If your computer can’t keep up with the demands of your game, it might be time to build your own gaming PC. If you’d like to take your gaming to a whole new level of customization, the following guide to building a gaming PC gives you the instructions you need to build the ultimate rig.
Performance and costs have a direct relationship
The most important factor to consider is the level of performance you expect from the gaming PC you’re building. Building a powerful machine on a tight budget is totally doable: you don’t need to pay for a premium product to get good gaming performance. However, if you’re looking to push the limits of gaming performance with high-end hardware and accessories, the price will be higher. It doesn’t matter what decision you make, because you’ll need to fully assemble your gaming PC.
Focus on hardware
Hardware is the engine of your gaming platform. It represents almost all available performance, i.e. speed, responsiveness, frame rate, and running multiple applications at once (for example, playing games while recording your gameplay on video). Other accessories and software can help and are still important, but they are complementary and the capabilities of the hardware dictate their impact.
Components you will need to assemble your kit
Hardware
motherboard
Processor (CPU)
Memoria (RAM)
Storage (units)
Video card/graphics card/graphics processing unit (GPU)
Housing
case fans
Power supply
Software
Operating System (OS)
peripherals
Monitor
gaming keyboard
gaming mouse
gaming headset
motherboard
The motherboard is the first internal component you have to choose. The motherboard dictates the physical dimensions and size of the PC, and also determines what other pieces of hardware you can use (this is critical, since your motherboard must support the performance you want from the platform). For example, the motherboard sends power to the processor, so it must supply enough power for it to work. The motherboard also requires a specific class of memory, such as DDR4, DDR3, or DDR2, and has a limit on the number of modules that can be installed, which affects the efficiency and speed of the CPU. Also, the motherboard dictates the type of storage (drives) that can be installed, both the size of the drive (6.35 cm, mSATA or m.2) and the type of interface (SATA or Piche).Learn more about your motherboard and computer memory compatibility.
Processor (CPU)
The processor could be the most important component you choose to build your computer. Memory and storage feed the processor, which is responsible for controlling all data transactions within the computer. When determining the CPU to install, pay attention to the gigahertz (GHz): the higher the GHz, the faster the processor. This is important if you are overclocking, as the number of GHz you use will increase. By definition, overclocking is increasing the clock cycles of the CPU to process more data transactions faster. This also adds to the importance of finding an appropriate heat sink for the processor so that the high temperatures generated do not affect the health of the system. The processor must be compatible with the motherboard you have chosen.
Memory
Memory (or RAM) gives your processor and graphics processing unit the resources they need to function. More gigabytes of memory equals more resources that you can convert into higher system speeds, smooth responsiveness, and higher frame rates. Adding memory is one of the fastest, easiest and cheapest ways to amplify the performance of any gaming rig. And regardless of your budget: installing the maximum amount of RAM is critical to building a gaming PC.
Storage (units)
There are two storage options for gaming PCs: Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD). HDDs use spinning platters and small mechanical parts to read and write data. HDDs generally provide more storage space (in GB), but with advances in NAND flash technology, the capacities of SSDs continue to increase.
SSDs use electrical cells to receive and send data, allowing for more efficient boot up and faster file save and transfer times, and can be up to 90% more energy efficient. The lack of moving parts also makes SSDs more durable. Learn more about our range of Solid State Drives (SSDs).
Video card/graphics card/graphics processing unit (GPU)
If you expect to get more performance from your computer, you need to beef up your system with the necessary resources to meet these expectations. Creating ultra-high-definition graphics requires more memory to process all the details on screen – more GB of RAM equals more graphics power you’re giving your gaming PC.
GPUs come in an extremely wide price range, which could increase your build costs. If you want to enjoy high-definition visuals from a high-priced GPU, make sure you give it the means it needs to get the job done: a powerful processor, plenty of RAM, and a razor-sharp monitor.
