If you’re seeking to build a gaming PC this new year, then you’re in the right place. You may be asking how much does it cost to build a PC, and the answer is it all depends.
Building a gaming computer is a rewarding experience in itself, and if you’re on a budget, then you can create a decently powerful PC with a small budget.
In this simple guide, we’ll jump into the fundamentals and some of the step by steps on what to look for first when building a computer.
1. Processor – CPU
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is one of the essential components to building your first PC. The CPU is responsible for processing the entire system, from programs, applications, and other necessary software that your computer runs.
Be it if you’re playing a gaming session, working on Photoshop, reading essential emails, or watching your favorite movies on Netflix, your CPU is doing the work for you in terms of giving out and receiving instructions for processing.
So, in short, the CPU is the brain of the entire system. CPUs are built by tiny micros coping transistors, which fit perfectly onto a small chip.
In the past decade, the goal of tech companies has been to create smaller and more microscopic transistors, which results in better performance and improvements in processing speed.
Purchasing a CPU will cost a bit; however, there are budget-friendly CPUs and won’t hurt your wallet as much.
Related Articles:
| Name | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Intel Core i9-12900K |
3.2GHz, 8 Cores, 24 Threads, Unlocked |
|
|
2. Intel Core i7-10700KF |
3.8GHz, 8 Cores, 16 Threads, Unlocked |
|
|
3. Intel Core i5-11400F |
2.6GHz, 6 Cores, 12 Threads, Unlocked |
|
|
4. AMD Ryzen 3 3200G |
3.6GHz, 4 Cores, 12 Threads, Unlocked |
2. Motherboard
The motherboard (MOBO) will be the next crucial board you’ll need to invest in; without a MOBO, you won’t have a computer.
Additionally, the motherboard connects all the other hardware and serves as a foundation for communicating data throughout all of your PC’s hardware components. Also, the Mobo serves as a data and power distributor throughout your PC’s hardware.
So depending on the type of CPU you have, the motherboard and the CPU will need to be compatible with each other, or else it won’t work.
If you buy an Intel CPU, then buy an Intel motherboard. Or, if you have an AMD CPU, then go with an AMD motherboard that supports that specific CPU.
Motherboards are pretty cheap, so you won’t have any issues in blowing all of your money.
| Name | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
1. ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming |
AM4 Socket, AMD X570, ATX |
|
|
2. ASUS ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming |
LGA1200 Socket, Z590, ATX |
|
|
3. ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS |
AM4 Socket, B550, ATX |
|
|
4. Gigabyte TRX40 AORUS Master |
AM4 Socket, TRX40, ATX |
3. Graphics Card
The GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is responsible for processing and rendering the graphics; when you’re watching videos, playing an intense game of Battlefield, or working on a heavy graphical program, you can be sure that the GPU is doing the work.
In the past years, GPUs have been increasingly improved bit by bit, and developers and programmers have been able to unlock different types of potentials that GPUs possess.
Graphic cards such as AMD and Nvidia will be your ideal choices because they’ll provide you with one of the best performances and features when looking for a GPU.
Also, GPUs will be one of the most expensive components when building out your PC. So if you’re a hardcore gamer and need to reap the GPU’s power, then you’ll most likely be investing a lot in the GPU department; however, if you’re on a tight budget, there are cheaper options when selecting a graphics card.
Down below is a list of different types of GPUs that you can check out.
| Name | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Nvidia Gaming GeForce RTX 3080 Ti |
1,410 MHz, 8GB GDDR6, 19 GT/s, 3 Fans |
|
|
2. Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti |
1,410 MHz, 8GB GDDR6, 14 GT/s, Two Fans |
|
|
3. AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT |
1,825 MHz, 16 GB GDDR6, 16 GT/s, 3 Fans |
|
|
4. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 |
1,395 MHz, 24GB GDDR6X, 19.5 GT/s, 3 Fans |
4. Memory, SSD, and HDD
When building a computer, you’ll need a solid memory component to deliver you rapid fast performance in opening an application, software, loading different types of applications, and much more.
The DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) accesses data using its short-term memory. The more memory your computer has, the faster and the better it’ll load different programs, software, and applications.
You can choose from 8GB of RAM up to 64GB of RAM, which is pretty high up there.
Having 8GB is suitable for most daily tasks and to perform other multimedia. If you’re a serious gamer having around 16GB to 32GB is pretty much the ideal. 64GB of RAM is pretty much going overboard; with that much RAM, you’ll have all the speed you’ll need.
Below are a few memories that you can choose from.
| Name | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB |
2x 8GB, DDR4 DRAM 3200MHz |
|
|
2. G.Skill Trident Z RGB Series 16GB |
2x 8GB, DDR4, 3200MHz |
|
|
3. Kingston HyperX Predator |
2x 8GB, DDR4, 2666MHz |
|
|
4. XPG Spectrix D80 Liquid-Cooled RGB |
2x 8GB, DDR4, 3200MHz |
5. Display
The display will be another important aspect when building your PC. You’ll need to choose the necessary monitor to suit your needs.
If you’re a gamer, then you’ll want to check out the 144Hz gaming monitors, but if you’re a casual user and don’t game, then you can go with a 60Hz display.
You can choose a variant of display from an IPS, VA, or a TN panel, which all have different attributes. If you’re purely for gaming, TN panels are best for fast-paced action shooters, giving you the slight edge, and TN panels tend to be a lot cheaper than IPS and VA panels.
If you’re seeking a medium of both performance and quality, then select a VA panel.
But if you’re going to beautiful images and colors, then an IPS should do.
The monitor should adapt to your needs; if you want immersion, try the ultra-wide displays. If you’re seeking a simple, user-friendly monitor, you can choose that as well since they’re a bang for your buck.
6. Power Supply
Choosing the suitable PSU (Power Supply Unit) is ideal when giving your customized PC the power it needs.
Having the proper power supply is essential when running a solid and reliable customized computer.
You’ll have the option to choose from the ideal is anywhere from 600 to 700-watts of PSU, since it’ll provide you a reliable source of energy, and you’ll be able to add any extra components that you may need upgrading in the near future.
The PSU will be one of your cheapest hardware when building your PC.
7. Fans and Coolers
Installing a CPU cooler should be your first bet. Typically when purchasing a CPU, it’ll already come with a cooler; however, you can always buy custom-made CPU coolers as well and install them right away.
GPUs also usually have their cooling system, which provides the chip with the right amount of cooling. You can customize the GPU cooler as well if you need to.
It’s crucial to have essential coolers around your PC case since they’ll provide the right amount of airflow throughout your PC house.
If you’re planning to overclock your CPU, then the stock fan might not suffice; you’ll need a very effective cooler if you’re planning on overclocking in the future.
You may also want to checkout water-cooling if you want to take overclocking your CPU and GPU’s to the net level.
But a regular cooler should suffice; most fans and coolers are pretty cheap and won’t hurt your wallet.
Below are a few PC coolers that you can scout.
8. PC Case
If you’re aiming for aesthetics, then having the proper PC case will be your next focus. Having a suitable computer case for your hardware is essential; you want your case to be organized and have enough room to store any more upgradable components in the future.
All computer cases will come in different variants and sizes. And depending on your hardware, you may need to tailor the case with the size of the hardware stored inside.
Check out some of the cool PC cases that you can invest in.
BenQ Zowie XL2566K Review – Fast 360Hz, TN Gaming Monitor
AOC G2490VX Review – Rapid 144Hz, 1ms Gaming Monitor
Viewsonic VX2458 MHD Review – Fast TN, 144Hz Gaming Monitor
Sony WH 1000XM4 for Gaming – Headphone Guide
Best Gaming Monitor Under 150 USD – Display Guide
Dell S2419HGF Review – Fast 144Hz, 1ms Budgeted Gaming Monitor
