PC Building Glossary
Plain-English definitions for 60 PC hardware and building terms, each with an example.
A
AIO
An all-in-one liquid cooler: a sealed loop with a pump on the CPU block, tubing and a radiator with fans. Common radiator sizes are 240, 280 and 360 mm.
Example In a small case with no room for a tall tower cooler, a 240 mm AIO mounted on the front panel can still fit.
Do you need liquid cooling for a gaming PC? →Anti-Aliasing
A technique that smooths jagged edges on 3D objects. Methods range from MSAA to temporal anti-aliasing (TAA); upscalers like DLSS and FSR also do this job.
Example If thin fences and power lines shimmer as you move, the game's anti-aliasing setting is usually the one to change.
Choosing a graphics card for 1440p in 2026 →ATX
The standard full-size form factor for motherboards and power supplies. Consumer ATX boards usually have four memory slots and several PCIe slots.
Example An ATX motherboard needs an ATX case; many ATX cases also take smaller Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX boards.
Building a $1,500 gaming PC in 2026 →B
Bandwidth
The maximum rate at which data can move between two parts, usually given in GB/s.
Example DDR5-6000 in dual channel has a peak bandwidth of 96 GB/s, against 51.2 GB/s for dual-channel DDR4-3200.
PCIe 5.0: do you need it for a graphics card or an SSD? →BIOS
The firmware that starts the hardware before Windows loads and stores settings such as memory speed and fan curves. On modern PCs it is really UEFI firmware, but most people still call it the BIOS.
Example To run memory at its rated speed, open the BIOS and turn on the XMP or EXPO profile.
BIOS setup for a new build: what to check and what to change →Bottleneck
When one part limits how fast another can work. In games, either the CPU or the graphics card sets the frame rate at any moment.
Example Pairing a high-end graphics card with an old quad-core CPU at 1080p often leaves the card waiting, a CPU bottleneck.
What is a bottleneck, and how do you find one? →C
Case Airflow
How cool air enters the case and warm air leaves it. Slightly more intake than exhaust (positive pressure) helps keep dust out, because air leaves through the gaps rather than being drawn in through them.
Example Front fans pulling air in and a rear fan pushing it out is a simple, effective airflow layout.
Do you need liquid cooling for a gaming PC? →Chipset
The chip on the motherboard that provides extra PCIe lanes, USB ports and SATA ports, and decides features like overclocking support. On AMD's AM5, the chipset also indicates which slots run at PCIe 5.0.
Example An X870E board has PCIe 5.0 for both the graphics card slot and an M.2 slot; a B850 board guarantees it only for an M.2 slot.
PCIe 5.0: do you need it for a graphics card or an SSD? →Clicky Switch
A mechanical keyboard switch with a tactile bump and an audible click when the key registers.
Example Clicky switches feel satisfying to type on but can be too loud for a shared room or voice chat.
CPU
The central processor that runs Windows and your programs. In games it handles game logic, AI and physics, and prepares the work the graphics card draws.
Example In strategy games with thousands of units, the CPU often limits the frame rate more than the graphics card.
What is a bottleneck, and how do you find one? →D
DDR4
The previous generation of desktop memory. It's used by AMD's AM4 platform and by some Intel 12th–14th gen (LGA1700) boards. It doesn't fit DDR5 slots.
Example An AM4 upgrade can reuse DDR4 you already own, because AM4 boards take DDR4 only.
DDR4 vs DDR5: which memory does your build need? →DDR5
The current generation of desktop memory, required by AMD's AM5 and Intel's LGA1851 platforms. It offers more bandwidth than DDR4.
Example Most AM5 builds use a two-stick DDR5-6000 kit with its EXPO profile turned on.
DDR4 vs DDR5: which memory does your build need? →Discrete GPU
A graphics card installed in a PCIe slot, separate from any graphics built into the CPU. It's what almost all gaming PCs use.
Example A discrete GPU has its own VRAM, so it doesn't borrow system memory the way integrated graphics does.
Which graphics card should you buy in 2026? →DisplayPort
A display connection standard from VESA, used between graphics cards and monitors. Many gaming monitors use DisplayPort 1.4, often with Display Stream Compression (DSC); DisplayPort 2.1 adds much more bandwidth for high-refresh 4K.
Example To run a monitor at its full refresh rate, check it's connected with DisplayPort (or HDMI 2.1) to the graphics card, not the motherboard.
