Basic desktop peripherals: a complete guide to building your computer

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If you have a desktop computer, the Basic peripherals make all the difference There's a difference between a computer that simply works and one that's a pleasure to work with, study on, play games on, or watch multimedia content on. Beyond the tower itself, having good input, output, storage, and communication devices is key to gaining comfort, precision, and performance in everyday use.

In this article you will find a Complete guide to desktop PC peripheralsWhat they are, what types exist, which ones are considered essential, what options are available for gaming or professional work, and what you should look for before buying. All explained in accessible language, but without sacrificing technical rigor.

What are the basic peripherals of a desktop computer?

When we talk about peripherals, we are referring to external devices that connect to the computer to expand its functions or make interaction with it more convenient. They are not part of the PC's "core" (motherboard, processor, RAM…), but they are the ones that allow you to use it normally.

These devices can be input, output, input/output, storage, or communicationThey connect mainly via USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, Bluetooth, WiFi or other specific ports, and some are integrated into the monitor or the computer case itself, although they are still considered peripherals.

In a typical desktop computer you will find at least tower, monitor, keyboard and mouseFrom there, you can add printers, speakers, headphones, webcams, microphones, external hard drives, etc., according to your needs.

Types of peripherals: input, output, storage, and communication

To fully understand how all these devices are organized, it's helpful to be clear about the function of each category of peripherals and how they intervene in the exchange of information between the computer and the outside world.

Input peripherals These are the devices that allow data or commands to be entered into the PC from outside the device. This includes the keyboard, mouse, scanner, graphics tablet, stylus, or webcam when it is only capturing images.

On the opposite side we find output peripheralswhose role is to display or reproduce the information processed by the CPU in a way that is understandable to the user: monitors, speakers, headphones or printers are the most common.

There are also the storage peripheralsThese devices store data so you can access it later or transfer it from one computer to another. External hard drives, portable SSDs, USB flash drives, and even older media like CD-ROMs and DVDs fall into this category.

Finally, it's important not to forget the communication peripheralsThose that allow your computer to connect to other devices or networks: network cards, modems, routers or WiFi access points are the most representative.

Essential desktop input peripherals

Most of the actions you perform at your PC begin with an input device. Choosing the right peripherals is essential for work more comfortably, be more productive and avoid physical discomfort long term.

Keyboards: the heart of PC interaction

The keyboard is one of the most basic and essential peripherals, as it allows you to enter text, keyboard shortcuts and commands to the systemNot all keyboards are the same, and it's worth knowing the differences before making a decision.

On one side are the membrane keyboardsThese are the most common and economical. They offer a softer and quieter feel, perfect for home, office, or studio use where discretion is important.

At the other extreme are the mechanical keyboardsThese are highly valued by those who spend many hours typing or gaming. Each key has its own switch, providing a more precise keystroke and much greater durability, at the cost of a higher price and increased noise.

There are also keyboards ergonomic, compact, wireless or hybrid that combine various technologies to improve hand posture, save space, or reduce cables on the desk.

As an example of a keyboard for everyday and professional use, a model like the TRUST TK-350 It would fit into the basic peripheral category: comfortable keys, wireless connection and an affordable price geared towards office tasks and web browsing.

Mice: precision and comfort in your hand

The mouse is the perfect complement to the keyboard and It is essential at any table setting.With it you control the pointer on the screen, click on options, drag files and perform all kinds of actions.

Today almost all mice are optical or laserThese are far superior to the old ball models. You can find them wired or wireless, with ergonomic designs that fit the shape of your hand, and with additional programmable buttons to streamline tasks and shortcuts.

If productivity and mobility are your priorities, a simple wireless mouse like the Logitech B170 It provides a stable wireless connection, a compact size, and ease of transport and use anywhere.

In contrast, for gaming, mice with high sensitivity (adjustable DPI), more buttons, customization software and a design built to withstand hours of heavy use.

whatever the model, It is recommended to always use an opaque mat that improves sensor accuracy, reduces wear on mouse skates, and makes movement smoother.

Graphics tablets and touch screens

For those who work with images, design, illustration, or photo retouching, the graphics tablet becomes an almost indispensable peripheral, since It allows you to draw with a digital pen in a very natural way.with different pressure levels and stroke control that is difficult to achieve with a mouse.

These tablets send the computer position and pressure of the stylus, so your stroke appears instantly on the screen in design or drawing applications. For a desktop PC focused on creativity, it's one of the most highly recommended peripherals.

