Building your own PC can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to gaming. It requires careful consideration of various system components and the knowledge to tailor the build to suit your needs. If you plan on building a gaming PC, there are a few key components you’ll need. Here’s what all you’ll need for a gaming PC.
Processor/CPU
Processor is one of the most paramount components for gaming because it does all the number crunching, calculations and other operations required to run the game and graphics. A good processor should be capable of data transfer speeds, number of cores and threads, and clock speed. You should consider an Intel Core i7 or i9 with at least 4 cores/8 threads and a speed of at least 4.0 GHz. For the AMD fans, Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 would be a good choice.
Graphics Card/GPU
An equally important component for gaming performance is the graphics card. This device does all the intensive graphic-related works such as drawing, shading and lighting up the 3D environment. Knowing your game’s system requirements, decide the type of GPU you need to run the game at its optimal settings. For basic gaming, a mid-range Nvidia GeForce card like GTX 1660 Ti or higher should work. If you’re looking for more, go for a higher-end card like RTX 2070 or 2080.
RAM
RAM is the short-term memory of your PC and behaves like a temporary storage device where all the instructions and data can be stored, processed, and transferred. For gaming, 8 GB RAM is a must-have minimum. Ideally you should have at least 16 GB RAM with a clock speed of 3200 MHz or higher.
Storage
You’ll also need storage to save all your games and files. Plus, a robust and larger storage will increase loading speeds and the overall gaming experience. An SSD is faster, but an HDD can be much larger. You could get both an SSD and a HDD, a hybrid drive or an M.2 drive. Again, the choice depends on your budget and requirement.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the center of your gaming PC and so, it’s important to pick the right model for your build. Ensure it supports your processors, RAM, graphics card and other components. It should also have enough expansion slots for additional components and connectors for your peripherals.
Power Supply Unit
A power supply unit (PSU) is a crucial component that powers all the components in your gaming PC. The wattage requirement of your gaming rig will depend on the power needs of your components. It’s important to pick an appropriate PSU with an adequate wattage and being 80 Plus certified ensures efficiency and reliability in the long run.
Cooling System
A good cooling system is necessary to ensure proper airflow through the components and keeping heat away from them. Get adequate case fans, liquid cooling and a heating system that matches your components. Make sure that your cooling system is able to keep your components running at the desired temperatures.
Case
The case holds all the components together and it should be able to accommodate all your components. Choose a case that’s big enough for the components and also for airflow. It should also have enough ports for USB, audio and other ports. Plus, decide if you need a windowed side panel to show off your components.
Peripherals
To complete your gaming setup, get essentials like a gaming keyboard, mouse, monitor and a headset. Choose these components according to your needs and budget. For monitors, opt for 120Hz or 144Hz displays and a headset with good sound quality and surround sound capabilities.
What Are Other System Components Needed For Gaming?
Apart from the components mentioned above, you may need a few other items to complete your gaming PC build. For starters, a network card is necessary to connect to the internet. Additionally, a sound card will provide better audio output than the built-in audio on the motherboard. An additional optical drive for installing programs from CDs or DVDs and a WiFi adapter can also be useful. Plus, a surge protector is essential to protect all the components from voltage fluctuations.
Do I Need to Overclock a Gaming PC?
Overclocking your gaming PC refers to tweaking your processor’s frequency to get more out of it than the factory settings allow. Generally speaking, overclocking isn’t necessary for gaming, however it can increase performance marginally. Overclocking can be dangerous and can cause damage to the components if done throughout the system improperly. If you’re looking to overclock, first understand the risks and consider it only if you have knowledge of how the process works.
Do I Need to Upgrade My System From Time to Time?
Due to technological advancements, the lifespan of gaming-oriented components have a shorter shelf-life than the general parts. This means you’ll have to occasionally upgrade the components to keep your gaming PC up-to-date. It’s not necessary to replace all the components at once, rather you should upgrade them one by one as and when required. You should also keep an eye out for the latest hardware releases to find out the most suitable components.
What Accessories Can I Include With My Gaming PC?
Depending on your budget, there are certain accessories you can consider to add to the gaming experience. Some of them include steering wheels and controllers for racing games, flight sticks for flight simulators and special gaming chairs for added comfort. You can also add RGB lighting on the case or your desk to give it a gaming vibe. Plus, a quality webcam and microphone can be useful for streaming games.
