How to choose the right components to build a custom gaming PC

It’s not easy to jump in and build your own custom gaming PC from scratch. Building a new gaming PC is really a daunting task, especially when you have numerous options available on the market. Choosing the right components is crucial when constructing a gaming PC. In this article, we will go over the basics of constructing a PC for gaming, including what parts are necessary and how to pick the best ones.

Table of Contents

How to choose the right component: a complete guide

Processor (CPU)

The processor is an essential element of a gaming PC. The CPU executes all instructions and performs calculations for all the applications running on the computer, including video games. The CPU directly affects the performance and speed of the computer. A faster CPU can process instructions faster and more efficiently, resulting in smoother gameplay and quicker loading times. The CPU also determines the number of frames per second (FPS) a game can achieve. A mid-range CPU may be sufficient if you primarily play older or less demanding games. However, a high-end CPU will be necessary to achieve optimal performance if you play modern and challenging games.

While choosing the processor, you must focus on the number of cores, socket type, and clock speed. When it comes to gaming, we advise opting for a central processing unit (CPU) that has at least four cores and a clock speed of 3.5 GHz or higher. Before making a choice, it is important to take Intel and AMD’s most recent CPU offerings for gaming into consideration because they are the two most prominent manufacturers of gaming CPUs.

Graphics Card (GPU)

The GPU is responsible for rendering images and videos in games and is a critical component in a gaming PC. A good GPU can provide smooth, high-quality graphics and handle the demands of modern games. A high-quality GPU can also help reduce lagging and improve in-game performance.

When choosing a graphics card, you need to take a number of factors into consideration, including the amount of VRAM, the clock speed, and the number of CUDA processors (for NVIDIA cards) or stream processors (for AMD cards). You should also think about the amount of electricity it uses and whether it is compatible with your CPU. NVIDIA and AMD are the two most well-known companies that produce graphics cards; if you are interested in gameplay, you should look into their most recent products.

Memory (RAM)

RAM, or random-access memory, is the temporary storage that applications and games on your computer access in order to load and operate. When choosing RAM, you must consider the capacity, performance, and latency of the available options. When it comes to gaming, we advise opting for a memory configuration that has at least 16 gigabytes of DDR4 memory and a clock speed of 3200 megahertz or higher.

Storage

The storage component of your personal computer is where all of your files, such as the operating system, applications, and games, are kept. When choosing storage, it is necessary to take into consideration both the quantity and the speed. We advise using a hard disc drive (HDD) for keeping games and other large files, while storing your operating system and applications on a solid-state drive (SSD).

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

All of your computer’s parts require electricity, which is supplied by the PSU. Power supply units (PSUs) have power, efficiency, and connector counts that must be taken into account prior to purchase. Choose a high-quality PSU with an efficiency grade of 80 or higher and aim for at least 600 watts of power.

Case

The case is where everything goes together. Size, airflow, and the number of available drive bays are all important factors to think about when deciding on a case. The simplicity of assembly and setup should also be taken into account. Corsair, NZXT, and Phanteks are just a few of the many excellent gaming case makers available.

Cooling System

A sound cooling system is essential to prevent your computer from overheating during intensive gaming sessions. The CPU cooler is in charge of cooling the CPU. Both air and liquid refrigerators are available for central processing units. Liquid coolers offer superior cooling capability but are often more expensive and difficult to set up than their air-based counterparts. It is important to think about your CPU’s thermal design power (TDP) number, the volume of your case, and the noise level when shopping for a CPU cooler.

Your computer’s case fans are in charge of moving air around the case so it doesn’t get too hot. Size, quantity, and noise level are all factors to consider when choosing case fans. The mounting choices and the direction of airflow are also important factors to think about.

In a nutshell, a gaming PC’s cooling mechanism is a crucial part of the machine. When deciding on a cooling system, take into account both the CPU cooler and the case fans. You can keep your PC working smoothly and without performance drops or component damage by installing an appropriate cooling system.

Motherboard

In any gaming PC build, the motherboard is one of the most critical parts. Your gaming computer is only as strong as its motherboard. The motherboard is responsible for connecting all of the components and peripherals, as well as determining the maximum quantity of RAM and storage space that can be utilised. When choosing a motherboard, you need to take a number of factors into consideration, including the type of socket, the form factor, the chipset, and the extension slots. You should also think about how many USB ports the device has, as well as how good the integrated audio and networking features are. Motherboards for gameplay are primarily produced by ASUS, Gigabyte, and MSI, which are the three most popular brands.

Steps to assemble the components into a custom gaming PC

Before beginning to assemble the parts, you should set up your work area. Your workspace needs to be tidy, well-lit, and static-free. A screwdriver, some cable ties, and some thermal paste are among the other items you’ll need.

