Graphics Processing Unit. The primary component for gaming performance and the biggest factor in desktop buyback value.

Central Processing Unit. The main processor handling all general computing tasks. Intel Core and AMD Ryzen are the main desktop brands.

The two current desktop RAM generations. Physically incompatible — your motherboard supports one or the other, not both.

NVMe uses PCIe and reaches 3,500–7,000 MB/s. SATA tops at 550 MB/s. Both are huge upgrades over HDD.

The high-speed bus connecting GPUs and NVMe SSDs to the CPU. Gen 3, 4, and 5 each double bandwidth.

Power Supply Unit. Converts mains AC to DC for every component. Undersized PSUs cause crashes under load.

Connects all components. Determines CPU socket, RAM generation, PCIe slots, and M.2 support.

AM4, AM5 (AMD) and LGA 1700 (Intel). Must match exactly — wrong socket means the CPU won’t fit.

Total Bytes Written — SSD lifetime write endurance. Key health metric when buying or selling used SSDs.

Power-On Self-Test. The startup diagnostic a desktop runs before Windows loads. Failure means no boot.

ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX. Defines motherboard and case size — determines what upgrades physically fit.

Heat-conducting compound between CPU and cooler. Dries out after 3–5 years causing throttling.

A GPU used for cryptocurrency mining 24/7. Accelerates fan, VRAM, and power delivery wear — reduces buyback value.