For anyone looking to build their own custom PC or upgrade an existing system for gaming, it’s important to consider what specs one needs. Choosing budget-friendly components that will still provide good performance for gaming is key for staying within a budget.
Processor: When it comes to processors, Intel’s 9th and 10th Gen processors are great and more than capable of playing the latest games. For the best performance, one should look at getting something with at least 6 cores and 12 threads, such as the Intel Core i5-10600K.
GPU: As for the graphics card, it’s important to look at what games one intends to play. If they are older or less intensive titles, something like the Nvidia GTX 1650 Super is more than enough. For more intensive games, something like the RTX 2080 Super should suffice.
RAM: A minimum of 8GB RAM should be sufficient for most games. However, for optimal performance and smooth frame rates, 16GB or higher is recommended.
Storage: SSDs are the fastest type of storage and should be used for the OS and frequently used software. HDD storage is the most cost-effective and can be used for other programs, as well as storing games.
Case: Cases come in many sizes, from small ones to roomy full towers. Getting a case that has enough cooling options is important for keeping components cool, as well as for future expansion.
PSU: It is important to get a power supply with enough wattage to power all components, as well as enough connectors for hard drives and other installed components.
Processors
When choosing a processor for gaming, multithreading is an important consideration. More threads means better multi-tasking performance, which is important when playing games. The number of cores also has an impact on gaming performance, with more cores equaling better performance. Intel’s 3rd and 5th Gen processors are some of the best for gaming, with the i7-8700K offering 6 cores and 12 threads at a relatively low cost. AMD’s Ryzen processors offer good value for money and are great for gaming. The Ryzen 7 2700X is a good example, offering 8 cores and 16 threads at a reasonable price.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the backbone of any system, and choosing the right one is important. It should feature the right chipset and socket type for the processor being used. It should also have lots of connectivity options, such as USB ports, SATA ports, and enough PCIe slots for future expansion. Many motherboards come with built-in Wi-Fi, which can come in handy for gaming on the go or for streaming.
Cooling
One of the most important components for gaming is cooling. CPUs and GPUs can get very hot when gaming, so having ample cooling solutions is a must. Air cooling, such as tower coolers, or liquid loops, or all-in-one liquid coolers, can be used to ensure components stay cool during intense gaming sessions.
Monitor
For gaming, fast response times and high-resolution displays are important. Monitors with TN panels generally have the lowest response times, while IPS panels offer better colors and viewing angles, but slightly slower response times. For a great gaming and multimedia experience, an ultrawide monitor with an IPS panel is recommended.
Peripherals
Having the right peripherals is also important for gaming. A good quality gaming mouse and keyboard will provide more control and responsiveness when playing games. Gaming headsets offer better sound and clarity when communicating with teammates, and can also be used for streaming.
Networking
Finally, having a good, stable internet connection is essential for playing games online. A reliable router should be used, as well as a good quality Ethernet cable for a more stable connection. Wi-Fi can be used if Ethernet is not available.
