In this article, we explain what parts you need to build a gaming PC. We explain each component and detail what aspects you have to look at to build a mid-range or high-end computer.
1. Processor / CPU
The processor or CPU is the brain of the computer. As its name indicates, it is the component in charge of processing all the tasks that your PC carries out. For that reason, the processor is one of the most important parts when building a gaming PC. We recommend taking the CPU as a starting point!
To compare and choose the most suitable processor for you, you should take into account the following aspects:
- Processor Frequency: This number indicates the ability of a processor’s core to perform tasks. If you just want to game, any CPU with +2.6 GHz will suffice as long as it’s 4 cores or higher. If you want to stream or record while gaming, look for a CPU clocked at +3.2 GHz or higher per core.
- The number of cores: This data indicates the processing units that the processor has. The more cores, the better. If you want to make a mid-range PC, a 4 or 6-core CPU is more than enough. If you want to build a high-end PC or stream, the CPU has to have 6 or 8 high-frequency cores!
- Note: Do not confuse the number of cores with the number of threads.
- Processor socket: The socket or slot does not influence the performance of your PC at all, but it will influence your choice of motherboard. Make sure the socket is the same as the motherboard you choose.
- Memory Types and Memory Speed Supported: This will indicate what type of RAM (DDR4 or DDR5) and memory speed (2666 MHz, 2933 MHz, 3200 MHz, etc.) the CPU is compatible with. Write down this data well to choose the correct RAM memory.
Data such as cache memory and cache type are not so relevant for gaming. Finally, although it is true that there are processors with an integrated graphics chip, it is advisable to buy a dedicated graphics card to play.
2. RAM memory
RAM memory is an excellent aid to process information. The more powerful the RAM, the better your PC will perform when opening multiple browser tabs, running programs, or playing demanding video games.
The aspects to take into account for RAM memory are the following:
- Internal memory: The higher the memory (in GB), the more your PC can do at the same time. Today 8 GB minimum is recommended for mid-range, but we recommend 16 GB. For high-end, between 16 and 32 GB will do.
- Memory type: It can be DDR4 or DDR5. Since DDR5 is not yet widespread, the DDR4 type of memory is suitable for both mid-range and high-end.
- Memory clock speed: For mid-range, 2400 MHz is more than enough, and for high-end, 3200 MHz.
- CAS latency: You will see this data as CL16, CL19, or similar. In this case, the number should be as low as possible. The reason is that this number indicates how long it takes for the RAM to process requests. However, it is not a very relevant piece of information if you are looking to build a mid-range gaming PC.
As a final note, we advise buying two or four equal RAM memories. For example, instead of 16 GB RAM memory, you should buy two 8 GB ones of the same model.
3. Graphics card / GPU
The graphics card, also known as a GPU or video card, is what brings video games to life. Without it, you would not enjoy the incredible graphics that games have today. For that reason, the graphics card is the most important component when it comes to playing video games and their performance on PC.
Now, what features should you take into account the most? We recommend looking for the following:
- Graphics memory: This is an essential piece of information. You will see it in the form of 6 GB or similar. Nowadays, a mid-range motherboard must have a minimum of 4 or 6 GB of graphics memory. If you prefer high-end, buy one with 12 GB or more of graphics memory.
- DirectX version: Make sure that the graphics card is compatible with the latest version of DirectX on the market. So you will not be limited when activating graphic options in recent video games
- Ports and interfaces: Each graphics card may have different types of ports to connect your gaming PC monitor. It is normal to see HDMI, DVI-D, and DisplayPort ports. Be sure to look for a compatible monitor, or you’ll need to purchase an adapter.
- Power Supply: Each graphics card should tell you its recommended power supply. You will see it in the form of 650 W or similar. This information is key to knowing which power supply you should choose.
- Additional power connectors: It is common for a graphics card to require a 6+2-pin or 8-pin connector to function. More powerful graphics cards require more pins, so purchase a power supply that contains the required pins.
Apart from these features, there are graphics cards that support ray tracing and DLSS from Nvidia or FidelityFX from AMD. If you are looking to make a high-end gaming PC, we recommend looking at whether the graphics card includes these technologies or not.
Important note: if you want to have two or four graphics cards in SLI (Nvidia) or Crossfire (AMD) mode, make sure that they are of the same model, that they are compatible with that technology, and that the motherboard has enough PCI Express x16 slots.
4. Storage
Storage drives are essential for installing video games and saving files. There are several storage units, which we list below:
- HDD: This is the traditional hard drive, cheaper, and with a large storage capacity. HDDs are useful for older or less demanding games, but nowadays they are slow and increase load times a lot. It is common to have one or two HDDs with 1 or 2TB of space to save games with little loading time, documents, videos, folders, etc.
- SATA SSD: SATA SSDs are quite a bit faster than HDDs. However, they are also more expensive! We recommend buying a SATA SSD for demanding games and reducing load times. And if you install the operating system on SSD, your PC will start much faster.
- Note: SATA SSDs are 2.5″ instead of 3.5″ in size. Make sure that the PC case or tower has dedicated spaces for the SATA SSDs.
- NVMe SSDs: NVMes are an even faster version of SSDs that, instead of having a SATA 3 connection, plug into PCIe ports. They are the fastest storage units. Only buy an NVMe SSD if the budget is no problem and you have a compatible motherboard.
