The Computer Used in PCB Board Design: What Nobody Tells Beginners

Introduction

Last year, I watched a friend spend ₹80,000 on a high-end gaming laptop thinking he needed it for PCB design work. Two months later, I showed him my designs—made on a 6-year-old desktop with 8GB RAM. The truth? The computer used in PCB board design matters way less than you think, and the software you choose matters way more.​

Whether you’re planning to design computer PCBs, mobile boards, or smart TV circuits, understanding what hardware and software you actually need can save you thousands of rupees (or dollars) and months of confusion. Let me break down what really works based on hands-on experience with multiple PCB projects.​

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Quick Answer: What Computer Do You Need for PCB Design?

For most beginner-to-intermediate PCB design work, you need:

• CPU: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 (or better)
• RAM: 8GB minimum, 16GB recommended
• Storage: 256GB SSD for faster software loading
• GPU: Integrated graphics work fine; dedicated GPU optional for 3D visualization​

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What Is the Computer Used in PCB Board Design?

The computer used in PCB board design isn’t a special machine—it’s any regular desktop or laptop capable of running CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software efficiently. You don’t need workstation-grade systems unless you’re designing highly complex multi-layer boards with thousands of components.​

In India, most PCB workshops and small manufacturers use mid-range desktops with Windows 10 or 11. In the USA, professionals often prefer MacBooks or high-spec Windows machines, but honestly, the software does 90% of the heavy lifting.​

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Which Software Is Used for PCB Designing?

Here’s where beginners get confused. The computer used in PCB board design runs specialized EDA (Electronic Design Automation) software. Let me list the most practical ones:​

Free Options (Perfect for Beginners):

• KiCad – Open-source, works on Windows/Mac/Linux, no licensing headaches​
• EasyEDA – Browser-based option, lightweight, great for learning​
• CircuitMaker – Free Altium-powered tool for hobbyists​

Paid Professional Tools:

• Altium Designer – Industry standard, advanced features, expensive​
• Eagle (Autodesk) – Mid-range pricing, widely used in USA​
• OrCAD – Powerful simulation tools, corporate favorite​
• Allegro PCB Designer – For high-density, complex boards​

When I started, I used KiCad on a Core i3 laptop with 4GB RAM. It wasn’t smooth for 3D board visualization, but schematic capture and routing worked perfectly. The computer used in PCB board design doesn’t define your skill—practice does.​

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Is a CPU a PCB?

No, a CPU is not a PCB, but they’re closely related. Here’s the difference:​

• CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the processor chip—the “brain” that does calculations
• PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is the physical board that holds the CPU and connects it to other components​

A CPU PCB refers to the motherboard or circuit board that hosts the CPU chip, controllers, and peripheral connections. Think of it like this: the PCB is the stage, the CPU is the main actor. In computer design, the motherboard is the main PCB that houses the CPU, RAM slots, GPU connections, and power circuits.​

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PCB Components List with Pictures

Every PCB design involves placing and connecting components. Here’s what you’ll work with:​

Basic Components:

• Resistors (R) – Control current flow, cylindrical shape with color bands​
• Capacitors (C) – Store electrical charge, various shapes (cylindrical, rectangular SMD)​
• Diodes (D) – Allow current in one direction, marked with stripe​
• Transistors (Q) – Switches or amplifiers, 3-pin components​
• Inductors (L) – Store energy in magnetic fields, coil-shaped​
• Integrated Circuits (U) – Complex chips like microcontrollers, black rectangular packages​
• Switches – Manual controls for circuit operation​

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PCB Components Identification

When you’re analyzing or repairing a board, identification is crucial. Here’s the practical approach I use:​

Method 1: Reference Designators
Every component has a printed label like R5 (resistor), C10 (capacitor), or U2 (IC). Cross-reference these with the schematic or BOM (Bill of Materials) for exact specs.​

Method 2: Physical Appearance

• Through-hole components – Leads go through PCB holes, easier to identify and replace​
• SMD (Surface Mount) – Tiny rectangular packages soldered directly on the surface​
• Visual cues – LEDs are transparent/colored bulbs; ICs are black chips with multiple pins​

Method 3: Testing
Use a multimeter to test resistors, capacitors, and diodes when labels are unclear or components look damaged.​

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What Is PC on a Circuit Board?

