Building your PC is like building your CV, not only is it time-consuming but demands you to be diligent enough for it to turn out perfect. But what’s more taxing is picking the PC parts. The first and foremost step is always planning for every task, and the same applies to looking into ideal and compatible parts that fit your computer. Even if you build a $1000 gaming PC, things can go wrong if you are not careful while picking the right parts to assemble it.
So, what budget should you allocate? What processor to go for a gaming PC? Is it viable to build a PC rather than purchasing a prebuilt PC if you are going for a general-purpose computer? All these questions are justified because who does not want to build a PC with the components that are the best bang for your buck and that too within a budget. Sounds like a Jackpot!
The ecstasy of building something of your own which comprises your utmost contribution, physical and mental, and which you can upgrade anytime by your desire comes with the cost of a screwdriver and being self-restraint.
Well, the screwdriver part applies in this case at least. Well, this guide will let you know what parts of your ideal gaming PC you should go for, which ones to prioritize, which ones are high-end but the best pick, and which ones to eliminate from your list. Choosing the best possible parts is important which caters to the requirements of both you and your PC since your purpose of building one may differ like cost-saving, gaming, video editing. Let’s start with this guide to direct you to the right options and to lessen your stress, so you’re not at your wits’ end with a half-built PC and tearing your hair roots out.
There are a few distinct components that you’ll definitely need for assembling a PC, as tirelessly working as you are while assembling one.
1. The Case
Your gaming PC case is like your house that doesn’t just fit you all and shelter you but shows off your style and taste too. Your PC case should be your style statement and is big enough to house all the components, not to forget about reliability and consistency too. After all, we all know the consistency of gamers. No pun intended.
Air factor and cooling capacity are other components to be kept in mind while deciding cases for your PC. There are various sizes of cases such as Full-Tower, Mid-Tower, Mini-ATX Tower, and Micro-ATX Tower. So if you’re going for a gaming PC, Corsair Obsidian 1000D, Lian-Li PC-011 Dynamic, Thermaltake View71, NZXT H710i, and Corsair Obsidian Series 4000X RGB are the biggest and baddest beasts to choose from.
Note, that they are pricey but worth the price. If you desire pre-installed RGB lighting, good cooling support, versatility, and easy dust filter removal, then Corsair Carbide 275R, NZXT H210i, Fractal Design Meshify 2, Cooler Master Silencio S600 are the perfect picks to turn up your ‘budget-friendly best PC cases’ search a notch.
2. The Motherboard
The motherboard is probably the most complex part of the entire system as it is the connective tissue and it needs to match in size with the case you choose. Size and configuration of the motherboard matter for it to be compatible with the CPU and processor and it comes in three different sizes such as ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX.
It has three types as well: XT motherboard, AT motherboard, and ATX motherboard. The main thing to keep in mind is sockets and chip classes like Intel P4/Core and AMD K8 which vary according to your need of storage and the processors they can support.
3. The CPU
The Central Processing Unit is the most vital part to be considered while custom-building your PC. Your search for an ideal processor depends on your budget and then choosing between the chip classes of Intel and AMD.
An example of a good-to-go processor is AMD Ryzen 7 5800X which not only falls within your budget but also offers decent performance. Suppose you’re going for a gaming PC you can go for Intel Core i5 12600K and Intel Core i0-10900K are your best picks. A bit expensive, but totally worth it.
Other processors with good overlooking potential, affordable price, decent performance, and gaming power include Intel Core i7-10700K, Intel Core i5-10600K, AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, and AMD Ryzen 9 5950X.
4. The GPU
Graphics Processing Unit renders display options, depending on the type of processor you install, to your PC. Small form factor systems include processors with integrated graphics. Integrated graphics generally have a longer battery life, and less power usage, thus creating less heat in the process as compared to discrete graphics.
If you’re a gaming and large-budgeted enthusiast, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080, AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080Ti are the best GPU’S to put your money in. However, GPUs from both AMD and Nvidia like RX 6600 XT and RTX 3060 12GB come with a lower range. So if you want to go easy in this area, don’t sweat much but the display is a game-changer. Choose wisely.
5. The RAM
For a healthily functioning, reliable, and durable PC, RAM is one of the most important components of a PC. It stores the activity data for a short time which your computer processes. Compatibility of your memory or RAM with the memory slots is a must. The basic question that arises is how much memory do you need?
The general recommended memory size is of capacity-16GB. Though 32GB memory is a go-to option for gamers and video editors.
64GB worth of memory capacity is usually used by professional users. The common types of RAM are Dynamic RAM(DRAM) and Static RAM(SRAM). Generally, desktop computers make use of DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module) and compact or small PCs, of SO-DIMMs (Small outline-DIMM).
The laptops’ norm is DDR4 favoring a per-module capacity of 4GB to 16GB. Whereas, DDR3 goes with 1GB to 4GV/module.
6. The Storage Device
Holding and storing data for both temporary and permanent periods of time is what a storage device is used for. It also ports and extracts the data. If you want good storage capacity, for example, a capacity range of 40GB going up to 12TB, HDD or Hard Disc Drive is your go-to option.
It also fits within your budget, but if you want to go for a faster and more durable option, then SSDs or Solid State Drives is what you’re looking for. Also, the latest NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) drives outshine all the SATA (Storage Advanced Technology Attachment) drives not only in terms of storage but in terms of budget too.
7. The CPU Cooler
To cool down your chipsets, there is a need for a CPU cooler that comes in different types varying by its usage, cooling power, price, and advancements like Air Coolers, AIO Coolers, submerged Coolers, and Custom Water Loops.
On a wiser note, choose liquid CPU Coolers than Air Coolers for they have better overclocking potential, better efficiency, run the PC at a lower temperature at all times, and require less space than fans. If you are going for air coolers then the size and performance of the cooling fan depend on your need and its compatibility with the chassis too.
8. The Power Supply Unit
A hardware and vital part of a computer that supplies power to all the parts of your PC and connects directly with them is known as PSU (Power Supply Unit). Gaming enthusiasts must go for high-watt power supplies which are compatible with the motherboards as well. The best PSUs for a gaming PC are Corsair CX450, Corsair RM750x, Prime Titanium TX-1000. PSUs come in three variants: modular, semi-modular, and regular.
Choosing an efficient power supply is a must to keep your PC functioning properly and in terms of reliability too. What’s the use if you cut down the cost now but have to pay hefty amounts of monthly bills later.
9. The Operating System
Whatever PC you go with, either a gaming one or a generalized one, if you’re planning on going with Windows then you need to purchase a license for one and a USB key to install it. There is one more tip for newbie gamers and experienced users that generally go for Windows and you need to set a budget for that too. But there are other options too like Linux, Ubuntu, Minix, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, etc.
10. Monitor, Mouse, Keyboard
The type and size of a monitor depend upon your comfort and your pocket. Get ready to lighten your pocket if your comfort monitor choice is as big as 51-inch with 1080p or 1440p resolutions. The same goes for the mouse and keyboard. Gamers usually go for the best gaming keyboards with rubber dome switches or mechanical ones. Whatever you choose, choose that fits your style statement.
And Bingo! Treat yourself with a cake because this process of picking your ideal PC parts was surely not a piece of cake.