Furthermore, the touchscreens They function as both input and output devices, since they display images to the user, but at the same time they record the touches or gestures you make on the panel, sending them to the operating system.

Document scanners and digitizers

The scanner remains a very useful peripheral in home and professional environments where paper is used, because converts physical documents into digital filesYou can scan old photos, contracts, invoices, or any document to save it as an image or PDF.

In many cases, people resort to multifunction printers that integrate a scanner, since they take up less space and are cheaper than buying both devices separately.

Webcams: essential for video calls

Webcams have become almost mandatory with the rise of teleworking, online classes, and remote communication, since They allow you to capture video in real time. for video calls, streaming, or recordings.

Although many laptops already include them as standard, in desktop computers it is common to use external webcams with higher resolution, improved light management, autofocus and, in some cases, a built-in microphone.

Microphones: clear voice for work and leisure

A good microphone makes all the difference when You make video calls, record podcasts, dictate texts, or play online games talking to other people. There are simple microphones that connect via mini jack or USB, as well as professional models with high audio quality.

Many computers come with a basic microphone built into the monitor or webcam, but if you want a clearer, noise-free soundIdeally, you should opt for a dedicated microphone, especially if you often work with voice.

Other specialized input devices

In addition to the above, there are input peripherals designed for very specific uses, such as joysticks and control sticks for video games, which offer more precise control in flight simulators, racing games, or action games.

You can also find styluses, digitizers specifically designed for presentations, or video capture devices that allow you to input the signal from a professional camera or console into the computer.

Output peripherals: image and sound on the desktop

It's not very useful for the computer to process information at high speed if you can't then neither see nor hear the results with qualityThis is where the most important output peripherals come into play: monitor, printer, and audio system.

Monitors: panel types and key factors for choosing

The monitor is the main output device of a desktop PC, since It displays on screen everything that the Graphic cardYour choice is critical both for working comfortably and for enjoying games and multimedia content.

Currently, panels are mainly used. IPS, VA, TN and OLEDeach with its strengths and weaknesses:

The monitors IPS They stand out for offering very accurate colors and wide viewing anglesThis makes them ideal for graphic design, photography and video, as well as being very well-balanced for general gaming.

Panels VA provide a superior contrast with deeper blacks and very vivid colors, which is great for watching series, movies or playing games with dark scenes, although their viewing angles are usually somewhat more limited than those of IPS displays.

The monitors TN They are the most economical option, with very fast response times, but more modest image quality and viewing anglesTherefore, they are usually reserved for low-budget configurations or very specific uses.

Panels OLED They offer outstanding image quality, with perfect blacks and very low response times, designed for those looking for the ultimate visual experienceespecially in video games and HDR content, although its price is usually higher.

If you want a gaming monitor, in addition to the panel type you should also consider the resolution (Full HD, 2K, 4K…), the refresh rate (144 Hz, 240 Hz…) and compatibility with technologies such as FreeSync or G-Sync.

Printers: still very much present

The printer remains one of the most frequently used output peripherals when you need Physical copies of documents, work, forms, or photographsIn a home or small office desktop, the most common choice is between two main types.

The Inkjet printers They are versatile, print both text and photos well, and are suitable for moderate print volumes.

The laser printers They stand out for their speed, text clarity and lowest cost per page, being very interesting for offices or people who print frequently.

In many cases, printers are chosen. multifunction which include a scanner and sometimes a fax machine, allowing you to scan, copy, and print from a single device.

Speakers and headphones: sound matters too

To enjoy music, movies, video calls, or games, it's important to have a good audio system that reproduce sound clearly and without distortionHere you have two basic options: external speakers or headphones.

The speakers They are usually connected via audio jack or USB, and some monitors or towers already have small internal speakers. However, dedicated speakers typically offer greater power, better bass response and a more immersive experience.

The auriculares They're ideal when you need privacy, play online games, or work in shared spaces. There are models with wired, USB, Bluetooth, and even wireless connections with a base, in on-ear, over-ear, or in-ear formats.

If they also integrate microphone and noise cancellationWith office headphones like the Energy Sistem Office 3, you'll gain comfort when making calls, attending meetings, or concentrating on important tasks.

Storage peripherals: extra space and backups

Storage peripherals are essential for Save your data securely and move files between devicesEven if the PC already has an internal hard drive, it is highly recommended to have external support solutions.

External hard drives

External hard drives provide large storage capacity at a good priceThey are perfect for creating regular backups of your important documents, photos, videos, and projects.

