Computer Parts Cost Calculator

Calculate the total cost of building your custom PC with English terminology for computer components

Your Custom PC Build

Complete Guide to Computer Parts in English (Các bộ phận của máy tính bằng tiếng Anh)

Building or understanding a computer requires knowledge of its essential components. This comprehensive guide covers all major computer parts in English with their Vietnamese equivalents, technical specifications, and practical considerations for building or upgrading your PC.

1. Central Processing Unit (CPU) – Bộ xử lý trung tâm

The CPU is often called the “brain” of the computer. It performs most of the processing inside a computer and executes instructions from programs.

Key CPU Components:

  • ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) – Đơn vị logic số học
  • CU (Control Unit) – Đơn vị điều khiển
  • Registers – Thanh ghi
  • Cache Memory – Bộ nhớ đệm

Important CPU Specifications:

  • Clock Speed (GHz) – Tốc độ xung nhịp
  • Cores – Nhân xử lý
  • Threads – Luồng xử lý
  • TDP (Thermal Design Power) – Công suất nhiệt thiết kế
  • Socket Type – Loại socket

Major CPU manufacturers include Intel and AMD. Intel’s current consumer line includes Core i3, i5, i7, and i9 processors, while AMD offers Ryzen 3, 5, 7, and 9 series. For servers and workstations, Intel has Xeon processors and AMD has EPYC and Threadripper.

2. Motherboard (Mainboard) – Bo mạch chủ

The motherboard is the main printed circuit board that connects all components together. It determines what other parts are compatible with your system.

Motherboard Component English Term Vietnamese Term Function
Chipset Chipset Chipset Controls communication between CPU and other components
BIOS/UEFI BIOS/UEFI Hệ thống đầu vào/ra cơ bản Firmware for hardware initialization
RAM Slots Memory Slots Khe cắm RAM Holds RAM modules
PCIe Slots PCI Express Slots Khe cắm PCIe For expansion cards (GPU, sound cards, etc.)
SATA Ports SATA Connectors Cổng SATA For connecting storage drives
M.2 Slots M.2 Slots Khe cắm M.2 For high-speed SSDs and other devices

Motherboard form factors include ATX (standard), Micro-ATX (smaller), Mini-ITX (compact), and E-ATX (extended). The form factor determines the physical size and layout of the board.

3. Random Access Memory (RAM) – Bộ nhớ truy cập ngẫu nhiên

RAM is volatile memory that temporarily stores data and machine code currently being used. More RAM allows for better multitasking and handling of memory-intensive applications.

RAM Types:

  • DDR4 – Current standard (2023)
  • DDR5 – Newer standard with higher bandwidth
  • SO-DIMM – For laptops and compact systems
  • ECC RAM – Error-correcting code memory for servers

RAM Specifications:

  • Capacity (8GB, 16GB, 32GB, etc.)
  • Speed (MHz – 2400, 3200, 3600, etc.)
  • Latency (CL timing – lower is better)
  • Voltage (Typically 1.2V for DDR4, 1.1V for DDR5)

For most users, 16GB of RAM is sufficient for general computing and gaming. Content creators and professionals working with large files (video editing, 3D rendering) should consider 32GB or more.

4. Storage Devices – Thiết bị lưu trữ

Storage devices retain data even when the computer is powered off. There are two main types: HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and SSDs (Solid State Drives).

Comparison Metric HDD (Hard Disk Drive) SSD (Solid State Drive)
Technology Magnetic platters Flash memory
Speed 80-160 MB/s 300-3500 MB/s
Capacity 500GB – 20TB 120GB – 8TB
Price per GB $0.02 – $0.05 $0.08 – $0.20
Durability 3-5 years (mechanical parts) 5-10 years (no moving parts)
Noise Audible (spinning platters) Silent
Power Consumption 6-10W 2-5W

For optimal performance, many users combine both types: an SSD for the operating system and frequently used programs, and an HDD for mass storage of less frequently accessed files.

5. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) – Bộ xử lý đồ họa

The GPU handles rendering images, video, and animations. It’s crucial for gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.

