How to Build a Gaming PC – Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
We as computer engineers have embedded in our minds the ability to build a Gaming PC. It should be the basic skill computer engineers should have – building a computer.
There are many enthusiasts who have been building a pc, a monstrous gaming pc. Each of them has its own way of building a working PC. They learned it through experience, by watching video tutorials, and by reading articles posted on the internet.
However, articles on the internet are not that simple, and easy to follow. So, in this step-by-step guide, we will show you the simplest and easiest guide to building a pc, the computer engineer way.
Before we begin, you should have your essentials tools.
Basic Parts of a Personal Computer
Your PC build will not work well if its components are incomplete. Yet, there are parts that were built with the ability to do a certain task without a specific type of component. For example, a CPU with a built-in GPU inside. Keep that in mind.
- Processor (CPU)
- Motherboard (MOBO)
- Graphics Card Unit (GPU)
- Memory (RAM)
- Storage (SSD or HDD)
- Power Supply Unit (PSU)
- Case
Price Range
Now, you should know all the parts needed to build a PC. Now, you would ask, how much each of those costs? Basically, it depends on how powerful your PC is. The expensive the part is, the best quality, performance, and experience you’ll experience.
If you want some ideas about price points and different PC builds, we have listed below some builds for a specific price range for you to consider.
- A ₱ 75,000.00 PC Build – Unstoppable Build
- ₱ 65,000.00 PC Build – OverKill?
- Simple ₱ 35,000.00 PC Build – Built for Simple Tasks
- ₱ 30,000.00 PC Build – Entry Level PC Set-Up
- $2,700 Gaming PC Build – Incredible Setup
Building a computer below $400 or Php 20,000 is a good entry-build. This build can run certain games in a low setting, but not suitable for playing HD Games.
Keep in mind that this PC build limits the choice of games you can play. If you want to experience more from it, you may want to invest more in a GPU or a CPU.
On the other hand, a budget between $600-$800 might improve your pc performance. You can purchase a higher spec graphics card with a 1080p resolution, and a higher Frame Per Second (FPS) counts.
You can also avail a multi-threaded CPU. This can also give you better performance during your gameplay.
The best PC that you can build is above the $800 price range. Like what we have said, it’s a monstrous build. You can check some of our overkill builds above.
Having this kind of PC gives you more than just simple gaming. Unlike the entry-build, you can set certain game settings to their maximum performance. It is given in this build that you have a powerful CPU, and graphics card unit. Also, memory slots on your motherboard are fully loaded with high spec memory. It should also have an SSD storage of more than 1TB.
There are some aspects that you should also consider, like the monitor, peripherals, and other accessories as well.
PC Parts Explained
How to Build a Gaming PC – Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Central Processing Unit – CPU
The first PC part you should be buying is the CPU, the Central Processing Unit. In buying a CPU, you should consider clock speeds, cores, and threads.
The clock speed measures how fast (in GHz) a CPU will perform every second. Nowadays, processors have made up of multiple cores. It allows the pc to execute and perform multiple tasks at once efficiently. On the other hand, a Thread is a virtual version of a CPU Core that only performs one task at a time. Some CPUs are “multi-threaded”, meaning, it can run two or more programs on a single CPU core at the same time.
Motherboard (MOBO)
After choosing what kind of CPU to purchase, you should find a compatible motherboard. Before buying a motherboard, make sure to know and understand its overclocking abilities and premium features.
Basically, Intel CPUs need a K-Series processor and a Z-series motherboard. In reverse, an AMD CPU needs a B or X series motherboard.
Now, you should know the size of the motherboard to buy. Motherboards have three sizes, ATX, MATX, and ITX. ATX is the biggest, MATX smaller, while ITX is the smallest. Keep in mind that buying a small-sized motherboard can limit your upgrades.
Graphics Card Unit (GPU)
In building a gaming PC, the GPU is the most important component. It takes the information from the CPU and renders the graphics that you are seeing, at the resolution and settings you have set it to.
Just make sure that the CPU is fast enough to process the in-game settings. If not, the visual output of the GPU will be “bottlenecked”.
GPUs have a clock speed. The clock speed determines its ability to process certain gamin tasks. Also, it has a VRAM. It is a dedicated memory of a GPU for storage and access of pixels and other graphics data rendered on a computer monitor.
A 4GB of VRAM can run a 1080p resolution, a 6GB of VRAM can run a 1440p resolution with HD textures, while an 8GB or higher VRAM can give you 4k resolutions with HD textures.