Portable SSD drives

External solid-state drives (SSDs) function similarly to hard drives, but use flash memory, so They offer much higher read and write speeds.For more details on how to take advantage of them, you can consult Portable SSD drives.

This makes them the best choice for those who need quick access to large files, such as video editors, photographers, or professionals who work with projects stored on the drive itself.

USB flash drives and memory cards

USB flash drives are ultra-portable peripherals that allow transfer files from one computer to another very easily. They are ideal for transferring documents, presentations, or small projects without needing an internet connection.

Along the same lines, the SD or microSD cards They function as external memory in cameras, mobile phones, consoles and some computers, also acting as storage peripherals when you connect them to the PC through a reader.

Communication and connectivity peripherals

In addition to viewing, listening, and storing information, your desktop computer needs to communicate with other devices and networks. This is where [the following] come into play. communication peripherals, which make it possible to connect to the internet and remote devices.

The Cards of red (integrated or in PCIe/USB format) allow you to connect the PC to Computer network Wired or wireless, something basic for browsing, working in the cloud or playing online.

The routers and modems They manage the internet connection and distribute it among the different devices in the home, while other accessories such as USB WiFi adapters, repeaters or PLC extend the coverage and stability of the signal.

It is also common to find docking stations and port converters, such as HDMI adapters, USB-C or USB hubs, which make it easy to connect several peripherals at once or transform a laptop or desktop input into several different connectors.

Basic peripherals for general use, laptop and desktop

Although we focus on desktop computers here, many peripherals are shared with laptops and perform very similar functions, helping to improve ergonomics and user experience when you work from a desk.

On a laptop, for example, it is very common to connect external keyboards and mice, larger monitors, cooling pads or stands that raise the screen to adopt a healthier posture.

They are also usually added Headphones, microphones, webcams, external hard drives, SD cards and other input/output devices to compensate for the limitations of space or ports on the laptop itself.

In all cases, it is advisable to review the type and number of available ports (USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, etc.) to choose compatible peripherals and avoid surprises when connecting them.

Most of these modern accessories are Plug & PlayThat is, the operating system automatically recognizes them when you connect them and you can start using them in a matter of seconds, without the need for complicated configurations.

Desktop gaming peripherals: when gaming is a priority

The gaming world has taken peripherals to another level, with devices designed for to achieve maximum precision, speed and customization in competitive or high-performance games.

In the realm of keyboards, gaming models typically offer High-durability mechanical switches, programmable keys, RGB backlighting and specific designs to suit different playing styles.

Gaming mice, on the other hand, are distinguished by having Very high and adjustable DPI, precise sensors, ergonomic design and buttons that can be configured to execute complex skills or macros.

The gaming mouse pads They also take center stage, as they provide specially designed surfaces to achieve greater precision, stability and speed in mouse movements, with some even equipped with RGB lighting.

As for gaming monitorsThey usually offer larger sizes, high refresh rates, low latency, and higher resolutions, all aimed at making the visual experience as smooth and spectacular as possible.

We must not forget other peripherals aimed directly at the gaming public, such as joysticks, steering wheels, gamepads, surround sound headphones and microphones specifically designed for streaming, which complete very comprehensive setups for playing for hours with maximum comfort.

How to choose the ideal basic peripherals for your desktop computer

Before you rush out to buy peripherals, it's worth pausing for a moment and analyze what you really need and how you're going to use the equipmentThis will save you money and help you create a more balanced environment.

The first step is define the main purpose of the PC: office work, studying, gaming (choosing a cheap gaming PC), graphic design, video editing, family use… Each scenario demands a different type of peripherals and a different level of quality.

Next, you should check the compatibility in connections and operating systemsCheck what ports your motherboard and case have (USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, audio, network…), what version of Bluetooth it supports, and what operating system you use.

Another key aspect is the audiovisualThe peripherals market ranges from very affordable options to high-end devices, so it's worth prioritizing those you use daily (monitor, keyboard, mouse, headphones) and reviewing buying tips before deciding.

Furthermore, it is worth considering the quality, durability and the brandChoosing well-known manufacturers with good warranties and support can be more cost-effective in the medium and long term than going for the cheapest option initially.

Finally, it is recommended research and compare modelsReading user reviews and expert recommendations will help you ensure that the chosen peripheral truly meets your needs.

Be clear on these points It will help you build a balanced, comfortable desktop environment ready for both work and digital leisure, with peripherals that fit the way you use your computer.