GPU Types:

  • Integrated Graphics – Built into CPU (Intel HD Graphics, AMD Radeon Vega)
  • Dedicated Graphics – Separate GPU card (NVIDIA GeForce, AMD Radeon)
  • Workstation GPUs – For professional applications (NVIDIA Quadro, AMD Radeon Pro)

Key GPU Specifications:

  • VRAM (Video RAM – 4GB, 8GB, 12GB, etc.)
  • CUDA Cores (NVIDIA) / Stream Processors (AMD)
  • Memory Bus Width (128-bit, 256-bit, etc.)
  • Boost Clock (MHz)
  • TDP (Thermal Design Power)
  • Outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI)

For gaming at 1080p resolution, a mid-range GPU like NVIDIA RTX 3060 or AMD RX 6700 XT is typically sufficient. For 4K gaming or professional work, high-end GPUs like RTX 4080 or RX 7900 XTX are recommended.

6. Power Supply Unit (PSU) – Bộ nguồn

The PSU converts AC power from the wall outlet to DC power for the computer components. It’s one of the most critical components for system stability.

PSU Specifications:

  • Wattage – Total power output (450W, 650W, 850W, etc.)
  • Efficiency Rating (80 Plus White, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium)
  • Modularity (Non-modular, Semi-modular, Fully modular)
  • Form Factor (ATX, SFX for small form factor builds)
  • Protection Features (OVP, UVP, OCP, OPP, SCP, OTP)

To calculate the required wattage for your system, you can use online PSU calculators that take into account all your components. It’s generally recommended to have about 20-30% more wattage than your system requires for future upgrades and efficiency.

7. Computer Case – Case máy tính

The case houses all the components and provides protection, cooling, and organization. Cases come in various sizes and designs to accommodate different build requirements.

Case Form Factors:

  • Full Tower – Largest, supports E-ATX motherboards, multiple GPUs
  • Mid Tower – Most common, supports ATX motherboards
  • Micro ATX – Smaller, supports mATX motherboards
  • Mini ITX – Smallest, supports mini-ITX motherboards

Case Features to Consider:

  • Airflow and cooling options (fan mounts, liquid cooling support)
  • Cable management options
  • Drive bays (3.5″, 2.5″)
  • Expansion slots
  • Front panel connectors (USB, audio, etc.)
  • Aesthetics (RGB lighting, tempered glass panels)

8. Cooling Systems – Hệ thống làm mát

Proper cooling is essential for maintaining component temperatures and ensuring stable performance. There are two main types of cooling:

Air Cooling:

  • Uses heat sinks and fans
  • More affordable
  • Easier to install and maintain
  • Generally sufficient for most builds

Liquid Cooling:

  • Uses liquid coolant circulated through blocks
  • More efficient at heat transfer
  • Quieter operation
  • More expensive and complex
  • Two types: AIO (All-in-One) and custom loops

For most gaming PCs, a good air cooler is sufficient. Liquid cooling becomes more beneficial for high-end overclocked systems or in small form factor cases where air cooling might be less effective.

9. Optical Drives – Ổ đĩa quang

While becoming less common due to digital distribution, optical drives are still used for reading/writing CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.

  • CD-ROM – Read-only CD drives
  • DVD-ROM – Read-only DVD drives
  • BD-ROM – Read-only Blu-ray drives
  • CD-RW/DVD-RW – Read/write capable drives
  • BD-RE – Blu-ray read/write drives

10. Peripheral Devices – Thiết bị ngoại vi

While not internal components, peripherals are essential for interacting with the computer:

Input Devices:

  • Keyboard – Bàn phím
  • Mouse – Chuột
  • Touchpad – Bàn di chuột
  • Game Controller – Tay cầm chơi game
  • Microphone – Micro
  • Webcam – Camera web

Output Devices:

  • Monitor – Màn hình
  • Printer – Máy in
  • Speakers – Loa
  • Headphones – Tai nghe
  • Projector – Máy chiếu

Storage Devices:

  • External HDD/SSD – Ổ cứng ngoài
  • USB Flash Drive – USB
  • Memory Card – Thẻ nhớ

How to Choose Computer Parts for Your Needs

Selecting the right components depends on your specific use case. Here’s a general guide:

