I want to build a PC. Where do you buy parts?

Building a PC usually involves sourcing parts from a mix of specialized tech retailers and major online vendors.

Best Places to Buy New Parts

1. Micro Center : Widely considered the gold standard for physical computer stores. If you live near one, they offer incredible in-store-only CPU + Motherboard + RAM bundles that can save you a lot of money. They also price-match major competitors.
2. Newegg : A long-time staple for online PC component shopping. They feature a massive selection, handy combo savings, and frequent shell/flash sales. Just make sure to double-check if an item is sold directly by Newegg or a third-party marketplace seller.
3. Amazon : Great for fast shipping and competitive pricing. However, be cautious: ensure that the item is "Shipped and Sold by Amazon.com" (or the official manufacturer store) rather than a sketchy third-party seller listing counterfeit or overpriced hardware.
4. Best Buy : Decent for general components and local pickup, and they are the exclusive retail partner for NVIDIA Founders Edition graphics cards in the U.S.
5. B&H Photo Video : A reliable online (and NYC-based physical) retailer with great stock, though their return policies on opened electronic parts can sometimes be less forgiving than Amazon's.

Best Tools for Tracking and Comparing

• PCPartPicker : Before buying anything, put your list together here. It automatically checks component compatibility (like power draw, physical size limits, and socket types) and compares real-time prices across all major retailers.

Where to Buy Used Parts (Budget/Risk-Tolerance)

• eBay : Good for hunting down used graphics cards or older-gen RAM, backed by solid buyer protection policies as long as you buy from a reputable seller with high feedback.
• Jawa : A popular marketplace specifically tailored for gamers buying and selling used or pre-owned GPUs and complete systems with built-in buyer protection.

To help narrow down your options, tell me:

• What is your target budget?
• Are you near a Micro Center?
• Are you planning to buy everything brand new , or are you open to used parts for a discount?

If you're in the U.S., these are the stores most PC builders use:

• Newegg – Probably the most popular dedicated PC parts retailer. Great selection, combo deals, open-box hardware, and frequent sales.
• urlMicro Centerturn0search1 – Many enthusiasts consider this the best place to buy parts if you live near one. Their in-store CPU + motherboard + RAM bundles can save a lot of money.
• Amazon – Convenient and competitive on many components. Just try to buy from Amazon directly or the manufacturer's official store rather than an unknown third-party seller.
• B&H Photo Video – A reliable retailer with competitive prices on CPUs, SSDs, memory, and other components.
• Best Buy – Good for cases, power supplies, SSDs, and sometimes GPUs. It's also one of the main retailers for NVIDIA Founders Edition graphics cards.

A tool I recommend alongside those stores is:

• PCPartPicker – It isn't a store, but it compares prices across retailers, checks whether your parts are compatible, and estimates power usage. It's one of the most useful resources when planning a build.

If this is your first build, I usually suggest:

1. Pick your CPU and graphics card first.
2. Use PCPartPicker to select compatible parts.
3. Compare prices between Newegg, Micro Center (if nearby), Amazon, B&H, and Best Buy before ordering.

If you tell me:

• your budget,
• what you'll use the PC for (gaming, programming, video editing, AI, etc.), and
• whether you need a monitor and peripherals,

I can put together a complete parts list that gives you the best value.

When building a PC, the best approach is to source parts across a few trusted retailers depending on who has the best price, inventory, or bundle deals.

Before buying anything, use PCPartPicker to map out your components—it automatically checks for hardware compatibility and lists the current lowest prices across major online vendors.

