Hardware is the reference section of computingskill.com/: one page per core PC component, explaining what it does, what the specs on the box actually mean, and how to think about choosing one for your own build. These pages are written for people who are comfortable using a computer but haven't necessarily built or upgraded one before, and want to understand a part before they buy it rather than just copy a parts list they found somewhere else.
Each hardware page follows a similar structure: what the component is and why it exists, the specs that actually matter when comparing options, common mistakes people make when choosing one, and how it interacts with the rest of the system (for example, how RAM speed relates to your CPU, or how PSU wattage relates to your GPU). Where it’s useful, pages link out to the relevant calculator — so after reading about PSUs, for instance, you can jump straight to the PSU Calculator to size one for your own build.
Ten components are covered here, spanning the parts that go inside a case and the case itself. If you already know which specific component you’re researching, jump straight to it below. If you’re assembling a full build and want a broader walkthrough rather than one component at a time, the Guides section has step-by-step and comparison content that complements these reference pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to read all ten pages before building a PC?
No. Most people read the pages for the parts they’re actively deciding between — for example, comparing SSD and HDD, or figuring out how much RAM or VRAM they need — rather than reading the whole section front to back.
Are these pages specific to gaming PCs?
They’re written to be useful for general-purpose and gaming builds alike, though several pages do call out gaming-specific considerations (like VRAM for game textures or GPU choice for frame rates) since that’s a common reason people are researching parts.
How current is the information on these pages?
The pages focus on explaining lasting concepts — how a component works and what its specs mean — rather than a specific model’s current price or rank, since prices and lineups change constantly. For up-to-date pricing and availability, check current retailer listings alongside what you learn here.
Where do I go after reading about a component to actually size it for my build?
Each hardware page links to the calculator that applies to it — for example, the PSU page links to the PSU Calculator, and the RAM page links to the RAM Calculator — so you can move from understanding the concept to getting a specific number for your setup.