Building a powerful gaming PC doesn’t have to be expensive nor difficult. With the right components, you can build a budget-friendly gaming computer that can compete with expensive pre-built desktops. In this guide, we’ll show you how to build a gaming PC and what components to choose.
To start, you will need to acquire the basic components: the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), cooling system, power supply, RAM, and storage drive. Most importantly, you’ll need a dedicated graphics card to play the latest games. Intel and AMD are the two leading brands for processors, and retailer sites such as Amazon and Newegg are great places to find components.
Before buying any components, check the compatibility. Do a research to check the motherboard specs, such as the processor socket and RAM slots. Some motherboards only support certain CPUs and types of RAM. The same goes for graphics cards and power supplies.
To get the best gaming performance, prioritize the graphics card. For example, you might consider buying the AMD Radeon HD 7850 graphics card if you want decent performance and don’t want to spend too much.
For extreme gamers and performance enthusiasts, you’ll need to invest in a powerful graphics card, such as the Nvidia GTX 980 Ti. This card offers the best performance, but you’ll need to upgrade the power supply as well to get the full performance.
Next, you’ll need to install the CPU and heatsink/fan combination to keep the processor cool. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the CPU, and use thermal paste for extra cooling.
Install the RAM on the motherboard. Refer to the manual for specific RAM slots. Make sure to buy compatible RAM with the right speed and latency for the processor. If you are using a dual-channel memory setup, insert the RAM modules into the designated slots, as specified in the manual.
Graphics Card
The GPU is the key component when it comes to gaming performance. Fortunately, there are many options available, ranging from budget to high-end cards. It all depends on your budget and gaming requirements.
When buying a graphics card, consider the size and type of games you want to play. Different games require different levels of performance and video memory. For popular games such as Witcher 3 or Fallout 4, you’ll need at least 4 GB of video RAM.
The most important features of a graphics card include the type of processor, clock speed, memory, number of processors, and number of transistors. Graphics cards based on Nvidia GTX and AMD Radeon GPUs are the most popular for gaming. You should also consider the power consumption of the card and the compatibility with your PC case.
You can buy a graphics card online or in your local store. Before buying, search online to compare prices. Some online stores offer discounts, so it pays to shop around.
Make sure to buy a graphics card with the right port. Most graphics cards have a DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI ports. Some graphics cards also come with an adapter for VGA ports.
Most graphics cards require an external power connection. Make sure to buy a card with the right connections, such as a 6-pin or 8-pin connection. Also make sure to have an appropriate power supply unit to match the power requirement of the graphics card.
Power Supply
The power supply unit (PSU) provides the power for all the components in your system. When purchasing a PSU, make sure it can support the power requirements of the GPU and other components. Invest in a good quality power supply to avoid power or system instability issues.
Choosing the right wattage is important. 300 to 500 Watts is enough for a basic gaming system with a single graphics card. For high-end gaming rigs with multiple GPUs, 800 to 1000 Watts should be enough.
Make sure to get a quality PSU with good reviews. Also, look for an efficiency rating of at least 80%, so you’ll save some power in the long run. A modular PSU is also a good idea because it will reduce clutter in the system and you’ll only have to plug in the power connectors you need.
Finally, make sure to buy a PSU with the right connectors. Most GPUs will require at least one 6-pin or 8-pin PCI-E power connector.
Cooling System
A good cooling system is important for keeping your system stable and cool. This is especially true for the GPU, which generates a lot of heat. You can buy aftermarket fans, or an all-in-one liquid cooling system.
For high-end gaming PCs, buying a full aftermarket cooling system is a must. There are many options available, from air coolers to liquid coolers. Air coolers are usually cheaper and easier to install, but liquid coolers offer better performance.
When shopping for a cooling system, make sure to buy a model that’s compatible with your CPU and GPU. Also, if you are using a liquid cooling system, make sure to get the right type of tubing and connectors.
Finally, make sure to have adequate airflow in your case. Install the correct size of fans in front and rear of the case, and use dust filters to keep the air clean. This will help improve air cooling performance and ensure that the system stays stable and cool.
Storage Drive
The storage drive is where you will store all your data, such as games and other programs. For gamers, the ideal storage drive would be an SSD (Solid State Drive). SSDs offer faster loading times and performance than traditional HDD (Hard Disk Drive) because they have no moving parts.
When choosing a storage drive, consider the type of games you are playing and your budget. An SSD with a 240GB capacity should be enough for most gamers. If you plan on storing a lot of data, consider a 512GB or 1TB SSD. If budget is your priority and need large storage, go for a traditional HDD with 2TB or more.
Make sure to buy a drive with the right connection. Most motherboards now support the m.2 form factor, which provides faster speeds than conventional SATA drives. Additionally, check the compatibility of the drive with your system and motherboard.
For extreme gamers, consider buying a RAID setup or multiple SSDs for improved performance. A RAID setup with two or more SSDs can provide faster loading times and improved performance.
Conclusion
Building a powerful gaming PC requires more than just high-end components. To get the best performance, you need to pay attention to the details. Make sure to check the compatibility of the components and prioritize the graphics card. Additionally, invest in a good quality cooling system and power supply. Finally, choose your storage drive depending on your budget and gaming requirements.
