In today’s digital world, understanding the various components & cards that make up computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices is essential for anyone interested in technology. Whether you're building a custom PC, upgrading your gaming system, or simply curious about the tech inside your devices, this guide will walk you through the most important components & cards, their functions, and how to choose the best ones for your needs.
Components & cards refer to the hardware pieces inside your computer or electronic device that perform specific tasks. These items work together to make your system run smoothly, from processing data to displaying images and ensuring your device stays connected to the internet.
Some of the most important components & cards include:
Each of these components plays a vital role in the overall performance of your system. Let’s dive deeper into each one.
The motherboard is the main circuit board of your computer. It connects all of the components & cards and allows them to communicate with each other. When choosing a motherboard, you’ll need to consider the size (form factor), the number of ports, the type of CPU socket it supports, and the connectivity options it provides.
Graphics cards or GPUs are responsible for rendering images and videos on your screen. Whether you’re gaming, video editing, or just browsing the web, the GPU handles the visuals. For users who enjoy gaming or work with high-end graphics, a powerful graphics card is essential.
RAM is the short-term memory of your computer. It temporarily stores data that is being actively used by the CPU, allowing for faster access and improving the overall speed of your system. When choosing RAM, you’ll want to consider the capacity (measured in GB) and speed (measured in MHz).
Storage cards like SSDs (Solid State Drives) and HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) are used to store all your files, from documents and photos to games and software. SSDs are much faster than HDDs, offering quicker boot times and faster data access. However, HDDs are generally more affordable for larger storage capacities.
A Network Interface Card (NIC) allows your computer or device to connect to the internet or a local network. NICs can either be built into the motherboard or added as a separate card.
If you want high-quality audio for gaming, music production, or video editing, a sound card is a must. Sound cards are dedicated components & cards that improve the audio quality by providing better processing than built-in audio solutions.
The power supply unit (PSU) is one of the most critical components & cards in your system. It converts electricity from your outlet into the power your system needs. Choosing the right PSU is important to ensure that all your other components & cards get the power they need without overloading.
Expansion cards allow you to add extra features to your computer, such as better audio, additional USB ports, or enhanced graphics. These cards are installed in the motherboard's expansion slots and can significantly boost your system's capabilities.
When selecting components & cards for your computer or device, it’s essential to match your choices with your needs and budget. Here are some tips to help guide you:
When you're looking for quality computer components or cards but don't want to break the bank, it's important to choose the right products that fit your budget. Whether you're a gamer, a casual PC user, or someone who loves building their own computers, finding the best components and cards under various price ranges can be overwhelming. But don't worry! This guide will walk you through some of the top brands offering components cards under $10, $20, $30, $40, $50, $60, $70, $80, $90, and $100 to help you make an informed decision.
Choosing the right components for your PC build can be challenging, especially when you're on a budget. It's important to understand the difference between quality and price. Some budget-friendly brands provide reliable performance without compromising quality. On the other hand, high-end components often come with additional features that enhance your overall experience.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best components cards within each budget range so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. Whether you're upgrading your graphics card, network card, or adding a sound card, we’ll cover all options.
If you're looking for components that offer good value but come at a very low price, there are a few great options under $10. These budget-friendly products are perfect for users who need basic upgrades or replacement parts. Here's a quick look at some of the best components cards under $10:
TP-Link USB Wi-Fi Adapter
The TP-Link USB Wi-Fi Adapter is a reliable choice for adding Wi-Fi capabilities to your desktop or laptop. It’s compact and offers decent speeds for web browsing and streaming.
UGREEN HDMI Cable
UGREEN offers HDMI cables that are great for connecting your PC to a TV or monitor. Their affordable options ensure high-quality performance at a low cost.
Anker USB Hub
Anker’s USB hub expands your computer’s connectivity without requiring an expensive upgrade. It’s perfect for those who need additional USB ports.
These products will give you good performance without spending too much money. While they might not provide high-end features, they’re an excellent choice for everyday use.
When you have a little extra to spend but still need something affordable, there are several components cards under $20 that deliver solid performance. These options are perfect for users who want to enhance their systems without overspending.
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3
The Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3 is a USB sound card that provides excellent audio quality for a very affordable price. It's ideal for casual gamers or people who love listening to music or watching movies.
Edimax USB Wi-Fi Adapter
The Edimax USB Wi-Fi Adapter is another solid option for users who need to connect to wireless networks. It’s an affordable solution for desktops that lack built-in Wi-Fi.
Rosewill Network Adapter
Rosewill offers reliable network adapters that help you improve your connection speeds. They offer options for both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity.
These products fall into the budget-friendly category and are an excellent value for their price. They provide decent performance for everyday tasks.
If you're looking for a little more power and versatility without breaking the bank, components cards under $30 offer some excellent options. These products are ideal for users who need better performance or more specialized functions.
Gigabyte GeForce GT 710 Graphics Card
The Gigabyte GeForce GT 710 is a basic graphics card that provides an upgrade for users with older systems. It’s perfect for casual gaming or general video output.
