Quick answer: PCPartPicker is a free website for planning a custom PC. You pick components (CPU, motherboard, memory, graphics card, storage, case and power supply), and it flags compatibility problems, estimates power draw, and compares prices across retailers. It was founded in 2011 by Philip Carmichael, is based in Austin, Texas, supports dozens of countries, and earns money through affiliate links to retailers.
PCPartPicker at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founder | Philip Carmichael |
| Headquarters | Austin, Texas |
| Cost | Free |
| How it makes money | Affiliate commissions from retailers |
| Regions | 38 countries with local currencies and stores (as of 2023) |
| Key tools | System Builder, compatibility checks, wattage estimate, price history, price alerts, Build Guides, Completed Builds, forums |
Source: Wikipedia
Key Features
Compatibility Checks
As you add parts, PCPartPicker checks for common conflicts, such as a CPU that doesn’t fit the motherboard socket, memory type mismatches (DDR4 vs. DDR5), or a motherboard form factor that’s too big for the case. It shows errors for definite problems and notes for things to double-check.
Estimated Wattage
It totals the estimated power draw of your parts to help you choose a power supply with enough headroom.
Price Comparison and Price History
For each part, it lists prices from multiple retailers in your country, including shipping and stock where available. Price history charts show whether a “deal” is actually a good price.
Price Alerts
Set a target price on a part and get an email when it drops.
Saved and Shareable Part Lists
Save builds to your account or share a link, a common way to ask for feedback on Reddit and forums.
Build Guides and Completed Builds
- Build Guides: parts lists put together by PCPartPicker for different budgets and uses.
- Completed Builds: thousands of real user builds with photos, so you can see a part combination in an actual case.
Forums
A community forum for build help, troubleshooting and parts advice.
How to Use PCPartPicker: Step by Step
- Pick your country at the top of the site so prices and stores are local.
- Open System Builder (Builder) and start a new part list.
- Choose your CPU first. It decides the motherboard socket and often the memory type.
- Add a compatible motherboard. Filter by socket, chipset and size (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX).
- Add memory, storage and a graphics card if you need one.
- Choose a case that fits your motherboard size, graphics card length and cooler height.
- Choose a power supply with comfortable headroom above the estimated wattage.
- Review the compatibility section and read every error and note.
- Compare retailer prices, check price history, and set alerts for parts you’re willing to wait on.
- Save and share your list for feedback before buying.
Limits to Keep in Mind
PCPartPicker is very good, but it doesn’t guarantee a perfect build:
- Physical fit isn’t always certain. Large air coolers, thick graphics cards or front-mounted radiators can still clash in some cases. Check the case manufacturer’s clearance specs.
- BIOS updates. A newer CPU may need a motherboard BIOS update. PCPartPicker often notes this, but confirm with the motherboard maker.
- Wattage is an estimate. Leave extra headroom for power spikes and future upgrades.
- Prices change fast. Always confirm the final price, shipping and return policy on the retailer’s site.
- Affiliate links: PCPartPicker earns commission on many purchases, though this doesn’t change the price you pay.
Money-Saving Tips
- Use price history so you don’t overpay during a short-term spike.
- Set price alerts on big-ticket parts like the graphics card and CPU.
- Check deal communities such as r/buildapcsales (see our BuildAPCSales guide).
- Compare regions carefully. Prices, taxes and warranties vary by country.
- Don’t overspend on one part. A balanced CPU and GPU pairing usually beats one top-end part.
Planning by Budget
Hardware changes quickly, so the best way to see current recommended parts is PCPartPicker’s own Build Guides, which are updated regularly. General priorities:
| Budget tier | Typical goal | Where to focus |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | Office work, school, light gaming | CPU with integrated graphics, fast SSD |
| Mid-range | 1080p–1440p gaming, creative work | Balanced CPU and graphics card, 32 GB memory |
| High-end | 4K gaming, video editing, AI/ML | Powerful graphics card, more memory, quality power supply and cooling |
PCPartPicker vs. Other Options
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| PCPartPicker | Independent compatibility checks and price comparison across many retailers |
| Retailer PC builders (e.g., Newegg, Micro Center) | Buying everything from one store |
| Prebuilt PCs | Skipping assembly; can be competitive during sales |
| Forums and subreddits (r/buildapc) | Personal advice on a specific part list |
FAQs
Is PCPartPicker free? Yes. It makes money through retailer affiliate links, not fees.
Is PCPartPicker accurate? Its compatibility checks catch most common problems, but double-check physical clearances and BIOS support with the manufacturers.
Who owns PCPartPicker? It was founded in 2011 by Philip Carmichael and is based in Austin, Texas.
Does PCPartPicker work outside the U.S.? Yes. It supports dozens of countries with local prices and retailers.
Can I share my PCPartPicker build? Yes. Save your part list and share the link.
Does PCPartPicker sell parts? No. It links to retailers, and you buy from them directly.
Also read these articles:
- BuildAPCSales Guide | Top Reddit Deals for PC Builders
- All Things Considered: Designing the Ultimate Home Gaming Rooms
This article is not affiliated with PCPartPicker. Checked on October 3, 2026.
