As part of being an avid gamer, comes with it a gaming pc setup of dreams. All gamers want one that stands out from the rest, and some of us go through blood, sweat and tears to eventually build up to the perfect specifications so we can game to our heart's content, seamlessly. But what makes the best gaming setup: what are the essential components and what is important?
It's a lot of information, so separating the gaming PC building process into manageable steps makes it much less intimidating. Which is what we have done below. Even if you’re a novice, fear not! You don’t need any prior pc gaming build experience is required.
How to get the Gaming PC Setup of your dreams
Building a gaming PC setup from scratch is really the only way to make sure that your system is fully capable of satisfying all of your personal preferences. Everything that goes into your PC is important - from the power supply and up. You need to know that you'll be able to play the games you want, at the frame rates you want. A home-built PC also keeps the door open for upgrades — as technology changes, and also as your gaming tastes and needs change. Let’s also not forget your budget!
Gaming PC setups can be complex, especially if it’s your first time working inside the chassis. With the right research and some self-learning you may just find that it’s easier than you think.
Some things to remember:
· Building your own PC is the best way to ensure that your machine will meet all of your needs
· Consider what kind of case you want before choosing your components, as well as your budget
· Start with the CPU, as your choice on this will determine your system’s level of performance and compatibility with next-gen components
· Building a PC using separate, easy-to-follow steps is a great way to learn about how each individual component works
Combat Gaming guides you on every step
It’s all in the planning and prep!
Before you dive into your gaming pc setup, you’ll need to gather some tools. Prepare your materials and workspace ahead of time. This ensures that the build process goes smoothly.
Workspace: you need space for your gaming pc setup. You’ll need a fairly large surface to work on, mainly to prevent an accidental electrostatic discharge (which can damage sensitive components). Our top tip: make sure you stand on an uncarpeted surface, or invest in a gaming mat.
Screwdrivers are your best friend. You’ll need a Phillips #2 screwdriver for just about everything! If you're installing an M.2 device, you'll also need a Phillips #0 screwdriver. Combat Gaming pro-tip: Magnetic screwdrivers prevent you from dropping screws inside your case without having an effect on any of your components.
USB flash drive. This might seem pretty obvious, but we have to make sure you have everything you need, to make your gaming pc setup a success. You’ll need an 8GB flash drive, (or larger), to store the installer for the operating system you decide on using.
A Case case-study (see what we did there?)
First things first: before you start picking out components, you should have a case — or, at least have made a decision on a case size to suit your budget and gaming goals.
Your PC's final location will dictate how big you can (or cannot) go, and it will also help determine whether various premium case features are worth splurging on. You probably don't want to pay for a tempered glass side panel if the computer will be hidden under your desk, for example.
Cases typically come in three sizes: Full-tower, mid-tower, and mini-tower. These are very general categories (case sizes are not standardized among manufacturers), but they're based on motherboard size.
In addition to your case, here are the components you need to build a gaming PC (in a nutshell):
· Central processing unit (CPU)
· Graphics processing unit (GPU)
· Motherboard
· Memory (RAM)
· Storage
· Power supply unit (PSU)
· System cooling
· Gaming peripherals
· Operating system (OS)
A work in progress, for the win
One of the best things about building a gaming PC setup is that the job is never truly finished. It’s an ongoing project, and it becomes a cool hobby. You can customise your build to meet your unique and specific needs as well as update it when you want to. The custom PC you build will be your foundation for all the awesome gaming experiences ahead, fine-tuning along the way is all part of the fun of owning it.
Happy Gaming, Gamers!