“PC” on a circuit board stands for Printed Circuit. A PC board (or PCB) is a non-conductive material (usually fiberglass) with conductive copper traces etched onto it. These traces connect electronic components to form a working circuit.​

In computer manufacturing, “PC board” often refers to boards used in personal computers—like motherboards, GPU PCBs, power supply unit (PSU) PCBs, and storage device PCBs. The computer used in PCB board design helps engineers create these PC boards using CAD software and simulation tools.​

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Real-World Computer Requirements for PCB Design

Based on actual experience designing computer, mobile, and TV PCBs, here’s what works:

Budget Setup (₹30,000 – ₹50,000 / $400 – $600)

• Core i3 or Ryzen 3
• 8GB RAM
• 256GB SSD
• Integrated graphics
• Works for: KiCad, EasyEDA, simple 2-4 layer boards​

Professional Setup (₹70,000 – ₹1,20,000 / $900 – $1500)

• Core i7 or Ryzen 7
• 16-32GB RAM
• 512GB NVMe SSD
• Mid-range GPU (optional)
• Works for: Altium, Eagle, OrCAD, complex HDI boards​

Advanced Setup (₹1,50,000+ / $2000+)

• High-clock multi-core CPU
• 64GB RAM
• 1TB NVMe storage
• RTX GPU for 3D rendering
• Works for: Large-scale manufacturing design, concurrent 3D mechanical integration​

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Common Mistakes Beginners Make

Mistake 1: Buying Expensive Hardware First
Start with free software on your existing computer. The computer used in PCB board design should be upgraded based on actual project needs, not assumptions.​

Mistake 2: Ignoring Software Learning Curve
KiCad is free but has a steeper learning curve than Eagle. Choose based on available tutorials and community support.​

Mistake 3: Not Checking Component Libraries
Altium and Eagle have massive component libraries. Verify your target software has the parts you need or learn to create custom symbols.​

Mistake 4: Skipping Design Rule Checks (DRC)
Every major software has built-in DRC to catch errors before manufacturing. Always run checks—it’ll save you from costly mistakes.​

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Buying Guide: Software Selection for Indian and USA Markets

For Indian Users:

• Best free option: KiCad – no import/export hassles, full-featured​
• Best paid option: Eagle (Autodesk subscription ₹15,000-25,000/year)​
• For students: Many universities provide Altium student licenses​

For USA Users:

• Hobbyist: CircuitMaker or KiCad​
• Professional: Altium Designer (industry standard) or Allegro​
• Startup-friendly: Eagle or OrCAD with monthly subscriptions​

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Design Workflow: From Computer to Manufactured PCB

Here’s the typical process using the computer used in PCB board design:

1. Schematic capture – Draw your circuit diagram in software​
2. Component selection – Choose parts from libraries or create custom symbols​
3. PCB layout – Place components and route traces​
4. Design Rule Check – Verify spacing, trace widths, clearance​
5. 3D visualization – Check for physical fit and mechanical issues​
6. Generate manufacturing files – Export Gerber, drill files, BOM​
7. Send to manufacturer – Submit files to PCB fab house in India (like PCBPower, Lion Circuits) or USA (PCBWay, JLCPCB) [EXTERNAL SOURCE LINK – PCB MANUFACTURER]

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Advantages and Limitations

Advantages of Computer-Based PCB Design:

• Faster iterations compared to manual drafting​
• Automatic error checking with DRC tools​
• 3D visualization prevents mechanical conflicts​
• Easy collaboration with cloud-based tools​
• Component libraries save design time​

Limitations:

• Learning curve for professional software​
• Expensive licensing for advanced tools​
• Requires basic computer literacy​
• 3D rendering needs decent GPU​

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FAQs

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Author Bio:

Written by Sumit Patil, a PCB industry enthusiast with hands-on experience in computer, mobile, and smart TV PCB analysis, sourcing, and repair. Through pcbvibe.com, he shares practical, beginner-friendly PCB knowledge for readers in India and the USA.