What Do I Need To Build A Gaming PC?
Want to build a gaming PC yourself? Everything from the computer system to the optional extras will be laid out for you to build your gaming system quickly.
To put it in simple terms, you should never buy a pre-built system.
If you care about getting your money’s worth out of a computer, you should never buy one that has already been assembled. After all, one of the best things about playing PC games is the ability to tweak settings to your liking, and you wouldn’t want to get ripped off by a store selling inferior settings. As a result, you should construct your gaming computer.
With this post, what do I need to build a gaming PC? We aim to provide you with the resources you need to build a gaming PC that you can be justifiably proud of without breaking the bank.
We’ll walk you through choosing the proper hardware by outlining everything you need and why. Let’s jump right into the guide!
How to build a gaming PC? Primary Components
When we talk about “primary components of build a gaming PC,” we’re referring to the actual computer itself, including its internal circuits. This involves the central processing unit, graphics processing unit, motherboard, random access memory, storage drives, and power supply.
The CPU
CPUs, short for “central processing units,” are the computational “brains” of a personal computer. These parts process each piece of information that enters the computer and instructs the other parts of the computer on what to do and when to do it.
Intel and AMD are the two most common CPU makers. However, despite AMD’s recent resurgence with the Ryzen series, none of these tech titans is definitively superior to the other regarding gaming CPUs.
Which Central Processing Unit Should You Buy? To sum up our suggestions, please consider the following:
- For entry-level and lower-middle-range gaming PCs, I’d recommend an Intel Intel Core i3 or an AMD Ryzen 3.
- High-end and midrange gaming PCs should have an Intel Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5.
Since the primary function of the CPU in gaming is to provide the GPU with all the essential information, Core i7 and Ryzen 7 CPUs are only necessary if you intend to create a PC with numerous strong GPUs. However, there will be bottlenecking if the central processing unit (CPU) cannot keep up. This means that some of your GPU’s processing capacity will be doing nothing while you’re not using it. If you want faster speed even when you’re not playing games, a Core i7 or Ryzen 7 processor is a good choice because of how much they can handle.
Some recommended Core i9, Ryzen Threadripper, or one of the monstrous Intel Xeon or AMD EPYC processors. But those aren’t designed for gaming; they’re for workstations and servers that require a lot of processing power. So they’re a waste of money if you’re looking to improve your gaming experience, as they’re overkill.
The GPU
GPUs is the second item to build a gaming pc, short for “graphics processing unit,” are responsible for rendering graphics in games. The graphics processing unit (GPU) is the central processing unit (CPU) of a graphics processing unit (GPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU) and a video memory array (VRAM) on a graphics card.
While many modern central processing units (CPUs) and motherboards have integrated graphics chips that can handle multimedia, browsing, and office work, you will still need a dedicated gaming graphics card (GPU).
Which GPU to Get?
Nvidia and AMD (again) are the two firms that make GPUs nowadays. While AMD continues to focus on entry-level and midrange solutions, Nvidia has established itself as the industry leader in the high-end segment.
With that said, we advise going with the following:
- Low-end gaming PC – Nvidia GTX 1050 or Radeon RX 560
- Mid-range gaming PC – Nvidia GTX 1060 6GB or Radeon RX 580
- High-end gaming PC – Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti
The above GPUs are indeed the models we believe provide the greatest value. But, of course, there are more solutions, and we urge that you check out their performances and contrast them here. UserBenchmark.com is not the most credible source for benchmark results, but it will give you a good picture of how a given GPU performs compared to others. Check our detailed article about How To Test Graphics Card [Step by Step Guide].
Which Graphics Card To Get?
However, as we have mentioned before, there is a difference between a GPU and a graphics card. While Nvidia and AMD make the GPUs, most other companies make actual graphics cards.
Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI are a few well-established hardware companies you may work with; they all provide Nvidia and AMD graphics cards. Smaller shops may specialize in just one of the companies mentioned earlier products, such as EVGA and Zotac or XFX and Sapphire, respectively.
But are there any discernible differences between brands?
The dimensions, shape, color, and finish of the circuit board are all factors that may be considered. Nonetheless, the most crucial factor to remember is the availability of cooling options. Three distinct methods are now in use for cooling modern graphics cards:
- Open-air cooling – The card can have one to three fans blowing air over an exposed heatsink. This method’s vast majority of cooling needs can be met, which is why it’s so widely used and effective.
