Mini Project — Part 1: Choosing a Parts List for a Budget PC

Let's think about this for a second

In this Mini Project, you'll put the knowledge from the Basic chapter's CPU, Motherboard, RAM, Storage, GPU, PSU, and Case lessons to work on an actual project. The goal is to build a Home/Office PC with a budget of around 900,000 MMK, aimed at office work, browsing, video calls, and light editing. For each component, you need to think about compatibility (socket, RAM type, form factor) at the same time as price — not price alone. This stage is the foundation for Part 2 (Assembly) of the project — if the parts list is wrong, problems will surface once you get to assembly.

Let's build it for real

Pick an entry-level CPU with integrated graphics (an AMD Ryzen 5 or an Intel Core i5 non-K series). Choose a Motherboard (B-series chipset) whose socket matches this CPU, and check the RAM slot count and whether it has an M.2 slot. For RAM, go with 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4/DDR5 — check the QVL to see if it's on the motherboard's supported list. For storage, pick a single 500GB NVMe SSD (skip the dedicated GPU since you'll be relying on the iGPU). For the PSU, estimate with a wattage calculator and pick an 80+ Bronze 450-550W unit, and choose a case that matches the motherboard's form factor (ATX/Micro-ATX). Once you've made your choices, write them up as a spec sheet list — in Part 2 you'll assemble exactly according to this list.

Checked that the CPU + Motherboard sockets match
Checked RAM/Storage compatibility (QVL, M.2 slot)
Noted down the PSU wattage estimate and confirmed the Case form factor matches

Code Example

text

PROJECT: Budget Home/Office PC (~900,000 MMK)
--------------------------------------------
CPU        : AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (iGPU built-in)
Motherboard: A520M / B450M (AM4 socket, Micro-ATX)
RAM        : 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3200, dual channel
Storage    : 500GB NVMe M.2 SSD
GPU        : Not needed (using CPU iGPU)
PSU        : 450W, 80+ Bronze
Case       : Micro-ATX case, 2x front fans

CHECK:
[ ] CPU socket == Motherboard socket (AM4 == AM4)
[ ] RAM type == Motherboard support (DDR4 == DDR4)
[ ] Motherboard form factor == Case form factor (mATX == mATX)
[ ] PSU wattage >= estimated draw + 20% headroom

You should see

You'll end up with a complete component list — socket, form factor, and wattage all matching up — a parts list spec sheet that's ready for the Part 2 assembly.

5-Minute Try-It

Keeping the Case and PSU as variables, swap the CPU segment from an i5-non-K to a Ryzen 5 (with built-in iGPU) and spend 5 minutes thinking through how the motherboard chipset would need to change.

A Quick Word of Caution

You only get away without a GPU if you pick a CPU with iGPU (integrated graphics) — note that some Ryzen 5 models don't come with an iGPU.