1. Gaming PC Build

  • CPU: Mid to high-end (Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7)
  • GPU: Dedicated graphics card (NVIDIA RTX or AMD Radeon)
  • RAM: 16GB-32GB DDR4/DDR5
  • Storage: 500GB-1TB SSD (NVMe for fastest performance)
  • PSU: 650W-850W 80+ Gold
  • Cooling: Air cooler or 240mm AIO liquid cooler
  • Case: Mid-tower with good airflow

2. Office/General Use PC

  • CPU: Budget to mid-range (Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD Ryzen 3/5)
  • GPU: Integrated graphics (unless light gaming is needed)
  • RAM: 8GB-16GB DDR4
  • Storage: 256GB-500GB SSD
  • PSU: 450W-550W 80+ Bronze
  • Cooling: Stock cooler or basic air cooler
  • Case: Compact mid-tower or micro-ATX

3. Workstation/Content Creation PC

  • CPU: High-end to enthusiast (Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9/Threadripper)
  • GPU: High-end dedicated GPU (NVIDIA RTX or AMD Radeon Pro for professional work)
  • RAM: 32GB-128GB DDR4/DDR5 (ECC for workstations)
  • Storage: 1TB-2TB NVMe SSD + HDD for mass storage
  • PSU: 850W-1200W 80+ Gold/Platinum
  • Cooling: High-end air cooler or 280mm/360mm AIO liquid cooler
  • Case: Full tower with excellent airflow

4. Budget PC Build

  • CPU: Entry-level (Intel Pentium/Celeron or AMD Athlon/Ryzen 3)
  • GPU: Integrated graphics or very basic dedicated GPU
  • RAM: 8GB DDR4
  • Storage: 256GB SSD or 1TB HDD
  • PSU: 400W-450W 80+ White
  • Cooling: Stock cooler
  • Case: Basic micro-ATX case

Computer Assembly Step-by-Step Guide

Building a computer can be rewarding. Here’s a basic step-by-step guide:

  1. Prepare Your Workspace:
    • Clean, well-lit surface
    • Anti-static wrist strap (recommended)
    • Basic tools (screwdriver, zip ties)
    • Thermal paste (if not pre-applied to cooler)
  2. Install the CPU:
    • Lift the CPU socket lever
    • Align the CPU correctly (look for triangle marker)
    • Gently place the CPU in the socket
    • Lower the lever to secure the CPU
  3. Install CPU Cooler:
    • Apply thermal paste if needed
    • Align the cooler with mounting brackets
    • Secure the cooler evenly
    • Connect the cooler fan to CPU_FAN header
  4. Install RAM:
    • Open the clips on the RAM slots
    • Align the notch on the RAM module
    • Press firmly until clips snap into place
    • For dual-channel, use slots 2 and 4 (usually)
  5. Install Storage Drives:
    • Mount 3.5″ HDDs in drive bays
    • Mount 2.5″ SSDs in dedicated slots
    • Install M.2 SSDs in M.2 slots on motherboard
    • Connect SATA power and data cables
  6. Prepare the Case:
    • Remove side panels
    • Install I/O shield (if not pre-installed)
    • Install standoffs for motherboard
    • Route cables for clean management
  7. Install Motherboard:
    • Carefully place motherboard in case
    • Align with I/O shield and standoffs
    • Screw in motherboard securely
  8. Install Power Supply:
    • Mount PSU in designated area
    • Route cables through case
    • Connect 24-pin ATX power to motherboard
    • Connect 4/8-pin CPU power
  9. Install GPU (if dedicated):
    • Remove PCIe slot covers
    • Align GPU with PCIe x16 slot
    • Press down until it clicks into place
    • Secure with screws to case
    • Connect PCIe power cables from PSU
  10. Connect All Cables:
    • SATA power to drives
    • SATA data to motherboard
    • Front panel connectors (power button, USB, audio)
    • Case fans to fan headers
    • RGB lighting if applicable
  11. Final Checks:
    • Ensure all connections are secure
    • Check for loose screws
    • Verify no cables are blocking fans
    • Double-check front panel connectors
  12. Power On:
    • Connect monitor, keyboard, mouse
    • Plug in PSU and turn on
    • Enter BIOS/UEFI to check components
    • Install operating system

