For those into PC gaming, there is nothing like building your own gaming PC from scratch. But to do so successfully, you must choose the right parts carefully. Here is a guide to help you decide which gaming PC parts you should buy for optimal performance.
Motherboard
A motherboard is the cornerstone of any successful gaming PC build. It is the main communication interface between components and usually has a range of ports to plug in additional components and hardware. As such, it is essential to select a motherboard that has is compatible with the rest of your components and is suitable for your gaming needs. Some of the key factors to consider when choosing a motherboard include the form factor, socket type, memory slots, expansion slots, power and price.
CPU
The CPU (or Central Processing Unit) is the brain of the computer and is responsible for processing, organizing, and executing all of the instructions it receives. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right CPU to ensure that your computer is powerful enough to handle your gaming requirements. When selecting a CPU, factors to consider include the type of processor, the number of cores it has, its clock speed, and its cache size.
Graphics Card
A graphics card (also known as a GPU) is an important component for gaming PCs, as it is responsible for rendering graphics and providing the graphical output for your games. High-end GPUs can provide stunning visuals and smooth frame rates, so it is important to select one carefully. When selecting a graphics card, you should consider its memory size and bandwidth, clock speeds, memory type, output capabilities, and power requirements.
RAM
RAM (or Random Access Memory) is essential for any modern gaming PC, as it is used to store data and instructions that are currently being used. As such, it is important to choose the right RAM to ensure that the system can handle the demands of the games you play. Factors to consider when selecting RAM include the type of memory (DDR3/DDR4), the memory speed, the capacity, and its latency.
Storage
A gaming PC almost always require a substantial amount of storage space, as games these days can take up several gigabytes of storage. As such, it is important to choose a suitable storage solution for your needs. There are two types of storage available for gaming PCs, namely HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). HDDs are usually cheaper and offer more storage, while SSDs are faster and more reliable.
Cooling System
A cooling system is essential for any gaming PC build, as the components can quickly get too hot if the system is not cooled properly. There are several different cooling components available, including air cooling, liquid cooling, and hybrid cooling. Each type of cooling offers its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should select one that is suitable for your needs.
Power Supply
The power supply is another essential component of any gaming PC, as it provides the power needed to power all of the components inside the system. As such, it is important to choose the right power supply that is powerful enough to handle all of your components. When selecting a power supply, factors to consider include the wattage, efficiency rating, wattage delivery, cables, connectors, and price.
Mouse, Keyboard and Monitor
Apart from the main components mentioned above, there are some additional components that are necessary for a gaming PC. These include a gaming mouse, gaming keyboard and gaming monitor. Gaming mice and keyboards offer features such as better ergonomics, customisable buttons and RGB backlighting. It is important to choose one that is suitable for your needs and has all the features you require. Similarly, gamers must choose a gaming monitor that has high refresh rates, low response times, and the right resolutions to provide the best gaming experience.
Network Card
A network card (also known as an NIC) is required for gaming PCs to establish an internet connection. These cards are usually integrated into the motherboard, but it is still important to select one that is suitable for your needs. Factors to consider include the speed of the connection, the size of the card, the type of connection (ethernet or wireless), and the price.
Gaming Peripherals and Accessories
In addition to the main components, there are a range of peripherals and accessories that can be added to your gaming PC. These include external gaming keyboards, gaming mice, gaming headsets, controller options, external storage, high-end networking equipment, and more. There is a wide range of gaming peripherals and accessories available, so you should take the time to research and choose the ones that best suit your gaming needs.
Third Party Software
Finally, there are a range of third-party software programs available to enhance your gaming experience. These can include gaming-oriented operating systems, such as Windows 10, gaming-specific program like Game Booster, and other utilities such as anti-virus programs. Installing useful software programs can increase the performance of your gaming PC and improve your experience.
