Building a gaming PC is easier than it looks. Before you dive into the deep end and start making purchases, you need to know a few key details. First, you need to determine your budget – it’s important to set a realistic budget up-front so that you don’t end up spending more than you planned. Next, you need to choose the right CPU, GPU, motherboard, RAM, and storage. Finally, you need to decide if you want it pre-assembled from a store or build it yourself. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to build a gaming PC.
CPU
The Central Processing Unit is the brains of your PC and has a huge impact on its performance. You’ll have to decide between an Intel or AMD CPU, and then determine which model within the range that meets your budget. Remember to check that your chosen motherboard is compatible with your CPU.
GPU
The GPU is responsible for the graphics output of your PC, so it’s important to research and find a model that fits your budget and meets your gaming requirements. It doesn’t need to be as good as the most expensive model, but make sure it’s powerful enough to run your games at an acceptable frame-rate.
Motherboard
The motherboard connects all of the the components and needs to chosen with the right socket type to support your CPU and enough ports to accommodate your other hardware choices. Make sure you check whether your chosen GPU is compatible with your Motherboard.
RAM
Random Access Memory is memory chips that allows your system to load programs and data quickly. Having at least 8 GB of RAM is essential for gaming. If you are looking for a high-performance gaming machine, you will want at least 16 GB, but there are some motherboards that support even more RAM.
Storage
You’ll need storage to store your games and other data. Solid State Drives (SSD) are more expensive than Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and usually faster. Many gamers will opt to buy both, with a small SSD for their operating system and games, and a larger HDD for music, videos, and other files.
Build or Buy
You can either buy a pre-assembled gaming PC from a store, or build it yourself. Building a gaming PC is not as difficult as it sounds; if you’re willing to put in some time to research and put it together, you will save a lot of money. Pre-assembled PCs are usually more expensive, and you may not get the same level of performance as you would with a custom-built PC.
Pre-Assembled Parts
You can also buy pre-assembled parts and put them together yourself. This will take more effort, but it will save you money and give you more control over the individual components. To do this, you’ll need to research which parts are compatible, what will fit in your case, and how to install it.
Budgeting and Research
It’s important to research and budget before you start buying components. You don’t want to end up with a gaming PC that isn’t powerful enough for your needs, or with a setup that costs more than you planned.
Case and Cooling
Once you have all the components, you will also need to buy a case and cooling system, such as a fan or an AIO liquid cooling system. The type of cooling you choose will depend on the size of your case and how much room you have for a fan or a radiator.
Power Supply
The Power Supply Unit (PSU) is the last component you’ll need to purchase. Make sure it is powerful enough to power all of the components, and that it includes the right kind of plugs for your setup.
Peripherals and Software
Lastly, you’ll need peripherals – such as a keyboard and mouse – and software to run your games. Depending on your budget, you can get basic peripherals and save on your gaming setup, or invest in high-end gaming peripherals and get the most out of your gaming PC.