DLSS
NVIDIA's upscaling: the game renders at a lower resolution and an AI model rebuilds a sharper image, raising the frame rate. DLSS also includes frame generation; multi-frame generation needs an RTX 50 card. DLSS 4.5 arrived in January 2026.
Example Turning on DLSS in Quality mode at 1440p usually raises the frame rate with little visible loss in sharpness.
Choosing a graphics card for 1440p in 2026 →F
Form Factor
The size standard that sets a part's dimensions and mounting points. ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX are the common motherboard form factors.
Example A Mini-ITX board fits in small cases but has only one PCIe slot and usually two memory slots.
Building a $1,500 gaming PC in 2026 →Frame Rate
How many frames the PC shows each second (fps). Higher frame rates look smoother and respond faster, especially in competitive games.
Example A 144 Hz monitor only shows 144 distinct images a second if the PC can deliver 144 fps.
Choosing a graphics card for 1440p in 2026 →FreeSync
AMD's name for variable refresh rate, based on the royalty-free VESA Adaptive-Sync standard. The monitor refreshes when a new frame arrives, removing tearing. Many FreeSync monitors also work with NVIDIA cards as "G-Sync Compatible".
Example With FreeSync on, a game dipping from 100 to 80 fps looks smooth instead of tearing.
FSR
AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution upscaling. FSR 1 to 3 run on most graphics cards; FSR 4's machine-learning upscaling needs an AMD RX 9000 card. AMD added its FSR Redstone features in December 2025.
Example On an RX 9070 XT, FSR 4 upscaling looks noticeably cleaner than the older FSR 3.
Choosing a graphics card for 1440p in 2026 →G
G-Sync
NVIDIA's variable refresh rate technology. Monitors range from "G-Sync Compatible" (standard Adaptive-Sync, tested by NVIDIA) to models with NVIDIA's own G-Sync hardware.
Example An NVIDIA card can use variable refresh on most FreeSync monitors through G-Sync Compatible mode.
GPU
The graphics processor. In a gaming PC it's usually on a separate graphics card, and it does most of the work of drawing each frame, which makes it the part that matters most for gaming performance.
Example At 4K almost every game is limited by the GPU, so that's where a bigger budget shows most.
Which graphics card should you buy in 2026? →H
HDD
A hard disk drive, which stores data on spinning platters. Far slower than an SSD, so now used mainly for bulk storage.
Example Keeping Windows and games on an SSD and photos and backups on a large HDD is a common split.
HDMI
A digital audio and video connection used by monitors, TVs and consoles. Current graphics cards use HDMI 2.1.
Example HDMI is the usual way to connect a gaming PC to a TV.
HDMI 2.1
The HDMI version on current graphics cards and TVs, with up to 48 Gbps of bandwidth: enough for 4K at 120 Hz and above, plus variable refresh rate. HDMI 2.2 was announced in 2025, but graphics cards don't use it yet.
Example To get 4K at 120 Hz on a TV, both the TV's input and the cable need to support HDMI 2.1.
HDR
High dynamic range: a wider range between the darkest and brightest parts of the image. It needs an HDR-capable display and HDR content, and a bright, high-contrast screen to look convincing.
Example HDR looks much better on an OLED or mini-LED monitor than on a basic display with an HDR400 label.
I
Integrated Graphics
Graphics built into the CPU, which uses system memory instead of its own VRAM. Fine for the desktop and video; limited for 3D games.
Example Ryzen 9000 CPUs have basic integrated graphics, handy for checking a new build boots before the graphics card goes in.
Which graphics card should you buy in 2026? →L
LAN
A wired Ethernet connection to your router. It's more stable than Wi-Fi, with fewer latency spikes, which helps in online games.
Example If online games stutter on Wi-Fi, a wired LAN connection is the first thing to try.
Latency
The delay between a request and its result, in milliseconds or nanoseconds. It applies to memory, network connections and the time from a mouse click to the result on screen.
Example DDR5-6000 CL30 and DDR4-3200 CL16 both have about 10 ns of CAS latency, because the faster clock makes up for the higher CL number.
DDR4 vs DDR5: which memory does your build need? →Linear Switch
A mechanical keyboard switch with smooth resistance all the way down and no bump or click.
Example Many players pick linear switches for fast, repeated key presses.
M
M.2
A small slot and card format used mainly for SSDs, and also for Wi-Fi cards. An M.2 slot can carry NVMe (PCIe) drives and, on some boards, SATA drives; the manual says which.
