Building a gaming PC is not as overwhelming as it may initially appear. All that’s needed is an understanding of the different components and how they work together. Let’s take a closer look at what matters when making a gaming PC.
The CPU is the processor or ‘brain’ of the computer. It needs to be powerful enough for the games being played. Intel and AMD are the two brands most commonly used for gaming CPUs. Intel’s Core i7-9700K is a popular choice for gaming.
The motherboard is the foundation of a PC, linking the various parts together. It’s important to make sure the selected motherboard is compatible with the chosen CPU. If a motherboard has different pre-drilled holes than the CPU, it won’t fit and the parts won’t work together.
RAM is the computer’s memory. It’s best to have at least 8GB of RAM, but 16GB is recommended for serious gaming. It’s also a good idea to get RAM that’s labelled ‘gaming RAM’, as this is typically faster than standard RAM.
A GPU, or graphics card, determines how well a computer displays images and video. It’s important to buy a card that’s been created for gaming purposes. A popular line of gaming GPUs is NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX series.
A gaming PC also needs a storage system. An SSD typically offers faster loading times than traditional hard drives. It’s a good idea to look for an SSD with at least 500GB of storage. A hard drive is also helpful for storing larger files, such as media and photos.
Power supply units reach the power directly from the wall to your PC. A good power supply will be able to provide enough power to all of your components. A good starting point is to look at units with at least 600-700W of power.
Case
A PC case is the container that houses all the other components. It’s important to make sure the chosen case is large enough to fit the motherboard and other parts. It should also be well-ventilated to keep temperatures low. Cases usually come with either a side window or a transparent side panel, allowing users to admire the interior of their PC.
Cooling System
A cooling system is necessary to keep temperatures in the PC case low. CPU coolers are typically attached to the motherboard, sitting directly on top of the processor. Liquid cooling systems are often used to keep GPU and CPU temperatures low. Other cooling options include air fans and liquid cooling.
Peripherals
Along with the components, there are also a number of peripherals that can be added to a gaming PC. A gaming mouse and keyboard are useful for shooter games, while a joystick can be helpful for flight simulations. Headsets are also essential for communication and hearing sound effects with clarity.
Other Considerations
When building a gaming PC, the operating system is another important consideration. Windows is the most popular choice for gamers, but it’s worth researching other options such as Linux or Mac OS. It’s also important to install the latest drivers for the various components.
Software
Once the components are in place and the operating system is installed, it’s time to consider the software. Anti-virus software is necessary to protect the PC from potential threats. Software for streaming games and online gaming platforms can also be added to the library.
Maintenance
Gaming PCs require regular maintenance in order to keep them running efficiently. Dust and other particles on the components should be blown off with a can of compressed air. It’s also a good idea to keep the operating system and drivers up-to-date.
