How to Build a Gaming PC

When your computer can’t meet the demands of your game, it might be time to research and Complete Guide to Building a Gaming PC find out how to build your own gaming PC. If you’re interested in taking your game to an entirely new level of customization, here’s a guide on how to build a gaming computer and create a killer rig. If you really don’t know where to start, our best specs for a gaming PC should help.

Performance and costs are directly related
The most important consideration to make is the level of performance you expect to get out of the gaming computer you’re about to build. Building a gaming PC that is still a powerful machine on a tight budget is completely practical – you don’t need to pay a premium to get solid gaming performance. However, if you are looking to push the threshold of gaming performance with cutting-edge hardware and accessories, it will cost more. No matter which route you take, you’ll need to build a gaming PC from the inside out.
How to build a gaming PC on a budget

When you build a gaming PC to save money, make sure you at least match the minimum system requirements of the games you want to play. But if your budget has room, it’s wise to account for the rising system requirements of games you will want in the future. Completing a build only to run out of space a few months later will likely be more frustrating than being killed over and over by someone camped out in your favorite first person shooter game.
Gaming PC parts

So, what do you need to build a gaming PC? Hardware is the engine of your gaming rig. It accounts for almost all the performance available– that includes the speed, responsiveness, frame rates, and running multiple apps at one time (for example, gaming while recording your gameplay on video) – other accessories and software can help and are still important, but they’re complementary and their impact is dictated by the capabilities of the hardware.

Assembly time: How to build a gaming computer
When you put all the parts and tools together, make sure you have plenty of room to keep your build organized. Be aware of static electricity as you build – it’s one of the few ways the hardware can be damaged but it’s easy to avoid. Frequently ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface or wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap to protect your system’s components from the static electricity that’s naturally present in your body. It’s also helpful to keep a can of compressed air to remove any dust or fine debris from the interface as you’re installing the processor, memory, and SSD.

For instructions on installing the processor, power supply, and putting the motherboard in the case, consult each component’s owner’s manual. The act of installation or assembling parts isn’t complicated, but there is the potential for errors. That’s why it’s best to follow the more detailed step-by-step instructions for each specific part

Step 1: Motherboard
Lay your motherboard out at your workstation.

Motherboard explained
The motherboard is the foundational hardware for any system. As such, should be the first item on your spec list. The motherboard dictates the physical dimensions and size of your PC build, and it also determines what other pieces of hardware the computer can use – a critical point because your motherboard must support the amount of performance you’d like to get out of the rig. It will further indicate what kind of storage (drives) can be installed; both the size of the drive (2.5-inch, mSATA, or m.2) and the type of interface (SATA or PCle).
Find out more about compatibility for your motherboard and computer memory.

Step 2: Install the CPU
Remove the CPU from its packaging, do not touch the gold pins on the bottom. Install your processor onto the motherboard by pressing firmly and following the manufacturers recommendations. Apply a pea sized amount of thermal paste if installing a heatsink. Secure the heatsink over the CPU with the 4 screws.

CPU explained
The processor might be the single most important component you choose for your build. Memory and storage fuel the processor which controls every data transaction within the PC. When you’re determining which CPU to install, pay attention to the gigahertz (GHz) – the higher the GHz, the faster the processor. This is important if you’re overclocking because the amount of GHz you use will rise. Overclocking is speeding up the clock cycles of the CPU to process more data transactions faster than certified by the manufacturer. It also puts an added importance on finding a proper heatsink for the processor so the higher temperatures don’t affect system health.

Step 3: Install the RAM
RAM is the easiest hardware to install when you’re building a PC. Locate the memory slots on the motherboard. Hold your memory modules on the side to avoid touching the gold pins. If your memory doesn’t have a heat spreader, also avoid touching the chips on the module. Align the notches on the module with the ridge in the slot then firmly press the module in until it clicks. As you’re pressing, note that it takes about 30 pounds of pressure to fully install a module.

Follow our more detailed guide on how to install computer memory if you need more help.

RAM explained
Memory, or RAM, gives your processor and graphics processing unit the resources they need to perform. More gigabytes of memory equal more assets they can turn into faster system speed, seamless responsiveness, and higher framerates. Adding memory is one of the fastest, easiest, and most affordable ways to amplify the performance of any gaming rig. No matter the size of your budget, maxing out the RAM is an essential part of building a gaming PC. If you don’t already have your memory, see how much RAM you’ll need to hit your performance objectives.

RAM modules
Step 4: Install the motherboard in the case
Install the I/O shield into the rectangular opening of the case. Next, slide the motherboard into the case until the ports fit through the I/O shield. Once installed, secure the motherboard with the included screws into the case. Do not overtighten, this can lead to cracking on the motherboard.

Case explained
Install the I/O shield into the rectangular opening of the case. Next, slide the motherboard into the case until the ports fit through the I/O shield. Once installed, secure the motherboard with the included screws into the case. Do not overtighten, this can lead to cracking on the motherboard.
computer case

Step 5: Install the GPU
Slide your GPU into its slot and press until it clicks, secure with any included screws.