Gaming PC Parts Buying Guide: Get the Perfect Build

Building a gaming computer can be intimidating for the novice. The process is not as daunting as you might think, even if you aren't a technical person. It's not as difficult as computer engineering, but more like building a Lego set, even though the Legos are smaller and more expensive.

It helps to break down any problem into smaller pieces, as in the case of computer parts.

What are the requirements to build a gaming computer? And what should you consider when it comes to compatibility of parts for gaming computers? This comprehensive list of Gaming PC Bundles is based on our experience. Please be cautious about part compatibility. Do your research before purchasing any part.

Gaming Computer Case

The case is the cheapest of all the parts for a gaming computer. Your wallet will be happy! When choosing a case for your computer, consider the size of the motherboard and any cooling or fan systems that you may want to add.

Consider these factors when purchasing a case:

1 Motherboard size ATX motherboards offer builders the best choice of motherboard sizes and allow them to expand. If you are looking for a smaller gaming computer, an M-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboard might be the best choice. There are many sizes of motherboards, from the smallest to the largest: Mini-ITX > M–ATX > ATX> EATX.

2 Form factor -- Will your tower, mid-tower, or mini-ITX be full-sized?

The most popular size of case, mid-tower, has a height of 18 inches and a width of 7.5 inches. They are compatible with ATX motherboards that have a standard length 9.6 inches and lower. Some mid-tower cases are capable of accommodating EATX motherboards that measure 13 inches in length.

Full tower cases are standard in height at 22 inches and width at 8 inches. They can hold EATX motherboards and a variety of cooling components and fans to ensure your computer stays cool and maximize airflow.

Mini tower cases are smaller and more portable than regular tower cases. However, they limit your options for scaling your gaming desktop as well as your choice of motherboards (must either be M-ATX, Mini-ITX). They measure 14 inches in height and 7 inches in width.

3 Graphic card length -- Although not as problematic as it once was, your graphics card may be too big for your case. To ensure your case is compatible, be aware of the dimensions of your graphics card.

CPU

Your gaming desktop design will be dominated by the CPU. The CPU is the heart of your computer and can make a difference between a powerful Gaming PC and a simple laptop that is used for word processing and web browsing.

The two major CPU chipmakers at the time of writing are Intel and AMD. Both companies are competitive and produce powerful processors for gaming. It is important that you note that an Intel motherboard will not work with an AMD CPU, and vice versa.

Here are some considerations to make when purchasing a CPU:

1 Core count and Thread count-- Cores refer to the processor's cores. The current CPUs have between four and eight cores and can run up to 64 cores. Each core is capable of performing a task or working together to complete one task more efficiently. This makes software run faster.

The number of threads determines how many tasks your computer can simultaneously run. Hyperthreading technology is a feature of modern processors. It adds an extra thread to each core. This effectively makes it a virtual core.

2 Clock speed -- This is a measure of processing speed in gigahertz. Modern games require a clock speed of 3.5 to 4.0 GHz. It is important to have a good single-thread performance. You should first check the CPU's ability overclock. Also, ensure you have a plan for gauging your computer's temperature and cooling it properly.

GPU (Graphics Card/Video Card).

The graphics processing unit (or GPU) is the most important part of gaming performance. The CPU records data. However, the GPU takes this data and displays it on your gaming screen. Both work together. If your CPU can't process the data in your game quickly enough, your GPU's visual output will slow down. This can cause lower frame rates (lag), and a bottleneck effect. Don't skimp on either!

Here are the main considerations when purchasing a GPU.

• GPU Memory (VRAM).- Graphics cards typically have between 2GB to 12GB of video RAM or VRAM. For 1080p gaming you will need at least a 4GB VRAM card. However, a 6GB VRAM card is recommended if your desire to increase the refresh rate. An 8GB VRAM card is recommended for any resolution above 1080p, such as 1440p (2K), or 2160p (4K). GPU-intensive tasks like video editing, graphics rendering, and AI are best performed with 8GB VRAM.

• Budget- The cost of GPUs varies widely. A basic GPU can be purchased for computer games, or you could spend up to $3,000. The resolution you choose, whether it is 720p or 4K, will determine your budget. Most gamers will find that $200-$500 should be enough to fund their GPU.
• Ports - It is essential that your GPU has compatible ports with your monitor(s), whether they are HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI. Nearly every modern monitor has at least one HDMI port.
• Games - Check out the requirements for the games you want to play. You may not require a high-end GPU if you are looking to take a trip down the gaming memory lane. If you want to play the most graphically realistic games at high settings, however, you will need to pay the GPU piper.
• Monitor Refresh rate -- iI You're getting a monitor with a refresh rate of >144Hz and a 1ms response for smoother gaming. This will definitely tax your GPU.
• Power supply (PSU).-- Mid range graphics cards (4GB-6GB RAM) will usually require a minimum of 450W. A minimum 600W PSU is recommended if you want to future-proof your system or get a GPU with 8GB of VRAM or more. You should also consider the additional power connectors on your PSU. There may be 1, 2, 6, or 8-pin ports on a card.