- Blower fan cooling – This cooling method, often only seen on reference cards, employs a single blower fan and a closed heatsink. Since the card’s fan expels hot air to the rear, it fits well in compact cases and doesn’t need additional cooling from the chassis. On the other hand, these cards appeal to some people’s aesthetic tastes.
- Water cooling – Water-based cooling is a bit more sophisticated than common air-based methods. Thus it is reserved for high-end graphics cards. This is only necessary for graphics cards that have been overclocked, as they will produce more heat than can be dissipated by air-cooling alone.
Open-air cooling is what you should choose. As it turns out, there’s a good reason why this is the preferred method of keeping graphics cards cool.
Blower fan-based or water-cooled cards might not even be available in more localized shops.
Furthermore, graphics cards may include a set of optional extras that change from one brand to the next. There are some functional distinctions across companies, but the changes are largely cosmetic.
Finally, the video card’s random-access memory (VRAM) is used only for graphical tasks. For example, high-quality textures used to rely heavily on VRAM, but nowadays, it’s all about the screen’s native resolution.
Currently, 4GB cards are more than sufficient for 1080p, but if you plan on gaming in 4K or cranking up all the settings to the maximum in 2K, you should invest in an 8GB or the rare 6GB model.
The Best RAM to build a Gaming PC
RAM, short for “random access memory,” is used to store data that your computer needs quick access to temporarily. This technology is much faster than any other form of storage now in use.
However, the RAM module can only store information while it is receiving power; thus, if the power goes out, the data is lost forever.
Today’s RAM sticks are built with DDR4 technology. Therefore, RAM capacity is the most important factor to consider.
You should acquire at least 8GB of RAM for your gaming PC, which is the sweet spot for performance. If you want to play the latest games and run a 64-bit operating system, you’ll need more than 4GB of RAM; 16GB is the better long-term option. Because only workstations and servers require 32GB of RAM or more, anything beyond that is unnecessary. You can check our detailed article about How Much RAM Do I Need For Gaming?
The operating frequency of the RAM module is another important factor to consider. DDR4 RAM modules typically operate between 2133MHz and 3200MHz, although there are very fast (and pricey) variants that go as high as 4600MHz.
Higher-frequency RAM costs more but does not significantly improve the frame rate. By Pursuing our comprehensive shopping guide, check some of the top-rated RAM models today.
The Motherboard
The motherboard’s sole duty is to link the computer’s primary components. Therefore, it will not affect your gaming performance but will limit the types and quantities of hardware you can use.
The chipset and socket decide which central processing units (CPUs) can be used with a given motherboard, so these factors should be considered. Since both Intel and AMD use the LGA1151 and AM4 sockets for their mainstream CPUs, there is no real difficulty with compatibility between manufacturers.
But not all modern CPUs can be used with legacy motherboards. Both of these chipsets have articles on Wikipedia (Article 1 and Article 2) that discuss their specifications in further detail.
The amount of RAM and PCIe slots is also important and is governed by the motherboard’s design.
The most common types of motherboards are:
- Mini ITX – Smallest motherboards have only one PCIe slot and two RAM slots.
- Micro ATX – Motherboards with four RAM slots and two to three PCIe slots are considered a medium size.
- ATX – Big motherboards with as many as six PCI Express expansion slots and four RAM slots.
EATX motherboards are designed specifically for workstations and servers due to their ability to accommodate up to eight RAM slots and two CPUs.
Although an ATX motherboard is ideal for gaming rigs with several graphics processing units (GPUs) or PCIe expansion slots, a Micro ATX board is sufficient for most gaming PCs. Mini ITX, on the other hand, is best saved for small cases that prioritize form over function. There are many options for motherboards, but we’ve narrowed it down to only the top ones to make your search easier.
Storage (for build a Gaming PC)
You can choose between hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs) for your computer’s internal storage.
HDD, which stands for “hard disk drive,” is the most widely used storage medium due to its low cost and large capacity. SSD, which stand for “solid-state drive,” are more expensive to produce but can be up to ten times faster than HDDs. Due to this, they will be more expensive and have less capacity.
Our final recommendation is to use an SSD with fewer than 500 GB capacity as your primary system drive, the one on which Windows and any games will be installed. Data storage of 1 terabyte (TB) or more is recommended.
We have a detailed guide about the difference between SSD and HDD in 2023? To know more about it.
Power Supply
PSU stands for “power supply unit,” Its job is just as its name implies: it supplies power to your computer’s parts.