Example Before buying an M.2 SATA SSD, check the motherboard's M.2 slot supports SATA; many only take NVMe.
PCIe 5.0: do you need it for a graphics card or an SSD? →Mechanical Keyboard
A keyboard with an individual mechanical switch under each key. Switches come in linear, tactile and clicky types.
Example A mechanical keyboard's switches can often be swapped to change how it feels.
Modular PSU
A power supply whose cables unplug, so you only fit the ones you need. Semi-modular units have the main cables fixed.
Example With a modular PSU you can leave unused SATA cables in the box. Only ever use the cables that came with that PSU.
Cable management: a routing order that keeps a build tidy and serviceable →Motherboard
The main board that connects the CPU, memory, storage, graphics card and ports. Its socket and memory type must match the CPU, and its chipset sets the features.
Example An AM5 motherboard takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 CPUs and DDR5 memory.
Building a $1,500 gaming PC in 2026 →N
Nits
A unit of brightness (candelas per square metre). Higher peak brightness makes HDR highlights look more convincing.
Example A monitor's peak nits figure often applies only to a small part of the screen for a short time.
NVMe
The protocol modern SSDs use to talk to the CPU over PCIe lanes. NVMe drives are many times faster than SATA SSDs, which top out around 550 MB/s.
Example A PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD reads at up to about 7,000 MB/s in sequential transfers.
PCIe 5.0: do you need it for a graphics card or an SSD? →O
Overclocking
Running a part faster than its default settings for more performance. It adds heat and power draw, needs stability testing, and some manufacturers exclude damage from their warranty.
Example On Ryzen CPUs, Precision Boost Overdrive is a milder, automatic form of overclocking.
P
PCIe
PCI Express, the connection between the CPU and graphics cards, NVMe SSDs and expansion cards. Each generation doubles the bandwidth per lane, and newer and older generations work together at the lower speed.
Example A PCIe 5.0 graphics card works in a PCIe 4.0 slot; in testing the RTX 5090 lost only about 1% on average.
PCIe 5.0: do you need it for a graphics card or an SSD? →PCIe Gen 5
The fifth PCIe generation: 32 GT/s per lane, about 63 GB/s each way in an x16 slot, double PCIe 4.0. SSDs benefit from it far more than graphics cards.
Example PCIe 5.0 SSDs such as the Samsung 9100 PRO read at up to 14,700 MB/s, but games load only slightly faster than on a good PCIe 4.0 drive.
PCIe 5.0: do you need it for a graphics card or an SSD? →Polling Rate
How often a mouse or keyboard reports to the PC, in Hz. 1000 Hz means once every millisecond; 8000 Hz means once every 0.125 ms.
Example High polling rates use more CPU time; if a game stutters with an 8000 Hz mouse, try 1000 Hz.
POST
The power-on self-test the motherboard runs before loading Windows, checking the CPU, memory and graphics.
Example If the DRAM debug LED stays lit and the PC won't POST, reseat the memory sticks.
BIOS setup for a new build: what to check and what to change →PSU
The power supply unit, which converts mains power to the voltages the PC uses. 80 Plus ratings (Bronze, Gold, Platinum, Titanium) indicate efficiency, not quality or reliability on their own.
Example Follow the graphics card maker's recommended PSU wattage, and use a unit from a known brand.
New PC won’t boot? Fixes for common first-build problems →R
RAM
System memory: fast, temporary storage for what the CPU is working on. Too little and Windows falls back on the much slower SSD, which causes stutter.
Example A two-stick kit runs in dual channel, which matters more for performance than a small speed difference.
How much RAM do you need for gaming in 2026? →Ray Tracing
A rendering technique that traces light rays for realistic shadows, reflections and lighting. It's demanding on the graphics card and usually paired with upscaling.
Example Path tracing, the fullest form of ray tracing, can cut frame rates sharply even on high-end cards.
Which graphics card should you buy in 2026? →Refresh Rate
How many times per second a monitor updates, in Hz. You only benefit if the PC produces a similar frame rate.
Example A 165 Hz monitor feels smoother than a 60 Hz one when the game runs well above 60 fps.
Choosing a graphics card for 1440p in 2026 →Render Resolution
The resolution the graphics card actually draws at before any upscaling. Upscalers render lower and rebuild the image at your screen's resolution.
Example DLSS Quality at 4K output renders internally at 1440p.
