How to choose components for a custom PC
Building a custom PC is the best way to get a machine that fits exactly what you need, without overpaying for parts you will not use and without falling short where it matters most. You choose every component and balance performance, power, noise and budget. Done right, you get a faster, quieter and easily upgradeable PC. In this guide we show you how to get it right the first time, with shipping and advice across Spain.
1. Define what you will use the PC for
Start with real use. An office and online-class machine has different needs than a 1440p gaming rig, a 4K video editing workstation or a dev setup with virtual machines. List your daily tasks and software, thinking mid-term too.
- Office, study and remote work: prioritize snappiness, silence and efficiency. A good SSD and 16 GB RAM make a huge difference.
- Gaming: the graphics card matters most, with a balanced CPU and good cooling.
- Content creation (photo, video, 3D): more CPU cores, 32 GB+ and fast, large storage.
- Mixed use: aim for balance and leave upgrade headroom on board and PSU.
2. Realistic budget and how to split it
Set a total budget and split it wisely. A common mistake is spending almost everything on CPU or GPU and skimping on PSU, motherboard or storage. A balanced PC performs better and lasts longer.
- €500-700 daily use: efficient CPU, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB-1 TB NVMe SSD, integrated graphics.
- €800-1200 1080p gaming / starter creators: mid-range CPU, 16-32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, mid-range dedicated GPU.
- €1300-2000 1440p gaming / serious editing: powerful CPU, 32 GB RAM, 1-2 TB NVMe SSD, high-end GPU and quality PSU.
Keep 10-15% for case, PSU and cooling: they protect your investment and leave room to add RAM or another drive.
3. Processor (CPU): the brain that sets the pace
The CPU handles everything. Look at cores/threads, generation and power draw, not just clock speed. Intel Core and AMD Ryzen both offer great options.
- Mid-range: for demanding office and gaming with modest dedicated graphics.
- Upper mid-range: sweet spot for gaming and creation without blowing the budget.
- High-end: for rendering, compiling or chasing max FPS.
Check the socket to match the motherboard. Compare options in processors.
4. Graphics card (GPU): what you notice most when gaming and creating
If you game, edit video or do 3D, the GPU has the biggest impact. For office use, integrated graphics is enough and saves cost and noise.
- 1080p: a current mid-range GPU handles almost everything well.
- 1440p / 144 Hz: you need upper mid-range or high-end.
- 4K, ray tracing or local AI: go high-end with 12 GB VRAM or more.
Check that it fits the case and the PSU has recommended watts and connectors. Filter by resolution in graphics cards.
5. RAM: multitasking without stutter
RAM is your workspace: the bigger the desk, the more you can keep open. 16 GB is the comfortable minimum today; 32 GB is the standard for gaming and creation.
- 16 GB (2x8 GB): general use and 1080p gaming.
- 32 GB (2x16 GB): demanding gaming, editing and heavy multitasking.
- 64 GB+: 4K, VMs or very heavy projects.
Use two sticks for dual channel and pick DDR4 or DDR5 per your board. Avoid mixing kits. See compatible kits in RAM memory.
6. SSD storage: speed everywhere
An SSD changes the experience: seconds to boot, instant apps and fast copies. No sense building a PC without an SSD as main drive.
- NVMe PCIe 4.0: best price/performance, 1 TB ideal as main drive.
- NVMe PCIe 5.0: higher peaks if you move huge files daily.
- SATA 2.5": affordable secondary for game library or backup.
For many games or video, aim for 2 TB total. Compare in SSD.
7. Motherboard: the hub that decides your future
It connects CPU, RAM, SSD and GPU and defines upgrades. No need for the most expensive, but it must be compatible.
- Socket & chipset: match your CPU and give enough M.2, USB, PCIe.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6/6E and Bluetooth if you want no dongles.
- Power quality: solid VRMs and heatsinks for stability.
- Form factor: ATX to expand, micro-ATX/mini-ITX for compact builds.
Check M.2 count and rear I/O. Browse in motherboards.
8. PSU, case and cooling: silence and stability
Often underestimated, they decide stability, noise and lifespan.
Power supply
Pick a trusted brand, 80 PLUS Bronze minimum (Gold ideal) with 20-30% headroom over estimated draw. Check CPU+GPU and leave room for peaks. See power supplies.
Case
Look for mesh front, GPU and radiator clearance, dust filters and good cable routing. Well ventilated = cooler and quieter. See PC cases.
Cooling
A good air cooler suits most; an AIO adds looks and lower temps for powerful CPUs. Add 2-3 fans (in front/bottom, out rear/top).
9. Compatibility and common mistakes
Spend five minutes checking before buying:
- CPU + board + RAM: supported socket, chipset and DDR4/DDR5.
- Dimensions: cooler height, GPU length and PSU vs case.
- Power: EPS and PCIe connectors and recommended watts.
- M.2 & PCIe: not all slots are equal; check the manual.
- BIOS: some boards need an update for newer CPUs.
- Airflow: avoid closed fronts if you want silence.
Typical errors: overpowered GPU with weak PSU, single RAM stick losing dual channel, pretty case with no airflow.
At llobregatweb.com we help you build a balanced, quiet and upgradeable rig with shipping across Spain. Pair a good processor with a matching graphics card, add RAM, a fast SSD, a motherboard with headroom and finish with quality case and PSU. A PC that shines today and tomorrow. Ready to start your build?