Building a gaming PC is no easy task, but there are certain vital elements that you’ll need to consider. To build a powerful gaming desktop computer, the components required are a processor, a motherboard, RAM, a solid state drive, a graphics card and a power supply. Each of these components need to be carefully selected in terms of quality, compatibility and overall performance. Let’s explore these essential components for a gaming PC.
CPU/Processor
The processor is the brain of the PC, so selecting a powerful, yet energy efficient unit is essential. There are several processor brands available, such as Intel, AMD and ARM. Intel offers the highest performance at the highest cost, whilst ARM offers the lowest, but still offers powerful performance. AMD processors are a great compromise between the two, offering a balance of performance and price. It’s important to research the different types available to decide which is right for you.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the foundation of the PC and acts as a communication hub between all the components. Choosing a motherboard with the right socket type, connector type, and compatible speed is important to ensure that all components are communicating efficiently and optimally. The motherboard should also have enough RAM slots, and the right PCI-E slots for the GPU.
RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) functions as a storage space for active applications and data. Gaming PC’s require plenty of RAM so ensure that you pick a motherboard that has enough RAM slots and that has a compatible speed. If you’re planning to do some heavy gaming, 16 Megabytes is the minimum amount of RAM you should have.
Solid State Drive
Solid State Drives (SSDs) are now being used as the primary storage unit in gaming PC builds. An SSD is faster, quieter, and more energy efficient than a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and offers faster loading times, improved performance and a larger storage capacity.
Graphics Card
The graphics card is one of the most important components in a gaming PC as it is responsible for rendering the graphical elements of a game. It is also responsible for any 3D elements that may be present in certain games. Before settling on a graphics card, make sure to research which cards offer the best performance for the budget that you have.
Power Supply
A power supply is an essential part of a gaming build as it is responsible for powering the components. It is important to select a power supply that is efficient, reliable and has enough output to power all the components in your build. Make sure to check that the power supply is rated at least 80 Plus certified and that it has the right connector type.
Cooling Systems
Gaming PCs generate a lot of heat, so it’s important to choose a cooling system that can keep your computer cool. Liquid cooling systems are becoming more popular in gaming PCs, as they are more efficient and effective at cooling components. Having an efficient cooling system is essential for ensuring that your gaming PC performs at its best.
Upgradability
As technology advances, the components of your gaming PC will become outdated and will need to be upgraded. When selecting components for your gaming PC, make sure that they are compatible with each other, and that they support the latest upgrades from your chosen brand. For example, if you are using Intel processor, make sure it’s compatible with future Intel upgrades.
Price vs. Performance
When selecting components for your gaming PC, it’s important to consider both the price and the level of performance you require. It may be worth investing more money on the components to get higher performance, or alternatively you may wish to save money and sacrifice some performance. It’s important to create a balanced PC build so you don’t overspend or under-invest in certain components.
Research and Plan
Before committing to purchase any components, make sure that you research the options available and make sure they are compatible with each other. Read reviews, check benchmarks and be sure to ask questions before you make a purchase. Planning ahead and researching components before hand will make your build much easier and help you select parts that are right for you.
Warranty
When purchasing components for your gaming PC, make sure that they come with a valid warranty. Ensure that you understand the warranty before you make a purchase, as some brands may only offer a warranty on certain parts or components. It’s important to have a valid warranty in case anything happens to the components, so it pays to research this information before committing to any purchases.
Conclusion
Building a gaming PC requires proper research and planning. It is important to select the components carefully, considering performance, price and compatibility between each component. Make sure that you consider the warranty, which should cover all components, and be sure to read reviews from reputable sources. By following these steps, you’ll be sure to build a gaming PC that meets your requirements and budget.
