You started your computer to enjoy that game you bought a while ago. So you can give yourself some well-deserved relaxation at the end of the day. The problem is that, right away. You realized that the result does not live up to expectations: the game runs with enormous difficulty on the PC that you have owned for some years now, to the point of not appreciating it even by setting the options. Graphics to a minimum. In this article, we will give you a complete guide about how to build a gaming pc.
How do you say? Don’t have the faintest idea how to put together a computer dedicated to video games? Then this is just the guide for you: below, in fact, I will show you everything you need to know about the individual components to choose from, also giving you some useful suggestions for purchases. Finally, it will be my care to explain to you how to proceed with the actual assembly so that you can carry out the operation directly at home and without the need to go to a specialized center.
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So what else are you waiting to get started? Carve out some free time for yourself. Make yourself comfortable and read very carefully everything I have to say on this exciting topic: I am sure that, at the end of this reading. You will have clear ideas on what to do and will know how to decide. Total autonomy whether to proceed alone or ask a little help from some “knowledgeable” friend. I recommend you do it in case of doubts or uncertainties (a risky move could frustrate the purchases made, always keep this in mind).
Fundamental components to assemble a gaming PC
First, I intend to list below the fundamental components to buy to assemble a gaming PC. I will provide you with a clear explanation of the most convenient features for the case, and I will specify. At the end of each section, a product that can be purchased online meets the specific requests.
The components that I am going to recommend are perfectly compatible with each other. However, if you wish, you can also opt for different hardware (and, of course, for stores other than those recommended). But pay attention to the compatibility factor. Just to give you an example, buying an AMD CPU to install it in a motherboard prepared for Intel processors would be an announced disaster! If you are not sure of your choices, do not hesitate to ask someone more experienced in the field for help: in this way. You will avoid unnecessary expenses and nasty surprises during the assembly phase.
How to build a gaming pc: Homes
The case is nothing more than the “external” casing of the computer—the one in which all the internal components are placed, including the motherboard. Probably, the case is precisely the element on which you have the most margin of choice. It can come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. If desired, it can also be chosen based on the aesthetic aspect alone.
In the case of how to build a gaming pc. These cases are often called mid-case, mid-tower, or similar. Also, make sure that there is support for the ATX form factor for motherboards in the product description. The latter is the most used in the gaming field and has a standardized size. So a case with this support is almost certainly suitable for the purpose.
For our “ideal” configuration. I would like to recommend the Corsair Carbide SPEC-04 case, which offers all the space necessary to accommodate the hardware that we will study later. Also, this case has keys and connectors placed in a convenient position side. Attractive design and high compatibility for any motherboard and cooling system.
How to build a gaming pc: Motherboard
As you surely already know, the motherboard (or motherboard or, again, mobo ) is one of the most critical components of the computer, as it deals with managing, synchronizing, and operating all the other ingredients (which, directly or indirectly, are all connected to it).
Again, a motherboard functional enough for the purpose should have at least 4 USB 3.1 ports. 2 older USB ports (preferably USB 3.0 ). At least one USB Type-C port to ensure compatibility with external peripherals. Last generation.
Based on what has been said so far. I would recommend the MSI Z370 Gaming Pro Carbon motherboard as a reference. An ATX form factor motherboard that has everything you need to set up an excellent gaming computer.
Processor
The processor (or CPU, central processing unit ) is the main processing unit of a computer.
While many think that the CPU does not play a vital role when it comes to gaming. This statement is not precisely true: many games require a great deal of computation on the part of the CPU.
In this regard, to have enough power to play at its best, just choose a processor with at least four physical cores (a core is a small independent processing unit. Therefore, a processor with four physical cores can perform four operations simultaneously. ).
The number of logical cores, on the other hand, can be left out, as there are technologies such as HyperThreading ( HT )capable of “doubling” the existing physical cores. They are breaking up the execution cycle of the processes in place. Consequently, four physical bodies in HT translate into eight logical cores. Many modern CPUs can even reach eight physical cores. However, this is synonymous with extremely high expenditure and, consequently, not always accessible.
The CPU that I recommend you consider is the Intel Core i5 8400, which boasts a maximum frequency of 4 GHz and the beauty of 6 physical cores to be exploited. To offer the computing power necessary to manage even the most expensive games in terms of resources.
Cooling system
In most cases, a small cooling system is also supplied together with the processor (the classic fan with heatsink ), which, very often. However, it is not adequate for gaming-oriented computers. After a short time of use, the temperature of the processor and internal environment becomes extremely high, consequently, to properly dissipate the heat generated by the processor and prevent it from being damaged when the external temperature is already high in itself. I recommend that you adopt an enhanced cooling system. Compatible with the motherboard socket ( remember to always check the compatibility of the chosen product).