Top Retailers for PC Parts

• Micro Center : Widely considered the gold standard for PC builders. If you live near a physical Micro Center store location , they offer incredible in-store-only CPU, motherboard, and RAM bundle deals that can save you a lot of money.
• Newegg : Historically a dedicated go-to for custom PC components. They feature a massive selection, a handy Newegg PC Builder tool , and frequent combo savings, though it is always wise to double-check that items are shipped and sold directly by Newegg rather than sketchy third-party marketplace sellers.
• Amazon : Great for convenience, fast shipping, and a massive inventory. However, stick strictly to items labeled "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com" to avoid third-party counterfeit components or mixed-inventory hassles.
• Best Buy : Carries a solid selection of mainstream components, power supplies, and monitors. Notably, they are a primary retail partner for Nvidia’s reference Founders Edition graphics cards.
• B&H Photo Video : A highly reliable New York-based electronics retailer with great stock on internal components, storage, and displays, though their return window for opened computer parts can sometimes be strict.
• Jawa : A popular, community-focused marketplace specifically for new and used gaming PCs and hardware with built-in buyer protection if you are hunting for specific deals or pre-owned parts.

Are you looking for parts based on a specific budget or performance goal (like 1440p gaming) , or do you need help putting together a preliminary parts list on PCPartPicker?

For a first PC build, I’d usually buy parts from a few trusted places rather than one store. The best choice depends on the part and whether you care more about price, convenience, or easy returns.

Best places to buy PC parts

• Micro Center — Best if you have one nearby

  • Great CPU + motherboard + RAM bundle deals
  • You can see parts in person and get help
  • Especially good for a first build

• Newegg — Classic PC-builder choice

  • Huge selection of CPUs, GPUs, motherboards, cases, cooling, etc.
  • Good for comparing models and finding combo deals
  • Use care with marketplace/third-party sellers; prefer items sold directly by Newegg or the manufacturer when possible.

• Amazon — Convenient and often competitive

  • Good for smaller parts (fans, SSDs, cables, RAM)
  • Check the “sold by” seller before buying expensive components.

• B&H Photo Video — Reliable online retailer

  • Good selection of PC components and electronics.

• Best Buy — Useful for GPUs, monitors, accessories

  • Sometimes has good open-box deals.

My usual buying strategy

• CPU + motherboard + RAM: Micro Center if available; otherwise Newegg/Amazon.
• Graphics card: Compare Newegg, Best Buy, Amazon, and manufacturer stores.
• SSD/RAM: Check Amazon and Newegg prices the day you buy.
• Power supply: Buy a reputable model from a major retailer—don’t cheap out here.

Also, before buying, use PCPartPicker to check compatibility and compare prices.

Since you’re in the Gowanda, NY area, I can also help find the closest good stores or help put together a parts list if you tell me your budget and what you want to do with the PC (gaming, school, editing, AI, etc.).

For a custom PC, I’d usually buy parts from a few places rather than one store. The best choice depends on your budget and whether you have a local store nearby.

Best places to buy PC parts (U.S.)

• Micro Center — My first stop if you have one nearby. They’re especially good for CPU + motherboard + RAM bundles and letting you see parts in person.
• Newegg — Great selection of CPUs, GPUs, motherboards, cases, PSUs, and storage; their combo deals can be useful.
• Amazon — Convenient for things like SSDs, RAM, coolers, fans, and cables. Make sure the seller is reputable (preferably Amazon or the manufacturer).
• B&H Photo Video — A solid alternative for PC hardware, especially if you find a good price.
• Best Buy — Sometimes worthwhile for GPUs, monitors, and open-box deals.

A common strategy:

1. Pick parts using PCPartPicker (checks compatibility and compares prices).
2. Buy the CPU/motherboard/RAM bundle from Micro Center if available.
3. Compare GPU prices across Newegg, Amazon, and Best Buy.
4. Buy the power supply and storage new from a reputable seller.

Avoid buying expensive parts from random marketplace sellers, especially GPUs and power supplies.

If you tell me your budget, what you’ll use it for (gaming, school, work, AI, editing, etc.), and whether you’re near a Micro Center, I can help pick the parts.

