PCpartpicker com | DIY Computer Builders

Here is a breakdown of why it is the go-to tool, how to use it, and some alternatives if it doesn’t fit your needs.

Core Features

System Builder: This is the main tool. It presents a checklist of parts (CPU, Motherboard, Memory, etc.). As you select parts, it automatically filters the remaining categories to show only compatible items (e.g., if you pick an AMD CPU, it will only show motherboards with the correct socket).
Compatibility Filter: It automatically checks for issues like physical clearance (will the graphics card fit in the case?) and power requirements (is the power supply strong enough?).
Price Tracking: It aggregates prices from major retailers (Amazon, Newegg, B&H, etc.) and shows you price history charts, so you know if a “sale” is actually a good deal.
Wattage Calculator: It estimates the power consumption of your selected parts so you can buy the correct Power Supply Unit (PSU).

Start with the “Guides”: If you are new, don’t start from scratch. Go to the “Build Guides” section to see templates for “Entry Level Gaming,” “Streaming,” or “Budget Office” builds. You can open these and edit them to your liking.
Check “Completed Builds”: Search this section for the specific case or graphics card you want. You can see photos of other real-world computers to see how the parts actually look and fit together.
Read the “Notes” at the Bottom: After picking parts, scroll down to the bottom of your list. The “Notes” section often flags non-fatal but annoying issues, like “USB port on case will be unusable because motherboard lacks headers.”
Custom Parts: If a part you want isn’t listed (like a specific desk or a component from a niche site), you can manually add it using the “Add Custom Part” link at the bottom of the builder to keep your budget accurate.

While PCPartPicker is the most popular, other tools might be better depending on your location or specific needs:

Tool	Best For	Why?
Newegg PC Builder	buying everything in one box	Unlike PCPartPicker (which sends you to different sites), this ensures all parts come from Newegg, often in a single shipment.
Geizhals / Skinflint	European Users	PCPartPicker is US-centric. Geizhals (Germany/Austria) and Skinflint (UK) are often better for local pricing and availability in Europe.
Pangoly	Aesthetic Builders	Offers a very visual interface and specifically tracks “verified” compatibility for things like RAM clearance with large CPU coolers.
BuildMyPC	Simple interface	A cleaner, less data-heavy alternative if PCPartPicker feels overwhelming.