Building a 4K gaming PC is no small feat. It requires patience, dedication, and an intimate understanding of what makes a great gaming experience. If you’re looking to make a 4K gaming PC, here’s a few things to keep in mind.
First off, you’re going to need a graphics card (GPU) that’s capable of delivering a great 4K experience. Currently, NVIDIA’s RTX series cards are the most powerful for 4K gaming, due to their RT and Tensor cores. Although they’re expensive, you’ll need one if you want the best 4K experience.
Next, your CPU should be powerful enough to handle 4K gaming. The best budget option is the Intel Core i5 9400f, or the higher-end i7 9700k. These CPUs provide great base and boost clock speeds, that are well suited to 4K gaming.
Your RAM selection should be based on the type of game you’re playing. Some games require more RAM than others, and 8GB is the minimum you’ll need for 4K gaming. If you plan on streaming 4K content, then 16GB or 32GB is recommended.
And lastly, your power supply should be chosen carefully. 4K gaming requires more power, so you’ll need a higher wattage PSU than normal. 65W is the minimum, but if you plan on adding more GPUs or peripherals down the line, you should go with a 750W PSU.
Cooling Systems
Cooling is an important factor when it comes to making a 4K gaming PC. GPUs can generate considerable heat, which needs to be dissipated in order for your PC to remain stable. Liquid cooling systems are best for this purpose, as they can keep temperatures low and ensure your components don’t overheat.
Air cooling is also an option, but it won’t be as effective or efficient as liquid cooling. With air cooling, you’ll want to install multiple fans to draw cold air in, and push hot air out. Make sure you choose fans according to the size of your case and your GPU.
Finally, you may want to look into a chassis with built-in fans, as they can help reduce temperatures. It’s best to keep your hardware enclosed, as this will make the cooling system more efficient.
Case
Choosing the right case will make a big difference when it comes to building a 4K gaming PC. Your case should be large enough to fit all of your components and keep them cool, but small enough to keep your system portable.
Also, your case should have plenty of fans for cooling, as this will ensure your 4K gaming PC is stable and reliable. For example, if you’re using a mid-tower case, you might want to opt for two or three fans.
Additionally, you’ll need to consider the aesthetics of your case. If you want something that’s flashy and unique, you can opt for a case with windowed side panels. But if you’re after a more subtle design, then you can use an all-black case with simple RGB lighting.
Finally, you’ll need to think about the type of cooling setup you’d like to use. Cases come in many shapes and sizes, which will determine what type of system you can use.
Storage
When it comes to 4K gaming PCs, storage is another important component. Depending on the size of the games you’re playing, you might need more than one storage drive. Generally speaking, an SSD (solid-state drive) is the best choice for 4K gaming, as it has fast read/write speeds and quick loading times.
HDDs (hard-disk drives) are also an option, but they are much slower and not suited for 4K gaming. They are, however, much cheaper if you need additional storage in the future.
It’s worth noting that many motherboards come with multiple M.2 slots, which can be used for additional storage. This is great if you plan on adding more drives down the line.
Finally, you’ll want to consider a backup drive, as this will help protect your precious data. An external hard drive, or a cloud storage service, are both viable options, depending on your budget and needs.
Peripherals
No 4K gaming PC is complete without a great set of peripherals. This includes a keyboard, mouse, monitor, headset, and any additional controllers or accessories you might want.
For a monitor, you’ll want to choose one that supports 4K resolution, such as the ASUS VG279QM. This is important for a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
For your headset, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless is a great choice if you’re looking for a wireless headset. Alternatively, the Logitech G Pro X is a wired headset with a great sound quality.
For your mouse and keyboard, the Razer Deathadder Elite and Razer Blackwidow Elite are both highly-regarded and great choices. If you’d like to save some money, you could opt for a more budget-friendly option, such as the Logitech G502 and G610.
Finally, you may want to invest in additional controllers or other accessories, such as a capture card or racing wheel. These are great if you plan on creating content or playing certain genres of games.
Final Thoughts
Building a 4K gaming PC is a daunting task, but with practice and experience it will become easier. It’s important to stay on top of current hardware, as new GPUs and CPUs will become available in the future.
Don’t let the cost of components deter you from building a great 4K gaming PC. With careful planning and money-saving tips, you can build a 4K gaming setup without breaking the bank.
In the end, building a 4K gaming PC is a rewarding experience, and one that will give you great satisfaction when it’s all said and done. Good luck!
