Table of Contents
Introduction to PCPartPicker
PCPartPicker is an online platform devoted to PC users and enthusiasts who want to create their own custom computer builds. This user-friendly tool offers a widespread database, including processors, graphics cards, motherboards, memory, and other essential components required for a PC build. With PCPartPicker, finding the right components and determining your cost-benefit analysis of each component becomes manageable, even for those new to the concept of custom PC builds. The platform also denotes component compatibility, ensuring that all your selected parts will work together seamlessly.
Overview of PCPartPicker
Unlike the traditional way of researching each component individually, PCPartPicker provides a more streamlined method. It aggregates data from various sources about different components, giving you a one-stop solution for all your PC building needs. In addition to having a comprehensive database of parts, it also shows you the prices and reviews of each component from several different retailers. Notably, PCPartPicker also offers feature sets such as the ability to create a parts list, add custom notes, and estimate the total cost of your build. Once you have completed your parts list, the platform allows you to save and even share it with the community.
How PCPartPicker can assist in PC building
PCPartPicker revolutionizes the PC building process by helping users construct a PC that suits their specific needs and budget. Its interface is easy to use, with clearly labeled categories for each type of component you need to consider. The platform guides you from the very start, ensuring you select the right processor, choose a compatible motherboard, and even assists in configuring your most suitable memory and other remaining components. Also, it presents the ratings and reviews of each item, assuring you get the best value for your money.
The importance of understanding each hardware component used in building a PC
While it’s true that PCPartPicker brings considerable convenience to the PC building process, it’s also critical to understand the fundamentals of each hardware component you're selecting. This knowledge not only ensures a successful build process but also lets you understand how each component contributes to the overall performance of your personal computer. Each component selected for the build, from the CPU to the RAM and graphics card, plays a significant role in the completed system. Having a grasp of each component's functionality and compatibility cannot be overstated, ensuring an optimized PC that serves your needs perfectly.
Creating an Account on PCPartPicker
Building a PC requires extensive research and understanding. PCPartPicker takes away the hefty research work by offering a one-stop solution for building a PC. To harness all these benefits at your fingertips, the first step involves creating an account on the PCPartPicker platform.
Going to the PCPartPicker website
The process begins by navigating to the PCPartPicker website. Open your preferred browser and type in the URL 'pcpartpicker.com' into the address bar and hit Enter. Doing this takes you to the main webpage of the platform where you can find a wide array of resources including build guides, completed builds, and the option to start a new build.
Registering for an account
Upon arriving at the PCPartPicker main page, bring your attention to the top right corner of the page and click on the 'Register' button. This action opens a page requiring you to fill in your details, such as your preferred username, a valid email address, and a secure password. After filling in these details, click on the 'Register' button again to submit the form.
Activating the account
After successful registration, PCPartPicker sends a confirmation email to the registered email address to validate your account. To do this, open your email inbox and look out for an email from the platform. Open the email and click on the provided link to activate your account. Successfully completing this step officially makes you a user of PCPartPicker.
Setting your country on the platform
Once logged into your account, it's essential to set your country accurately on the platform. The setting is located on the top right corner of the screen. Different regions have varying access to PC components due to distribution rights and geography. Setting your correct country helps in displaying the prices, availability, and shipping costs of the components correctly, making the entire process of building your PC a lot smoother.
Selecting and Analyzing Parts on PCPartPicker
After setting up an account on PCPartPicker, users can begin the journey into building their own custom PC. With numerous parts listed on the website, the compilation process starts with selecting and analyzing parts based on individual requirements.
Utilizing build guides for pre-existing builds
For beginners, starting from scratch can be daunting. PCPartPicker provides build guides for ready-made PC setups created by their team. These guides offer a helpful starting point, presenting you with an idea of what a complete PC build could look like. These guides are categorized based on various needs such as gaming, editing, general computing, among others, providing a roadmap for beginners.
Making modifications to pre-existing builds
PCPartPicker also enables users to customize these builds according to their specific needs. By navigating to 'View full price breakdown > Edit This Part List' on any pre-built PC, users can make necessary modifications based on their preferences. After making the desired changes, click on 'Save as' to keep this modified part list for future reference.
Selecting parts from different categories
To start a completely new build, click on 'Builder' from the homepage of PCPartPicker. It presents various categories of components like the CPU, GPU, Motherboard, RAM, and more. You can analyze different products in any category based on price, rating, and other parameters visible on the platform. If you find a suitable product, simply click on the 'Add' button to include it in your build.
Checking compatibility of components
One of the major advantages of using PCPartPicker is the 'Compatibility Check' feature. As you choose components from different categories, PCPartPicker automatically checks whether the selected parts are compatible with each other. It flags potential compatibility issues to help you avoid buying parts that won't work together correctly.
Adding custom parts not present on the website
If there's a component that you wish to include in your build that is not available on the website, PCPartPicker offers the '+Add Custom Part' option. By clicking on this option, you can enter the details of the custom part and add it to your build. This way, PCPartPicker enables you to fully customize and create a PC build that matches your unique needs.
Saving and Sharing Builds on PCPartPicker
After accurately selecting, analyzing, and confirming the fit of each component for the PC build, it's time to save and share this creation on PCPartPicker. The platform offers features to store the built configuration for future references or share it with the community to receive robust feedback.
Saving a build once all components have been added
After going through all the necessary steps and achieving a desired PC configuration, PCPartPicker allows users to save their builds for future reference. Once all the components have been included, click on the 'Save As' button found at the top of the page to begin the process of saving a custom build.
Filling out necessary fields and setting parameters for the build
In order to save your build, you need to fill out the required fields. This includes selecting a name for the build and opting whether to keep it a public list or a private one. If you want to share your build with the community or friends, keep the list public. After setting all the parameters, confirm by clicking on the ‘Save’ button. Your build is now stored on PCPartPicker for future reference and sharing.
Viewing build from the Saved Parts List
After saving, you can view your build anytime by navigating from the home screen to the 'Saved Parts List' option. This provides a neat display of your saved builds, which can be edited, shared, or deleted as required.
Sharing the build with others by copying the compatibility link
Flaunting or seeking validation on your PC building skills can garner useful feedback or inspire others. To share your build with others, simply copy the link provided at the top of the Compatibility symbol on the 'Choose Your Parts' page. This unique URL or link can be shared with friends, PCPartPicker community members, or on forums to receive comments, suggestions, or validation on your saved build.