• Case - Make sure your case fits your GPU! Take into account all dimensions. Also, consider that GPUs can be found in single-slot, double-slot, and possibly triple-slot sizes. The most common type is dual-slot. Remember that even though your card may take up one or two slots on your motherboard, the heatsink and fan can block another slot.

RAM

RAM is the second most important component of your rig's performance after CPU and GPU.

The tasks that you are using your gaming computer for will determine how much RAM you need. Most users can manage with 8GB-16GB RAM. For video editing/graphic design/AR/VR/video editing, 16GB RAM is the minimum. However, 8GB is sufficient for most gaming tasks.

It is easy to upgrade RAM in the future. If your needs change, simply add another stick!

There are other things to consider when purchasing gaming RAM

1 DDR generation - Make sure your motherboard supports the DDR3 RAM you have purchased. DDR3 RAM will not work on a motherboard that supports DDR4 DIMM slot and vice versa.

2 Motherboard Form Factor-- Mini-ITX and micro-ITX motherboards might only have two RAM slots.

3) RAM form factor. (DIMM or SO-DIMM). -- All you need to know about SO-DIMM for laptop form factors. So, get DIMM RAM for desktop gaming rigs.

Power Supply Unit

The PSU converts the electricity from your wall socket to low-voltage DC current for PC component use. It plugs directly into the power supply of your components, including your motherboard, fans, and graphics card.

Here are the main factors to consider when choosing a power supply that will power your gaming computer.

1 Electrical Size/Wattage - The parts you choose for your PSU will determine the power requirements. The power supply ranges from 400W to 1200W. If you have an AMD Ryzen7 Series CPU, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX GPU of mid-tier, and two 8GB sticks RAM, an online power supply calculator will show that your power consumption is approximately 576W. A 600W power supply would be the best option.

However, if you plan to upgrade any part of your computer in the future, it will increase your power requirements. The average gaming computer will need 700W or more to meet its needs.

2 Efficiency Rating - Higher efficiency ratings indicate better components, less heat and power waste. A power rating of 80 Plus would mean that 80% of the rated wattage is consumed by your system and 20% goes to heat.

80 Plus or 80 plus Bronze are sufficient for the average computer geek or Joe. There are also 80 Plus Bronze, 80 Plus Gold, Platinum, and Titanium levels that offer a 2-3% increase in efficiency. A higher efficiency gaming computer will cost you slightly more, but it will still save you a little on your electricity bill.

Hard Drive

A hard drive is a storage device that stores data, such as images, movies and music. These are the main things to consider when purchasing a gaming hard disk.

1 Capacity - If you want to play new games, we recommend at least 512GB. Call of Duty: Warzone, for example, can take up more than 200GB of space. While you can store games in the cloud and then download/remove them from your hard drive whenever you like through game distribution services or apps stores, it is best to keep at least 1TB if you are looking to avoid these inconveniences or if you know that you will be playing a lot of current games. You can always scale up later if you make a mistake or run out of space.

2 SSD vs HDD -- Solid-state drives (or solid-state drives) have no moving parts, while HDDs use magnetic storage technology to retrieve data from rotating platters. HDDs are more susceptible to damage due to the moving parts and make noise when spinning.

SSDs are more expensive per unit and have faster read/write speeds (500-60MB/s for a normal SSD, 3000-3500MB/s for newer NVME SSDs), faster transfers (can exceed 3,100MB/s), and can be faster than regular SSDs (500-600MB/s for a standard SSD, or 3000-3500MB/s with newer NVME SSDs). HDD is a good option if you are looking for a cheap way to store files. An SSD is essential for modern gaming because it allows for fast load times and runs.

Cooling

Cooling is crucial to keep your CPU/GPU's temperature under control and your efficiency optimal. This is especially important if your goal is to overclock your gaming computer or perform high-temperature tasks. Air cooling is sufficient for most PC gamers.

Here are some things to think about when it comes to cooling your PC.

1 Air Cooling -- This is the simplest and cheapest method of cooling. It uses heatsinks or fans. Air cooling solutions can be bulky and heavy. They require good air flow which makes them more noisy than liquid cooling.

2 Fan Size - A bigger fan means more airflow and less noise.

3 Liquid Cooling -- These systems typically use distilled water as their cooling medium. The water is circulated through the system, and it absorbs heat from the heat block. Water is much more efficient at absorbing heat than air. This means that components can be kept cooler than air cooling for the same work load.