Power supply units (PSUs) have only one defining characteristic: wattage. Although power supplies can go as high as 1800 watts, most gaming PCs only need 500 to 600 watts, especially if they don’t have more than one graphics card.
While other power supply standards exist, most cases and motherboards are designed to use ATX power supplies.
In addition, it is crucial to only purchase PSUs from reputable brands, as a poor quality PSU might permanently damage your computer. Finally, an uninterruptible power source is also recommended to ensure that data is safe during a power outage.
Secondary Components to Build A Gaming PC
By “secondary components for building a gaming pc,” we mean various add-ons that can enhance your PC’s functionality but aren’t strictly required. For example, here we have the optical drive, sound card, case fans, and various expansion cards.
Optical Drive
Years ago, when compact discs and digital video discs (DVDs) ruled the storage media market, every home computer had to have an optical drive, also known as a disk drive.
There was essentially no choice because, at the time, solid-state memory and the Internet were far behind where they are now. An internal or external optical drive can be useful if you have a large collection of CDs, DVDs, or Blu-Ray disks that you want to use with your computer.
Only consider whether or not the driver can read Blu-ray disks. Those later drives are costlier, but they’re worth it if you really need the extra space they provide.
Sound Card to build a gaming PC
Even if these built-in solutions were scarcely dependable in the past, modern motherboards all would feature integrated circuits that handle audio input and output.
Since most specialized sound cards have all the ports and processing ability to accommodate surround sound, this may be the only time you’ll need to invest in a separate sound card.
Buying a sound card is unnecessary if you only use stereo 2.0/2.1 speakers or headphones.
However, if it fails, you may easily replace the embedded chip without replacing the entire motherboard.
Miscellaneous Expansions Cards
Different types of PCI Express (PCIe) expansion cards serve various purposes. Internal modems, Wi-Fi adapters, and additional I/O ports fall into this category. These are similar to sound cards in that they are rarely needed because most modern motherboards already include the necessary features.
Case Fans
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As the name suggests, these fans are attached to the outside of the case to increase the airflow within the system and provide additional cooling.
Though not required, having at least one or two of these is highly recommended if you intend to purchase a powerful graphics card.
Additionally, case fans with LED or RGB lights might add to your system’s visual appeal.
The Case
After deciding on the internal components, you may choose the case. Formats for computer cases are standardized by motherboards. Therefore, three standard categories of cases exist:
- Mini Tower, designed for Mini ITX motherboards
- Mid Tower, designed for ATX motherboards
- Micro Tower, designed for Micro ATX motherboards
Even though EATX motherboards are better suited for workstations and servers, Full Tower cases are made specifically for them. So even if you desire a Full Tower for its intimidating looks, you can certainly purchase one.
Think about whether or not the graphics card you want to buy will fit in the case and the motherboard. Sometimes, larger cards will be too big to fit inside a Mini or Micro Tower container. However, a Mid Tower case is recommended due to its substantial internal space, ability to accommodate additional components in the future, and reasonable price.
Click here to see our take on the best gaming cases of 2023 (Best Smallest Atx Cases).
Peripherals of build a gaming PC
Here we go into the peripherals, or the external components of your gaming PC that are used for input and output, such as the screens, audio components, input devices, and output devices.
The Monitor
There are many ways in which the monitor stands apart from a standard television. They are more manageable in size, and the better resolutions they pack into their reduced bodies make them more fascinating to examine closely. In addition, their response times are typically faster than those of standard TVs, which means less motion blur.
The connectors are another key distinction. In addition to digital audio connectors and USB inputs/outputs, most modern monitors accept audio signals via HDMI and DisplayPort. On the other hand, TVs provide a plethora of inputs and outputs, such as analog antenna and cable inputs, RCA audio jacks, and SCART video and audio input. Here are some things to consider while picking out a screen.
Size
As was previously stated, monitors are never more than 30 inches. There is no such thing as a monitor with a diagonal of 30 inches or more; anything bigger is just a TV trying to pass itself off as a monitor. Having such a massive screen at your desk is not practical or healthful.
The typical range for today’s monitors is between 21 and 27 inches, which is ideal for use on a desktop. Of course, each user will have their optimal viewing distance, but generally, it will be somewhere between the screen’s diagonal and twice that distance.
Resolution
The resolution of a display specifies the number of pixels it has. More pixels mean better quality and a more detailed image. Currently, available gaming monitors provide the following pixel densities:
- 1080p – Full HD, now the most common and widely used resolution, is optimal for displays up to 24 inches in size. If your screen resolution is higher than 1080p, aliasing will occur in-game.
