As more semiconductor manufacturers join the effort to stabilize the AI ecosystem, PC builds appear to be less affordable. In 2026, remote workers and gamers will have to scour tech shops to find computer parts that can keep up with their workloads. The Memory Crisis has driven prices up to the point that even pre-built PCs can be worth a down payment on a car (~$1,039 USD).

Tech experts are currently searching for solutions, with alternatives as more software demands stronger graphics card, an up-to-date CPU, and meeting the minimum requirements in RAM. Here are some tips for anyone starting their PC building journey.

A Desktop Case for Your Lifestyle

Before deciding on the parts you need, your PC will need the appropriate casing. Custom desktop computers can come in three sizes:

• Full Tower is for labor-intensive programs, ultra-quality graphics, and fast processing rates. They are the best choice for wider office and living spaces. The case measures 24 inches tall by 10 inches wide.
• Micro Tower is budget-friendly while providing 3/4 of the performance of the Full Tower case. Great for start-ups and medium-sized office spaces. The case can be up to 20 inches tall by 8 inches wide.
• Mini ATX is energy efficient while providing great performance in a compact build. Some are portable, have handles, and are easy for PC beginners to use. It can be 16 inches tall by 7 inches wide.

Operating with DDR4 & DDR5

Double-Data Rate, or DDR, is the computer memory that provides speed and efficiency in many electronics. For PCs, it helps stabilize your storage and data transfers while operating various tasks. The latest PC build standard requires more programs to operate in DDR5. The 5th variation offers an improved memory bandwidth between 6000-8000 MHz, making it perfect for working environments. Due to the Memory Crisis, DDR5 RAM has repeatedly skyrocketed from $90 USD (32 GB kits) to $1,000+ USD (128 GB kits).

If you’re someone who’s looking to upgrade their PC but can’t afford DDR5, DDR4 systems are still operational. DDR4 consumes slightly more power at 1.2 volts. However, they can still handle modern programs running on 16-64 GB of RAM. 64 GB kits are worth $420-$600 USD, while the 16 GB kits are $80-$200 USD. DDR4 has a sustainable memory bandwidth, running between 2133-3600 MHz. Thankfully, Samsung has reported delaying the end of DDR4 RAM production to continue supporting their customers.

Having an Up-to-Date Motherboard

After deciding on the DDR you want, choosing a motherboard that meets your needs is crucial to your PC build. Many computers are expected to run on Windows 10 and 11. To find the one you need, type “motherboards compatible with Windows 10/11” in your search engine. You can use the same method to check if your current one is upgradeable. Double-check your PC case to confirm which motherboard size you need.

One of the common mistakes is assuming all manufacturers have integrated Wi-fi into their motherboards. Some will offer users the option to upgrade their Wi-Fi card or adapter using their dedicated mini-PCIe or PCIe x4.0 slots. Wi-Fi 5, 6, and 7 are the standards that provide your PC build a stable internet connection and Bluetooth compatibility.

Finally, there are the motherboard specs. The components you need for your computer all rely on what it can and can’t handle. Reading the dedicated manual will help you with installing and understanding the available functions. The motherboard manufacturer’s website will also have additional information on which PC parts are supported.

Learning to Read CPU Type

Searching for the central processing unit, or CPU, that matches your PC build can be confusing. You may see a list of the same name, and certain versions contain labels next to them. For Intel processors, certain chips are labeled with suffixes after the model number, such as K and U. This allows the manufacturer to distinguish their performance ratings. U, H, or V are dedicated to laptop CPUs.

If you plan to own an AMD-manufactured PC, it may support either Intel or AMD’s in-house chips. AMD names them with Ryzen, Threadripper, and EPYC. Ryzen is offered for casual and workstation builds, EPYC is great for office settings, and Threadripper acts as a combo of its sibling processors. Both Intel and AMD have dedicated webpages to show which processors support Windows 10 and 11.

Finding a GPU for Your Needs

Graphics cards, or GPUs, are expected to face a similar fate as RAM did. According to Battleforge PC, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang declared his company’s success after earning $57 billion USD in 2025 Q3 on Dec. 19. The majority of the profits came from investing in AI data centers, to the tune of $51.2 billion USD. Nvidia has supported gamers with its GeForce brand for the past 25 years, and its AI venture could separate it from its targeted audience.

GPUs are also manufactured with VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) that is equal to or one generation above. Currently, remote workers and gamers are investing in DDR5 and the experimental DDR6. DDR4 GPUs are limited, depending on your workload and gaming preferences. Most will be sold with 2-4 GB of VRAM, but only if you have a DDR3 PC build.

Here are the standards you will need for the 2026 build:

• 8 GB VRAM is the minimum if you’re working with low-memory programs and paired with a strong CPU.
• 16 GB VRAMs are great for mid-range computers that are solely for work efficiency and medium-resolution games.
• 32 GB VRAMs are best for high-performance speeds and smoother graphics quality.

Choosing a Compatible Monitor

Depending on your GPU’s limitations, you may need to upgrade your PC monitor. More operating systems have adopted 4K resolution to support higher refresh rates and clearer video quality. Monitor sizes do matter as their screens restrict which resolutions you can use:

• HD monitors are 22-24 inches wide. 24 is considered the sweet spot for good video quality.
• QHD (1440p) monitors are 27 inches wide. Great for budget streamers and at-home work environments.
• 4K (2160p) monitors are mostly offered in 32 inches. Best for workshops and open office spaces.

Please be careful when it comes to connecting your chosen monitor. Some may contain out-of-date HDMI and other video display cables. The best method around this is to search and purchase the appropriate adapters. Otherwise, you can risk corrupting your GPU and monitor.

Get the Appropriate Power Supply

The last thing you’ll need for a working PC build is to check the required wattage. Every part, including the CPU, consumes power. The most trusted site for virtual assembly is PCPartPicker. Not only does it notify you on which components can work together, but it also tracks how much power your build needs to function.

The average amount is 500-1200 watts. For labor-intensive builds, 1500-2400 watts are recommended. The tech experts at the Cultists Network have created a list of which PSUs to invest in to give your PC the most power.

Are Micro PCs and Laptops a Good Option?

If you can’t afford a PC build right now, micro-PCs are something to consider. These machines take up a corner of a table, which is perfect for people working in a small apartment. Most of the motherboards are equipped with an integrated CPU, RAM, and graphics card. While some can’t handle modern gaming, they are powerful enough to handle heavy workloads. For storage, they require either microSD or an SSD M.2 2230/2242. The average cost of a micro-PC is between $79-$700 USD.

Laptops are another option if you’re someone who travels frequently or is a university student. Like the mini-PCs, they contain an integrated motherboard. Gaming laptops can cost over $2000 USD, but some older models are sold for $425-$799 USD. Both PCs can have a slot for upgrading the RAM, and their Wi-Fi card setup is simpler without the antennas.

Beware of GPU and RAM Scalpers

DDR5 RAM scams have become the newest gold rush after Micron and other major companies announced they will no longer produce memory as of February 2026. Many lure consumers in by removing the heatsink from DDR5 RAM and reattaching it to DDR4 or lower. Others take the creative approach by taping pictures onto the RAM.

GPUs have suffered a similar situation where scalpers will replace them with either a brick or an object of the same weight. This happened during the release of the GeForce 50 series at the Micro Center back in June.