Building a PC in 2026 involves sourcing parts from a mix of major online retailers, specialized electronics stores, and occasionally authorized marketplaces for the best deals . The most popular, reliable, and common places to buy PC parts are:

Top Retailers & Websites

• PCPartPicker: This is the essential first stop. It allows you to plan your build, checks for component compatibility, and compares prices across major retailers to find the cheapest option.
• Newegg: A primary, trusted source with a vast selection of components. They are excellent for finding bundle deals, especially for motherboards, CPUs, and RAM.
• Amazon: Offers competitive pricing and fast shipping, though it is highly recommended to buy directly from Amazon or the official brand store on the platform rather than third-party sellers to avoid issues.
• Micro Center: Widely considered the best place for in-person shopping, especially for their CPU+Motherboard bundle deals and open-box items.
• Best Buy: A solid option for parts, often carrying popular brands and serving as a retail source for NVIDIA Founders Edition GPUs.
• B&H Photo Video: A reliable, reputable source for components.
• Jawa.gg: A popular marketplace for buying used, verified PC parts.
• AliExpress: Good for finding cheaper CPUs, but best used when looking for specific deals on items that are generally durable (like CPUs) from reputable sellers.

Tips for Buying Parts

• Buy All at Once: While it is tempting to buy parts over time, it is strongly advised to buy them all at once (or within a short window). This ensures that if a part is defective, you can identify it and return it within the standard 30-day window.
• Use Bundles: Look for CPU/Motherboard/RAM bundles at Micro Center or Newegg to save money.
• Check for Compatibility: Use PCPartPicker to ensure your CPU fits the socket (e.g., LGA1851, AM5) and that your case fits your motherboard size.

To give you the best recommendations, could you tell me:

• What is your total budget?
• What is the primary use for the PC? (e.g., 4K gaming, 1080p gaming, video editing)
• Do you have a Micro Center nearby?

I can then provide a specific, compatible parts list for your needs.

Building a PC is a great project, and the best place to start is PCPartPicker.com , which allows you to select parts, check for compatibility, and compare prices across multiple retailers.

Here are the top places to buy PC components, as of 2026:

Best Online Retailers

• Newegg.com: A go-to for enthusiasts, often offering specialized component kits, bundles, and a wide selection.
• Amazon.com: Offers competitive pricing and fast shipping, widely used for finding deals.
• Best Buy: Good for local pickup and buying major components like GPUs.
• B&H Photo: A reliable source for components, particularly for components that might be out of stock elsewhere.

Best Physical Stores

• Micro Center: Widely considered the best place if you are near one, as they offer unbeatable in-store CPU/motherboard bundles and expert advice.

Used Component Markets

• eBay: A good option for finding older or used parts, such as CPUs or graphics cards.
• Jawa: A newer marketplace specifically for verified used PC parts and computers.

Key Advice

• Check compatibility: Always use PCPartPicker.com to ensure your CPU fits the motherboard socket and your RAM is compatible.
• Order of purchase: While not strict, it is often recommended to buy the case and power supply (PSU) first, followed by the core components.
• Wait for sales: Look for deals around holidays (like Black Friday) or Labor Day for better prices on components.

Would you like help creating a build list for a specific budget (e.g., $1000) or usage (e.g., gaming, photo editing)?

If you're in the U.S., the best approach is usually to buy from multiple stores rather than trying to get everything from one place. Prices, bundles, and stock vary a lot.

Here are the retailers I'd recommend:

• Micro Center – Often the best place for CPUs, motherboards, and RAM thanks to in-store bundle discounts. If you live near one, it's worth checking first.
• Newegg – One of the largest PC hardware retailers. Great selection and frequent combo deals. Buy items sold directly by Newegg or trusted manufacturers when possible.
• Amazon – Excellent for fast shipping and easy returns. Just verify that expensive parts are sold and shipped by Amazon or the manufacturer rather than an unknown third-party seller.
• Best Buy – Good for monitors, SSDs, cases, and occasional GPU deals, especially open-box items.
• B&H Photo Video – A reputable retailer that often has competitive prices on enthusiast hardware.