- 1440p – Image quality on personal computers has improved, and the next stage is Quad HD, also known as 2K. It looks great on any size display and provides depth and clarity that Full HD cannot. However, a robust GPU must achieve framerates at or over 60.
- 2160p – Ultra High Definition, or 4K, has seen meteoric growth in the television market but has seen less success on computer screens. This is because only the most powerful personal computers can render images at such a high resolution. Still, those lucky enough to own such machines will be treated to incredible-quality images.
Until then, we recommend staying with 1080p, while 1440p is still worthwhile if you invest in a decent graphics card. However, 2160p is not suggested unless you are building a monster gaming PC or planning to do so shortly.
Refresh Rate
The number of frames displayed on a monitor in one second is directly related to its refresh rate, which is expressed in hertz (Hz). Most monitors refresh at 60 hertz, although higher-end gaming screens can go as high as 144 or 240 hertz.
We recommend sticking with 60Hz as the difference between a 60Hz and a 240Hz panel is negligible unless your GPU can pump out a sufficient number of frames; nevertheless, only a small subset of e-sports games can be played at 240Hz on a typical PC.
No improvement in visual quality is apparent by increasing the refresh rate, and however competitive gamers may benefit from the increased quickness. However, the typical person will hardly detect any change.
Response Time
The time it takes for a pixel to go from black to white or from one shade of gray to another is called its response time, measured in milliseconds (ms).
Dependent on the panel technology employed, the response time of today’s monitors is either 1ms or 4ms.
The only benefit of low response times for real-world use is reduced motion blur when the camera is in motion. Going as low as 1ms is important for professional players who need every advantage they can get, much like the refresh rate. If you’re not one of the lucky few, you probably won’t see much blur in motion until the response time is over 10ms.
That being said, a 4ms monitor is what you should get, especially in light of the following.
Panel Type
Displays in modern gaming monitors are typically twisted-nematic (TN) or in-plane switching (IPS). This is the most crucial consideration, and I won’t bore you with the details:
However, fast response times with TN panels come at the expense of color fidelity and viewing angles. In contrast, in-plane switching (IPS) screens present more accurate and vibrant colors and significantly wider viewing angles; nevertheless, the underlying technology does not permit response times lower than 4ms.
It all boils down to personal preference, whether you place more value on looks or speed. Furthermore, as we’ve already established, an IPS panel is the superior option for casual gamers. On the other hand, you can gain a small yet significant advantage in competitive multiplayer games with a TN panel.
Connectors
Monitors’ visual and audio inputs are labeled as either HDMI or DisplayPort, and most graphics cards feature at least three DisplayPort outputs and one HDMI output. Some still have DVI and VGA ports, but you should avoid these because they are outdated.
These days, the distinction between HDMI and DisplayPort is mostly moot because both have audio and 4K resolution capability. The refresh rate is where they part ways, though. HDMI 1.4 and 2.0, the most recent versions, allow for 4K at 30 or 60 frames per second. Regarding refresh rate, DisplayPort 1.4 can handle 4K at up to 120 frames per second.
Since it’s quite improbable that you’ll be able to run a game at 4K and 120 FPS, we recommend simply picking the one that suits your needs best. Bear in mind that both HDMI and DisplayPort support compatibility with older technologies.
Is it all too much to take in at once? Don’t worry; we’ve already compiled a comprehensive guide on the best gaming monitors to help you make the right decision.
The Speakers
You can either play the sound through the speakers or use headphones. The acoustics of speakers are more lifelike, and they reproduce low frequencies more accurately (provided that it is a set that includes a subwoofer).
Keep in mind that some displays feature built-in speakers, albeit their typically low output makes them unsuitable for gaming. Therefore, the configuration of the speakers is the most important factor to consider when selecting the best set for your needs.
Each of the following four speaker setups is available to you:
- 2.0 – In most homes, you’ll find stereo speakers. Dual speakers on either side create the illusion of surround sound.
- 2.1 – A 2.1 setup is nearly identical to a 2.0 setup, with the addition of a subwoofer. You can think of this as a subwoofer for your home stereo system. Since this allows for such robust audio, 2.1 configurations have become the standard for gaming audio.
- 5.1 – This is a surround arrangement, with 5 speakers and a subwoofer working together to create a more immersive listening experience than a standard stereo system.
