From someone who has done it for family thrice
Introduction
Building a HED is a serious task, you need to consider a minimum of 6 different parts of the computer, all of which have different interconnections and influence each other. The key 6 are CPU, Motherboard, RAM (also called memory), Storage, Case, and Power Supply. Additionally, you should consider a Video Card and Case Fans as these components will likely have a dramatic impact on the performance of your system. Today we begin from the initial concept phase.
Conceptualization
So, you want a big computer to help you compile code, render videos, and play all the latest and greatest games? If so, you need to begin by planning your system. What is the primary role of your system? Will you be focused solely on compile and general work tasks? Will you be focused on video editing and rendering? Maybe some photo editing? Consider the purpose of the computer and your budget. You can make a high-end desktop without a graphics card, save roughly $1000 dollars, and retain 100% of the performance you’re looking for if the type of build you need doesn’t require graphically intense output.
The dichotomy of CPU v GPU investment is the critical question of your plan. I will offer two example builds based on two different build needs. The first will be for a user focused on business tasks and coding. The second will be for a user focused on gaming a video streaming.
For a programing and business focused build, I would recommend a CPU with what is called an IGP, or integrated graphics processor, which is a small part of the CPU dedicated to creating and displaying a graphical output. This component is on all versions of the CPU so buying an i9 with an IGP offers identical CPU performance to buying one without the IGP. Depending on the intensity of the workload, the desired relevant lifespan of the system, desired upgrade cycles, and other such factors, I would choose either the i7/R7 or i9/R9. These are 4 different CPUs but are relatively similar in general capabilities based on their number. The I series is manufactured by Intel; they are the oldest contiguous company in the consumer PC market and have a history spanning many decades. The R series is made by AMD which, depending on how you count, could be considered older than Intel. A key point to keep in mind is the benchmarked performance of the class of CPU you’re looking at; AMD may outperform Intel in the tasks you’re interested in or vis versa.
For a gaming or video processing build, I would recommend a CPU missing its IPG. This SKU of CPU is usually cheaper than the IGP one and will allow us to allocate roughly $50-100 more for the GPU than we otherwise could have on a fixed budget. This type of computer will almost always be better off with a higher class of GPU than CPU as the former will handle the video processing, stream encoding, and graphics processing needed. Accordingly, I would personally prefer an i7/R7 type CPU that is “unlocked” this keyword indicates that the processor can be overclocked to increase the speed of some computed tasks. The GPU would preferably be something mid-range or higher, this price point is roughly $700+ in the current market. You will want to look for features you need at a price point that fits; if you want AV1 encoding, you need a 40 series Nvidia GPU or a 7000 series AMD GPU, if you want Ray Traced Games, Nvidia will likely be the only option for high frame rates at resolutions over 1080p.
If you have no budget or have a budget over $4000, just pick the 9 series CPU (AMD or Intel) which fits your needs best and buy the best GPU available at the time. It really is just that simple. Consider color matching your components and ARGB (Addressable Red, Green Blue) LEDs for your system, it does add a flair to the system and can help highlight your component choice for people who get to see your rig. There are also some new components coming out with LCD screens integrated into them for maxed out flair, the Corsair i150 LCD is a great example and can help really set off a build, especially if you want a computer themed with a character, intellectual property, or some other element of interest.
TL; DR
Conceptualizing your build starts with the intent of the system. Will you be developing, editing, or gaming? This, combined with budgetary restraints or lack thereof, will determine your choices for the above-mentioned 3 components. With no budgetary restraints, pick the best CPU, paired with the best GPU, and the lowest priced motherboard that fits your needs (this could be in the $500+ range with inflation the way it is) When restrained, pick a CPU which meets your needs, then select a relevant GPU after looking at the units in your price range, then the motherboard after filtering the options for the technologies you want.