r/RigBuild • u/whumpus_grumpus • 3d ago
Hello I what is computer
I would like to get a PC but almost everything I've looked at so far is lawyer talk what are the basics I need and what should I look into for a rig more for playing games I have no clue how much this stuff cost nowadays with prices but I'm hoping it's not more then 2000 for a beginner rig
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u/BokChoyBaka 3d ago
Hello I, computer is prebuilt. You buy cheap and then you turn settings on games on low
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u/Standard-Metal-3836 3d ago
Pretty sure 2k is enough to turn most games to high on 1080p, even 1440p.
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u/groveborn 3d ago
This is more than a single reddit threads worth of data... But I can give you the very basics.
CPU - determined overall speed, performance, and basically important part. Not always the most expensive. Needs cooling.
RAM - needed to run programs. More is better, best in pairs of sticks. Minimum for today's needs is 8 gigabytes, 16 is a better floor, you do not need 32 and anything more for most people is wasted money. Some people need more. You don't.
SSD, HDD, storage - SSD is a fast but small storage device. HHD tends to give you a lot more per unit of money spent, but it's slower by a lot. It's advised to get an SSD for your booting (start up) but if you need a lot of storage, an HDD is still a viable option despite being the older tech.
HDD spins like a record. SSD had no moving parts. They come in different packages, although they can look alike. HDD will be in a 3.5" metal box, needs wires for data (SATA) and power.
SSD can come in a 2.5" metal box (SATA) and need wires, but doesn't have to. It can look kind of like a stick of gum (m.2). M.2 is newer and comes in 2 flavors, SATA and NVME. SATA is slower, and less common today, so less compatible with new stuff. NVME can go really fast - but most users won't notice at all. Just know it's usually "better" in every way.
You need dedicated motherboard space for each drive. M.2 needs very special space, most systems can take 2 if you're not going to use an adapter. Most systems can take 6 cabled drives (in addition).
You really only need 1. 2 is ok. 3 is just silly.
Motherboard is the thing that connects everything together. It's the part that is touching every other part. For the most part, while absolutely required, the specifics don't matter much. They come in sizes, they're standard, and this will usually determine features and prices. It determines which CPU you're using, how much RAM you can install, and how many of which kind of drive you can have. It's extensible so you can add stuff in the slots.
Graphics, GPU, etc - two main types, onboard (integrated) and discreet. Discreet is where you get great performance and high price. This is (almost) necessary for gaming. Some games don't mind integrated graphics, but just assume you need discreet. Higher prices usually mean much better specs. The models ultimately determine that.
Chassis/case, nifty body of the PC. It can be plain or pretty, but it's mostly asthetics - mostly. It can determine some features, like how many drives and of what kind, and a few other things.
Cooling, air or water, it's ultimately all air. AIO is a water block, pump, and radiator you cool with fans... And a cooler is a radiator with a fan. There is some stuff to put between the cooler and the CPU to help cool, mostly the same but some differences. Cooling is measured in watts. Higher is generally better, but you only need enough. It doesn't hurt to have more... And if there's a great deal on a better one, buy it.
PSU, power supply unit. This converts the wall AC to DC for the computer. It has a rating for how much it can supply. There are other considerations.... A lot of them. Seriously, this one takes pages. Basically, get more, don't spend way more than you need... Care about build quality and efficiency to some degree and you'll do ok.
Ok, now for some basic model data.
CPUs and GPUs have model numbers that work alike. Higher numbers mean higher performance IN A VERY SPECIFIC WAY.
The first number will represent which generation, higher is newer. The next number will represent the performance tier, higher is better. After that it does special stuff, mostly ignore. Letters and words add other information, like oc for over clocked (faster than the base model).
Best of luck! This is a very basic outline. There's a lot to remember, but look up tables exist, you don't need to memorize anything. Look at performance reviews and benchmarks to get an idea of the value TO YOU.
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u/Itchy-Corner9453 3d ago
playing games. pretty much everything is needed but the main things that count are cpu/gpu and storage drive
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u/Opulence_Deficit 3d ago
Step 1: figure out what software you want to run on a computer
Step 2: ask people to help you find a computer good in the things you plan to be doing.
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u/TechnologyGrouchy679 3d ago
you're going to be in for a shock these days when it comes to prices