For many tech enthusiasts, building their first personal computer is a dream come true. Whether that be for gaming and video editing to crypto mining and rendering, it’s a moment worth remembering for anyone. There are two main appeals to PC building: customization and affordability. Being able to choose your parts to tailor fit your needs is great for making sure your computer works how you want it to. In addition to this, the price per component is much less expensive than buying something like a pre-built computer, where companies will charge excessively high build fees. Now, all this sounds great in theory, but nowadays the prices of almost every part needed to build a pc have skyrocketed out of control for a number of factors, including material costs, tariffs, scalpers, and many more. That is why any veteran in the PC building space has repeatedly said that 2019 was one of if not the best years to build a computer—ever. But why is that?

The stars seemed to align in the year, right before the pandemic, because of a number of factors including, but not limited to:

1. Hardware Advancements
2. Competitive Pricing
3. Software Compatibility
4. Increase of Computer Knowledge, Support, and Influencers

Hardware Advancements

In 2019, the computer hardware industry experienced remarkable advancements, making it an opportune time to build a PC. The release of Intel’s 9th generation processors and AMD’s Ryzen 3000 series brought significant performance upgrades, including higher clock speeds, increased core counts, and improved power efficiency. These advancements enabled PC builders to create systems with superior processing capabilities, whether for gaming, content creation, or other resource-intensive tasks.

Moreover, the year witnessed the introduction of NVIDIA’s RTX 20 series graphics cards. These GPUs featured real-time ray tracing, providing a substantial leap in visual fidelity for gaming enthusiasts. With improved performance, enhanced realism, and broader compatibility, the RTX 20 series represented a noteworthy milestone for PC gaming.

Competitive Pricing

Affordability plays a crucial role in the decision to build a PC, and 2019 was a year when competitive pricing made it an attractive option. The release of new hardware led to a drop in prices for the previous generation components, allowing budget-conscious builders to access powerful hardware at a reduced cost. This scenario presented an opportunity to strike a balance between performance and budget, making PC building a more accessible and financially viable option for many enthusiasts.

Broader Software Compatibility

Many online sources touted 2019 as the “Golden Year” for software development, and it’s easy to see why. Software is a critical consideration for PC builders, as the availability and compatibility of applications can greatly influence the usability and functionality of a system. In 2019, the vast majority of software developers optimized their applications to work seamlessly with both Windows and macOS platforms, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of software options.

Additionally, the rise of cloud-based services and online gaming platforms further enhanced software availability and compatibility. Major gaming platforms such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG became more established, offering a vast library of games compatible with various operating systems. This broadened software compatibility made it easier for PC builders to enjoy a diverse range of applications and games, irrespective of their chosen platform.

Community Knowledge and Support

Building a PC can be a daunting task for newcomers. However, in 2019, the PC-building community was at its prime, with a wealth of knowledge, tutorials, and support readily available. Online forums, YouTubers, and dedicated websites provided detailed guides, troubleshooting tips, and user experiences, making the building process more accessible and less intimidating. The supportive community created an environment where builders could seek advice, share their experiences, and learn from others, fostering a sense of belonging and encouragement.

While every year brings advancements in computer hardware and software, 2019 stands out as an exceptional time to build a PC. The significant hardware improvements, competitive pricing, broader software compatibility, and supportive community all contributed to making it an ideal year for PC building. Whether for gaming, content creation, or any other computing needs, the year offered enthusiasts a unique opportunity to create powerful, affordable, and customizable systems. Now let’s hope that this isn’t the last time the light shines on the PC-building world.

By Rahul Pemassani