There are many liquid cooling options available, including closed-loop and open-looped systems as well as ones that are fully submerged in water.

4 - Case size--Logically the larger the case, the better the airflow. Vents should be located near the GPU and CPU. However, less vents can reduce dust and fan noise in your system. Dust can insulate heat, which leads to lower cooling efficiency over time.

Gaming Accessories and Peripherals

Gaming Monitors

Your choice of GPU can determine the best fit for your monitor. If you are a gamer, this may also affect your GPU selection. For more information, see the GPU section.

1 Monitor Resolution - A higher resolution means a better picture. Minimum 1920x1080 (1080p/FullHD) The sharpest image on today's monitors is 3840x2160 (4K/UHD).

2 Refresh Rate -- This is the number of times your monitor image is refreshed every second, in Hertz (Hz). For gaming, a minimum 75Hz refresh rate is recommended.

3) Response time--the faster the response time, the better. It is usually measured in milliseconds (ms) and indicates the time it takes for a monitor to change a single pixel from black into white. It can cause motion blur when gaming, or watching high-resolution action scenes. Nearly every modern gaming monitor has a response time of less than 5ms. It is almost impossible for most people to distinguish between a response time of 0.5ms or 5ms.

Gaming Mice

The type of game you are looking to play will have the largest impact on what kind of gaming mouse you choose. A gaming mouse that can map macros to many buttons is a good choice if you are playing real-time strategy or roleplaying games (RPGs). A simpler mouse is better for first-person shooter (FPS) games. You might want to try customizable gaming mice if you really want to do it all, and at a high level.

1 Sensor (laser or optical)_-Laser mice can adapt to different surfaces while optical mice may need a mouse pad. However, optical mice are more reliable and responsive, but they are also less portable because of the requirement for a mouse pad.

2 Buttons - A mouse with many programmable buttons is best for RPGs. For seamless gameplay, you can easily cast spells or set up macros.

3) Weight -- A lightweight mouse is essential for FPS games. It should be easy to use and responsive. You can adjust the weight of some FPS mice to suit your preferences.

4) DPI -- This measurement, which means "dot per inch", indicates how many pixels your mouse moves per inch. If your DPI is 1200 and you move your mouse 1 inch, your pointer will move 1200px. A mouse's average DPI is 1600. This is sufficient for most gaming. However, some FPS gamers may need a higher DPI.

Gaming Keyboards

Gaming keyboards can be influenced by the games you play. There are fewer options than with gaming mice.

1 Membrane vs. mechanical -- Membrane keyboards have a thin membrane which converts your keypress to a conductive circuit beneath. They are quieter and have a more natural feel than mechanical keyboards. You can only register one keypress at a time with membrane keyboards. This can lead to errors. Mechanical keyboards are equipped with mechanical switches beneath each key. This makes them more reliable and more expensive, but also gives off a more tactile feel. If you are interested in changing keycaps, they can be customized and very accurate.

2 Keys -- To be able to perform binding actions in RPGs/MMOs you will want to look for keyboards that have a lot of macro keys. The majority of keyboards that are used for RPGs have between six and twelve macro keys. You should consider that the more keys you have, the bigger the keyboard will become. Make sure your desk is big enough to accommodate your keyboard selections!

3) Lighting -- If you choose to have your parts lit up with bright RGB lighting, or if you prefer a specific color scheme for the PC's guts, a keyboard may be necessary. The lighting isn’t very helpful in terms of function and RGB lighting will increase its price. This could be an area where you can save some money if flashy is not your style.

Gaming Headsets

Gaming headsets are highly competitive in a saturated market. However, not all gaming peripherals are created equal. Here are some things to look out for:

1 Wired vs. Wired -- Wireless headsets need to be charged, while wired headsets don’t. Wireless headsets are more expensive than wired headsets. However, a comparable wireless headset will cost you more due to the extra tech required. Bluetooth transmission can result in sound quality loss if the headset does not have AptX encoder.

2 Comfort - A comfortable headband is one that does not give you headaches and doesn't sit too heavily on your head. This can lead to neck pain. You should look out for headband cushioning, memory foam velour/high-quality material for earcups, and adequate clamp force (but not too tight!) for your head. Gaming headsets made of cheap plastic can creak, which can lead to tension after hours of gaming.

3) Mic -- If you don't want to use the microphone for voice chat, some headsets can be detached and used more like regular headphones. It is important to research whether the microphone can be adjusted. You may not even need it if you have an external mic.

4) Sound quality -- Gaming headphones at a similar price will almost always have lower sound quality than headsets. You should consider surround sound for omnidirectional hearing if you play FPS/shooters. Because environmental sound cues can make the difference between life or death, surround sound could be a good option. Surround sound might not be as important if you are more focused on RPGs/MMO.