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building a PC

  1. Not Checking Compatibility:
    • CPU socket must match motherboard
    • RAM type must be supported by motherboard
    • GPU must fit in case
    • PSU must have enough wattage and connectors
  2. Improper CPU Installation:
    • Bending pins in the socket
    • Not aligning CPU correctly
    • Forgetting thermal paste
  3. Incorrect RAM Installation:
    • Not seating RAM properly
    • Mixing different RAM speeds or sizes
    • Not using dual-channel configuration
  4. Poor Cable Management:
    • Blocking airflow with cables
    • Not using cable ties or routing
    • Straining connections with tight bends
  5. Inadequate Cooling:
    • Not enough case fans
    • Poor airflow configuration
    • Using stock cooler for overclocking
  6. Forgetting Standoffs:
    • Motherboard shorting against case
    • Can damage components
  7. Improper PSU Handling:
    • Using a low-quality or underpowered PSU
    • Not connecting all required power cables
    • Using incorrect PCIe power connectors
  8. Not Testing Before Final Assembly:
    • Should test with minimal components first
    • Verify POST (Power-On Self-Test) before full assembly
  9. Ignoring ESD Precautions:
    • Static electricity can damage components
    • Use anti-static wrist strap or touch case frequently
  10. Rushing the Process:
    • Take your time to do it right
    • Follow manuals and guides carefully
    • Double-check each step

Future Trends in Computer Hardware

The computer hardware industry is constantly evolving. Here are some trends to watch:

CPU Developments:

  • More cores and threads (128-core CPUs in development)
  • Higher efficiency with smaller manufacturing processes (3nm, 2nm)
  • Integration of more components (GPU, NPU for AI)
  • ARM architecture gaining traction in desktops

Memory Advancements:

  • DDR5 becoming standard with higher speeds
  • LPDDR5 for laptops and mobile devices
  • New memory technologies like HBM (High Bandwidth Memory)
  • Persistent memory (combining RAM and storage)

Storage Innovations:

  • PCIe 5.0 SSDs with speeds up to 14,000 MB/s
  • QLC NAND for higher capacity SSDs
  • Optane and other storage-class memory
  • Computational storage (processing data where it’s stored)

GPU Evolution:

  • Ray tracing becoming more mainstream
  • AI-powered upscaling (DLSS, FSR)
  • Higher VRAM capacities (24GB+)
  • More efficient architectures

Cooling Technologies:

  • More efficient liquid cooling solutions
  • Phase-change cooling for extreme overclocking
  • Passive cooling for low-power systems
  • AI-controlled fan curves

Form Factor Changes:

  • Smaller, more efficient designs
  • Modular components for easier upgrades
  • All-in-one cooling and power solutions
  • More standardized connectors

Authoritative Resources for Computer Hardware

For more in-depth information about computer components, consider these authoritative resources:

Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms (English-Vietnamese)

English Term Vietnamese Term Description
Central Processing Unit (CPU) Bộ xử lý trung tâm The main processor that executes instructions
Motherboard Bo mạch chủ Main circuit board connecting all components
Random Access Memory (RAM) Bộ nhớ truy cập ngẫu nhiên Temporary memory for active programs
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Bộ xử lý đồ họa Handles rendering of images and video
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Ổ đĩa cứng Magnetic storage device
Solid State Drive (SSD) Ổ thể rắn Flash memory storage device
Power Supply Unit (PSU) Bộ nguồn Converts AC power to DC for components
Heat Sink Tản nhiệt Dissipates heat from components
Fan Quạt Moves air to cool components
Case Case máy tính Enclosure for computer components
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) Hệ thống đầu vào/ra cơ bản Firmware for hardware initialization
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) Giao diện firmware mở rộng thống nhất Modern replacement for BIOS
PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) Kết nối thành phần ngoại vi Express High-speed interface for expansion cards
SATA (Serial ATA) Serial ATA Interface for storage devices
M.2 M.2 Interface for SSDs and other devices
Overclocking Ép xung Running components at higher than rated speeds
Thermal Paste Keo tản nhiệt Conducts heat between CPU and cooler
Form Factor Kích thước chuẩn Standardized size and shape of components
Clock Speed Tốc độ xung nhịp Operating frequency of a processor
Cache Bộ nhớ đệm Small, fast memory close to CPU
Core Nhân Independent processing unit within a CPU
Thread Luồng Sequence of instructions that can be processed

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *