If you want to build a gaming PC, you’ll need the right tools and components. You must choose the right CPU, motherboard, RAM and GPU, as well as a cooling system and power supply. The first step is to choose the best CPU. The Intel Core i7-9700K is a decent choice, as it offers eight cores and eight threads, ensuring speedy performance. Next, select a motherboard. You’ll want one with enough ports to handle your peripherals, and that supports the CPU you chose. The ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero is a great choice. Then, pick RAM. Ideally, look for something with a decent clock speed, such as the G.SKILL Trident Z. Now onto the graphics card: an Nvidia RTX 2070 Super is a great choice for a good balance of power and budget. For cooling, look for an AIO cooler from a reputable manufacturer, like Corsair. Finally, you’ll need some power, so try and find something with at least 500W of power, like the EVGA 500B.
Choosing the Right Case
When putting your gaming PC together, the case is an important component. The case houses all the components, so it’s important to find one that has enough space and ventilation for all your components. Consider your budget and what features you want before making a decision. Look for something with good airflow, support for any extra cooling fans and dust filters, and dust-proof side panels. You also want something that’s esthetically pleasing and that meshes well with the rest of your setup.
Installing the Components
Once you’ve chosen the components, it’s time to install them. Start with the CPU. Unclip the socket cover, mount the CPU, apply some thermal paste, then close the socket cover. Next, mount the CPU cooler, being sure to align the fan correctly so it can draw air through the case. Then, put the RAM in the DIMM slots and secure it with the clips. Then, attach the GPU, plug in the PCIe power cable and then secure it with the screws.
Installing the Operating System
Now it’s time to install the operating system. You’ll need a Windows installation USB drive, or a DVD drive for the disc-based version of Windows. After booting the machine, follow the on-screen prompts to install Windows. Once installed, connect your peripherals (keyboard, mouse, etc.) and turn the machine on. Windows should automatically detect and install any drivers it needs. Once the machine is up and running, install any other software you need, like Steam and other gaming-related applications.
Adding More Components
Once your gaming PC is up and running, it’s time to start adding more components. These can be simple things, like a WiFi card and additional storage, or peripherals, like a gaming mouse and headset. Start by connecting your peripherals. Then, install any additional cards and drives you need. For example, a WiFi card can be easily mounted, as it doesn’t require a PCIe slot like a GPU does. Lastly, make sure everything is connected, and power on the computer again.
Troubleshooting
While most modern parts are easy enough for anyone to put together, things can always go wrong. If your PC won’t turn on, check the plugs; make sure everything is plugged in correctly. If all the plugs are correctly connected but the machine won’t turn on, it may be a bad power supply or motherboard. If you’re having trouble with certain components, check Windows Device Manager to see if they are being recognized. If they are not, check the cables and make sure they are secure. If the problem persists, consider contacting the manufacturer or visiting a repair shop.
Testing
Once you’ve put your PC together and installed the operating system and software, it’s time to test it. Start by stress testing the CPU, RAM and GPU. A tool like Prime95 can be used to check the stability of the CPU, whileBenchmarking and 3D-Mark can be used to check the GPU performance. These tools will help you determine the performance levels of your gaming PC. Once the tests are complete, it’s time to break out your favorite games and start playing.
Upgrading
As technology progresses, it’s important to keep up. Upgrading components like the CPU, GPU and RAM can have a significant performance boost on your gaming PC. When upgrading components, consider your budget and what type of games you usually play. If you play graphics-intensive games, it may be wise to invest in a higher-end graphics card, while if you play more CPU-intensive games, upgrading the CPU is a great option. Keep an eye out for sales and discounts to get the best value for your money.
Cooling
Most gaming PCs produce a lot of heat, so it’s important to ensure that your PC is well-cooled. Invest in a quality liquid cooling system or at least one or two extra fans to keep the air moving. Dust also affects your PC’s cooling system over time, so make sure to clean it out periodically. Finally, consider overclocking your PC. This can boost performance, but it raises the temperature of your hardware. Make sure to keep an eye on the temperature of your components when overclocking to avoid any potential damage.