We advise staying away from external hard drives. Video games load much slower on them compared to internal ones.
5. Motherboard
The motherboard is the next component to choose from. Now that you know what you’re looking for CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage, you’ll be able to find a suitable motherboard that’s compatible with those components.
When buying a motherboard, you should look at the following aspects:
- Compatibility with other components: Check and see that the characteristics of the motherboard are compatible with the connections and ports required by the previous components.
- Form Factor: The most common are ATX and Micro ATX, but you will also see Mini ITX or Extended ATX. The factor doesn’t matter when it comes to performance, but you do need to choose a PC case or tower that is compatible with the form factor.
- USB ports: If you use USB connections a lot, try to look at this well. Today the USB 3.2 connection is common, but the 4.0, faster than previous versions, is gaining strength.
Note: When choosing a motherboard, be sure to read the specifications carefully to check compatibility. This way you will avoid having to change the motherboard or other components due to an error!
6. Power supply
The power supply is what powers your PC and keeps it running. For this component, note the following details:
- Power: This is the first piece of information you want to look at in a power supply. You will see it in the form of 650 W. More power means more energy, so more power is not necessarily better. In addition, you have to look at what 80 Plus certification it has.
- 80 Plus (or 80+) Certification: This indicates the level of energy efficiency that the source has. For gaming PC, always buy a source that is certified 80 Plus Bronze or higher, depending on your needs.
- Mid-range: Between 550 and 650 W with 80 Plus Bronze or Silver certification.
- High-end: Between 650 and 800 W with 80 Plus Gold certification. They are much more efficient, but also more expensive.
- Connectors: This should be looked at well. Depending on the number of connectors, you will know how many components you can power, including storage drives and graphics cards.
7. Monitor
The monitor is where you see all the action happen, so it’s a good idea to pick a good one! There really isn’t much to say about the monitors, except for the following points:
- Monitor resolution: For mid-range, 1920 x 1080 resolution is more than enough. For high-end, it is common to have a monitor with 2560 x 1440 or 3840 x 2160 resolution, approximately.
- Monitor size: The size of the monitor (in inches) is not as relevant as the resolution. As larger the screen is, you will want it to accept higher resolution. Otherwise, it will look blurry/pixelated. As a rule of thumb, the further away you are from the screen when playing, the bigger it should be.
- Refresh Rate / Frequency: This number, in Hz, indicates how many times the screen is refreshed per second. 60 or 75 Hz monitor for mid-range, and 120 Hz or more for high-end.
- Ports: Take a good look at what type of connection it has, be it HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort. The port must be compatible with that of the graphics card. If not, you will need to purchase an adapter.
There are monitors with technologies such as HDR, G-Sync/FreeSync, etc. It’s not that relevant for mid-range PCs, but if you want to make a high-end one, these technologies may interest you. In the event that you want to have several monitors, make sure that your graphics card has enough connection ports.
8. Cabinet / PC Tower
The PC cabinet or tower is one of the last things you should choose when building a gaming PC. It is what will contain almost all the other components. We recommend buying a cabinet that meets your needs. Don’t waste a lot of money on this!
To make sure that the case is suitable for building your PC, check the list below step by step:
- Compatible with the size of the motherboard.
- Compatible with the size of the graphics card. Some are quite large, especially the very high-end ones.
- Compatible with the size of the power supply.
- Support SATA SSD drives if you want to buy those storage drives.
- Supported fans (number and size). There are cabinets that come with at least one built-in fan.
There are other details that may interest you, such as built-in RGB lighting or front connectors for USB, microphone, and audio. Some cabinets incorporate non-essential extras, but they are appreciated.
9. Cooling and fans
Your PC will get very hot every time you play video games. For that reason, it is vital to have a good ventilation and cooling system.
On the one hand, there are the fans. The usual thing is to see fans with a size of 120 and 140mm, or also 240mm (two 120mm fans together). To ensure good ventilation inside your PC, it is best to have at least two or three fans at different points in the case.
The usual setup is to have one fan blowing in and one blowing out (usually the rear fan). If the processor you have chosen does not come with a fan, we recommend buying one dedicated to cooling the processor.
On the other hand, there is liquid cooling. This requires knowledge and experience to know how to install it effectively. For this reason, we only recommend liquid cooling for advanced users who want to build a high-end gaming PC. A mid-range PC does not require liquid cooling.
10. Other peripherals
A gaming PC is not complete without some matching peripherals. To complete your PC gamer setup, you will need the following:
- Mouse. We recommend a wired mouse that has at least five buttons, including the wheel button. So you will have access to more buttons.
- Mouse pad: Essential to handle the mouse comfortably.
- Keyboard. There are many different types of keyboards. In fact, there are those that are dedicated to gaming, with fewer buttons but optimized for them. Our advice is to try different types of keyboards and find out what you are most comfortable with. Let it be wired!
- Controller / Gamepads. Many games these days are optimized for controller play. Anything is fine, as long as it’s not too cheap. We recommend buying an Xbox controller or similar compatible with a PC.
- Headphones or speakers. This is already a matter of preference. Whatever you choose, do not buy something very cheap, or you will have poor sound quality. If you prefer to use headphones with a built-in microphone, you will have to allocate more budget or you will risk having a poor quality microphone, with echo or a lot of noise detection.
If you want to know the 10 best games in history then why don’t you look at this article.