Building a gaming pc can be an incredibly satisfying experience. But what components do you need to get for gaming? First, you need a suitable CPU, preferably one with high clock speeds and multiple cores. For graphics, you’ll need a powerful GPU, like the latest AMD or NVIDIA models. You should also get plenty of memory, at least 8GB, to ensure smooth game play. For the motherboard, make sure it has adequate PCI-Express slots to accommodate your graphics card and any other add-on cards. Finally, you need a good power supply, to ensure your PC stays running during intense gaming sessions.
CPU
The CPU is the brains of your gaming PC and has a direct impact on overall performance. When shopping for one, go for the latest, high-end models, with multiple cores and high clock speeds. Also, get a processor with a large L3 cache, to improve loading times and increase performance. The latest Intel and AMD CPUs have comparable performance, so pick the one that best fits your budget.
However, if you’re using your PC for more than gaming, you may need a CPU that excels at multitasking and simultaneous processing. In this case, you might want to opt for an Intel Core i7 processor. Otherwise, the Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 will suffice for most gamers.
Graphics Card
For gaming, you need a powerful GPU if you want to play the latest games at high settings. Go for the latest models from AMD or NVIDIA – the Radeon RX 5700 XT and RTX 2080 Ti, respectively. This will give you high-quality visuals and smooth frame rates. It’s worth spending the extra money on a powerful graphics card, as you won’t have to constantly upgrade it.
Also, make sure your motherboard has enough PCI-Express slots to accommodate your GPU and other add-on cards. This is especially important if you’re building a multi-GPU system. For example, if you want to run two GPUs in SLI, you’ll need two PCI-Express x16 slots.
Memory
Memory, or RAM, is an essential part of any gaming PC. It’s the component that determines how many tasks your computer can handle at once and how quickly it can process data. For gaming, you’ll want at least 8GB of RAM – the more the better. But if you’re on a tight budget, you can make do with 4GB.
Also, make sure to check the speed of your RAM. For example, 2466MHz is much faster than 1600MHz. But it’s worth checking the compatibility of your RAM with your motherboard first, as some motherboards have limited memory speeds.
Motherboard
Choosing the right motherboard is essential for any gaming PC. Different models come with varying features and sizes, so make sure to get one that’s compatible with your processor and graphics card. It should also have enough PCI-Express slots for your GPU and any other add-on cards. Don’t forget to pay attention to the routing of the cables, too – it should be easy to access the rear IO panel.
Also, consider the number of SATA ports available – this determines how many storage drives you can install. Minimum of two SATA ports are recommended, but four or more provide better flexibility. Choose one that provides enough USB ports, too.
Power Supply
For any gaming PC, you need a power supply that can handle the demands of high-end graphics cards. 400 to 600 watts should be more than enough for most gaming PCs. Look for one with efficient power delivery, multiple +12V rails, and plenty of connectors for your components.
Also, make sure the power supply is certified by one of the major regulatory bodies, such as UL, TUV, or CE. This ensures that the unit has passed stringent safety tests. For further protection, look for one with over-voltage, under-voltage, and over-temperature protection.
Case
Finally, you’ll need an appropriate case to house your components. There are various sizes and shapes, as well as materials – some come with a tempered glass side panel and others with RGB lighting. Choose one that’s spacious enough and easy to work with during installation. Consider the cooling options, too – the case should have plenty of room for your fans, radiators, and liquid-cooling systems.
For gamers, there are many custom-designed cases that prioritize airflow and cooling, as well as maximizing GPU performance. Cases with improved airflow ensure that temperature-sensitive components such as the processor and graphics card stay cool during long gaming sessions.
Processor Coolers
Processor coolers are an important part of any gaming PC and come in various forms, from air coolers to liquid coolers. Air coolers are great for budget builds, as they’re affordable and reliable. They come in different sizes, from small and compact, to big and bulky, with the bigger ones boasting better cooling performance. Liquid coolers offer even better cooling and are great for more powerful GPUs and processors. They take up more space, but produce minimal noise and can be fully customized with colored LED lighting.
When choosing a processor cooler, make sure to get one that’s compatible with your CPU and motherboard. Also consider the size, as some large coolers won’t fit in certain cases. And if you want to overclock your CPU, you may need a better cooler.
Fans and Radiators
Fans and radiators can help keep your gaming PC cool by pushing hot air away from components and radiating heat away. They come in different sizes, so make sure to get ones that can fit in your case. Additionally, choose fans with high static pressure, as these can handle even the tightest of spaces. For liquid cooling setups, choose a radiator with enough surface area to cool multiple components.
Also, consider the noise level of the fans. Most fans nowadays have an RPM range and create very little noise when running at low speed. Otherwise, get better-quality fans that have quieter bearings, such as Fluid Dynamic Bearing fans. This will reduce the amount of noise coming from your system.
Storage Options
For storage, you need a drive that’s both fast and reliable. Solid state drives (SSDs) offer the best performance and reliability, but they’re quite expensive. Hard drives (HDDs) are cheaper but not as fast, so they’re typically used for storing large amounts of data. Generally, it’s a good idea to get both an SSD for system files, and an HDD for game storage.
If you’re going to use multiple storage drives, make sure to check your motherboard’s available SATA ports. The speed of the drive’s connection also matters, so if you want the best performance, look out for SATA Express or M.2 slots.
Peripherals
Finally, you’ll need peripherals to go along with your gaming PC. These can include a computer monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, and headset. Each of these has its own specifications, so make sure to get compatible models that suit your needs.
For a monitor, go for one with a high refresh rate, so you can get smooth gameplay. For a budget build, opt for one with a 1080p resolution, since these are usually cheaper. If you want a higher resolution, you should consider getting one with a 4K resolution.
Pick a keyboard that fits your style of gaming, either wired or wireless. Look for one with a comfortable layout and several customisable keys and macros. For a mouse, go for one with a good sensor and plenty of buttons for macros and profiles. Also, make sure it has a comfortable shape and a suitable weight for your grip.