Building a gaming PC can be quite daunting, especially if you are new to the concept. You may be wondering what components you need and how much it will all cost. This article will provide all the essential information you need to know about what components you will need and how much each cost for a great gaming experience.
The first and most important element of the gaming PC is the processor, also known as the CPU. This determines the speed of the computer and how well it can handle games. You will want to choose the best processor for your budget that suits your gaming needs. Intel and AMD both offer a wide range of processors for gamers, so do some research before making a decision. You’ll likely fall somewhere between $100 and $500 for a good processor.
A gaming PC needs a good graphics card, also known as a GPU. This determines the overall graphical capabilities of the computer and controls how games look. The most popular brands of graphics cards are Nvidia and AMD, both ranging from budget-friendly to high-end models. Yearly releases of a new series of GPUs tend to increase the cost, so budget wisely. Prices may vary between $100 to $1000, depending on your budget and needs.
A proper gaming PC should include enough internal memory for smooth running performance. This means having a good amount of RAM. The minimum requirement to play games would be 8 GB, but having 12 – 16 GB is ideal. Expect to spend between $20 and $150 on system memory.
You will also want a good motherboard to ensure compatibility with your other components. It will also provide more ports and allow more expansion. You will find a wide range of motherboards sold by many different brands, so budget wisely. Prices may vary between $40 to $350.
Another important element of the gaming rig is storage. You will need enough storage for your games, files, and applications. You can go for either the storage method of your choice or get a combination of both. HDD (Hard Disk Drives) are inexpensive but lack speed, while SSDs (Solid-State Drives) are very fast and reliable but are also more expensive. Prices will vary between $30 to $200.
Finally, you will also want a good quality power supply unit to provide power to all the components in the gaming rig. It should also be capable of providing enough power when overclocking and running multiple components. Prices may vary between $40 to $400, depending on your budget and needs.
Processors
A processor is one of the most important components of a gaming PC as it determines the speed of the computer and how well it can handle games. It is important to choose the best processor for your budget that suits your gaming needs. Intel and AMD both offer a wide range of processors for gamers, so do some research before making a decision. A good processor will cost you between $100 to $500.
The processor you choose should be able to process the data from your games with ease. It should be fast enough to reduce lag and should provide enough power for multitasking when needed. It should also come with enough memory to run the applications you need for your games. A good processor should also come with a good cooling system so it does not overheat.
It is important to note that the faster the processor, the more energy it consumes and the more expensive it will be. When choosing a processor, it is important to consider your budget as well as the gaming requirements of your system.
You should also check the compatibility of your processor with the other components in your gaming PC. As components are released with different specifications, it is important to pick a processor that can handle the demands of your system.
If you are building a gaming PC on a tight budget, you can look for processors with a lower base clock speed but with an unlocked multiplier, so you can overclock the processor when needed. This can give you an extra boost in performance without breaking the bank.
Graphics Card
The graphics card, also known as a GPU, is another important component of a gaming PC. It is responsible for the overall graphical capabilities of the computer and controls how games look. The most popular brands of graphics cards are Nvidia and AMD, both ranging from budget-friendly to high-end models. Yearly releases of a new series of GPUs tend to increase the cost, so budget wisely.
The graphics cards come in different sizes, so make sure to get one that is suitable for your motherboard. Larger graphics cards can require more power and might block any other expansion cards from being installed. Smaller graphics cards should still provide enough power for gaming and will be a better fit for your gaming PC.
A lot of the newer graphics cards come with additional features such as built-in RGB lighting, real-time monitoring, and overclockable settings. If you plan to do any overclocking, make sure to get an appropriate graphics card to handle the increased power drain. Prices may vary between $100 to $1000, depending on your budget and needs.
It is important to note that the graphics card you choose should be compatible with your processor. Make sure to do your research and pick the right graphics card for your gaming rig. For those who do not want to splurge on high-end graphics cards, a budget-friendly option can still perform well and provide enough power for gaming.