Housing
The case is important in terms of the image of your computer, but it also influences its performance. If you are planning to configure your hardware to run faster than what is certified by the manufacturer (overclocking), it is likely that system temperatures will become higher than normal. Consequently, a case with efficient airflow and space for adequate case fans will increase the life of internal components.
case fans
Airflow is a vital consideration when building a gaming PC. If you build your computer with performance in mind, the higher the power consumption, the higher the temperatures inside the computer, and that high-temperature air must be exhausted from inside the machine. Many gamers add two case fans: one to draw cool air into the computer and one to blow hot air out of the computer. That’s not the only way to cool your system: you can add a CPU fan, a memory cooling fan, and even consider installing a water cooling kit.Learn more about keeping your system cool.
Power supply
The most important thing in selecting a power supply is to confirm that it supplies the power your platform needs to run. This is especially critical if you’re building a high-performance device, for which you’ll need a robust power supply to keep everything working as it should. However, at higher voltages, you may need to adjust internal airflow or system cooling.
Operating System (OS)
Microsoft ® Windows ® is the OS of choice for gamers, but you shouldn’t be limited to just one option. Windows 10 is great for gaming, but if your game doesn’t need to be installed on a Windows platform, you can choose another. It is important to remember that you will probably be using this computer (including its operating system) for other daily tasks; so keep this in mind when choosing an OS.
Monitor
If you’ve bought a high-quality graphics card with your hardware, get a monitor that can produce the visually powerful images you want.
Gaming keyboard, mouse and headset
These accessories add value to your gaming experience by increasing the precision of your gaming skills thanks to ergonomic designs. A dedicated gaming keyboard, mouse, and headset are just a few of the many reasons why so many gamers prefer to play on a PC. Find out more about computer games and console games.
How to build a gaming PC without breaking your budget
The amount of money you spend on gaming computer parts will not always be the same. When building a gaming PC, to save money, make sure you meet the minimum system requirements for the games you care about. It’s the bare minimum, but it’s smart to keep in mind that system requirements will increase with new games. Being future-proof will save you the time and money of continually updating components when you want to play a new game that requires more system resources.
How to save money on RAM and SSD
Since memory and storage add up to much of the cost of a gaming PC, building your own PC gives you the opportunity to save on these components by adding your own. Although the costs of RAM and SSDs increase with the number of GB they offer, these drives are less expensive than buying pre-installed (and often inappropriate) components that you will probably need to upgrade in the near future.
When gathering all the pieces, make sure you have plenty of space to keep the assembly process organized. Beware of static electricity – it’s one of the few ways hardware can be damaged, and you can easily avoid it. Discharge static electricity naturally built up in your body by frequently touching an unpainted metal surface or wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strata protect your system components from static electricity. It’s also helpful to have a can of compressed air to blow any dust or fine debris off the interface while you install the processor, memory, and SSD.
Hardware Installation
For processor and power supply installation instructions, as well as instructions on how to place the motherboard into the case, refer to the user manual for each component. The fact of installing or assembling the parts is not complicated, but there is the possibility of making mistakes. For this reason, it is best to follow the detailed step-by-step instructions for each specific part.
memory installation
RAM is the easiest hardware to install when building a computer. Locate the memory slots on the motherboard. Hold the memory modules by their sides to avoid touching the gold pins. If your memory doesn’t have a heat spreader, also avoid touching the chips on the module. Align the notches on the module with the ridges in the slot, and then firmly press the module in until it clicks. When pressing, keep in mind that about 13 kg of pressure is needed to fully install a module.Learn more about installing computer memory.
SSD Installation
Depending on the form factor of the SSD you purchased (6.35 cm, mSATA, or M.2), installation requires attaching the drive to the storage interface and then inserting it into the drive port (if it’s a 2.5-inch SSD). 6.35cm).Learn more about installing an SSD. If you’re looking for the highest capacity possible and are on a tight budget, a hard drive might be an interesting option, but load times will be slower than choosing an SSD. For installation instructions for your hard drive, see your user manual.
Time to boot
When your system is assembled, it’s time to hit the power button. Make sure your monitor and keyboard are connected to the computer, and if everything works fine, a screen will appear to access the system BIOS. If you have a floppy or flash drive with an operating system, put it in the appropriate drive, boot the system, and you should be able to install the OS. At this point, the assembly is complete. Congratulations, you have just assembled your very own gaming PC. Get in your game, put your new platform to the test and start climbing the leaderboards.
