Components

Category overview

This section gathers the internal hardware that goes inside desktops, workstations and servers, along with the cabling, cooling and protection devices that keep a build running. The structure follows the way a system builder thinks: pick each part once, in order, and verify it fits the rest of the configuration before adding it to the order.

What this category covers

Processors, motherboards, memory, storage drives, graphics cards, power supplies, cases, fans and cooling, plus connectivity items like data and power cables, hubs, KVM switches, and protection devices such as UPS systems and Power Distribution Units (PDUs).

Who this category is for

System integrators, IT departments handling fleet upgrades, repair shops, and technical buyers specifying parts for new builds or replacements. The catalog assumes the buyer already knows the platform and form factor they are working with.

How to choose components

Start with the platform

Most decisions follow from the CPU socket and motherboard chipset. Once those are fixed, the memory type, storage interfaces, and the form factor of the case and power supply are constrained.

Match power and cooling to the load

Power supply wattage and cooling capacity should be sized for the components you intend to run, with margin for upgrades. Undersizing either is a common cause of crashes, throttling and shortened component life.

Plan storage in tiers

Working data lives on fast NVMe SSDs; bulk and archive data on SATA SSDs or HDDs. Decide the split before buying so the motherboard has the right number of M.2 and SATA connections, and the case has enough drive bays.

Think about the next upgrade

Picking a motherboard with spare DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module) slots, a case with extra drive bays, and a power supply with headroom usually costs little upfront and avoids a full rebuild a year or two later.

What to check before buying

• Will this part fit the existing motherboard, case and power supply, or will those need to be replaced too?
• Is the component compatible with the operating system and any existing software stack?
• Are the right cables and connectors included, or do they need to be ordered separately?
• Is the working environment dusty, hot, or limited in airflow? Cooling and filter requirements change with the setting.
• Does the build need redundancy (dual PSU, RAID, ECC memory) for the workload it serves?

Frequently asked questions

How do I know which parts are compatible with my motherboard?

Start with the CPU socket and chipset listed on the motherboard. From there the memory type (for example DDR4 or DDR5), drive interfaces (M.2 NVMe, SATA), expansion slots and form factor are all constrained. The board manufacturer publishes a Qualified Vendor List (QVL) that confirms tested combinations, especially for memory.

What is the difference between consumer and server components?

Server-class parts prioritize uptime, error correction and 24/7 operation: ECC memory, redundant power supplies, hot-swap drive bays and longer firmware support. Consumer parts focus on peak performance and price. Mixing them is possible but the gain is limited; a server build benefits most from a server-class motherboard and PSU.

Can I reuse components from an older build?

Storage drives, GPUs, peripherals and sometimes power supplies travel between builds without issue. Memory and CPUs depend on the platform and rarely move forward more than one or two generations. Always check whether the old part still meets the performance the new system needs.

How do I size a power supply for a new build?

Add the rated power of the CPU and GPU, then add roughly 30 percent for drives, fans, motherboard and headroom. Choose a unit with the right efficiency rating: 80 PLUS Bronze or higher for office systems, Gold or Platinum for systems that run constantly. A modular cable design helps keep airflow clean.

Do I need a dedicated graphics card?

Only if the workload requires it. Office and basic creative work runs well on integrated graphics in modern CPUs. Discrete cards are needed for 3D rendering, computer-aided design, video editing, machine learning, gaming, and driving multiple high-resolution displays.

What protection do I need beyond the components themselves?

An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) protects against short outages, voltage sags and spikes; a Power Distribution Unit (PDU) organizes power feeds in a rack. For systems that run continuously, both are usually worth specifying alongside the build, not as an afterthought.