What You Need to Know About Building Your Own Desktop

Building your own desktop computer is an exciting and rewarding project that appeals to many tech enthusiasts, gamers, and others who need high performance. Unlike purchasing a pre-built system, building your desktop allows you to tailor every component to fit your needs, whether for gaming, video editing, programming, or general use.

A project like this offers several practical benefits, such as better performance, cost savings, and the ability to upgrade components easily. You can build a desktop by ordering individual parts or customize a desktop ordered from a specialized company. Either way, you’ll have the exact desktop you need for gaming and resource-intensive applications.

Additionally, don’t make the mistake of thinking you need to focus on building a brand-new PC. Some companies offer customizable refurbished desktops that avoid the factory-new markup and still provide the tailored machine you need.

So, let’s break down all the information you’ll need to know before building your very own custom desktop. We’ll also discuss the benefits of customization, performance optimization, and cost-effectiveness.

Start By Understanding PC Components

Before you order parts or customize your next machine, it’s crucial to understand the key components of a desktop computer. Each component affects different aspects of your computer’s performance, and they must all be compatible.

So, let’s break down everything you’ll need to know before customizing a computer, whether it be brand new or refurbished.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is the computer's brain, responsible for executing instructions and processing data. The CPU, or processor, you choose affects your system's overall speed and responsiveness.

Popular choices include Intel and AMD processors, each offering various models for different performance levels. Some of the processors we offer in our customized builds include:

Intel Core i5-8500T / i5-8500 / i5-6500: These mid-range processors offer a balance of performance and efficiency, suitable for everyday tasks and moderate workloads. They are ideal for users looking for reliable performance without additional cost.
Intel Core i7-8700T / i7-8700 / i7-6700T / i7-6700: These high-performance processors are designed for multitasking and demanding applications. They provide a significant performance boost over the i5 models, making them ideal for power users, gamers, and professionals.
Intel Core i5-9500T / i5-9500: An upgraded version of the i5 series, these processors offer improved speed and efficiency for users needing more power than the base i5 models. They are perfect for most games and resource-intensive tasks.
Intel Core i7-9700T / i7-9700: These top-tier processors offer advanced multitasking, video editing, and exceptional gaming capabilities. These models deliver ideal performance for users seeking the best computing experience.

Many of our Dell refurbished desktops can be customized with these processors to ensure you have the power you need without spending too much on an overpowered processor.

Motherboard

The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all components and allows them to communicate. This component determines the compatibility of other components, such as the CPU, RAM, and storage. The motherboard’s chipset, form factor, and expansion slots are key factors to consider, which is why starting with the motherboard is a common approach.

Memory (RAM)

RAM provides temporary storage for data and applications currently in use, enabling quick access and smooth multitasking. The amount and speed of RAM can significantly impact system performance. Common configurations range from 8GB to 32GB or more, depending on your needs. Refurbished computers may have new or thoroughly tested memory.

Storage (HDD, SSD)

Storage is crucial regardless of your intended usage. There are two categories: Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and Solid State Drives (SSD). Both store your operating system, applications, and files. However, SSDs are faster and more reliable than HDDs, offering quicker boot times and data access.

A common choice is to combine both to balance performance, storage capacity, and costs. Your operating system and demanding applications can be installed on the SSD, while the larger space on the HDD can be used for media or less-intensive applications.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

The GPU, also known as the graphics card, handles rendering images, videos, and animations, making it essential for gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. NVIDIA and AMD are the main providers, offering a range of models to suit different performance needs and budgets.

Additionally, if you don’t need these capabilities, integrated graphics provided by the motherboard can handle basic needs and will help cut costs on your build. However, if you’re looking at a custom build, you’ll likely want more performance than integrated graphics.

Compatibility

If you’re ordering all the components and will be assembling them, make sure everything is compatible. This includes checking the CPU socket type, RAM type, and GPU size. For instance, an Intel CPU requires an Intel-compatible motherboard, and specific RAM types require the right motherboard.

