As a gamer, you know the importance of a well-crafted PC in adding to your experience. While you can always invest in an excellent PC, there is nothing better than building your gadget. Successfully assembling a gaming PC from scratch is a medal of honor for any gamer. You also have the liberty to customize your specs, add or remove details and ensure that the hardware you install is made to last. But this is a lucrative process, and you must research extensively before building your PC. One wrong move can land you with a faulty PC, which is an unsavory situation. So to help you craft a glorious device and support your gaming journey, here’s what you need to know:
Before You Start
Make sure that before you hit the market, you have a plan. Building a PC is an elaborate and costly process. You will need to visit several stores like Best Buy and Walmart to score the right pieces at affordable prices. Furthermore, assembling a PC is like putting together Lego pieces. Numerous parts are involved, and you need to know the names of each piece of hardware. So if you feel confused about what your PC needs and what is the best hardware in the market, start reading online articles like on a gaming hardware blog, visit YouTube tutorials, or ask professional gamers on online forums to guide you on what to do.
Additionally, pick a good location to set up your PC. The more space you have, the bigger your PC can be. You also need adequate space to prevent your computer from overheating and avoid putting it under direct sunlight. Hence, find a good spot in your house, buy the appropriate furniture to support your PC, and begin the building process.
What Hardware Do You Need?
Many stores can help you secure parts for your PC. You can even browse online stores to facilitate your research and save a few bucks on your purchase. Generally, a gaming PC can range from $700 to upward of $4,000. It all boils down to what components you buy and at what cost. Here’s a look into what you will need:
- Professional gamers use more than one monitor to capture the ultimate gaming experience. You can get started with a basic setup and use a 1920×1080 monitor. But the higher the resolution, the more the graphics will stand out and prevent the screen from becoming pixelated. In such cases, go for 2540 x 1440 or a monitor that has a 4K display.
On the other hand, you can sacrifice resolution for a higher refresh rate and so go for a 144Hz or 240 Hz monitor. This leads to a smoother gaming experience. In terms of a product, Alienware 34 QD-OLED should go on your purchase list.
- The CPU is integral for igniting your PC. If the CPU doesn’t work, your PC will not start up, no matter how expensive each component is. The two companies well known for building their processing units are intel and AMD. Regarding the first company, all Intel Core I CPUs are excellent. If you want to kick it up a notch and enhance your gaming experience further, go for a Core i9. But if you want a CPU by AMD, you will need to look into the third-generation Ryzen processor.
- Motherboards. The motherboard is the central circuit that connects all the parts of your PC. it is a bridge that allows your hardware to work with each other harmoniously. The type of motherboard your PC needs depends on your CPU. This is because every motherboard works in a specific manner and is unique to each CPU. For example, if you have an Intel CPU, you need an intel motherboard.
- The GPU is the Graphics Processing unit. This is why you can visibly see the objects and characters in your game. Most CPUs have a graphics card installed inside them, but you may need an additional GPU if you work at a higher resolution. AMD and Nvidia produce some of the most powerful GPUs. The two names worth mentioning include the GeForce RTX 3050 from Nvidia and the Radeon RX 6500 from AMD. Most gamers lean towards Nvidia to get the best GPU, but you don’t need to share the same school of thought and decide what suits your PC best.
- Memory/RAM. The RAM is your PC-short term memory. This prevents the need to hook your device to an additional storage device every time you play. Therefore, never compromise on the amount of RAM you need; try to get at least a 32 GB memory unit for your PC.
- Storage. Your system’s storage is vital in backing up your data. Most PCs now run on solid state drives (SSD), but you can also purchase an external hard drive to save your data elsewhere. Go for an SSD that’s about 2Tb and allows image editing.
- A case will hold all your computer parts, but you can decide what kind of case goes with your CPU. There is no benchmark on cases, and it depends on your taste and style. Most stores already have a good selection of cases, but if you want an attractive layout with an open-air design, go for the Thermaltake P5. However, get a Carbide Spec-Omega RGB if you’re all about keeping it simple and functional.
- Power Supply Unit. Your PC needs the correct wattage to operate. If your power supply is unsteady, it will cause your PC to switch off while you’re playing. You can also cause the internal components to catch on fire if you use the wrong wattage. Generally, if your PC has high resolution and graphics, go for the Season sonic PRIME GS-1000w.
- As the CPU powers all your Pc components, it will get heated. Without the right fans to keep the system cool, you risk overheating, a severe technical problem. So invest in a good cooling fan with the necessary cooking solutions like the All in one liquor CPU cooler. The NZXT Kraken X73 is an excellent CPU cooler if you’re in the market for s specific device.
- Mouse and Keyboard. The two essential pieces of hardware of your PC are the mouse and keyboard. You need a mouse that has an adjustable cursor and is touch sensitive. The Logitech G502 Hero is popular among most gamers; it also doesn’t lag, which makes it a good choice for most games. Your choice of keyboard impacts your gameplay. The layout decides how your hands will be positioned, so pick a device that allows you to shuffle between buttons with minimum hassle. The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition should be your go-to choice. This device is fast, receptive, and performs all the commands perfectly.
- The Operating System. There are only two major Operating systems best for gaming: Linux and Microsoft. Linux is popular among most coders and graphic designers, but if you’re new to the gaming industry, start your journey with Microsoft.
Assembling Your PC
Putting your PC together is in your hands. You can work on the CPU and connect all the components, prepare your case first, and then work upwards. If you’re starting with the CPU, you must click the pins to the motherboard. Follow the markings on the motherboard and use screws to attach the CPU to the circuit. You will also need to apply thermal paste on the CPU to attach the heat sink and plug the CPU cooler.
Once your CPU and motherboard are connected, start putting the circuit into the case. Once again, there are markings to guide you and holes that you need to close with screws. Be careful not to scratch any delicate parts. Cover your motherboard with an I/O shield, then start putting the GPU, RAM, and SSD card into place. The monitor comes in the end, so make sure you have all the hardware before connecting it to the case.
Final Thoughts
Building a PC from scratch can be exciting, but if you genuinely want a high-end gaming experience, take the time to explore your options and invest in excellent hardware. If you’re unsure where to start, use popular blogs and videos to guide you. A good gaming PC has all the essential features that allow you to play at a high resolution and gives you the space to store your progress. Once you acquire the necessary parts, start by assembling the motherboard first, then move to the case, after which you can decide how to put the other movable parts into place.