For planning a build, I also highly recommend:

• PCPartPicker – It checks part compatibility, estimates power usage, and compares prices across multiple retailers, making it much easier to find the best deals.

If you're building your first PC, tell me:

• your budget (for example, $800, $1,200, or $2,000),
• what you'll use it for (gaming, school, video editing, AI, etc.),
• and whether you need peripherals like a monitor, keyboard, or Windows license.

I can put together a complete parts list that's compatible and offers good value.

The good news is that you don't have to buy everything from one store. Most experienced PC builders mix and match retailers to get the best prices and availability.

Here are the most popular places to buy parts in the U.S.:

• Micro Center – Often the best choice if you have one nearby. They frequently offer CPU + motherboard + RAM bundle deals that can save a significant amount, and you can get in-person help if needed.
• Newegg – One of the largest PC hardware retailers with a huge selection, combo deals, and frequent sales. It's especially popular for components like motherboards, SSDs, and GPUs.
• Amazon – Great for fast shipping and easy returns. When buying expensive parts, it's generally best to choose items sold and shipped by Amazon or the manufacturer's official store.
• Best Buy – Good for monitors, cases, and sometimes graphics cards. They occasionally have excellent open-box deals and carry some exclusive GPU models.
• B&H Photo – A reputable retailer with competitive pricing on many PC components, especially storage, memory, and professional hardware.

A few tools also make building much easier:

• PCPartPicker checks that all your parts are compatible and compares prices across multiple retailers, making it one of the most useful planning tools for a first build.

If you're building your first PC, I recommend this workflow:

1. Pick your parts in PCPartPicker.
2. Watch for bundle deals (especially at Micro Center if you have one nearby).
3. Buy each component from whichever reputable retailer has the best price.
4. Avoid unknown third-party marketplace sellers for expensive items like CPUs and GPUs.

If you tell me:

• your budget (for example, $800, $1,500, or $2,500),
• what you'll use the PC for (gaming, streaming, video editing, AI, etc.),
• and whether you need a monitor, keyboard, and Windows license,

I can put together a complete parts list that gives you the best value.

For building a PC, the best places to buy parts in 2026 are specialized online retailers, major e-commerce platforms, and in-store, with a focus on finding the best deals and ensuring component compatibility.

Top Online Retailers & Retailers

• Newegg.com: A top destination for PC components, often featuring hidden combo deals, free items with purchases, and a specialized custom PC builder tool.
• Amazon.com: Popular for a vast selection of parts, competitive pricing, and reliable return policies.
• Micro Center: Highly recommended for in-store shopping, offering excellent component bundles (especially for CPUs and motherboards) and expert advice, though locations are limited.
• Best Buy: Good for in-store or online, with a growing selection of PC components.
• B&H Photo Video: A reputable source with a solid, if sometimes limited, selection of PC parts.
• AliExpress: Noted as an option for finding budget-friendly CPUs.

Second-Hand/Budget Options

• eBay: A good option for finding used components to lower the total cost.
• Jawa: A popular platform for buying used parts and components.

Key Planning & Compatibility Tool

• PCPartPicker.com: An essential tool to plan your build, check compatibility (e.g., CPU socket, PSU wattage), and find the lowest prices across multiple retailers.

Recommendations

• Use PCPartPicker: Always start by creating a list on PCPartPicker to ensure all parts are compatible before purchasing.
• Compare Prices: Check multiple sites like Newegg , Amazon, and Micro Center to find the best deal, particularly around holidays.
• Check for Bundles: Take advantage of bundle deals (CPU + Motherboard) at Micro Center or similar packages on Newegg to save money.

To help you get the best parts for your build, could you tell me:

• What is your total budget?
• What will you be using the PC for (gaming, video editing, general use)?
• Do you need a monitor and peripherals included in that budget?