Do you want to build a gaming PC that will run the newest titles without lag and performance drops? Now that most tech geeks are resorting to building their own PC, the demand for individual PC components is increasing across the globe. With easy access to YouTube tutorials and tech blogs, people think that assembling a gaming PC is a piece of cake and it can be done by anyone.
In contrast to popular belief, mastering the art of PC building is not as easy as it seems. As a matter of fact, the process of building a gaming PC demands plenty of time, determination, and hard work simultaneously. If you are new to the world of PC building, there is no need to feel worried because this guide will clarify all your doubts.
Without more ado, I will shed light on the 7 most vital factors you should keep in mind when building a gaming PC for your gaming requirements.
7 Factors to Keep in Mind when Building a Gaming PC
Pricing
When it comes to assembling a PC for gaming purposes, you should start by considering the pricing of various essential components. There was a time when people were discouraged from building their own PC owing to the hefty costs involved in the process. Now since technology has advanced to a great extent and people are digitally aware, things are no longer the same.
The good news is that you do not have to break the bank as you can easily build the best gaming PC under 500 dollars only nowadays. But if you are a hardcore gamer seeking higher FPS and zero frame drops, it is recommended that you extend your budget to around $1000. Simply put, the more you spend, the better the features and this is something tech enthusiasts agree upon.
High-end components are indeed priced higher but they also tend to last for a longer duration. Therefore, see to it you create a practical budget and get your hands on the most durable components to future proof your build successfully.
Processor
It goes without saying that the overall performance of your system depends on the processor you own. While there are many processors available in the online marketplace, you should select the one that features the maximum number of cores. No matter the brand, the CPU you pick must improve both your computing and gaming experience.
A quad-core processor might do the job well but it will not be able to deliver butter-like performance. Given that you have plans to play the most graphically demanding games, you should not settle for anything less than an octa-core processor. In addition to making your gaming sessions smoother, a powerful processor will significantly speed up the execution of programs.
Before you invest your money in a particular processor, you must go through its ratings over the internet and see whether it is worth buying or not. Always remember that a gaming-grade processor will come loaded with all the latest technologies.
GPU
In today’s age, choosing a top-notch GPU is the most crucial aspect of building a gaming PC. The reason being that game developers globally have begun incorporating stunning visuals into their games to attract the attention of technology buffs. All modern-day games such as GTA V and Far Cry require a good video card to run as they boast wonderful graphics that are pleasing to the eye.
The 2 most notable players in the graphics card industry are none other than NVIDIA and AMD. If you consider the price to performance ratio, there is no denying that AMD GPUs deliver outstanding graphical performance without costing much. However, it would be better to go with NVIDIA if ray tracing capabilities is what you are looking for.
Regardless of which graphics card you buy at the end of the day, ensure that your GPU is loaded with at least 4 gigabytes of video memory. You can opt for a reasonably priced GPU with limited features but then you will have to upgrade your system some years down the line. Hence, it is preferable to buy a premium video card that seamlessly supports gaming at Full HD resolution.
RAM and Storage
If you are a diehard gamer at heart, you must be aware of the fact that all the latest games demand up to 16 gigabytes of RAM. Gaming experts suggest that you should purchase 2 RAM sticks of 16GB each to ensure a stutter-free gaming experience around the clock. People who are short on a budget must get at least 8GB of RAM or else they may face frequent system crashes while gaming.
When looking to buy RAM on online tech stores, make it a point to check the frequency of the memory stick you are planning to order. According to tech specialists, gamers should go for a RAM that has a frequency of up to 2400 Mhz. Getting ample memory for your gaming PC will make it possible for you to multitask without any hassle.
Coming to storage, games that boast excellent visuals are sized over 100 gigabytes. Being a gaming enthusiast, you must buy around 1 to 2 TB of storage for maximum convenience. Above all, going for a combination of SSD and HDD would prove to be a wise decision in the long run.
Cabinet
CPU cabinet selection is another factor you need to take into account before getting started with your PC building journey. It should be noted that chassis come in different sizes and their designs also differ to meet the likings of different users. More important than all, cabinets online are available in various types such as Full Tower, Mid Tower, ATX, Micro ATX, etc.
Keeping all this aside, some cabinets boast RGB capabilities that users can leverage to add a bit of style to their gaming setups. The RGB utility can be controlled with the help of a dedicated software solution that is associated with your CPU cabinet. Although a basic PC cabinet will cost you a lot less, you should spend a little extra for getting an RGB-powered chassis if you love lighting effects.
PSU
Everyone wants to extract maximum performance from their PC components and that is why ensuring a stable supply of energy is important. Considering that there are hundreds and thousands of PSU brands out there, you cannot identify the best power supply at first glance. The only viable way to determine your power requirements is to figure out your performance needs.
Now that almost all PC games are graphically rich and they consume ample system resources, you must pick a sufficiently powerful PSU. If your power supply unit is too weak for your configuration, games could temporarily freeze and your PC might restart repeatedly. Leading technology experts conclude that in a worst-case scenario, your CPU might refuse to boot up.
An inefficient PSU could also cause your CPU usage to spike up to 100% even when you are just running a lightweight application. In order to avoid all this hassle and save your PC from getting damaged, you must supply it with the correct amounts of power. For this purpose, you should purchase a PSU of 550 watts or more.
Cooling Solution
It is a well-known fact that gaming PCs generate huge amounts of heat when you play your favorite titles for a prolonged period of time. Once you are done building your dream PC, the final step is to get a decent cooling solution that will keep harmful system temperatures at bay. If you do not invest in a branded power-packed CPU cooler, you run the risk of damaging your PC components.
Based on your personal requirements, you have to make the choice between air and liquid coolers, both of which can come in handy for the purpose. A feature-rich CPU cooler will effectively cool down your system’s components and drive unnecessary heat away to maintain a normal temperature. The most noteworthy thing is that it will lengthen the lifespan of your PC by a few more years, thus giving you a bigger bang for your buck.
Final Words
With digital awareness rising at a rapid pace, a majority of people are choosing to build gaming PCs on their own to maximize overall savings. Unlike pre-assembled desktops, self-built gaming PCs are relatively more efficient and economical, and this is why they are soaring in popularity. Since PC building requires a whole lot of effort, avoid rushing through the process, or chances are you might end up regretting your investments.
Tech experts agree that the endless range of PC components available online makes it difficult for inexperienced customers to get the best value for their money. So, make sure you take out some time from your jam-packed schedule and do in-depth research that will allow you to pick the right components with ease. Although all the essential factors have been covered in this article, feel free to connect with me in case you need further clarification regarding PC building.