The Complete Guide: How to Build a PC in 2026

Stop overpaying for pre-builts filled with mystery parts. I’m going to walk you through exactly how to choose your components, check for compatibility, and build a balanced machine—without the corporate headache.

1. Set Your Budget and Purpose

Don't lie to yourself about your needs. If you play esports titles, you don't need a $2,000 rig. However, to build something that won't frustrate you in six months, you're looking at a minimum budget of around $450 - $500 (approx. 2000 RON).

Common Build Tiers:

• Budget Gaming: Perfect for CS2 or League.
• Workstation / Student: Focus on speed and multitasking.
• Mid-Range Gaming: The sweet spot for 1440p.
• High-End: For 4K enthusiasts and editors.

2. The Processor (CPU)

The CPU is the brain, and the naming schemes are a marketing disaster designed to confuse you. Newer is almost always better—a modern i3 will often demolish an old i7 because of better efficiency.

Naming basics: Ryzen 5 or i5 are mid-range; the numbers after tell you the generation. If you see a Ryzen 5 4600H, remember that's a laptop chip—don't buy it for a desktop build.

What actually matters?

• Socket Compatibility: If your CPU doesn't match the motherboard socket (like AM5 or LGA1700), you can't build. Period.
• Cores & Frequency: More speed equals more stable FPS.
• TDP: High TDP means your PC will run hot; don't cheap out on the cooler.

3. The Motherboard

It connects everything. If the CPU is the brain, the motherboard is the nervous system. Stop overpaying for RGB or features you won't use; a solid B760 or B650 board does 99% of what the expensive ones do.

Checklist:

• CPU Socket: Must match exactly.
• RAM Type: It's either DDR4 or DDR5. It won't support both.
• M.2 Slots: You want at least two for fast storage.

4. RAM Memory

RAM determines fluidity. 8GB is officially dead in 2026; Windows 11 eats most of that for breakfast.

Pro Tip: 64GB is total overkill for 99% of users. Don't waste money that could go into a better GPU. 16GB or 32GB is the sweet spot.

5. The Graphics Card (GPU)

The GPU is the most expensive part. For gaming, you need a dedicated card from NVIDIA (for DLSS/Ray Tracing) or AMD (the value king for raw power).

The VRAM Battlefield:

In 2026, 8GB of VRAM is the absolute minimum. If you want to play AAA titles on anything above Low, aim for 12GB.

6. Storage (SSD vs. HDD)

Hard Drives (HDDs) are for CCTV and backups. Your OS must be on an NVMe SSD or your PC will feel like it was built in 2010.

7. The Power Supply (PSU)

Never, ever cheap out here. A bad PSU can literally catch fire and take your whole system with it. Stick to reputable brands like Corsair, Seasonic, or EVGA.

8. The Case

Airflow is everything. Avoid solid glass front panels that choke your components. Look for Mesh Front Panels so your PC can actually breathe.

Recommended Builds (Budget: ~$650 / 3000 RON)