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Once you've decided on your choice of motherboard chipset and form factor, it's a good idea to explore the options of each motherboard vendor to choose the right product for you. The four biggest brands (ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte, and MSI) typically feature two or three series for each chipset, representing low, mid, and high-tier options.
High-end boards feature support for the highest memory overclocking speeds and use the best materials (capacitors, interconnects, motherboard thickness) for stability in use. Mid- and low-level boards are excellent choices for budget-conscious computer builders and will support good overclocking capabilities with reliable materials.
Processor
INTEL
After selecting the motherboard, you must select the processor model. For Intel, the CoreTM Processor family offers a wide variety of choices, from Core i3 at low end, Core i5 at mid level, to Core i7 and Core i9 at high level. For extreme performance PCs, the Intel Core X-series offers the most multi-threaded processing cores, the largest memory bandwidth, and support for memory capacities above 128 GB. This series pairs with its chipset, namely HEDT (High-End Desktop) which is a different CPU socket from the mainstream Core i3 to i9 series.
The best budget and performance builds using Intel are with Intel mainstream chipsets and processors. It is recommended to use a Core i5, i7, or i9, if you wish to overclock memory, as Core i3 and other lower-level models may not support overclocking. In general, the more cores and the higher the speed (measured in GHz), the more expensive the processor will be.
Also pay attention to the letters at the end of the model number as they indicate specific features supported by the processor. For example, a Core i5-13600 can be ordered under the name 13600K/T which uses an Intel 770 or 13600KF/F graphics card which does not use an internal graphics card.
AMD
For AMD, RyzenTM series processors have a similar product line-up to Intel. Ryzen's mainstream processors are the Ryzen 5, 7, and 9 series, with cores and speeds increasing as they go from low to high. AMD also supports integrated graphics card models and makes them easier to identify by adding the letter G to the model number.
Models without the letter G will require a separate additional graphics card. AMD's extreme performance series is called Ryzen ThreadripperTM and similar to Intel's Core X-series, it provides more memory channels, more cores, and faster speeds than its mainstream models.
Casing
This is where aspects of form and function can play an important role in achieving the main goal of the PC. With so many casing options available on the market, the designs can vary. Some cases are concerned with style, with clear panels and RGB lighting, while others are less accessory-centric and more concerned with maximum airflow.
The computer builder needs to ask himself whether he wants a PC hidden under the desk and rarely seen, or one that can be appreciated aesthetically. In each of those scenarios, airflow is always the most important factor. Excessive heat inside the PC case is the biggest threat to stability and overclocking potential.
The cool interior of the case ensures all electronic components stay within safe operating limits. The main thing to look at is whether the case can support the CPU cooler you have chosen. If you choose an air cooler type heatsink, it is important to verify the case width is sufficient as some types of heat sinks can be installed too far from the processor. If you choose liquid cooling, it's important to choose a case that can support the radiator, and it also has to be the right length of the case.
The pipes between the radiator and the heat sink on some All-in-One (AIO) standalone water coolers are of limited length so as a precaution, be sure to choose a case that has multiple radiator mounting options.