Additionally, consider the form factor (e.g., Small, Micro or Tower) and size of the components to ensure they fit in your case. Some cases are designed for larger builds, while others are compact. Components may include which form factor they’re intended for, such as graphics cards that can be significantly larger than other components.

Custom refurbished desktops can come in a range of sizes. If you’re customizing a refurbished machine from a reputable site, the options for selecting the processor, RAM and hard drive will be tailored to the specs of the PCs, so you don't have to worry about any compatibility issues during your build.

Top Benefits of Building Your Own Desktop

Whether it means ordering the components and assembling them or opting to buy a refurbished PC that’s customized, why should you consider building your own desktop?

Let’s explore some of the main benefits of building or customizing your own desktop rather than buying a stock model.

Performance Optimization

You can build a system that performs better than pre-built alternatives by selecting high-quality components. High-end CPUs, GPUs, and fast SSDs can significantly enhance your computing experience. You also have control over aspects like cooling and airflow, which can improve system stability and longevity.

Enthusiasts can overclock the CPU and GPU to push their performance beyond stock settings, achieving higher speeds and better performance. Overclocking allows you to get more out of your components without additional cost, but it should only be done if you understand the risks.

Cost-Effectiveness

Pre-built, brand-new high-end PCs will most likely cost more than building your own version with similar specs. This cost-effectiveness is partially due to sidestepping much of the markup involved with factory-new machines.

The other reason why it’s cost-effective is that it allows you to choose high-end parts only when necessary and to spend less in other areas. For example, you might not need a large amount of RAM, but you do need a powerful processor. This combination can make it hard to find pre-build machines.

Opting for customizable refurbished desktop computers can take cost-effectiveness even further by avoiding the factory-new markup.

Ongoing Optimization and Future Upgrades

One of the benefits of building or customizing a refurbished Dell computer is the ability to upgrade it over time. You can open the case, upgrade components, and optimize their settings. For example, you won’t need to buy a new computer to benefit from the latest graphics cards.

Elements to Consider Before You Build

Whether you’re building a brand-new computer with factory-new components or customizing an HP refurbished desktop, you need to consider a few crucial elements before you proceed. Let’s quickly explore a few things to keep in mind.

Determine Your Budget

Establish a budget that balances cost and performance. Decide how much you are willing to spend overall and allocate funds to key components like the CPU, GPU, and memory, which significantly impact performance.

Remember to include the cost of accessories and software. Accessories can add up quickly, so plan accordingly to avoid overspending. Depending on the store, some Lenovo refurbished desktops, for example, may come included with accessories and installed software.

Consider Software and the Operating System

Decide on the operating system that best suits your needs, which may also be an option when customizing your build. Popular options include Windows for gaming and general use and Linux for programming and development. Each OS has strengths and weaknesses, so choose based on your requirements.

After installing the OS, make sure to update system drivers for the motherboard, GPU, and other components to ensure optimal performance. Manufacturers’ websites often provide the latest drivers. Install security software to protect your system from malware and viruses. If ordering a custom refurbished PC, you likely won’t need to handle these steps.

Once received, set up utilities and productivity tools to customize your computing experience. Essential software may include office suites, media players, and backup solutions.

Customize Your Next Refurbished Desktop PC with System Liquidation

Building your own PC can involve picking out specific parts and assembling them yourself or customizing a PC from an experienced company that ships a ready-to-go desktop to your doorstep. The right choice will vary based on your needs and interests.

System Liquidation is an industry leader in refurbished computers and customizable desktop builds. We offer a wide range of starting desktops, from Dell, HP and Lenovo, to customize exactly as you see fit. From there, we assemble and test your new machine so you can rest easy knowing it’ll work as expected. All our custom desktops are backed by 1 year warranty on parts and labor, putting it amongst the top choice in custom refurbished desktop deals.

Ready to build your own refurbished Dell, HP or Lenovo computer without the hassle and possible assembly issues? Check out our options today and start building your own computer.