Building a gaming PC requires several parts. The three main building blocks are the CPU, motherboard and RAM, but there are other components to consider. Knowing what’s necessary and the specifics of each piece is integral to having the best gaming experience possible. This article will discuss the necessary parts needed to build a gaming PC and then explore alternatives to increase performance.
Firstly, the processor (CPU) is responsible for the performance of the gaming PC. It is the core of the computer, with the speed and number of cores determining how many tasks can be processed at the same time. An Intel Core i7 processor is recommended for gaming, with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor being a viable alternative.
Next, the motherboard is the foundation of the PC. It houses all the other components, like the ports and connections. Additionally, it grants access to the graphics card and provides connectivity with the processor. An ASUS ROG Strix B550-E motherboard is recommended for gaming.
Additionally, the RAM is essential for carrying out simple tasks. It stores information to provide quick access to frequently used processes. 8 GB of RAM is a suitable amount for gaming, but 16 GB is recommended for those who frequently play modern AAA titles.
Finally, the graphics card is necessary for providing processing power to visuals. They are responsible for displaying the video content and will determine the video settings that can be implemented, like resolution and frame rates. A GeForce RTX 3070 GPU is powerful enough for most modern gaming titles.
Storage
Storage is one of the most important components for a gaming PC. While there are two types of storage, hard disk drives (HDD) and solid-state drives (SSD), the latter is much faster and recommended for gaming. A budget-friendly SSD with 500 GB of storage is a good starting point for gamers.
A power supply is essential for all the components to work in unison, providing connectors to other components. Power supplies come in different wattages and the appropriate wattage range should be chosen depending on the components. A 650 watt power supply should be sufficient for a gaming PC.
Finally, a gaming case is needed to house all the components, putting them together. It protects the components from external and internal damage, while providing access to fans, ports and drive space. A Corsair 100R Silent ATX Mid-Tower Case is a good and affordable option.
Cooling
Cooling systems are important in a gaming PC, as overheating is a major concern for gamers. An AIO liquid cooling system is a great way to keep components cool and ensure maximum performance. Corsair’s Hydro series line of liquid coolers is a complete range of all-in-one liquid coolers, with varying sizes and prices.
Additionally, a cooling fan is necessary for dissipating excess heat. Case fans come in sizes ranging from 40mm to 200mm, with the most popular size being 120mm. Noctua’s NF-F12 PWM Fan is a great choice.
Finally, flow rate and pressure should be taken into account when selecting fans. Flow rate is the rate at which air is moved in 1 minute, while pressure is the force at which air is moved per unit area. The higher the flow rate and pressure, the better the cooling performance.
Display
A monitor is essential to view the visuals of a game. Monitors come in varying sizes, with 24 inch ones being the most popular and affordable. The AOC G2590FX 25″ monitor is a great choice for gaming, coming with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, 1ms response time and FreeSync support.
Another part that plays an integral role in gaming is a headset. Headsets amplify sound and spatial audio and provide a 3D sound environment. Corsair’s Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE gaming headset is a great choice with superb audio quality and comfort.
Finally, a capture card is needed to capture video and audio from different sources. It captures both the visuals and audio from the game, as well as from any other sources connected to the device. The Elgato HD60 S is a great capture card and an affordable option.
Peripherals
A mouse and a keyboard are essential for most gaming genres. Gaming mice and gaming keyboards come with additional features like RGB lighting, programmable buttons and improved accuracy. Logitech’s G502 is the best gaming mouse, while the K830 Logitech illuminated living room keyboard is an excellent and affordable gaming keyboard.
Controllers are also popular among gamers and offer an immersive experience. They are designed for specific gaming platforms, be it PC, Xbox or PlayStation. The Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is the best controller for PC gaming.
Finally, a gaming chair is necessary for gaming for long periods of time. It offers better back support, comfort and even noise cancellation. The DXRacer Formula Series Gaming Chair is a popular choice among gamers.
Accessories
Other accessories to consider when building a gaming PC include a streaming service and streaming equipment. It allows gamers to capture their gameplay and stream it to a platform, like Twitch or YouTube. A webcam is needed for streaming, as well as a microphone and a headset. Logitech’s C920 HD Pro webcam is a great choice.
An external hard drive is a great option for those who don’t have enough storage. It also allows for data backup and protection. Seagate’s 8 TB Game Drive for Xbox is an excellent option for PC gamers, with ample storage and fast transfer speeds.
Finally, a replacement battery is necessary for those who wish to remain unplugged from the wall. Lithium ion batteries are common among gaming laptops and they offer long battery life and fast charging speeds. A modular battery system is a more efficient option, as it allows you to replace old cells with new ones.
