Assembling and building a gaming PC is an exciting task for any serious gamer. It takes time and money to get the perfect components for your setup. However, with the right knowledge, you can make sure your gaming PC is up to your specs and standards as a professional gamer. Here’s a practical guide on how to choose gaming PC components effectively.
Amount of RAM
The amount of RAM is one of the most crucial components of a gaming PC. It provides fast access memory that enables your gaming PC to run smoothly. Your RAM should be the same brand and speed as the motherboard to get maximum compatibility and performance. An ideal amount of RAM depends on your gaming needs. To get the best balance between value and performance, you should pick eight gigabytes.
Types of RAM
When it comes to RAM types, there are two popular options – DDR3 and DDR4. DDR3 is the older, more cost-effective option, but DDR4 provides much faster performance. Make sure to match the RAM type to your motherboard to get the best performance out of your gaming PC rig. For serious gamers, high-end RAM like G-Skill Trident Z can be a good choice.
CPU and Cooling System
The choice of your processor depends on the type of games you’re playing and your budget. For a budget build, an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is a great choice. For mid-range gaming, AMD Ryzen 7 3700X and Intel Core i7-9700K are good options. For high-end gaming, AMD Ryzen 9 3900X and Intel Core i9-9900K are the processors to beat. As for cooling, liquid-cooling is a great way to ensure peak performance.
Storage Drive
A gaming PC needs a fast and reliable storage drive. A Solid State Drive (SSD) is the best option for this, as it has much faster loading times compared to a Hard Disk Drive (HDD). An SSD with a capacity of 500GB to 1TB should be enough for most gamers. However, you may opt for an even bigger storage capacity if you’re a storage hoarder.
Graphics Card
A graphics card is the heart of your gaming PC. You should pick the best card within your budget. NVIDIA cards such as RTX 2060 Super and RTX 2070 provide great performance for 1080p gaming. As for 1440p gaming, RTX 2080/2080 Super is a good choice. For 4K gaming, RTX 2080 Ti delivers the best performance so far.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the core component in your gaming PC build. Most motherboards are compatible with one of two socket types, Intel or AMD. If you’re using an Intel processor, get an Intel motherboard. For AMD builds, get an AMD compatible motherboard. Always double-check the compatibility between components and your motherboard before making a purchase.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The power supply unit provides power to all the components in your gaming PC. Get one with enough wattage and the necessary connectors for your particular build. Your chosen components, especially the graphics card and processor, should match the wattage rating of your PSU, so make sure to check the requirements.
Case and Case Fans
The case and case fans determine the airflow and ventilation in your gaming PC. Make sure to get a good case with plenty of ventilation holes and at least one fan pre-installed. Extra fans can also be purchased to keep temperatures low and improve performance. Select a PC case with a generous amount of space to ensure easy component installation.
Monitor and Peripherals
No gaming PC setup is complete without peripherals. You need a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and headset. Get a monitor with both high refresh rate and resolution to get an immersive gaming experience. As for the keyboard, mice, and headset, you need to check whether it matches the specs of your gaming PC.
Upgrading Your Gaming PC
The components discussed above are the essentials of any gaming PC setup. You can also go for extra upgrades such as a wireless card or extra storage drives. To extend the lifespan of your gaming PC, it is important to keep it up to date with the latest hardware. Make sure to choose gaming PC components that are versatile enough to accommodate future upgrades.
Conclusion
Gaming PC components require careful planning and understanding to choose correctly. With the right knowledge and selections, you can put together a gaming PC that performs to your standards and is future-proof for upcoming hardware upgrades. Knowing your setup requirements, budget, and brand preferences is the key to assembling a perfect gaming PC rig.
