Whether you are building a gaming PC from scratch or replacing a failed component in your everyday desktop, knowing where to buy computer parts makes the difference between a smooth upgrade and a frustrating search. The market for PC components has expanded well beyond the old days of one or two local shops, and today you can source everything from CPUs and motherboards to graphics cards and SSDs at dozens of retailers. This guide covers the best physical stores and online outlets, what to look for before you purchase, and the mistakes that cost builders the most money.
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What Are Computer Parts and Who Needs Them
These are the individual hardware components that make up a desktop or laptop system. The core list includes the processor (CPU), motherboard, RAM, storage drives, graphics card, power supply, and case. Peripheral accessories like monitors, keyboards, and mice round out a full setup. Anyone who builds, repairs, or upgrades a PC needs access to reliable components. Gamers upgrading to the latest graphics card, office workers adding memory for better multitasking, students replacing a dead hard drive, and IT professionals maintaining workstations all shop for these items regularly. The rise of custom PC builds and the growing popularity of gaming rigs have pushed demand higher than ever, making it important to know which retailers offer the best selection and pricing.
What to Look For When Buying Computer Components
Compatibility. Every component must work with the rest of your system. A motherboard dictates which processor families you can use. AMD and Intel each require specific socket types. RAM must match the board supported generation, whether DDR5 or an older standard. Check the board specs before purchasing anything.
Processor performance. The CPU is the central processing unit of your system. Clock speed, measured in GHz, and the number of cores determine how well it handles tasks. A quad-core chip running at 3.5 GHz handles everyday work, while content creators and gamers benefit from six or more cores at higher speeds.
Graphics card selection. For gaming or creative work, the video card matters as much as the processor. Current options range from budget cards around $200 to high-end models like the GeForce RTX series that can exceed $800. Match the card to your monitor resolution and the games or software you plan to run.
Storage type. SSDs are faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives, making them the preferred boot drive. An M.2 NVMe solid state drive delivers top read and write speeds, while a larger HDD still works well for mass storage. Many builders pair a 1TB SSD with a secondary hard disk for the best balance of speed and capacity.
Power supply quality. A cheap PSU can damage every component in your build. Look for 80 Plus certification and enough wattage to support your hardware with room to spare. Modular power supplies reduce cable clutter and improve airflow inside the chassis.
Case and cooling. The computer case protects internal components and determines airflow. ATX mid-tower cases fit most standard motherboards and offer good space for cable management. A proper cooling system, whether air or liquid, keeps the processor and graphics card at safe temperatures during heavy loads or overclocking.
What to Avoid When Buying PC Parts
Ignoring compatibility checks. Ordering a processor that does not match your board socket wastes time and money on returns. Always verify the socket, chipset, and RAM generation before adding items to your cart.
Buying based on price alone. The cheapest graphics card or power supply often cuts corners on build quality, thermal management, or warranty coverage. A budget PSU failure can take the entire system with it.
Overlooking the power supply. Many first-time builders spend generously on the graphics card and processor but skip a quality power supply unit. An underpowered or poorly rated PSU leads to crashes, instability, and potential hardware damage.
Falling for misleading specs. Some sellers advertise refurbished graphics cards as new or list inflated storage capacities. Read verified buyer reviews and purchase from reputable retailers to avoid counterfeit or mislabeled items.
Skipping the return policy. Components sometimes arrive dead on arrival. Buy from stores with clear return and exchange policies so you are not stuck with a defective board or memory module.
Where to Buy In Store
Micro Center
Micro Center is the go-to destination for serious PC builders. Their stores stock an enormous selection of processors, motherboards, graphics cards, RAM, solid state drives, cases, and cooling hardware. The staff is knowledgeable about compatibility and can help you plan a build on the spot. Micro Center frequently runs in-store-only deals on CPUs and bundled motherboard combos that beat online pricing. Check their full component catalog to verify stock at your nearest location before driving over.
Best Buy
Best Buy carries a solid range of desktop components including graphics cards, RAM, storage drives, and peripherals. Their selection of motherboards and cases has grown in recent years, and many locations now keep popular items like the GeForce RTX series in stock. The Geek Squad repair service is useful if you prefer professional installation. Browse their component section online to check local availability before visiting.
Staples
Staples works for basic replacement needs like memory sticks, hard drives, power supplies, mice, and monitors. The Staples component section is more limited than dedicated electronics stores, so do not expect high-end video cards or specialty items. However, for a quick memory upgrade or a replacement cable, having a Staples nearby is convenient.
Walmart
Walmart stocks peripherals and basic accessories like replacement chargers, keyboards, mice, and HDMI cables. For more technical items, check their online component category, which has a broader range than what you will find on shelves. Keep in mind that many listings on Walmart.com are from third-party marketplace sellers with different shipping times and return policies than Walmart itself.