Memory (RAM)
The RAM is a PC component where short-term memory is being stored. It’s fast and easy to access but it is temporary. It is said to make your CPU performance faster.
There are many kinds of RAM. Today, the DDR4 type of RAM is the latest standard. Make sure to verify the RAM you are buying is a DDR4. If not, then you actually waste your money.
Basically, RAM is running at a clock speed of 2133 MHZ. You can also overclock these RAMs, but, make sure that your mother can do so, then tweak some BIOS settings.
In PC Gaming, having 1 RAM is not enough, unless you have 16GB size. But we recommend a setup with dual RAM installed. Why? Because if one RAM fails, you have still one working inside.
There are 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and 32 GB RAM sizes. If you are on a tight budget, consider buying 4GB RAM, which can only run basic tasks. If you have a good budget, consider buying 8GB RAM. Having an 8GB RAM can work fine with gamin plus some multi-tasking.
We highly recommend having 16GB RAM. It will not that overkill, but it will improve your PC’s overall performance. If you don’t have a problem with any budget, then build a PC with 32GB of RAM. It is twice better than 16GB RAM installed on your PC.
SSD (Solid State Drive)
Today, you should buy an SSD instead of an HDD. SSD is better than HDD. However, SSD is much more expensive than HDD. But what you are buying is its performance. SSD can boot up your system faster. Load times will also be faster. You have a large chunk of space since it eats a small space on your motherboard
Basically, gaming PCS has a combination of SSD and HDD. SSD is where applications are installed (Windows OS), while HDD is where files (like music, videos) are being stored.
To know more about their differences, check this article, SSD vs HDD
Power Supply Unit
The PSU or power supply unit delivers power to the whole gaming PC. There are many PSU manufacturers out there but stick to trustworthy brands such as EVGA, Cooler Master & Corsair.
Before you purchase a Power Supply Unit, you should know enough wattage that your PC is generating. There are many PSU calculators on the internet, add all your components, then it will automatically tell you how many wattages you will have.
If you get a 500-watt reading, consider buying an 800-watt PSU. It is good to have an extra allowance if you plan to upgrade your system.
Choose the right PSU. Make sure to buy from reputable manufacturers with 80+ efficiency ratings. Efficiency ratings mean the PSU will use most of its power and less heat will be exhausted.
PC Case
Do you still remember the size of your Motherboard and GPU? If yes, you should know which size of PC you will buy. Basically, the size you will choose determines the size of the components you can fit inside it.
Make sure to consider the CPU Coolers as well, since they also need a small clearance inside a gaming PC. There are many PC Case reviews out in the internet where you can check the airflow, design and build quality. Have a look before anything else.
Peripherals
How to Build a Gaming PC – Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Operating System
There are 3 common operating systems. Windows, MacOS, and, Linux. Windows OS is the most popular of the three when it comes to gaming PCs. It is easy to install, navigate, and easier to pick up quickly.
If you are not a gamer, but focuses on aesthetics, MacOS is primarily design for you. The MacOS has become one of the most effective system when it comes to virus protection. It is not designed for gamers. But, you can run some apps and games on it as well.
Linux is the lesser-known OS of the three. Basically, hackers use Linux to run applications and software for hacking. It is hard to navigate, and it doesn’t have access to aas many as downloadable games as Windows.
So, we highly recommend installing Windows OS if you are into gaming.
Gaming Monitor
Choosing a gaming monitor is not that important. But we will give you some guides which can help you save money.
For $500 build, consider buying 1080p/60Hz monitor. For $800 build, go for 1080P/144 Hz or 1440p/60Hz monitor. And for $1500 build, go for 1080P/140-240HZ or 1440/144 HZ Monitor. Last is for $2000 build, consider buying 1440p/144-240Hz or 4k/60Hz monitor
After buying your PC components and peripherals, here’s the simple video guide on building your own PC. Below is the simple step-by-step guide list.
- Prepare the case
- Install Fans
- Install the CPU on the Motherboard
- Next, install the Memory on the Motherboard
- Place the motherboard in the Case
- Install the Storage (m.2 SSD / HDD)
- Install the Graphic Card Unit
- Place the Power Supply Unit (PSU) in the case
- Connect the cables.
- Make sure all wires are connected
- Install Operating system
Video below will help you build your PC from scratch. Watch it!
How to Build a Gaming PC – Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
