Building a gaming PC is a great way to optimize the gaming experience. Having the right specs for a gaming PC is necessary for playing the latest and best games. While purchasing a pre-built PC from a store can be convenient, building one from scratch can end up being much more cost effective and give you more customizability.
In order to build your own gaming PC, you will need to purchase several components. The main components you will need are a motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), power supply unit (PSU), hard drive, RAM and a case. You may also want to invest in a good cooling system, an optical drive, external storage, and peripherals such as a mouse, keyboard, and headphones.
Your motherboard is the main hub of the gaming PC, and it will determine the type of CPU, RAM and other components you can get. So it is essential to have one that supports the components you want to use. When picking one out, you also have to make sure that the size of the motherboard is compatible with the size of the case. For example, a small form factor (SFF) motherboard usually won’t fit in a mid-tower case.
The CPU is the brain of your PC, so you want to get one that packs a punch. Choose one that features multiple cores and a high frequency for fast and responsive gaming performance. You also want to make sure that your motherboard and CPU are compatible.
For top-notch visuals, a graphics card is essential. Look for a graphics card that is up to date and supports the latest games. Do research on different cards to find one that the best fit for your gaming needs. To get great visuals and performance, you may also want to look into installing multiple GPUs.
The PSU is the power unit that will supply the necessary power to your gaming PC. The amount of wattage needed depends on the other components, so make sure to get one that is compatible with your CPU and GPU. It is better to err on the side of caution and go with one that has more wattage than you need.
Finally, RAM is the working memory of your PC. When looking for RAM, make sure to get the correct type supported by the motherboard and select a reputable brand. Also, look at the speed of the RAM; slower RAM will slow down the performance of your gaming PC.
Hard Drive
The hard drive will store your games, so make sure to get one with sufficient storage space. Solid-state drives (SSDs) offer the best performance, but also tend to be more expensive. Hybrid drives also offer speed and storage space, but are not as snappy as SSDs. For more affordable hard drives, look for traditional hard disk drives (HDDs).
For better boots, loads, and response times, you may want to invest in an SSD. SSDs can also reduce loading screens in video games. If you are storing larger files such as multimedia files, you may want to pair the SSD with an HDD for more storage space. It is also worth noting that car manufacturers are now using SSDs in their vehicles.
In addition to the components, you also have to pick a case to contain them. Look for one that has enough room for all the components and features adequate cooling for ventilation. Cases come in different sizes, so measure your components to make sure they will all fit.
When building your gaming PC, differences in compatibility and performance can be determined by slight variations in components. Be sure to research all the specs before purchasing components, otherwise, you may end up with something that isn’t able to perform well.
Cooling System
For your gaming PC to get the best performance, you may want to invest in a cooling system. Air-based coolers are usually your best bet for CPUs, and can be a great choice for GPUs as well. If you want to go the extra mile, liquid cooling is a great option for both CPUs and GPUs. It generally takes more set up and is more costly, but it provides much better cooling.
Certain parts of the PC, such as the GPU, draw much more power than others, and generate more heat. GPUs in particular can become very hot when running games. To ensure the GPU stays within its temperature threshold, it is important to use fans or a cooling system that can keep the temperatures in check.
For optimal cooling, look for a system that offers a range of fan speeds. Certain components may require special cooling, like fanless cooling systems, so make sure to do your research.
Cooling systems are not only important for performance, but also for the longevity of your PC. Excessive heat can cause components to malfunction or even fail, so having a good cooling system can be the difference between having a long-lasting gaming PC or having one that needs to be repaired or replaced soon.
Optical Drive
An optical drive such as a Blu-ray player is not necessary for PC gaming, but it can be handy for playing movies, installing games, or burning disc copies of your games. The two main types of optical drives are CD and DVD players, and Blu-ray players. Blu-ray players allow for sharper visuals and better sound quality for movies, as well as higher storage capacities for games.
Also consider the speed of the optical drive. Slower speeds may take longer to install games and burn discs. For faster throughput, look for a drive that operates at high speeds, supports dual/double-layer discs, and offers buffer underrun prevention.
When building a gaming PC, it is easy to think of all the components as separate parts without looking at how they work together. It is essential to have matching and compatible components, as well as understanding how to properly wire and install them. Having the right parts will not only give you the performance desired, but also make sure your gaming PC stays up and running for a long time.
External Storage
External storage is a convenient way to expand your storage space and free up space on the internal hard drive. External hard drives and Flash drives provide more storage capacity for files, media, and games. External hard drives can also handle larger games and files than flash drives, providing a wider range of usage.
External storage solutions are typically more affordable than internal storage, and can be easily exchanged whenever the need arises. They also come in different shapes and sizes, so the size and weight of the external storage will depend on how portable you want it to be. Look for solutions that offer speedy transfers and good storage capacity.
Another external storage option is an external solid-state drive (SSD) enclosure. These enclosures provide portability and easy installation of an SSD, allowing you to grab your SSD and plug it into your gaming PC whenever needed. They also offer fast and expansive storage solutions, and are often lightweight and smaller than hard drives.
For a gaming PC, external storage solutions can provide additional space to store and play games. Additionally, they can also help protect important files or documents that you want to keep in the event of a hard drive crash. It is wise to look into the different external storage solutions available and decide which one is best for you.
Peripherals
Having the right peripherals can enhance the gaming experience. When shopping for peripherals, look for products that provide a variety of customization options such as macros and back-lighting. It is also important to get peripherals that are comfortable so that you can game for hours without discomfort.
A mouse will allow you to move your character or cursor more accurately, and the right one for you may depend on how you use your mouse. If you are competitively gaming, an ergonomic gaming mouse may be the best bet. Gaming mice also provide better accuracy and responsiveness.
For your keyboard, look for one that offers durability, responsiveness, and good ergonomics. Mechanical keyboards may be a bit pricier, but they are more durable and offer much better feedback. If you are out of space, then a wireless keyboard could be the solution.
Headsets are essential for PC gaming, as they allow for chat, music, and sound. Most headsets come with two main components: the microphone and the earphones. Look for a headset that provides clear sound quality and is compatible with your gaming platform. You may also want to go with a headset that has noise cancellation or suppression capabilities, or one that offers surround sound.
Having the right peripherals is important for gaming, as you want to be able to play comfortably while getting optimal performance. This can make the gaming experience much more enjoyable and productive.