Call ahead to verify stock at any physical location. Availability for specialized items like motherboards or desktop cases varies widely by store.
Where to Buy PC Parts Online
Newegg
Newegg is a top choice for builders thanks to aggressive pricing and an enormous catalog covering every component category. One of the best reasons to shop there is the passionate, technically detailed reviews left by experienced builders. They often reveal real-world fit and pairing issues that product descriptions miss. Watch for their daily Shell Shocker deals, which rotate at midnight Pacific time and regularly feature solid state drives, RAM, and power supplies at steep discounts. Browse their component store to start building your list.
Amazon
Amazon #ad offers one of the widest selections of components available anywhere. You can find motherboards, processors, graphics cards, RAM modules, storage drives, cases, and cooling solutions from virtually every brand. Prime members benefit from fast shipping, which is helpful when a failed component has your system down. Compare prices carefully since the marketplace includes both first-party and third-party sellers, and pricing can vary significantly between them.
eBay
eBay is the best option for finding deals on used or previous-generation hardware. Budget builders can save significantly on graphics cards, CPUs, and RAM that are one or two generations behind the latest releases. Stick to sellers with high ratings and check return policies before purchasing. eBay is also a good source for hard-to-find replacement parts for older desktop systems.
B&H Photo
B&H Photo is well known in the photography world but also carries a strong selection of PC components, from processors and graphics cards to storage drives and peripherals. They are a reputable authorized dealer, which means manufacturer warranties are fully honored. B&H often runs competitive sales and does not charge sales tax to many states, which can add up to real savings on expensive graphics cards and processors.
Top Picks for PC Builders
Best overall retailer for selection: Micro Center. If you have a location nearby, the in-store deals on CPU and motherboard bundles are hard to beat. The knowledgeable staff and hands-on shopping experience make it the top pick for first-time builders and veterans alike.
Best online retailer: Newegg. The combination of aggressive pricing, daily deals, and detailed community reviews makes it the strongest online destination for builds. Their component catalog is among the most comprehensive available.
Best for budget builds: eBay. Previous-generation processors, graphics cards, and RAM sell at significant discounts on eBay. A last-generation graphics card paired with a used Intel or AMD processor can deliver solid gaming performance at a fraction of the cost of new hardware.
Best for fast shipping: Amazon. Prime delivery gets replacement parts to your door quickly, which matters when your desktop is down. The broad selection and easy returns make it a reliable fallback for any component.
Best for in-store basics: Best Buy. For memory upgrades, SSDs, and popular graphics cards, Best Buy offers reliable stock at competitive prices with the convenience of same-day pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main parts you need to build a PC?
A complete build requires a processor (CPU), motherboard, RAM, storage (SSD or hard drive), graphics card, power supply, and a case. You will also need a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to use the system. A cooling solution, either the stock cooler included with the CPU or an aftermarket air or liquid cooler, rounds out the essential list.
Are computer parts cheaper during Black Friday or Prime Day?
Yes. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day consistently offer some of the best deals on components. Storage drives, RAM, and monitors tend to see the steepest discounts. Holiday sales from major retailers and Micro Center in-store events also deliver strong savings. If the purchase is not urgent, waiting for one of these sales can save 15 to 30 percent.
Should I buy new or used PC parts?
It depends on the component. CPUs and RAM are generally safe to buy used because they either work or they do not. Graphics cards carry more risk, especially models that were used for cryptocurrency mining, as heavy thermal cycling can shorten their lifespan. Buy used cards from reputable sellers with return policies.
What is the difference between an SSD and an HDD?
A solid state drive uses flash memory with no moving parts, making it faster, quieter, and more durable than a traditional hard disk drive. HDDs use spinning platters and are cheaper per gigabyte, which makes them a good option for bulk storage. Most builders use an SSD as the primary boot drive and add an HDD for extra file storage.
How do I know if a component is compatible with my system?
Start with your motherboard model since it determines which CPUs, RAM types, and expansion cards you can install. Tools like PCPartPicker let you enter your components and flag any compatibility issues automatically. If you are upgrading a prebuilt desktop, check the manufacturer support page for a list of approved upgrades and maximum supported specs.
Do computer parts degrade over time?
Most solid-state components like CPUs and RAM last many years without noticeable degradation. Mechanical hard drives have moving parts that wear out, typically after three to five years of heavy use. Thermal paste on the processor dries over time and may need replacing every few years. Fans and power supplies also have limited lifespans due to their mechanical and electrical elements.
Reviewed by the wheretobuyguides.com editorial team. Last updated: March 2026.
Whether you shop in store at Micro Center or order online from Newegg and Amazon, finding the right components is easier than ever. For more buying guides, check out our computer product guides.