- 7.1 – The most sophisticated surround setup, 7.1 employs seven speakers and a subwoofer to immerse the listener in the sound field.
To get the most bang for your buck and the most immersive experience, a 2.1 setup is your best bet. Meanwhile, surround arrangements are better suited for larger spaces because of the difficulty they present when being set up.
The Headphones or Headset
There’s a common misunderstanding that “headphones” and “headsets” mean the same thing when they don’t. While both can be worn on or over the ear, headsets are distinguished by their built-in microphone.
Common categories include headphones aimed at the general public, headphones designed for use in professional recording environments, and headphones designed specifically for use while playing video games. So, what are the primary distinctions between them?
- The typical consumer in mind while creating mainstream headphones may use them for more than just video games, such as listening to music or viewing movies. Typically, they are collapsible and small, so they may be easily transported.
- Studio headphones reproduce music as accurately as possible. They are designed for experts rather than regular people. However, they are costly and may provide a less enjoyable experience because they are designed to study sound rather than listen to it.
- The ideal gaming headset strikes a balance between crisp sounds and clear recordings. Unfortunately, these headphones are typically more expensive than the alternative because of the need for a high-quality microphone.
We recommend that you use a standard issue set of headphones. Why? You won’t find better value in any other source of comparable sound quality. Additionally, you should only acquire a gaming headset if you plan to utilize the microphone frequently, as it will require sacrifices in other areas. A dedicated microphone would save money in any other scenario.
The Keyboard
If you’re shopping for a computer, you’ll need to decide between a standard membrane keyboard and a more sophisticated mechanical keyboard. Depending on the user’s context, the difference between the two may be negligible or monumental.
Membrane keyboards are straightforward, with each key sitting atop a rubber dome that collapses when pressed hard enough to make contact with the keyboard’s circuit board. On the other hand, mechanical keyboards have far more moving parts.
In this situation, unlike with a membrane keyboard, a key sits atop a switch, and the key itself doesn’t need to be pressed down for the mechanism to be triggered for the switch to make contact with the circuit board. In addition, many different switch types exist, with MX Cherry switches being the most common.
The amount of effort required to press a key and the level of noise generated by the keys can vary greatly amongst switches. Still, a membrane keyboard is a silent type. Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, offer superior comfort at the expense of a hefty price premium.
Everything boils down to individual taste and financial constraints. Although the value of a mechanical keyboard is questionable and very subjective, we lean toward recommending a membrane keyboard due to its more approachable pricing and cost-effectiveness.
The Mouse
When shopping for a mouse, it’s crucial to think about two things: the technology it uses and the number of extra buttons it has.
Optical mice are generally less expensive and provide more than enough precision for a gamer’s needs. You can even use a laser mouse on glass, which won’t affect its precision. You can learn about How To Hold A Gaming Mouse? Ultimate Guide
However, sometimes they are too precise, picking up on information that isn’t important and therefore producing unnecessary anxiety. And they cost considerably more than optical alternatives.
That’s why an optical mouse is far superior to a laser mouse.
The three auxiliary buttons on a regular mouse are the left click, the right click, and the scroll wheel, all of which you’re probably already familiar with. However, gaming mice often have additional buttons that can be assigned to various functions in and out of games. The ability to perform complex macros with the push of a single button is a huge time saver in multiplayer online battle arenas, and massively multiplayer online games, so programmable buttons are a must-have. you can check Best Gaming Mouse For Small Hands in 2023
The Controller
Many games are developed initially for consoles and then converted to personal computers.
This is why many games aren’t optimized well for use with a keyboard and mouse. However, even if it isn’t, some games are better experienced with a controller.
Although other options exist, this article lists the best PC controllers currently available, including the Sony DualShock 4 and the Microsoft Xbox One Controller.
The Microphone
If you don’t want to spend money on a headset but still want to play multiplayer games, investing in a separate microphone is a requirement. Therefore, a microphone costing more than $10-20 won’t be necessary unless you intend to stream.
Conclusion about how to build a gaming PC?
There you have how to build a gaming PC?; everything that should go into a gaming PC. It may appear daunting to construct your gaming machine from scratch, and some people hold that view. But, as with many other activities, the toughest part is often just getting started.
Everything will make sense once you get moving.
Now that you have all the pieces, you can watch this video for a lesson on how to put together the gaming PC.
If you’re on a tighter budget and prefer not to have to choose the components, there’s no need to panic. We’ve gathered many recent PC configurations and linked them below.