What components do you find necessary when building your desktop? I think it has been years since I have included a floppy drive in a computer. CD-ROM/DVD depends on what I am doing with it. I have a bunch of extra cd-roms around so I can usually throw one in, but I don't really feel a DVD-Burner/CD Burner is essential. Especially since I have an external one I can just plugged in as necessary.

I guess my key components would be:

motherboard (obviously) (usually onboard sound, network card all that so I don't have to mess with the extra cards)
cpu (obviously)
memory (obviously)
USB 2.0 ports. The more the merrier
cooling case
extra fans


That is really the core for me. Keyboard and mice are just pulled from the junk pile.

My must haves are:

Mobo
CPU (The faster the better, always AMD though)
RAM (The more the better)
HDD (The bigger the better)
GFX Card
USB 2.0
Firewire
DVD ROM or RW
Media Card Reader
Lots and lots of fans....

You guys forgot the PSU and case.

-C

I dont use a PSU or case
I have a hamster in a wheel powering my PC and I hang all my components from the ceiling with string...












Ok ok and a good PSU (at least 30A) and good, cool (temp not looks) case

Ah. I have to have several USB outlets. Its one of the most important things in my computer besides for the essentials. It enables me to download and upload data.
...
and, of course, a PC case would be nice.