Choosing a graphics card for 1440p in 2026 →Response Time
How long a monitor's pixels take to change colour, in milliseconds. Faster response times mean less smearing behind moving objects; manufacturers' figures are often measured in their best-case mode.
Example OLED monitors change pixels almost instantly, so motion looks clearer than on most LCDs at the same refresh rate.
RGB
Colour lighting on PC parts, usually controlled by motherboard or brand software. It doesn't affect performance.
Example Addressable RGB (ARGB) fans plug into a 3-pin 5 V header, not a 4-pin 12 V RGB header; mixing them up can damage the lighting.
S
SATA
An older interface for hard drives and SSDs, limited to about 550 MB/s for SSDs. Still fine for secondary storage.
Example A 2.5-inch SATA SSD is a cheap way to add space for older games.
PCIe 5.0: do you need it for a graphics card or an SSD? →Socket
The CPU mount on the motherboard, which decides which CPUs fit. AM5 is AMD's current socket (Ryzen 7000 to 9000); LGA1851 is Intel's (Core Ultra 200S).
Example A Core Ultra 200S CPU needs an LGA1851 board; it won't fit an older LGA1700 board.
DDR4 vs DDR5: which memory does your build need? →SSD
A solid-state drive, storage on flash memory with no moving parts. NVMe SSDs are the standard for Windows and games.
Example Moving Windows from a hard drive to an SSD makes the whole PC feel faster, from boot to opening programs.
PCIe 5.0: do you need it for a graphics card or an SSD? →T
Tactile Switch
A mechanical keyboard switch with a bump you feel when the key registers, but no click.
Example Tactile switches suit people who want to feel each keypress without the noise of a clicky switch.
TDP
A power and heat rating manufacturers use to size coolers. It isn't the same as maximum power draw: AMD lists a TDP, while Intel now lists Processor Base Power and Maximum Turbo Power.
Example The Ryzen 9 9950X is rated at 170 W TDP, so it needs a much bigger cooler than the 65 W Ryzen 7 9700X.
Do you need liquid cooling for a gaming PC? →Thermal Paste
A compound spread between the CPU and the cooler to fill tiny gaps so heat moves across efficiently. Many coolers come with it already applied.
Example If a new build's CPU temperature climbs quickly, check that the plastic film was removed from the cooler's base and that there's paste.
Do you need liquid cooling for a gaming PC? →Thunderbolt
A high-speed connection for peripherals, docks and external drives, carried over USB-C. Thunderbolt 5 offers 80 Gbps, and up to 120 Gbps in one direction for displays.
Example A Thunderbolt dock can run monitors, storage and networking from one cable.
U
UEFI
The modern firmware standard that replaced the old BIOS. It supports large boot drives, a graphical setup screen, and Secure Boot, a security feature Windows 11 requires.
Example Windows 11 needs the PC to boot in UEFI mode with Secure Boot available.
BIOS setup for a new build: what to check and what to change →USB4
The USB standard built on Thunderbolt 3 technology: USB4 runs at up to 40 Gbps and USB4 version 2 at up to 80 Gbps, over USB-C.
Example AMD's X870 and X870E boards must include USB4 ports.
V
VRAM
The graphics card's own memory, which holds textures and frame data. When a game needs more than the card has, data spills into slower system memory and the game stutters.
Example At 1440p, 12 GB of VRAM is the practical minimum for newer games; 16 GB is more comfortable.
Which graphics card should you buy in 2026? →VRR
Variable refresh rate: the monitor refreshes when each new frame arrives, removing tearing. FreeSync and G-Sync are brand names for it; HDMI 2.1 has its own VRR too.
Example With VRR on, frame rate dips look smooth instead of tearing or stuttering.
W
Wi-Fi 6E
Wi-Fi 6 extended to the 6 GHz band, which is less crowded than 2.4 and 5 GHz. Wi-Fi 7, common on 2025–2026 motherboards, also uses 6 GHz.
Example 6 GHz Wi-Fi works best in the same room as the router; walls cut its range more than 5 GHz.
X
XMP
Extreme Memory Profile, Intel's specification for a stored memory profile that sets the kit's rated speed and timings. AMD's equivalent for DDR5 is EXPO, and many AMD boards read XMP as well.
Example Without XMP or EXPO turned on, a DDR5-6000 kit runs at its slower default speed, often 4800 or 5600 MT/s.
BIOS setup for a new build: what to check and what to change →No term matches that. Try a shorter word, or ask in the forum.