Everyday Use

Processors(AKA CPU): Processors range from Single cores to Octo(8) Cores. There is two companies that create process AMD and Intel. AMD are cheapier single threaded CPUs, meaning that the CPU can run single threaded applications but muti-threaded applications like Adobe After Effects and Premiere will run slower on an AMD processor. Intel are CPUs that are muti-threaded to run applications like the Adobe creative suite applications. However either brand are good for gaming computers, just depends on if your going to use rendering applications like Adobe CS. Now that doesn't mean AMD CPUs can't run rendering applications, it's just going to be slower.

Motherboards: Motherboards depend on the type of CPU you decide to buy each CPU is part of series which motherboards are created to house. Most motherboards support more than one kind of CPU, but usually motherboards are made for one brand of CPUs. There are several types of motherboards: Mirco-ATX, ATX, EATX, and Micro-ITX are just a few but for a first builder we will focus on Mirco-ATX and ATX. ATX is standard size and Mirco-ATX is just a smaller version for smaller cases, that's the main difference in size. Another difference is ATX motherboards will usually support more than one graphic card and expansion cards.

RAM(Random Access Memory): The RAM is the factor in deciding the speed of accessing programs and applications on a computer. RAM comes in one main and current type, DDR3, however each type of RAM has a different speed the higher the speed the faster. Yet, every motherboard can only support a few types and speeds of RAM as well as a specific RAM capacity. RAM comes in specific sizes, whether it be 2GBs or 4GBs and two of the same size RAMs can Dual-Channel(ONLY on some motherboards can RAM dual-channel). Dual-Channeling is a way for RAM to sync with another module and produce better results.

Hard drives: Hard drives are the part of the computer that stores everything. There are two types of hard drives, mechanical and magnetic AKA SATA and Solid State Drives. There are others but those are not recommended for gaming. SATA are common and cheapier but slower than SSD(solid state drives). If you want speed that SSD is great but if you want storage for the money then SATAs are just fine. Space is completely opinion, 250GB is consider small and 1TB or more is consider average and recommended.

Cooler Master HAF X - Full Tower Computer Case with High Airflow Windowed Side Panel and USB 3.0

Graphic Cards: In the world of graphic cards there are two brand ATI and Nivida. ATI is by AMD so you can get great deals but that doesn't mean Nivida doesn't work with AMD or ATI doesn't work with Intel processors. The main benefit from Nivida is a feature called Phys-X, which adds more details to certain games. ATI cards are cheap but run hot while Nivda are a bit more expensive but run cooler. Nivida also performs better at rendering in programs. Each have different models that are good for gaming or video rendering.