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PC parts for Australian builders · All prices in Australian dollars (AUD)

First PC build checklist: every part you need

Updated · PC Parts Australia

Short answer: every desktop PC needs eight core parts: processor, motherboard, memory, storage, graphics card, power supply, case and CPU cooler. Then add an operating system, a few small extras and the peripherals you will use it with.

The eight core parts

Part What to check
Processor (CPU) Choose the platform first, then the chip. Our AM5 vs LGA1851 guide helps.
Motherboard Same socket as the CPU, a size that suits your case (ATX, micro-ATX or ITX), and Wi-Fi if you need it.
Memory (RAM) DDR5 for AM5 and LGA1851. A 32GB two-stick kit is the usual choice for gaming.
Storage An NVMe SSD for Windows and games. Check how many M.2 slots the board has.
Graphics card Matched to your monitor’s resolution and refresh rate, and to your case length.
Power supply At least the wattage the card maker recommends; see the PSU guide.
Case Fits the board size, the card length, the cooler height and any radiator.
CPU cooler Supports your socket and fits under the side panel. Many Ryzen 9000 and Core Ultra chips do not come with one.

The extras people forget

  • An operating system, plus a USB drive of at least 8GB to install it from. See USB flash drives.
  • Thermal paste. Most coolers include it or come with it pre-applied. A spare tube helps if you remount the cooler; see thermal compounds.
  • Case fans. Check how many your case includes. Two in the front and one at the back is a sensible minimum; see fans.
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, if your motherboard name does not include WiFi. A networking card or adapter fills the gap.
  • A display cable. Plug the monitor into the graphics card, not the motherboard, or the PC will use the slower built-in graphics.
  • A screwdriver. A magnetic Phillips #2 handles almost every screw in a build; see tools and screws.

Compatibility checks before you pay

  1. CPU socket matches the motherboard, and the board’s BIOS supports that exact CPU.
  2. Memory type (DDR5 or DDR4) matches the board.
  3. Graphics card length and thickness fit the case; see the GPU fit guide.
  4. Cooler height fits the case, or the radiator fits a supported mounting position.
  5. Power supply wattage and connectors suit the graphics card.

Assembly order that saves time

Fit the CPU, memory, M.2 SSD and cooler to the motherboard while it sits on its box. Many builders connect the power supply and graphics card at this stage and check the board starts before anything goes in the case. Then mount the board, add the card and power supply, and route the cables.

First boot

  • DDR5 systems train the memory on first start, which can take a few minutes with a blank screen. Leave it running.
  • Enter the BIOS and turn on EXPO (AMD) or XMP (Intel) so the memory runs at its rated speed.
  • Update the BIOS if the board maker lists a newer version for your CPU.
  • After installing the operating system, install the chipset driver from the board maker and the graphics driver from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel.

Want a second opinion?

Write down every part you plan to buy and message the list to us on live chat, WhatsApp or email. We will look it over for socket, memory, power supply and case problems and reply before you spend anything.

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