How to build the perfect gaming PC from scratch
Written By
Innocent BenjaminWriter | Editor | SEO expert
Reviewed By
Joy EmehWriter| Editor| Content Strategist
The computer is much more than just a tool for gamers; it is an extension of their experience. These days, more and more players are choosing gaming PCs made especially for their interests without learning the ins and outs of their operation. Still, the actual secret to the best gaming experience is to assemble your own system piece by piece.
Understanding the essential components for building your gaming PC
Acquiring a gaming PC that lives up to your expectations requires a thorough knowledge of every component. Before diving into the specifics, the choice of the casing is crucial.
The gaming PC case must fit the dedicated space for your machine and comes in three main sizes: full tower, mid-tower, and mini-tower.
The choice of casing allows the internal component selection to start. These need to be carefully selected, considering your price, setup needs, and compatibility.
1. The processor (CPU)
Coordinating activities among all the parts of your system and carrying out instructions are major responsibilities of the processor, also known as the brain of the computer. Integrated directly into the motherboard, it significantly influences your user experience.
Giants Intel and AMD are fighting it out for customer preference on the market with a variety of processors that are all good for gaming, from entry-level to high-end ones.
Criteria for purchase
Keep in mind that the priciest CPU does not necessarily represent the best choice for your requirements. A processor with a high clock frequency will increase speed; for effective multitasking, choose one with a sizable number of cores.
Your choice of CPU should depend on the games you plan to play and your additional activities, such as streaming or video editing.
Recommendations for specific games
- Entry-level: Light games like Fortnite or League of Legends work well with Core i3 and Ryzen 3.
- Mid-range: With a compatible graphics card, the Core i5 and Ryzen 5 are perfect for a flexible gaming experience, able to handle demanding titles like Cyberpunk or Call of Duty.
- High-end: If you want to stream at the same time as playing the newest games, Core i7 and Ryzen 7 are your best options.
- Very high-end: For the most exacting users, Core i9 and Ryzen 9 provide top performance for video editing, streaming, and heavy multitasking.
2. The graphics card (GPU)
Graphics processing units, also known as graphics cards, are necessary components of every gaming computer. These specialist processors, designed to fit into PCIe slots on the motherboard, handle and improve visual data, thereby increasing the immersion and realism of your games.
Role in gaming performance
Working in tandem with the CPU, the GPU is a major contributor to the smoothness of your gaming experience, expressed in frames per second (FPS). Recent games need ever more complex visuals; hence, a strong GPU is necessary.
The most sophisticated models even have state-of-the-art rendering capabilities, such as ray tracing, which mimics the actual behaviour of light in the virtual world.
Selection based on budget and gaming requirements
There is an enormous range of GPUs on the market to fit all tastes and budgets. Whether it is 4K gaming, high frame rates for optimal smoothness, or rendering technologies like ray tracing, there's a model for every need.
- ASUS: premium graphics cards include some of the top ROG models for ray tracing and 4K gaming. These graphics cards are ideal for both avid gamers and those with a large budget.
- Gainward: NVIDIA cards appropriate for 1080p and 1440p games that provide a decent performance-to-price ratio.
- Gigabyte: For gamers at a certain level, the AORUS series offers exceptional 4K gaming and ray-tracing performance.
- Intel: Previously focused on CPUs, Intel now offers mid-range options that provide intermediate gamers with excellent value for their money.
- MSI: Professional gamers recognise MSI graphics cards for their exceptional performance, especially in 1440p gaming and ray tracing.
- Palit: Solid, less well-known graphics cards outside of Asia that provide excellent value, particularly for 1080p gaming.
- PNY: A wide selection of graphic cards, including reasonably priced options that are ideal for gamers on a tight budget.
- PowerColor: Games at 1440p look great on AMD graphics cards, which are renowned for their effective designs and cooling systems.
- Sapphire: perfectly priced and performant AMD cards, for gamers on a tight budget.
- XFX: Suitable for a broad spectrum of gaming profiles, XFX graphics cards come in entry-level and high-end models.
3. RAM
Random-access memory, or RAM, is used to temporarily store the data required to operate your computer. Unlike hard drives or SSDs, which store data permanently and are essential to the speed of activities, RAM is volatile memory that resets every time your computer starts.
