Beginner’s Guide: 6 Things to Consider When Building a Gaming PC

While everyone is embarking on their own gaming PC building journey, many people may be intimidated by the process. But you don’t need to worry, as assembling your PC can usually only take an hour and requires minimal computer knowledge. Of course, it may take a few days or weeks of research beforehand.

But with patience and perseverance, you will reap a very powerful return, building something uniquely yours from scratch. Unless you have a lot of experience, building a gaming PC can be a daunting task. We have compiled 6 basic points that you should pay attention to before assembling your system.

When it comes to building a gaming PC, there are 6 basic steps you need to know. We’ll walk you through every step, from component selection and software installation to testing your hardware and making sure everything is working properly, so you’ll finally be ready for gaming victory.

Learn about essential and non-essential ingredients

Visually impressive components like RGB lights are not necessary on a gaming PC. First of all, it should be noted that it is important to focus on the basic parts of the computer. Every computer basically consists of a processor, motherboard, RAM, storage drive, power supply and case.

However, there was one more thing that was essential for a gaming PC. It is also a powerful graphics card. Performance depends on the cooperation between the processor (CPU) and the graphics processing unit (GPU). These components need to be synchronized, and if one component lags behind the other, it can cause a bottleneck.

Only the basic components of a gaming PC are important. However, extra features that may increase efficiency but do not affect overall capacity also need to be taken into account.

Building a gaming PC requires preparation

Building your own gaming PC is a breeze when you have the right tools. A magnetic screwdriver is all that is needed to secure the screws on every component, from motherboards to power supplies to cases. This also works if any parts fall inside the case. Additionally, having a large workspace can make or break the building experience. Provide enough space to both arrange materials on one side and place components in their respective slots without obstruction on the other side.

Set up your system safely using the right tools. An allen wrench with a hex key is perfect for installing the motherboard bosses. If you don’t have an Allen key, pliers can also do the job. Finally, take simple precautions to protect your components from unexpected damage. Use a non-carpeted surface or invest in a static wristband. Taking these precautions can help you work with peace of mind.

Stay informed about the latest prices

Building a PC with top-of-the-line components can be an excellent investment. But it’s important to consider what you’re getting for the price. Finding that point between value and cost is key to getting the most out of your purchase.

Don’t forget to consider cost when researching components for your computer. For example, even if you decide that component A is the stronger choice overall, with a 10% performance advantage over B in almost every benchmark test, consider whether a slower processor could save money without sacrificing too much speed.

PC hardware prices are known to fluctuate quickly and significantly. Therefore, it is useful to follow the market. If CPUs A and B were initially released at similar price points, A may be your best option. However, if you can find a great deal or discount on a lower-performing but more economical choice, investing in it will help you save money to develop other components such as GPUs. This will close the performance gaps between them when running intensive applications such as games.

If performance is extremely important, choosing B over A may be a false economy. While it may cost much less upfront, its slower speeds may hinder GPU potential and not give you the results you want. Weighing this against the cost-saving benefits of choosing cheaper components is crucial to achieving optimized system power at an affordable price point.

Spending a lot of money doesn’t guarantee you’ll build a good gaming PC

While new hardware and technologies are released every year, it is no longer enough to have the fastest processor or graphics card. Keeping up with ever-evolving demands requires manufacturers to deliver not only faster components, but also innovative solutions that can remain competitive both now and for years into the future.

Two years ago, the Pascal-based GTX 1000 series offered gamers groundbreaking performance. Nowadays, NVIDIA’s Turing architecture-based RTX 2000 graphics cards stand out with great features such as Ray Tracing and DLSS that were not available in previous models and redefine what game visuals mean.

If your gaming goal is to experience ultra settings at 1080p resolution, a 4K-capable GPU may not be the best purchase to last 5 years. Some users upgrade GPUs every generation. However, most choose to wait 3-5 years before investing in an upgraded graphics card. By saving on the initial outlay, you can roll those saved funds into another high-performance model when it’s time to make the leap.

Power supply is your best friend

To ensure the longevity of your computer, you need to invest in the best power supply unit. The use of high-quality components will ensure that it holds up well against wear and tear over time, ensuring top performance for years to come. When it comes to reliable power supplies, buyers can rest easy knowing that such products typically have an impressive lifespan of around ten years. With easy upgrades and ample wattage capacity, finding the best PSU doesn’t have to be daunting.

To keep your computer running at maximum efficiency, be sure to purchase a power supply unit (PSU) that far exceeds the total wattage requirements of all components. For example, if the required placement comes to 400 watts total, aim for 650W or higher. When shopping, it’s important to take into account how efficient each PSU will be. Because they often cannot reach the full wattage levels advertised. For efficient operation and optimum energy use, be sure to choose a power supply unit not lower than the standard class. Getting a bronze or gold certification will give your system the best bang for your buck. If price is no problem, Platinum units are worth the investment as they have 90% efficiency levels even at normal loads.

When shopping for a power supply, be sure to check more than just the efficiency rating. Voltage regulation, standby time and ripple noise are also vital factors in ensuring your components receive reliable power over the long term.

Don’t forget maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your computer performing at its best. About every 3-4 months, take some time to thoroughly clean your system with air and a brush. This will help you remove dirt and grime that has accumulated over time, so your system will continue to operate at optimal levels for years to come.

High temperatures are never good for your PC components. Staying above thermal values ​​is a must. Watch out for CPU or GPU stats that enter the “danger zone,” which typically starts at 95 degrees Celsius. If you need to cool them, adding more fans and increasing ventilation in the case will quickly yield results. However, do not forget to renew the thermal paste.

Keeping track of your computer’s performance is crucial to making sure it’s running at maximum efficiency. Regular benchmarking allows you to see if there have been any changes since the first build, so you can make the necessary optimizations and continue to enjoy peak computing power.