Building a gaming PC is an exciting venture that will not only bring you hours of fun but also increase your personal computing power so as you can tackle even the most graphically intense games. It is important to purchase the right parts to ensure a smooth and efficient gaming experience. Standard parts like cases, motherboards, CPUs and RAM should be purchased to ensure that your PC is properly built and safe. After these basics, you’ll need to choose parts for the exterior of your DIY gaming PC build. These are the accessories and parts that you’ll need for a gaming PC that runs at its highest potential.
A graphics card is the most important part of any gaming PC build. As the processing and graphical workloads of games are demanding, you’ll want to pick a powerful GPU as this will enable you to run the latest game titles at their highest settings. Different GPU makers have different types of cards, so make sure to check benchmarks and reviews before purchasing. Additionally, a power supply to provide enough power for your GPU is required.
CPUs are responsible for running calculations and processing tasks on your PC, such as loading applications and gaming levels. When choosing a CPU, you’ll want to pay attention to its processor speed and core count. This will determine how quickly tasks are completed and in turn, how smooth your gaming experience will be. You should also pick up an appropriate CPU cooler to ensure your CPU runs properly.
A display is a crucial peripheral because it is what you’ll be viewing while playing PC games. This can be either a new monitor or even a TV with an appropriate input. The resolution, size, and refresh rate are important to consider depending on the games you plan on playing. If you want to make the most of your gaming experience, you should also pick up a headset and speakers for the best audio quality.
Storage is one of the biggest considerations for gamers. With the latest gaming titles taking up a lot of space, you’ll want to make sure you get the right amount of space for your games. An SSD is much faster than a hard drive and will provide you with faster loading times. This will cause less frustration when playing games, as loading times will be amazing. If you plan on keeping a large collection of games, you can opt for an extra hard drive.
A gaming PC will not be complete without a robust case. Typically, cases come in different sizes and can hold either an ATX or Micro-ATX motherboard. They also come with their own cooling systems and fans, so it’s important to make sure that the case you pick is capable of cooling your components without too much noise. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure the case has enough room for all the components you plan on using.
Finally, it’s important to consider the peripherals you’ll be using while gaming. Typically, you’ll need a keyboard and mouse if you’re going to be playing PC games, so make sure to think about what you’re going to need before making a purchase. Other items such as a laptop cooling pad, webcam, and gaming controller should also be considered.
Motherboards
A motherboard is the backbone of any PC, and it is the first thing you should consider while building a gaming PC. It holds the CPU, RAM and other components such as GPUs and storage drives, and it also allows you to link all the parts together. Motherboards come in two different sizes, ATX and Micro-ATX. Depending on the size of your case and the components you want to add, you’ll want to choose a motherboard that suits your needs.
Apart from the size, the chipset of the motherboard is also important. Chipsets are responsible for how much power can be delivered to the components, and they come from either Intel or AMD. When you’re looking for a suitable motherboard, make sure to check for the latest chipset to ensure you’ll get the best performance.
There are also features to consider, such as built-in Wi-Fi, storage options, and overclocking functions. The power delivery and cooling capabilities of the motherboard also need to be taken into consideration. Once you have your motherboard chosen and in place, it’s time to consider what other parts and accessories you’ll need to build your gaming PC.
RAM
RAM (Random access memory) is the short-term memory and storage of your PC, i.e. the things that you will use frequently during gaming. How much memory you need depends on what type of games you’re playing and how large their file sizes are. For modern gaming, 8GB of RAM is considered the minimum and 16GB is ideal. It is also important to consider the RAM’s speed, which is measured in MHz.
If you want to increase the multitasking ability of your PC, you can look for dual-channel RAM kits, which will double the amount of RAM with the same speed. Additionally, certain motherboards support quad-channel RAM kits, which quadruple the amount of RAM with the same speed. If you decide to buy a gaming RAM kit, make sure to check the compatibility with your motherboard before buying.
Cooling System
The cooling system is one of the most underappreciated components of a gaming PC. This is important to keep all your components running optimally and so they don’t become too hot. Typically, the cooling system consists of three elements, namely a CPU cooler, a GPU cooler and a case fan. CPU coolers are used to prevent the processor from overheating and they come in air coolers or AIO liquid coolers, both of which have their pros and cons.
GPU coolers on the other hand are specifically for graphics cards and are fitted onto the graphics card just like a CPU cooler. These come in either air coolers or liquid coolers, which offer better cooling performance. Lastly, case fans are used to circulate air within your case and to reduce temperatures. Make sure to check the compatibility of the cooling system with your chosen components and pick the best one for your needs.
General Accessories
When putting together the gaming PC of your dreams, don’t forget to pick up the necessary accessories. After the components are in place, you’ll need to think about the extras that will make your gaming experience as comfortable as possible. A good gaming chair, keyboard, and mouse are essential, so make sure to think about your budget and the type of gaming you’ll be doing.
Depending on the games you’ll be playing, you can also opt for a gaming headset or controllers. A controller will help you get the best out of games such as racing or shooter titles. Additionally, gaming headsets play an important role in games such as MMOs as they allow you to communicate with your allies. As always, make sure to check the compatibility of these accessories with your chosen components.
Cables
Once all the components are in place, it’s time to make sure that the cables are connected correctly. If a power cable is incorrectly plugged into the motherboard or graphics card, it can cause irreparable damage to the PC and its components. Additionally, it’s important to note that power cables have specific inputs, so make sure you’re plugging them into the right one.
The input ports of CPUs and GPUs must also be double checked before plugging them in. It is also important to plug in the external cables such as network and HDMI cables correctly. Once all these are in place, you can move on to the next step and make sure the components are properly connected.
Software and Drivers
Once all the hardware is installed, it’s time to install the software and drivers to finish your gaming PC build. Drivers are responsible for the proper functioning of your hardware, and they also allow your components to communicate with the PC. In order to do this, you’ll need to visit various manufacturer’s websites and download the appropriate drivers. Some of these drivers might be outdated, so make sure to run a driver update so you have the latest version.
You’ll also need to install an Operating System, such as Windows 10, or any other Linux or MacOS if you’re specifically buying components for them. Additionally, you’ll need to install any applications you might need, such as an AntiVirus or Office Suite. Once all the needed software and drivers are installed, you can now enjoy your new gaming PC.