Impact on the fluidity and quality of games
The speed at which games load and run visuals or gameplay data is one way that RAM directly affects in-game performance. Insufficient RAM, say 4 GB, might result in frame rate reductions and slowdowns that degrade the gaming experience.
Additionally, background programmes such as online browsers, streaming software, and communications software use RAM, potentially impairing performance.
Ideal configuration for different categories of players
- For modern AAA games, 8GB of RAM is the recommended minimum, providing a decent foundational gaming experience.
- 12 GB of RAM is required to ensure the best performance in demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Homeworld 3.
- Gamers seeking a comfortable margin for future game versions should go for 16 GB of RAM.
- We recommend 32GB of RAM for those who do more than just gaming, as well as concurrent live streaming, group chats, and Internet browsing.
4. Storage
This necessary component immediately affects your system's dependability because it allows you to write and read programme files and data.
Two primary choices that coexist on the present market for PC building are SSDs (solid-state drives) and HDDs (hard disc drives), each with benefits and technological peculiarities of its own.
Recommended capacity for modern game
Video games nowadays need more and more storage space. Graphically intensive titles with high graphic content, such as Resident Evil 4 or Red Dead Redemption 2, might demand up to 100 GB without including the room required for modifications and downloadable material.
Types of storage and their advantages
- SSD: Faster, more robust, and less prone to physical damage than an HDD, a solid-state drive is a flash-based storage option devoid of mechanical components. SSDs come in SATA, mSATA, and NVMe formats; the latter connects to a PCI Express connector and is the most effective for building a gaming PC. Because they can accelerate the startup of operating systems, programmes, and games, SSDs are well-liked for offering a fluid and responsive user experience.
- HDD: Hard disc drive (HDD) is an older storage device that employed moving read/write heads and spinning magnetic platters. SSDs have come along, but HDDs are still appealing to consumers who need a lot of storage at a low price. With up to 26 TB of storage, they can archive large file collections. That is less appropriate, however, for someone wishing to assemble their own gaming PC.
We highly recommend SSDs, especially NVMe SSD models, for gamers who wish to optimise system responsiveness and reduce loading times while multitasking, such as gaming and streaming. When building a high-end gaming PC, SATA SSDs outperform HDDs as a secondary storage option.
5. The motherboard
The centrally printed circuit board of a computer, the motherboard, connects all the necessary parts. It fits the CPU and enables the connection of hard discs, RAM, graphics cards, and other peripherals.
Relevance of features and compatibility
The compatibility of the motherboard with the other parts is essential when building your gaming PC. It has to:
- Complement the case's measurements.
- Be compatible with the RAM and CPU.
- Enough USB ports should be available for peripherals.
- Provide enough USB ports for peripherals.
It is defined by its dimensions, with formats such as:
- Extended ATX: 305 x 272 mm, professional users and high-end PCs, up to eight RAM slots.
- ATX: 305 x 244 mm, most standard format, four RAM slots.
- Micro-ATX: 244 x 244 mm, same specifications as ATX, up to four RAM slots.
- Mini-ITX: for mini-PC, 170 x 170 mm, two RAM slots.
Superior overclocking, BIOS settings, and expansion options are available with ATX and E-ATX. Even though the initial outlay for state-of-the-art models might seem expensive, you can maximise intense gaming settings by combining them with a fast CPU and one or two current graphics cards.
Tips for choosing the right motherboard for your setup
Building your gaming PC depends critically on your choice of gaming motherboard. Notable is:
- A socket appropriate for the CPU: AMD utilises the AM4 and AM5 sockets, whereas Intel uses the most current LGA1200 and LGA1700.
- Expansions for graphics: Sufficient PCI Express slots to accommodate large graphic cards.
- An efficient cooling system: Keeping up an ideal level of performance over extended gaming sessions requires an effective cooling system.
- RAM slots: memory slots match your demands, particularly for resource-intensive games.
- Adapted connection: Included are integrated Wi-Fi, several USB ports, and network connectivity options, which are particularly important for network gaming.
- Scalability Options: Opportunities to expand with future system upgrades.
6. The cooling system
The electrical components of a gaming PC face severe strain, and overheating can compromise the system's overall lifespan. Excessive heat often causes a machine to struggle and perform worse while gaming. However, which one should I choose to build a top-notch gaming PC?