Corsair Vengeance 8GB RAM
Corsair Vengeance offers high-performance RAM kits that are affordable and great for users who want to enhance their system's multitasking abilities.
TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Adapter
TP-Link offers Wi-Fi 6 network adapters that are faster and more efficient. This is an excellent option for those who need high-speed wireless connectivity.
For those looking to boost system performance on a budget, these products offer great value for their price.
As you start to move into a higher price range, you’ll find more powerful components cards that offer better performance. Under $40, you’ll find options suitable for casual gamers, content creators, and more.
EVGA GeForce GT 1030
The EVGA GeForce GT 1030 is a great option for entry-level gaming. It delivers solid performance for a variety of games, especially for users who don’t need high-end gaming power.
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Z
The Sound Blaster Z is an upgrade over the Play! 3 and offers immersive audio for music and gaming enthusiasts. It features an enhanced sound experience and is perfect for gamers.
Gigabyte Wi-Fi 6 PCIe Adapter
Gigabyte provides Wi-Fi 6 PCIe adapters that are excellent for anyone who needs fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
These options are ideal for users who are looking to enhance gaming, sound quality, or network speed on a budget. They provide better performance than entry-level products but are still affordable.
If you’re ready to invest a bit more into your PC build or upgrade, there are plenty of components cards under $50 that deliver solid performance for gaming, work, and entertainment.
ZOTAC GeForce GT 1030
The ZOTAC GeForce GT 1030 offers great value for those who want a graphics card that can handle some light gaming and video editing tasks. It’s perfect for budget-conscious gamers.
Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB RAM
Corsair’s Vengeance LPX 16GB RAM kit is an excellent upgrade for users who need more memory for multitasking and content creation. It’s reliable, high-performance RAM that helps speed up your PC.
TP-Link AC1750 Wi-Fi Router
TP-Link’s AC1750 Wi-Fi router is a fantastic option for those looking to enhance their home network. It offers strong coverage and high-speed internet for multiple devices.
At this price point, you can find some serious performance upgrades for your system, whether you need better graphics, memory, or network connectivity.
As we continue up the price ladder, components cards under $60 provide more power and features for users who need enhanced gaming or performance.
MSI GeForce GTX 1650
The MSI GeForce GTX 1650 is a great graphics card for mid-range gaming. It handles modern games at 1080p with decent frame rates, making it ideal for users who want good performance at a reasonable price.
Creative Labs Sound BlasterX AE-5
The Sound BlasterX AE-5 is a premium sound card for audiophiles and gamers who want a superior audio experience. It delivers immersive sound with excellent clarity.
ZOTAC GTX 1650 Super
ZOTAC’s GTX 1650 Super offers excellent gaming performance for a very affordable price. It’s an upgrade from entry-level cards and great for gamers on a budget.
With these upgrades, you’ll notice a huge improvement in gaming performance, sound quality, and overall system speed.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can start getting into more powerful components cards under $70 that offer fantastic value for gaming, editing, and other high-performance tasks.
MSI GeForce GTX 1650 Super
A great choice for those looking to game at 1080p with solid frame rates. This graphics card delivers great performance at a budget price.
Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) RAM Kit
Upgrading your RAM to 16GB will provide smoother multitasking and faster performance in games and creative applications.
TP-Link Archer AX50 Wi-Fi 6 Router
This Wi-Fi 6 router delivers top speeds for all your devices and is ideal for high-speed internet needs.
These are great choices for gamers or users who need better gaming performance, faster internet speeds, and more memory for demanding tasks.
With an extra budget, you can purchase components cards under $80 that offer higher-end features for gaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking.
EVGA GeForce GTX 1660 Super
The EVGA GeForce GTX 1660 Super is perfect for users looking to game at 1080p and handle graphics-intensive tasks like video editing.
Creative Labs Sound Blaster ZxR
The Sound Blaster ZxR is a top-tier sound card that provides professional-level audio, ideal for audiophiles or serious gamers.
Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB (2x16GB) RAM Kit
If you need more memory for heavy multitasking or content creation, this 32GB RAM kit from Corsair is a fantastic choice.
These options will take your gaming and performance to the next level, providing smooth visuals and faster multitasking.
If you need an even better upgrade, components cards under $90 can offer higher performance in both graphics and network connectivity.
ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1660 Ti
A fantastic choice for users who want 1080p gaming without breaking the bank. It offers smooth performance in modern games.
Gigabyte Radeon RX 580
The Radeon RX 580 offers great value for 1080p gaming and is an affordable option for gamers who want solid performance.
TP-Link Archer AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router
The Archer AX3000 is ideal for users looking for high-speed internet and future-proofing their home network with Wi-Fi 6.
These products provide excellent performance in gaming, streaming, and general use.
Finally, components cards under $100 represent the top end of the budget range, offering premium performance and additional features for demanding users.
EVGA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti
This graphics card provides superior gaming performance and is perfect for modern titles.
Creative Labs Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus
Offering premium sound, this sound card is ideal for audiophiles and gamers who want an immersive experience.
ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1660 Super
Another great option for 1080p gaming, delivering excellent performance for demanding tasks.
At this price range, you can expect excellent value for your money in both graphics and networking components.