Building a gaming PC from scratch can be a daunting yet ultimately rewarding task. While opting for a pre-built system could save you time and money, selecting your components based on your specific requirements provides unmatched levels of customisation. Once you have familiarised yourself with the various components needed to create a high-performance gaming system, you can start purchasing your hardware and accessories – but what in order should they be purchased?
Case
Before you decide on the rest of your components, you will need a suitable case. There are three main components to consider when selecting your tower – size, modularity and airflow. A well-ventilated PC runs a lower risk of overheating, potentially damaging your components. Most gaming PC cases come with one or more stock fans with mounts for extra fans if needed. It may also be worth selecting a model with dust filters to minimise dust and debris build-up.
PSU
Your power supply unit is the device that connects your computer to an electrical outlet. As a rule of thumb, 750W is the recommended spec; however, complex systems require more power to run. For example, if you plan on increasing your system’s performance with regular upgrades or overclocking your CPU, you may need up to 1000W or more (although this is commonly considered overkill).
Motherboard
Your PC’s motherboard is responsible for connecting your various hardware items to the processor. While your motherboard will not directly influence your gaming performance, it will define the performance of your graphics card and processor. To get the best out of your CPU, you will need a motherboard with better overclocking capabilities. Fortunately, most gaming PC motherboards are designed to support overclocking.
RAM
RAM (random access memory) speeds up operations by temporarily storing data. For gaming, more RAM will improve frame rates and boost system responsiveness. 8GB is considered the baseline requirement for AAA games; however, some of the latest titles recommend a minimum of 12GB of RAM for optimal performance and future-proofing. If you plan on streaming live gameplay – particularly open-world RPGs – you may require up to 32GB of RAM to keep your system running smoothly.
CPU
The CPU (central processing unit) is a crucial component for gaming. Your CPU is responsible for processing in-game activity and transmits data to the GPU for rendering. Generally speaking, the higher your CPU’s clock speed, the better your gaming performance. The main stipulation when selecting a CPU is motherboard compatibility. While you may have already acquired a CPU as part of a motherboard bundle, some gamers choose to purchase it separately.
GPU
The GPU (graphics processing unit) is a single-chip processor designed to handle graphics rendering. There are multiple factors to consider when choosing a GPU, such as the number of processing cores, the amount of VRAM it has, and the age-old question – NVIDIA vs AMD. While 2GB of VRAM is adequate for entry-level gaming, a GPU equipped with 8GB to 12GB of VRAM is the preferred choice if you want to future-proof your system.
SSD
Solid state drives (SSDs) generally outperform hard disc drives (HDDs) in terms of gaming. Although an SSD won’t increase your framerate, you can enjoy faster boot times and read/write speeds. Furthermore, SSDs are considered more reliable and durable than their HDD counterparts. High-quality SSDs can operate perfectly well for over five years.
Cooling System
Gaming PC components generate a considerable amount of heat. Keeping your system cool and sufficiently ventilated will help to optimise performance and support the longevity of your hardware. Among other things, overheating can cause freezing, crashing and CPU throttling, interrupting gameplay and potentially causing irreparable damage to your components. There are two types of PC cooling systems – air and liquid, although liquid is generally favoured among gamers for efficiency and lack of noise.
Peripherals
The final components you need to complete a functioning gaming setup are peripherals. Your peripherals are mandatory and optional external add-on devices to enhance gaming performance and immersion, including monitors, keyboards, headsets, mice and more. Your choice of peripherals will largely depend on your gaming style and preferences. For example, many gamers prefer mechanical keyboards, which are faster, highly durable, more tactile and offer excellent customisation options.
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