Cooler | Watercooling |
|---|---|
Most PCs typically use this cooling system, which consists of a fan and a heat sink. The cooler disperses heat from the CPU so well because of the substantial air flow it produces at full speed. Models such as those from Be Quiet! are exquisite! With costs of around a hundred euros, Cooler Master is especially good for sophisticated setups of Pro gaming PCs. | Mainly used in automobiles and energy production, watercooling offers two possible versions: All-In-One and personalised. Any gamer intending to create their own gaming PC with sophisticated specifications will find this ideal. Your budget and specific usage should determine which cooling system you choose—water cooling or a cooler. Creating your gaming PC requires an investment in a high-quality cooling solution for demanding gaming settings as it may assure the machine's lifetime and best performance. |
Building the gaming PC
To build your gaming PC, the first crucial step is the choice of components. Once you have selected them, the actual assembly can begin, step by step.
1. Setup of the workspace
Before you get started, it is essential to prepare an adequate workspace:
- Work surface: level, clean, and unhindered.
- Brightness: Verify the space's level of illumination.
- Safety: Keep parts away from dust and heat sources.
- Tools needed: pack a Phillips screwdriver, appropriate pliers, and anti-static gloves, among other things.
2. Assembly of parts
Precise assembly of the parts ensures efficiency and safety. Install the CPU first on the motherboard, then the RAM, and lastly the cooling system.
After aligning the mounting locations, insert the fitted motherboard into the chassis. You can then proceed with the remaining parts, such as:
removable rack or any dedicated location.
- Graphics card: insert it into the PCIe slot without forgetting to attach it to the case.
- Power supply : place it in its support then secure it using appropriate screws.
- Electrical connectors: Connect all power cables, making sure to follow the specific instructions provided by the supplier.
3. Organising and wiring
Once all the parts are in place, the wiring needs attention:
- Closing the case: Place the side panels, then fasten them with the supplied screws.
- Cable organisation: Organise your cables to ensure the best possible air circulation.
- Final Connections: Connect the power, reset, and LED wires to the motherboard connections.
4. Configuring and installing software
That's your PC, all put together. To guarantee the best performance, install the required operating system, software, and drivers, after which you should test your device.
You can start your operating system installation with an installation disc or a bootable USB key. Simply follow the instructions accompanying the purchased licence.
There are plenty of different choices available when building your gaming PC:
- Most gamers use Windows because of its interoperability and customisation possibilities.
- For Apple users, macOS is perfect; it's not as suitable for direct gaming but works well for streaming with services like Geforce Now or Shadow.
Although Linux is a lighter and free option, it may require additional configurations for certain games or apps.
5. Driver update
Installing the drivers for your components—the motherboard, CPU, or even the graphics card—is necessary after installing the operating system to guarantee their best performance. Installing the following helpful software:
- Monitoring utilities to monitor your system performance.
- Graphics settings adjustment tools for an enhanced visual experience.
- Antivirus solutions to protect your computer against online threats.
Building your gaming computer also entails frequent upgrades to maximise the system's stability and performance.
6. Performance testing
The last stage in building your gaming PC is to put the system through a battery of tests to verify the desired performance level. Regarding such:
- Benchmarking is used to gauge the performance of your machine and its configuration.
- Ensure that no other programmes are running while you evaluate them to avoid influencing the findings.
- Because certain tests might take a while, plan your benchmarks for when you won't need your PC.
Should you build your own gaming PC or buy a pre-built one?
If you are not acquainted with computer technology, purchasing a pre-assembled gaming PC or laptop might be the simplest way to own a computer. This all-in-one solution, however, is much less flexible if you plan to upgrade your machine.
With e-Sports increasingly becoming a profitable sport frequented by gamblers, a personalised gaming system is becoming very important this century. If you build a gaming PC from scratch, you can be sure that your setup exactly suits your tastes.
You fully customise your gaming experience by selecting each element, ensuring that you can enjoy the most demanding visuals and sound effects at the frame rate of your choice.
Furthermore, a home-built gaming PC adapts to your needs and never remains stagnant. It allows for updates, allowing you to stay up-to-date with the latest technological advancements, customise your computer to align with your changing preferences, and meet new power requirements all within your budget.