What Size PC Should I Build?

If you’re building a new computer, you may be a bit overwhelmed by all of the options to consider. After all, when you’re shopping for a pre-built PC, you’re likely just comparing a few specifications that matter most to you. However, when you’re shopping for the components to build your own computer from scratch, you need to make decisions about each component you put in your machine, whether or not you’d normally give them a second thought.

One broader choice that can help you narrow down certain components to use in your build is the case size. Your case size is an important factor in your custom PC build, since it determines what sorts of peripherals you can include in your machine. Beyond issues of compatibility, your case size will also help you match up form and function, since different-sized motherboards can affect the number of slots you have for other pieces of your PC, such as network and graphics cards. Whether you’re building your own PC on a budget or are a gamer committed to creating the best experience possible with your new PC, here are a few things to keep in mind about each computer size.

Understanding the pros and cons of small cases.

If size matters to you and you want your PC to be portable and take up as little space as possible, you’re going to want a smaller case. These will house either a Mini-ITX or a Micro-ATX motherboard, which are considerably smaller than traditional motherboards. Do note that the size of the Mini-ITX means that you’re going to need to spend a bit more time researching other components to pair with it, due to its small size. You may also be sacrificing PCI slots by choosing a smaller case.

What you should know about standard cases.

Standard cases are largely going to work out great for most consumers who don’t care as much about the size of their new machine. Especially for a novice builder, being able to buy peripherals from a business like NewEgg without having to worry too much about whether or not they’re compatible. This is going to give a lot of people the peace of mind they need to actually follow along with some build guides online and make their own computer. For gaming or office work, a mid-sized case for standard components is going to get the job done most days of the week, making standard cases an ideal choice for almost everyone.

When it makes sense to purchase a larger case.

While standard cases are almost always going to serve you well, there are some situations in which you may need a larger case. For example, if you need an upgraded power supply or plan on maxing out your computer for video editing with extra RAM, a larger case will allow you to have room for these features as well as other things like a Wi-Fi card. Ultimately, you’ll need to consider how you intend on using your computer in order to determine whether or not a bigger case makes sense, but if you plan on being able to upgrade your computer over time and can fit a larger case at your desk or workstation, it’s definitely worth considering.

If you’re still a bit confused about the ins and outs of building a custom computer, NewEgg’s custom PC builder can be an incredibly helpful tool. With pre-designed configurations to get you started and in-depth comparison tools to guide your build every step of the way, you’re bound to get the information and assistance you need with their custom builder tool. You can even read reviews from actual NewEgg customers about whether the processor you’re considering worked well for them or if the GeForce RTX graphics cards are really worth it at your price point.