Install the CPU. Check the user manual for the motherboard to make sure that the central processing unit (CPU) is properly aligned and seated in its socket. Before fitting the cooler, you should also apply some thermal paste to the processor.
After the CPU has been installed, the cooler must be put in place. Different types of coolers call for different methods of placement. The CPU socket of an air cooler must be fastened to the cooler with screws or clips. The radiator and fan of a liquid chiller must be attached to the case, and the hoses must be connected to the central processing unit block.
RAM is the next component to be installed. Memory should be aligned and installed correctly, so check the motherboard manual to find out where the appropriate slots are. Check that the RAM slots’ side clips are secured tightly as well.
Install the storage: The right ports for your storage devices can be found in the motherboard manual, and after you have found them, you can align and secure them by following the manual’s instructions.
The power source is the next component to be installed. You’ll need to screw the PSU into the case and plug its wires into the motherboard, graphics card, and other parts.
After the power source has been set up, the graphics card can be installed. The graphics card’s PCIe slot must be correctly aligned and seated, so check the motherboard manual for help locating it. Make sure the locking device is closed and locked as well.
The concluding step in the assembly process is to set up the case fans. If you want to make sure your fans are installed correctly and in the right places, you should check the case instructions.
After you have fitted everything, you will want to tidy up the cables, so they do not get in the way of airflow. Use cable ties and cable pathways to keep the cables organised and out of the way of the parts.

After putting everything together, make sure your PC is up and running smoothly by giving it a thorough evaluation. Check the BIOS options and make sure all hardware is recognised by powering on the computer with the monitor, keyboard, and mouse connected. Stress tests and benchmarking software should also be performed to ensure the PC is stable and running at peak performance.

Building a gaming PC from scratch takes a lot of planning and organisation. Following these instructions will result in a fully operational, high-performance gaming PC.

The importance of choosing the right components for a custom gaming PC

Choosing the right components for a gaming PC is crucial for achieving optimal performance and a seamless gaming experience. The critical CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage components affect gaming performance. A powerful CPU and GPU are necessary for running high-end games smoothly, while ample RAM is needed for multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously. The storage type and size impact loading times and overall performance. Moreover, investing in quality components can ensure the longevity and reliability of the gaming PC, reducing the need for frequent upgrades and repairs.

Here are a few examples of why it’s crucial to use high-quality parts:

Optimal Performance: The quality of the parts used in a gaming PC determines how well it performs. Better frame rates, quicker startup times, and smoother gaming are all possible thanks to high-quality components like a powerful CPU, a fast SSD, and a high-end GPU.

Compatibility: Using parts that aren’t meant to work together can cause malfunctions or even harm to your system. When building a gaming PC, you can choose the components to ensure that they are compatible with one another.

Cooling: Components that run hot or lack adequate cooling can cause thermal throttling, which in turn reduces performance and can damage the components in a gaming PC. You can keep your gaming PC running at optimum performance and temperature by assembling it from parts that feature effective cooling solutions.

Futureproofing: The lifespan of your gaming PC can be increased by selecting components that are future proof in light of the rapid development of gaming technology. You can save money in the long run by avoiding the need for regular upgrades by selecting components that are highly upgradeable or compatible with new technologies.

Cost-effective: Building a custom gaming PC can be more cost-effective than buying a pre-built one. Users can choose the components that fit their budget and save money by not paying for unnecessary features.

Aesthetics: Finally, the aesthetics of your gaming PC can be improved by selecting the appropriate components. You can build a gaming PC that looks as good as it performs by choosing components with appealing designs, RGB lighting, and other visual features.

Select the components carefully if you want your custom gaming PC to perform well, be stable and reliable, and last a long time. Build a gaming PC that not only fulfils but also exceeds your requirements and expectations by giving careful consideration to performance, compatibility, cooling, futureproofing, and aesthetics.

Conclusion

There are many factors to consider when assembling a personal computer specifically for gaming. CPU, GPU, motherboard, RAM, storage, PSU, and case are all essential components. If you follow our advice, building a custom gaming PC will be a breeze, and your gaming experience will be more immersive than ever. Laptop Outlet is a good place to search for high-quality parts to use in assembling your gaming computer. Laptop Outlet has everything you need to build a custom gaming PC that is up to your standards and requirements, including a variety of high-performance CPUs, fast SSDs, and powerful GPUs. Laptop Outlet also sells pre-built gaming PCs that are guaranteed to be both dependable and powerful and come with a warranty. This platform is a go-to as you can create or buy a gaming PC that provides the performance and reliability you need to enjoy your favourite games, regardless of your level of gaming experience.