SSD is sufficient for basic use with the operating system and a few programs, but it can fill up quickly, especially with additional documents, games, or downloaded files.
Is 256 GB enough?
256 GB SSD is a good balance for most users with average needs, including the operating system, smaller programs, and moderate amounts of data.
When is 512 GB necessary?
512 GB SSD is recommended for those working with large files, playing many games, or needing space to store large amounts of data. Most gaming PCs today come with at least this SSD size.
When is 1000 GB (1 TB) necessary?
This storage size is the most common in gaming PCs today. 1 TB is enough to store most games and ensures quick startup times if you choose SSD. If more storage is needed, there is often space to add an additional SSD.
Which CPU should you choose for your build-your-own PC?
The choice of CPU depends on your needs. For everyday use and lighter tasks, a mid-range CPU like Intel i5 or Ryzen 5 is sufficient. For more demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or 3D rendering, a more powerful CPU like Intel i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9 is recommended.
CPU for gaming
A newer generation Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 CPU is ideal for gaming at high settings, especially when combined with a powerful graphics card. This ensures smooth gameplay without performance issues.
CPU for work
Intel i3 and i5 or Ryzen 5 are sufficient for office use, while i7 or Ryzen 7 are better for heavier tasks requiring higher processing power. The CPU choice depends on the nature of your work – simpler data handling requires less powerful CPUs, whereas heavier tasks demand higher performance.
CPU for workstations and programs like AutoCAD
For workstations, Intel Xeon or AMD Threadripper is recommended for handling intensive tasks like 3D rendering. At Compu-mail, you can select these extremely powerful CPUs, which are highly capable of running heavy programs like AutoCAD.
You will find the best CPUs for these programs in our category "server processors," which provides a clear overview of the processors capable of handling these tasks.
GPU – Graphics Card
The graphics card is extremely important in a gaming PC, but also in a workstation PC that requires a powerful GPU. The graphics card ensures that graphics and animations are displayed in high quality, working in conjunction with the other components.
With our build-your-own PC configurator, you can select precisely the GPU you need for your upcoming PC, whether it’s for gaming or work in large graphical programs like AutoCAD.
Which GPU should you choose for gaming?
If you need a strong graphics card for gaming, choose one with the appropriate VRAM capacity and technology. Typically, Nvidia’s powerful RTX graphics cards are recommended as they guarantee an excellent gaming experience. AMD's Radeon series is a solid alternative.
If you’re on a budget, an AMD Radeon or Nvidia GTX card will work fine, though you may encounter challenges if playing on the highest graphics settings with an older card.
Which GPU should you choose for AutoCAD?
A good GPU is essential for working in AutoCAD, especially when handling large amounts of data or 3D models. If you’re working on smaller tasks, a lower-end GPU may suffice. For more demanding tasks, choose Nvidia’s RTX A-series, such as A2000 and A4000.
How much VRAM do I need?
For gaming and general tasks, 4-6 GB VRAM is often sufficient. For high-resolution gaming or graphical work, 8 GB or more may be necessary for optimal performance.
CPU coolers
CPU coolers are essential to keep your PC cool and prevent overheating, especially during intense use like gaming or video editing. Air coolers are a cost-effective and simple solution, while water cooling offers better heat dissipation and is ideal for overclocking and high-performance PCs.
Advantages and disadvantages of water cooling:
- Efficient heat dissipation.
- Quieter than air cooling.
- Ideal for overclocking.
Disadvantages:
- More expensive.
- Complex installation.
Advantages and disadvantages of air cooling:
- Affordable price.
- Easy installation.
- Reliable operation.
Disadvantages:
- Less effective for high heat output.
- Louder than water cooling.
How many FPS do I need?
FPS (frames per second) is crucial for a smooth gaming experience. For general work and video playback, 60 FPS is often sufficient. For gaming and graphically demanding applications, 144 FPS or higher is optimal.
Is 60 FPS good?
60 FPS was previously fine for most games, but today it is relatively low and mainly suitable for games like Minecraft.
Is 144 FPS good?
144 FPS provides a much smoother experience and is ideal for competitive gaming and fast-paced games. FPS depends on the refresh rate of your monitor and the performance of your PC.
Is 360 FPS good?
360 FPS is excellent for professional gamers who need maximum performance to gain an advantage in fast-paced games.
Gaming with 540 FPS
The best gaming experience is achieved with a 540 Hz monitor, which can handle up to 540 FP
Avoid bottlenecking when building your own PC
Bottlenecking occurs when one component, such as the CPU, GPU, or RAM, limits the performance of the entire system. For example, a powerful GPU may be held back by a weak CPU, reducing overall performance. Using Compu-mail's PC configurator ensures that your components are compatible and optimized for performance.
At Compu-mail, we help ensure that your chosen components work efficiently together to avoid bottlenecks and maximize your PC's performance.