As an avid gamer, you may have been wondering recently what it takes to make an optimal gaming PC. It’s no secret that the right pieces of hardware can make or break your gaming PC’s performance, but how do you know what to buy and how to put it together? We’ve gathered some information that every aspiring game developer should consider when crafting their perfect desktop.
The core components for any gaming PC include a CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and PC case. Each component serves a particular purpose, and selecting the right ones for the job is essential for successful performance and smooth gaming experience. To start out, a consumer-grade Intel Core i7, AMD Ryzen 7 processor, or something similar, provides a good basic foundation. A high-end graphics card, such as the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20-series or the AMD Radeon RX 5000-series, can provide impressive performance and visuals. An adequate amount of DDR4 RAM typically ranges between 8GB and 32GB, and there are various ways to set up the RAM in order to maximize performance.
The right storage choice is also important for exceptional gaming. Solid-state drives provide high speeds and performance, while hard drives provide a large amount of storage space at a lower cost. The best way to optimize the storage configuration is to install a solid-state drive for your operating system and games with a large hard drive for storing media files. Last but not least, one will also need a good PC case for housing the components. Mid-tower size PC cases are the most common choice, as they’ll be able to fit most pieces of hardware with ease.
When it comes to setting up a gaming PC, cooling is also an important factor to consider. A processor that isn’t properly cooled runs the risk of thermal throttling or even breaking down prematurely. Similarly, a graphics card will overheat and eventually break down if it isn’t kept at optimal temperatures. A good air cooler is a great, affordable option for cooling, but closed-loop liquid coolers and custom watercooling solutions offer superior cooling and often more aesthetically pleasing designs.
Power supply units are another essential component for gaming PC setups. Without a powerful PSU, the PC won’t be able to draw enough power for its components. Higher-end components usually need higher amperage outputs along the 12V rail, and as such, it’s important to get the right PSU with the correct wattage rating and sufficient rated power on the 12V-rail. The same thing applies to monitors; if you’re looking for a smooth gaming experience, the right display will be key. A 144Hz or higher refresh rate monitor with low latency or a curved ultra-wide display can provide an immersive gaming experience.
How to assemble your gaming PC
The next step is to actually assemble your gaming PC. A common mistake is to install the CPU and cooler before anything else, or to forget to plug in the power cable for the GPU. Installing the motherboard and GPU should be the first step, followed by the CPU and RAM in their respective slots. Afterward, mount the storage drive and power supply unit, plugging in the power cables for the PC components when necessary. Finally, before closing the PC case, install your cooling system (air cooler or liquid) and connect the fans.
Upgrading components
If you want to take your gaming PC’s performance to the next level, upgrading individual components can be a great way to do so. A simple and relatively inexpensive upgrade for CPU performance is adding more RAM, as this can help reduce bottlenecks in your games. For more graphical fidelity, switching out your GPU to a higher-end model or adding a second GPU can massively improve the visuals. For an additional performance boost, upgrading the storage to an SSD or adding a second drive can result in huge improvements in load times and overall performance.
Upgrading the aesthetics
With gaming PCs, it’s not only about the performance; aesthetics also play an important role. Lighting is a great way to add character to your gaming PC, and there are a wide array of RGB lighting solutions out there for all types of budgets. Cable management is another change that can make a great deal of difference to the overall look. Investing in individually sleeved cables and the right cable management components can make your gaming PC look immaculate.
Monitoring performance and temperatures
Of course, after buying and setting up all of your components, you’ll want to monitor their performance and temperatures on a regular basis. Various benchmarking programs and games can help in this regard. Tools like GPU-Z and CPU-Z can also be helpful for providing detailed information about specific components. Monitoring the temperatures of your CPU and GPU is also important to maintain thermal efficiency, as the temperatures can quickly reach critical levels if not watched closely.
