Building a gaming PC in 2020 can be a daunting task. Fortunately, with the right tools, knowledge and patience, it can be done with ease. To begin constructing your gaming rig, you should begin by gathering the necessary components. This includes a motherboard, power supply, CPU, RAM, hard drive, Graphics card, sound cards, and other peripherals, such as a mouse, keyboard, and monitor. Researching the best component options for the type of budget and gaming experience you’re aiming for is essential.
Once you’ve acquired the necessary components, you’ll need to install them. If you’ve never done this before, it’s recommended to begin by reading the instructions that come supplied with the components, especially the motherboard. Carefully and precisely follow the instructions, taking note of which way components should be connected – it’s usually simple, but if you’re confused, always consult the supplier for help.
It’s worth investing in a good quality thermal paste, such as Arctic Silver and mounting it onto the CPU. Use the instructions provided when applying the paste. Next, mount and secure the CPU onto the motherboard. Again, use the instructions supplied with the motherboard to ensure the CPU is secured correctly.
Now, install the RAM into the designated slots on the motherboard. Again, use the instructions supplied with the motherboard to ensure the RAM is installed correctly. Attach the power supply to the motherboard and connect the SATA data cables from the hard drive and optical drive to the motherboard. Make sure to securely attach any removable components, such as the RAM, hard drive, optical drive, GPU, and sound cards.
With all components connected and secured, plug in the power supply. Depending on your motherboard, you may need to press the power or reset button to boot your system. If you have connected a monitor, you should be able to see the system start up. Now, your gaming PC is ready to install the latest operating system, download the latest games, and experience PC gaming in its full glory.
Choose a Graphics Card
When selecting a graphics card, you want to choose a card that offers the best power performance at a reasonable price. The most important factor to consider when selecting a graphics card is the amount of built-in memory the card has. The memory works alongside the graphics card’s processing power, allowing it to process more complex graphics within a game. Most of the recent graphics cards come with a minimum of 2GB of RAM. Although 4GB and 8GB RAM cards are available, make sure that your chosen card is compatible with your motherboard.
Choose a CPU
In order to have an efficient and reliable gaming experience, you’ll need to invest in a good quality CPU. Some of the most popular CPUs for gaming are Intel’s Core i7 CPUs and AMD’s Ryzen CPUs. These processors offer the best power efficiency and performance. Ryzen CPUs now offer great value for money, offering 8 cores and 16 threads of processing power for around the same price as Intel’s 4 or 6 core offerings. Ultimately, the CPU you choose depends on the games you plan to play and your budget.
Choose Memory and Storage
Next, you’ll need to select the right amount of memory. 8GB of RAM is more than enough for most games, although more demanding games may require 16GB of RAM. It’s best to have extra RAM than you think you may need, as you can always reduce the amount that you install. Another important component to consider is storage. Solid state drives (SSDs) are expensive but offer performance that’s significantly better than traditional hard disks. If budget is an issue, then a hard drive is an option.
Download the Necessary Software
After all the components have been installed, the next step is to install the necessary software. The first software to install is an operating system. Windows 10 is the most popular OS, offering support for gamers with Xbox integration and other features. Once the OS has been installed, you’ll need to install the latest drivers and updates. If you’re using a proprietary graphics card, such as an Nvidia or AMD card, make sure to get the latest driver updates. This ensures game compatibility and performance.
Monitor Temperature During Gaming
Temperature control is crucial for a well-performing gaming PC. Installing a third party monitoring program can help to keep track of your system’s temperature levels. Make sure to track the temperature levels of the graphics card, CPU, and other key components during gaming. If any component is running hotter than the manufacturer’s recommended levels, you may need to consider investing in better cooling solutions.
Overclocking with BIOS Settings
If you’re looking to squeeze extra performance from your system, changing the BIOS settings can be an effective way to overclock the CPU. It’s a complicated process and not one recommended to those who are unfamiliar with these types of settings. Though it can improve performance, overclocking can also cause failures and damage to components. It’s important to understand the risks and make sure to ensure you’re within accepted safety guidelines.
Test Out Your Setup
Finally, you’ll want to test out your gaming PC to make sure it performs to the standards you were aiming for. Open up some of the more intense titles and monitor the performance. Make sure to check the frame rate, resolution, and general system performance levels. If you’re happy then you’ll be ready to experience the full power of your gaming PC.
