Building a gaming PC from scratch can be a great way to get the custom gaming experience you’ve been dreaming of. No matter what games you’re playing, the right combination of parts can help you achieve a perfect blend of performance and visuals. To get started, you’ll need to choose the right parts, select the right hardware and assemble everything in the right way. Here’s how to build a gaming PC parts step-by-step.
1. Choose a Processor. The central processing unit (CPU) is the brains behind your gaming PC and should be your first priority. You’ll want a high end processor to get the most out of your gaming experience, so look for one that’s powerful enough to handle whatever titles you’re playing. AMD and Intel processors are both good options here, so do your research and compare them side-by-side.
2. Shop for Memory. Your next priority should be RAM. RandomAccess Memory (RAM) is important for gaming because it gives your system an adequate amount of space to load game data and instructions. If you’re playing on a budget, look for 8GB of RAM; for more intensive gaming, 16GB should do the trick. opt for faster RAM (such as DDR4), if possible.
3. Pick a Graphics Card. Graphics cards are essential for most types of gaming – especially when it comes to playing high definition titles. You’ll want a graphics card with enough power to give you unbeatable visuals when it counts most. {Look for a card with 2GB of VRAM or more, plus choose a card with a lot of CUDA cores. This will ensure the best visuals when you’re gaming.
4. Consider Storage. Don’t forget about storage, either. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are a great choice for gamers because they can reduce load times and give your games a slight advantage. If you’ve got an ample budget, look for an SSD capable of storing lots of data. For budget shoppers, 1TB should be plenty.
5. Pay Attention to Motherboards. Motherboards are the skeletons of gaming PCs because they shape the framework of your build. Pay attention to processor and RAM compatibility; you’ll need to get one that’s compatible with whichever processor and RAM you’ve chosen. Annoyingly, not all motherboards are compatible with all hardware.
6. Look for Cooling. Your PC’s cooling system should be your last line of defense when it comes to protecting your hardware from heat damage. Investing in a proper CPU cooler can keep your gaming PC running cool, no matter how intense things get. Some more advanced cooling systems use liquid too.
7. Assemble and Install. Once you’ve bought all the necessary parts, it’s time to start assembling them. It’s a good idea to break out the motherboard manual and peruse the instructions before you start building. Even if you’re comfortable with the process, a mistakes can occur. Take your time and double check everything before you power on.
Building Tips and Strategies
When it comes to building your gaming PC parts, preparation is key. Before you start, make sure you’ve got a detailed plan of action. This will involve researching each of your parts and learning how they work together. Put aside an ample budget and make sure you only buy what you need.
Make sure you’ve got a large, open working space, too. You’ll be dealing with a lot of fiddly parts, so it’s good to have some extra room when you’re connecting things. The last thing you want is for cables to be scattered everywhere.
Another important tip is to test every component before you start. Check every part separately before you plug it in and make sure it is in working order. One faulty element can cause your entire system to collapse, so it’s best to double check any suspicious parts.
When it comes to installing the parts, you want to make sure there is good airflow. The RAM, GPU and processor all need to be cool to run correctly, so be careful when routing cables and plan out the wiring in advance. Don’t forget to read the directions in the motherboard manual, as this will include specific guidelines.
Another crucial factor is powering up. Start by turning the system on without the graphics card installed. Once you’ve ensured the system is running without problems, you can move on to the GPU. Make sure your graphics card is compatible with your other parts too.
Upgrades and Tweaks
Once you’ve got your gaming PC built and up and running, you’ll want to start optimizing it. First off, check to see if the system is running any unnecessary background processes. Some of these can slow down your system and eat up valuable RAM, so shutting them down can make a huge difference.
If you’ve got the budget, you might want to upgrade some parts. Upgrading your RAM, graphics card and processor can help you improve your gaming performance, so long as your motherboard can handle the change. Invest in some extra case fans too, as these can ensure better cooling.
Overclocking is an extra step that can help you boost your performance. This involves pushing your hardware to run faster than the manufacturer’s recommended settings and should only be done by experienced users. Make sure to double check the motherboard’s manual before attempting to overclock your system.
Finally, you might want to get some performance-enhancing software. There are lots of programs designed to boost your system’s gaming capabilities and allow you to control things from one central point. If you’re new to the tech scene, you may find this intimidating, but such programs are surprisingly user friendly.
Troubleshooting Problems
As with all electronics, your gaming rig may experience the odd hiccup. Common problems include unstable graphics, slow load times, crashing during gameplay and heating issues. For beginners, the best course of action is to troubleshoot the system one part at a time.
If your games are crashing, try removing your graphics card and using the onboard version instead. This will allow you to isolate the problem. If the crashing persists, you may have a compatibility issue with your OS. Try reinstalling it or, if nothing else works, you may need to get a new graphics card.
If you’re getting an overheating issue, your first job is to check the case’s airflow. Gently unplug the power cable and inspect the inside. Look for any loose connections and make sure that all the fans are running correctly. You may also want to relocate any cooling equipment to maximize airflow.
Finally, if your PC isn’t performing as quickly as you hoped, you might simply be out of RAM. Try switching off any applications or programs that you don’t need. If necessary, you can also buy more RAM and install it yourself. With a bit of luck, you should now have enough RAM for your needs.
Maintenance and Optimization
Just like with a car, it’s important to keep on top of your gaming PC’s maintenance. For example, you’ll need to keep the inside of the case clean. This means gently wiping away dust from your fans and the surface of any hardware that’s visible. Use a cloth and an anti-static brush if necessary.
You should also keep an eye on your system’s temperature. This can be easily done with the help of free software. Regular maintenance can keep your PC in top condition, so don’t forget to check up on your hardware every once in a while.
Finally, you might want to optimize the operating system (OS). Tweaking the OS can help you get a higher gaming performance, as it can reduce the amount of work the processor has to do. There are lots of free optimization tools on the web, so don’t forget to look into those.
