Building your own gaming PC in 2016 means becoming an adept at balancing practicality and performance. To dedicate an entire gaming machine is to face a series of decisions such as budget, hardware, and design. With these points in mind, we shall help you make these choices easily. Here are some tips on how to build your own gaming PC in 2016.
Know Your Need
First, assess your gaming needs. Will you be playing cutting edge games, or your games be five years or older? That will inform the type of hardware you’ll need. Once you’ve identified what you’ll be using the machine for, you’re ready to build.
Choose Your Platform
Secondly, choose the platform for your PC. It’s advisable to shop around. Popular ones include the Intel Core i5 2500K processor and others from the Intel Core i7 family. The AMD Phenom X4 is great as well. Also, you’ll need to consider your graphics card. You can find quality mid-ranged cards like the Radeon HD 7950 card, or cutting-edge gaming cards like the Radeon HD 7970.
Assemble the Parts
Thirdly, it’s time to assemble your parts. This includes the CPU and its heatsink, the memory modules, the storage devices, the power supply, and if you’ve got it, the GPU. Make sure all the components are compatible before assembly, and ensure to read the owner’s manual if you’re unsure.
Finalize Installation
Fourth, it’s time to finalize the installation. Attach the power cables, and you’re ready for the next step: activations, updates, and verification. When the Windows installation completes, you’re now ready to customize your gaming PC.
Purchase Retail Version of Games
Fifth, purchase the retail version of your favorite games. Digital downloads are so in, but go for a hard copy of the games. It costs more, but you’ll have a copy you can play anywhere, with support in case something goes wrong.
Test Benchmark Scores
Finally, benchmark your newly built gaming PC to check its performance. Do this to ensure that your game runs as you expect. It’s easy to do this, since there are many benchmarking programs out there.
Know Your Computer Company
When it comes to repairing your PC, you will want to be familiar with the people who are working on it. Research the computer company you buy from, so you can be comfortable with the people you will be dealing with. When you have a good relationship with your computer company, you can get the most from their services.
Be Careful with Physical Effects
When you build a gaming PC, you need to be careful of the type of physical effects it has on the inner workings of the system. Avoid letting the PC overheat, as this can reduce performance and cause damage. Also, be aware of dust buildup in the system, as it can reduce airflow and cause heating issues.
Choose Proper Hardware
Choosing the right hardware is essential when it comes to building your own gaming PC. Get the right CPU, memory, and motherboards to ensure your machine has the best performance and reliability. Check benchmarks when you can, as well as the reviews of hardware from others to ensure you are getting a quality product.
Update Drivers and Power Settings
Make sure you keep your drivers up-to-date, as this is critical for peak performance in gaming. Pay attention to power settings for energy savings, as well as gaming settings for the best game play performance. Paying attention to these will keep your PC in its best shape.
Routine Maintenance is Essential
Routine maintenance is key when you own a gaming PC. Schedule regular maintenance to keep your machine running optimally. This includes cleaning dust and cleaning any parts necessary, as well as running full scans for malware and viruses.