Keep in mind that the graphics card you choose will also determine the resolution that you can play at. The higher the resolution, the more detail you will experience. If you want to make full use of the graphics card, then you should get a monitor with a higher resolution to get the full experience.
System Memory
A good gaming PC needs enough internal memory to make sure it runs smoothly. This is known as system memory, or RAM. The minimum requirement to play games would be 8 GB, but having 12 – 16 GB is ideal. The amount of RAM you need will depend on the type of games that you plan to play. If you are using heavier applications, then you may need more RAM.
System memory comes in different speeds, sizes, and budgets, so you should determine what type you need for your gaming rig. The most popular RAM for gaming is DDR4, which offers good performance and better compatibility with other components. This type of RAM also scales better in multi-GPU solutions.
You should also make sure that the system memory you choose is compatible with your processor and motherboard. The frequency of your RAM should also be taken into consideration. Higher clock frequencies of your RAM can help boost performance in certain games.
Expect to spend between $20 and $150 on system memory. It is important to check the compatibility of your RAM before making a purchase. Make sure to budget wisely and get the right amount of RAM for your gaming needs.
Motherboard
A gaming PC should also include a good motherboard to ensure compatibility with your other components. It will also provide more ports and allow more expansion. You will find a wide range of motherboards sold by many different brands, so budget wisely. Prices may vary between $40 to $350.
When choosing a motherboard, you should consider the size, features, and overall compatibility with your other components. You should also look for features that match your gaming needs such as more ports, better audio, and additional slots for expansion. The quality of the motherboard is also important, as it determines the reliability of your gaming rig.
Make sure to choose a motherboard that has the right form factor for your case. This will depend on the size of your case, as smaller cases require smaller motherboards such as mATX or mini-ITX. Make sure to check the compatibility between the motherboard and case before making any purchases.
It is important to note that the latest motherboards can come with newer features such as USB 3.1 ports, M.2 slots, and DDR4 RAM support. Make sure to check the overall compatibility of your motherboard, especially when it comes to the latest components.
Motherboards usually come with a range of additional features such as RGB lighting and fan control. If you plan on overclocking your processor, then look for a motherboard with good power delivery and cooling solutions. You should also check for features such as overclocking profiles, auto-overclocking, and voltage control.
Storage
A gaming PC needs enough storage for your games, files, and applications. You can go for either the storage method of your choice or get a combination of both. HDD (Hard Disk Drives) are inexpensive but lack speed, while SSDs (Solid-State Drives) are very fast and reliable but are also more expensive.
HDDs are the more affordable option and come in a wide range of capacities. They may not be as fast or reliable as SSDs, but they are good for applications that need more storage. For games, you can get away with larger storage capacities and even store games on an external HDD.
SSDs, on the other hand, are much faster and provide good reliability, but are more expensive. They come in smaller capacities but are good for installing games as they are more responsive. It is important to note that some gaming PCs come with an SSD, which can provide an advantage in loading times.
If you are on a budget, you can still get a good combination of both storage types. It is important to decide what type of storage you need before making a purchase. Prices may vary between $30 to $200, depending on the type, capacity, and speed of the storage.
Power Supply Unit
A good quality power supply unit is also essential for a gaming PC. It should provide power to all the components in the gaming rig and should be capable of providing enough power when overclocking or running multiple components.
The amount of power your gaming PC needs will depend on the components you are planning to use. More powerful components will usually require more power. You should also consider the efficiency of the power supply, as cheaper units may be less efficient and waste more energy.
When choosing a power supply, make sure to get one that is compatible with your other components. There are several types and sizes available, so you should choose one that is suitable for your gaming rig. It is recommended to get a modular power supply, as this allows you to connect only the cables you need, thus saving space and improving airflow.
It is important to note that a higher wattage power supply may not necessarily provide more performance. Make sure to get an appropriate power supply that matches the components of your system. Prices may vary between $40 to $400, depending on your budget and needs.
