Building your own gaming PC is not as hard as it might seem. If you've ever built a Lego set, you can probably handle this project. But if you have no experience in PC assembly, it may seem a bit intimidating. You may be confused on how to get started. To avoid any confusion, we've broken it down into simple steps.
A gaming PC has three basic components. The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of your computer. It executes programs and dictates tasks to other components. It determines everything about your PC experience, so choosing the right CPU is crucial. For gaming, the CPU is one of the most important components. Make sure it's powerful enough for the type of games you play. It also needs to have a decent amount of memory.
A graphics card is one of the most expensive components of a gaming PC. It can range from $80 to $3,000, so it's best to budget around $200-500 for this part of the computer. The monitor you'll use must also be compatible with the graphics card. Most modern monitors have HDMI ports. The motherboard should also support multiple graphics cards. If you plan to add more graphics cards, make sure it has enough PCIe x16 connectors.
One of the main differences between a regular computer and a gaming PC is the amount of memory. A high-end desktop has more memory than a low-end laptop. A laptop's SSD is faster than a regular hard-drive. Gaming laptops are also more affordable than desktops, and they are ready to play as soon as you configure them. A desktop PC needs additional components to be fully functional.
While graphics cards can vary in length, it's important to match the graphics card's dimensions with the case. The CPU is the heart of your PC and will determine the level of performance you'll get from your gaming PC. In general, a high-end workstation requires 16GB of RAM. A basic gaming PC, however, can be built with 8GB of RAM.
