Building a gaming PC can be an exciting and rewarding process but it doesn’t come without some research into the components one needs for their build. In this article, we explore the key parts that one needs to buy for their gaming PC, such as the motherboard, graphics card and RAM.
The first choice to make is the processor. This is the brains of the machine and will control what games and applications you can run. Many gamers opt for Intel processors as they are known for their reliable performance, with the i7-9700K being a strong contender. Other gamers may choose to go with the AMD Ryzen 5 processors, which have similar performance power.
When it comes to a gaming machine’s motherboard, reliability is key. One needs to make sure they pick a board that supports their processor as well as their other components. A good base model would be MSI’s X570-A Pro, which has overclocking capabilities and offers ample RGB customization.
A serious gaming PC requires a powerful graphics card, and these days the NVIDIA RTX 2070 Super is commonly found in powerful builds. This card provides incredible performance and 4K gaming capabilities. It is also quite power efficient so it is not an overly expensive option.
Having enough RAM is essential in gaming PCs, and that is why 16GB of DDR4 RAM is commonly found in gaming machines. This will allow gamers to run multiple programmes simultaneously without any major slow downs in performance. If possible, it may be worth investing in quicker DDR4 RAM as this could reduce load times for games and applications.
Finally, a good case is essential for a gaming PC as this will keep all your components cool. If you are looking for an affordable and large option, the NZXT H510 is a good choice. It offers plenty of interior space and has a PSU shroud to keep all the wires hidden.
Storage
In terms of storage, gamers will want to make sure they have enough room for all their games, applications and other files as well as enough fast storage to get quick loading times. These days there are so many options such as Solid State Drives (SSDs) and Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). SSDs offer blazingly fast performance while HDDs have much more storage space and are more affordable. It is wise to have a combination of both as this will allow gamers to store all their files and games while offering solid performance.
For a gaming PC, the most common storage configuration utilizes a 1TB HDD and a 250GB SSD. The combination of the two ensures that gamers have ample storage space and still experience fast loading times.
Cooling System
Cooling a gaming PC can be a difficult task, especially with modern CPUs and GPUs being incredibly power hungry. A good CPU cooler is necessary for any gaming machine and many opt for liquid coolers as they provide good performance without making too much noise. The Corsair H115i is a popular liquid cooler that offers good performance and RGB lighting. Other gamers may prefer the upcoming CoolerMaster ML360, which is a more affordable option with decent cooling.
It is important to have adequate cooling to prevent components from frying, and many gamers opt for additional fans. The Corsair RGB Pro Fans often come in packs and offer great cooling capabilities, while still being very silent. They also provide great aesthetics and help the gaming machine to look slick and cool.
Some GPUs also require additional cooling, such as the NVIDIA RTX 30 Series. With these GPUs, gamers will need to buy a high-end air cooler such as the Be Quiet Shadow Rock Pro 4. This cooler offers exceptional performance and allows gamers to push their GPU to its limits without running into any serious issues.
Power Supply
One of the most important components of a gaming PC is the power supply (PSU). If one skips on quality here, their gaming machine could blow out due to an insufficient wattage. A reliable and good quality PSU should come with at least a 80+ Gold certification and should offer enough wattage for their components.
The average gaming build will require at least a 500W PSU, this allows for considerable power and allows one to add additional parts to their build. For instance, gamers may want to add another GPU or some more powerful components to their machine. To make sure they are future-proofed, they should invest in a PSU with a decent wattage.
The Corsair RM650x is often thought of as the best PSU for a gaming PC, offering reliable performance and silent operation. It has a 80+ Gold certification and is built to last, with a 10 year warranty. Other options such as the CoolerMaster Masterwatt also offer good performance at a more affordable price.
Peripherals
To complete the gaming setup, one needs to invest in a good monitor and peripherals, such as a mouse and keyboard. The most common monitor for gamers is a 24 or 27 inch Full HD monitor. These offer great performance, with sharp visuals and a great refresh rate. For some serious gaming, gamers may want to invest in a 4K monitor, which can offer outstanding visuals and triple the pixel count of a HD monitor.
When it comes to peripherals, gamers can opt for a basic keyboard and mouse, but they will also want to consider higher quality products as they can offer an improved gaming experience. Logitech’s gaming mouse and keyboard are popular as they are reliable and comfortable to use. They also offer additional features such as macro buttons and RGB lighting.
Conclusion
These days, building a gaming PC is easier than ever. With the right components, one can create a powerful and feature-rich gaming machine that can tackle any game they throw at it. As long as one buys the right components, they can be sure they have a solid gaming PC.