However, suppose you intend to rely on turret cooling. In that case, I recommend that you take into consideration the Cooler Master Hyper TX3 Evo heatsink. Which combines more than acceptable efficiency at a meagre price.
If, on the other hand. You want to focus on liquid cooling.
How To Build A Gaming PC: RAM
The RAM memory, as I have already explained to you in my dedicated study, is the “volatile memory” in which data waiting to be written to the mass storage (HDD or SSD) are stored or being processed by the CPU, by ‘ graphics processing unit or other hardware.
At the moment, the most popular memories are of the DDR4 type furthermore, in addition to the quantity and access time. It is also good to consider the frequency of the RAM memory (a very important parameter for what concerns the data transfer) and the type of data chosen. To increase memory performance, you can combine multiple identical RAM banks to use Dual Channel or Quad Channel technologies, which can double or quadruple communication channels and significantly improve data sorting.
In general, moreover, I would recommend buying several identical RAM banks, of small size, to reach the desired amount of memory, to fill all the slots available on the motherboard: in this way, if a module should break, you will still have the ability to use the computer to play, waiting for a replacement, without suffering a drastic drop in performance.
For an even clearer idea of what type of memory to buy, look at my RAM buying guide.
How to build a gaming pc: Mass memory
As for the mass memory of a gaming computer, that is, the peripherals on which the data is saved, you can focus on a “hybrid” system characterized by the simultaneous presence of a fast storage unit (be it an SSD or M. 2 ) on which to install the operating system and programs, including games, and from a classic drive ( mechanical disk or hard disk ) on which to save the most voluminous data and files.
This is because, as a rule, solid-state drives offer drastically better communication speed with the processor and RAM memory than a mechanical disk has to offer. However, for the same space, they are much cheaper than these. Last (the most convenient cuts in economic terms), at the time of writing this guide, are between 120 and 500 GB).
Therefore, using a “hybrid” storage system, the execution of programs and the operating system itself will be extremely fast thanks to the solid-state memory and, at the same time. There is no need to fear storage space since this aspect is to make up for the classic mechanical disc.
If, however, you are not sure that the motherboard is compatible with M.2 memories. I recommend, as an excellent quality-price compromise. The Kingston SA400S37 is cut from 240 GB. For more advice on the SSD drives and hard drives to buy, consult the purchase guides that I have just linked to you.
power supply
The power supply, or PSU ( power supply unit ), is the hardware component that manages the electrical energy to be distributed to the motherboard and all the other peripherals of the computer. It must be adequate for the power of the CPU. Even better if with sufficient margin of “abundance.” The entire energy requirement of the computer.
To go “wide” and not have an undersized PSU. As far as gaming PCs are concerned. It is better to focus on power supplies with capacities over 600 W (excellent for future upgrades). This means that it is possible to connect only the necessary cables to the PSU. To save space and avoid the creation of a tangle that interferes with the passage of air.
Given these characteristics, a good modular power supply that you can consider is the Thermaltake Smart Pro from 750 W. It has 80 Plus Bronze certification of modular wiring and bright LEDs. A quirk in more importance to those who also give the aspect of computer aesthetic.
How to build a gaming pc: Video Card
The video card is certainly the most important component to assemble a gaming PC. Since it is the unit that deals with processing the images of games and programs. Modern CPUs have an integrated video component. In this regard, a feature that should not be underestimated is video memory. Make sure you choose a video card with 4GB of GDDR5 memory. So, you don’t experience bottlenecks with the most resource-demanding games. So, if you decide to focus on an NVIDIA chipset-based video card. Consider only the models that bear the GTX acronym. If, on the other hand, you intend to bet on a model based on AMD chipset. Refer only to the cards denoted by the acronym RX.
As for the AMD-based cards. Automatic overclocking of the ‘processing unit, one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, one DVI port.
Suppose you need more advice on which video card to buy. Check out my tutorial dedicated to the topic.
Monitor
Last but not least, the last aspect to consider when assembling a great gaming PC is the monitor. To play big, you should use a monitor that supports high resolutions and allows you to play without problems in any capacity.
In this case, you can choose whether to focus on a standard Full HD resolution monitor with a size of at least 24 inches. On a monitor capable of supporting 4K resolution and that is at least 30 inches large. Another important parameter to consider is the refresh rate, which must be less than 5 ms (milliseconds).
You can consider the Samsung U32H850 monitor, with a 32-inch display (resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels), a refresh rate of 60 Hz, and a 4 ms input lag.
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