A compilation of components necessary for assembling a functional personal computer is a foundational document. This typically enumerates items such as the central processing unit, motherboard, random access memory, storage devices (solid-state drives or hard disk drives), graphics processing unit (if required), power supply unit, computer case, and operating system. For example, such a document might specify an Intel Core i7-13700K processor, an ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi motherboard, 32GB of DDR5-5200 RAM, a 1TB NVMe SSD, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, an 850W power supply, a Fractal Design Define 7 case, and a Microsoft Windows 11 operating system license.
The significance of this comprehensive inventory lies in its ability to provide a structured approach to computer assembly. It aids in budget management, ensuring that all necessary components are accounted for, and helps in compatibility verification, minimizing the risk of mismatched or unsupported parts. Historically, the creation and refinement of these lists have paralleled advancements in computer hardware, becoming increasingly complex as component choices expanded. The benefits of meticulous planning include optimized performance, reduced troubleshooting time, and improved overall system stability.