Building a gaming PC requires the selection of the right components – and those components must jive together in order to ensure optimal performance. Here are the essential steps to choosing the parts for a gaming PC.
First, decide on a budget. Deciding on how much money you want to spend on your parts will determine the level of performance you will get out of your PC. If money isn’t an issue, then you will be able to build a powerful gaming machine. If you’re on a budget, you can still attain decent performance by sacrificing some components for lower-cost alternatives.
Second, assess your needs. Consider the types of games you will be playing and at what resolutions. If you’re planning to only play older titles, then a low-end graphics card would be suitable. If you’re into modern gaming, then you may require a mid-level or high-end graphics card.
Third, pick a CPU. You should pick a processor that is fast enough to handle the tasks you will be asking it to. Consider the number of cores (e.g. quad-core vs. hex-core), the speed, and the power requirements of the processor to determine which one is best for you.
Fourth, purchase the remaining components. These include the motherboard, RAM, hard drives, and case. Again, your choice of components will be dictated by your budget and needs. It’s important to stick with trusted brands such as ASUS, GIGABYTE, and Corsair for your hardware.
Fifth, choose the Enclosure. You should decide what type of case best meets your needs. Do you want something that is easily transportable or one that looks good on your desk? Take into consideration the size, style and features of the case when making your decision.
Finally, pick the accessories. Accessories like cooling solutions, displays, and peripherals will make your gaming PC complete. Consider the features of each accessory and the cost-benefit of each one to determine which ones would be the best for your gaming PC.
Memory
The RAM is one of the most important components in a gaming PC, as it will determine the number of tasks your PC can handle at once. When choosing the RAM for your gaming PC, it is important to take into consideration factors such as the clock speed, the type of RAM (DDR2, DDR3, etc.), and the capacity.
When selecting RAM for a gaming PC, it is best to opt for higher-capacity RAM, such as 8 GB or more. This will give your gaming PC ample memory to process the games you are playing, as well as all the other tasks you will be running concurrently. Additionally, you should select a RAM with a high clock speed, such as 1600 MHz or higher.
Also important to consider is the type of RAM. If you are planning to overclock your processor, then you should purchase RAM specifically designed for this purpose. If not, then any type of DDR RAM should be adequate.
Motherboard
Choosing the right motherboard is essential for a successful gaming PC build. The motherboard will determine what processor and features the PC can support, and it is a key factor in how well the PC will perform.
When picking a motherboard, it is important to consider factors such as the socket type, form factor, and expansion slots. The socket type specifies the type of processor your PC can support, and it is also important to take into account the form factor, as this will determine the size of the board and the type of case you will need. Additionally, look for expansion slots (e.g. PCI-E, USB), as this will determine the type of peripherals and graphics cards that your PC can use.
It’s also important to note the brand of the motherboard, as some are more reliable than others. Highly-recommended brands include ASUS, GIGABYTE, and MSI. This is especially important if you plan to overclock your processor.
Storage
When selecting the storage for your gaming PC, which includes hard drives and/or solid-state drives (SSDs), it is important to consider the size, type and speed of each.
Large-capacity storage such as 1TB or more is recommended, as it will ensure that your PC can store all the data it needs. Additionally, an SSD is important if you want to reduce the boot-up time, as well as improve the overall performance of the PC.
For hard drives, consider the type, such as SATA III or SAS. SATA III drives offer faster speeds than SATA II, so opt for SATA III if possible. SAS drives are typically faster, but also more expensive.
In terms of speed, look for drives with 7200 RPM or more. In general, the faster the drive, the better the performance of the PC.
Graphics Card
The graphics card is perhaps the most important component of a gaming PC, as it will determine the visual performance of the PC. When choosing the graphics card, consider factors such as the type, the clock speed, and the memory.
For modern gaming, it is recommended to opt for high-end cards such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX series or the AMD Radeon HD series. These cards offer the highest level of performance, and they are also the most expensive.
When picking a card, consider the clock speed. The higher the speed, the better the performance. Additionally, you should also look for cards with at least 1GB of GDDR5 memory, as this will ensure that you can play the latest games without any lagging or stuttering.
Also important to consider is the power requirements. Some graphics cards require a large amount of power, so make sure that your PSU is capable of supporting the card you select.
Cooling Solutions
When building a gaming PC, it is important to ensure that the components remain cool during periods of high usage. To keep the PC cool, proper ventilation is essential, as well as a good liquid cooling system.
When selecting a liquid cooling system, consider features such as the radiator size, the type of pump and fan, and the noise level. It is important to select a system that is powerful enough to cool your PC, yet quiet enough that it does not interfere with your gaming experience.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the cooling system is properly installed. Investing in a system with a good warranty is recommended, as some warranties will even cover the cost of installation.
It is also important to choose a case that allows for good ventilation, as well as additional cooling systems such as fans and external radiators. Choose a case that provides plenty of space for the components, and make sure that the case has the right type of fans to draw the heat away from the components.
Finally, make sure that the system is properly maintained and kept dust-free to ensure optimal cooling.
Peripherals
When building a gaming PC, a good monitor, mouse and keyboard are essential. The monitor should be chosen based on the resolution and features (e.g. gaming features, refresh rate). Additionally, it is important to look into things such as the response time and viewing angle.
For the mouse and keyboard, it is important to consider factors such as the comfort level, the type of keys, the number of buttons, and the type of software. For the keyboard, you may consider an ergonomic option for more comfort.
It is also important to consider the gaming features of each. For instance, many mice and keyboards now come with customizable profiles, macros and the ability to save certain configurations. This can be useful for those who play multiple types of games.
Some peripherals also come with additional features such as RGB lighting, programmable hotkeys, and wireless technology. These features are not essential, but they can add to the overall gaming experience.
Power Supply
The power supply is another important component when building a gaming PC. It is important to choose a power supply that is not only reliable, but also powerful enough to support the components in the PC.
When selecting a power supply, take into account factors such as the wattage, the form factor, and the design. It is best to opt for a power supply with a high wattage, such as 500W or more. Additionally, consider the form factor, as this will determine the size of the power supply and the type of case you need.
It is also important to consider the design of the power supply, as some come with modular cables and other features that can improve the cable management of your PC. Alternatively, you may opt for a non-modular power supply if you do not need these features.
Also important to consider is the brand, as some are more reliable than others. Popular brands such as Corsair, Thermaltake and Antec are typically a good choice.
When buying a power supply, make sure to check that it is compatible with the components in your gaming PC.
