As serious and avid gamers would know, it’s hard to stay up to date with the best hardware technologies available to build game PCs. 2021 is poised to bring in new opportunities with the development of emerging technologies and a new zest to build high-end gaming PC. But then again, building a PC doesn’t come cheap, so here’s a brief guide to help you out.
To start off, you need the basic essentials for your PC – that is, the processor, a motherboard, a RAM, a graphics card and of course, an appropriate operating system.
First, let’s start with the processor which is basically the heart and soul of the system. Intel and AMD are the two major companies in the market and they both offer different types of processors. The recommended processor for a gaming PC in 2021 is the Intel 10th generation i7 processor. This processor has a multi-thread system and provides smooth gaming performance.
The next component to look out for is the motherboard. You want to go for the latest motherboard that supports the processor you’re using. Currently, the most popular option is the ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4. It supports the Intel processors and provides a good amount of RAM support.
The RAM plays an important role in the performance of a gaming PC. You should be looking for good quality RAM that has a high clock speed, preferably around 3200 MHz or higher. A good option for 2021 would be the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 16GB DDR4 RAM.
Now, time for the graphics card. A good gaming graphics card helps to push the high-end graphical requirements in modern games. This year, the latest graphics cards include the Nvidia RTX 3090 and RTX 3080 for high-end gaming and the RTX 3070 for mid-range gaming.
Finally, you need an operating system to run the PC. Windows 10 is the latest and the most popular operating system. It provides performance improvements, updated security features and more.
Processor Cooler
For a gaming PC, you’ll need to get a reliable processor cooler. There are two types – air coolers and liquid coolers. Air coolers are cheaper and more reliable, and the best option is the Cooler Master Hyper 212 RGB Black. It’s cheap, efficient, and looks aesthetically pleasing
Liquid cooling is the more expensive option, but offers higher performance, better cooling and a wider range of customizations. The Corsair Hydro Series H150i Pro is a good option and comes with a larger radiator and a powerful pump
One thing to remember is, when choosing a processor cooler, make sure it is compatible with your processor and your computer case.
Power Supply
The power supply is an important component for powering the gaming PC. The best power supply for a gaming PC should come with an 80 Plus certification, that is the certification label which shows the efficiency of the power supply.
You’ll want to look for a power supply with a minimum of 650W, as this will provide enough power to run all your components. The Corsair RM650x is a great option and comes with 80 Plus Gold certification
Also, make sure you choose a power supply that has all the necessary cables and connectors so that you are able to power all the components of your PC.
Storage
Storage is the next important component for a gaming PC and the most commonly used types are Solid State Drives (SSD) and Hard Disk Drives (HDD).
SSDs are faster, more reliable and have no moving parts, so they’re great for storing and running the operating system, as well as the games. An ideal option for 2021 would be the Samsung 970 EVO Plus 1TB.
More budget-minded gamers should go for HDDs, which are relatively cheaper compared to SSDs, making them a good option for storing files like movies, music and games. The Seagate Barracuda 2TB is a good option.
Computer Case
Finally, you’ll need a computer case to house all the components of your PC. The rule of thumb is to go for a case that is big enough to fit everything, has good airflow and great cable management.
The NZXT H510 Elite is a good option that comes with PWM fan control and a dust filter, as well as a tempered glass design. It’s big enough to fit a full-size ATX motherboard, plenty of fans and other components.
Monitor
For the best gaming experience, you’ll need a good gaming monitor that can output the highest resolution possible. The best monitors for 2021 are the Asus ROG Swift PG259QN, which is a 24″ 4K 144Hz gaming monitor and the LG 27GN950 4K 144Hz gaming monitor. Both these monitors offer great visual performance with vibrant colors and excellent picture clarity.
Peripherals
Peripherals are what make your gaming PC complete. You’ll need a good gaming mouse and keyboard, as well as a good pair of gaming headphones. The Logitech G502 RGB gaming mouse is widely considered to be the best gaming mouse in 2021 and the Logitech G915 is a great wireless gaming keyboard. For headphones, the Sennheiser GSP 500 is a great option.
These are the basic components you’ll need for building a gaming PC in 2021. Building a gaming PC isn’t as difficult as you may think and once you have all the necessary components and tools, it’s quite easy. With a little patience and practice, you’ll be able to build the ultimate gaming PC.
