Some components are necessary for all computers.
Computers keep getting less expensive as time progresses, as well as requiring fewer components to build a complete system. Today's desktop computer no longer has a separate peripheral card for every component. Instead, nearly all components are integrated on the motherboard, which reduces overall cost. Only special peripherals still require their own add-on cards.
Motherboard and CPU
All computers, whether they are desktops, laptops or servers, require a motherboard. The choice of motherboard depends on the required features and your budget. Most motherboards for desktop computers include integrated sound, video and network cards, though this was not the case about 15 years ago, when each would have a dedicated card. Some motherboards come bundled with the central processing unit, or CPU. If the CPU does not come with a motherboard, be sure that the CPU uses the same type of socket as the motherboard you want to use.
RAM
After choosing a motherboard, be sure to choose compatible random access memory (RAM), which will be either DDR2 or DDR3. While 4GB memory modules are offered, many motherboards cannot accept modules larger than 2GB each. Fortunately, RAM prices continue to fall. Additionally, advances in memory technology continually increase RAM speed with features such as dual-channel operation.
Case and Power Supply
A motherboard needs a case in which you can install it. Your choice of computer case is mostly a personal aesthetic one. Though there are different sized motherboards, most of them will fit in any case. The exception is a "full ATX" motherboard, which requires a "full ATX" case. Many cases also come with power supplies. These bundled power supplies are adequate for general computing. However, if you are building a computer that will house high-end gaming cards or more than two hard drives, you will need a more expensive separate power supply.
Hard Drives and Optical Drives
Most computers contain a hard drive and a DVD burner. Under special circumstances, it is possible to operate a computer without either of these components, but it is very rare for a computer to be set up this way. Hard drives provide permanent storage for the operating system and data. Optical drives, such as DVD burners, allow optical media to be read from and written to.
Optional Components
Computers also typically come with a mouse, keyboard and monitor. These components may not be required, depending on your setup. For example, a "Media Center" computer will typically have no mouse or keyboard connected and will use a television as a display device instead of a monitor. Speakers are another optional component.
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