Are you looking to build a gaming pc?
In this blog, I am going to share the entire process based on which you can decide how to create your first gaming pc.
Buying a gaming pc can be confusing, as there are a sheer number of options available in the market. Also, there is a lot of misleading information across the internet and from shopkeepers.
You can follow the entire process to identify the right components and build a pc for gaming.
Gaming Pc Build: Everything You Should Know
Step 1: Decide your resolution and desired FPS for gaming
There are different resolutions such as 1080p (Full HD), 1440p(2k), 2160p(4k). Higher refresh rate means that the game would be smoother and lag free.
60 Hz is a benchmark for anyone as on this frame rate, the games run smoother, and the experience is enjoyable. However, a higher refresh rate is ideal for people who are looking to play competitive games such as PUBG, Fortnite, CS:Go, etc.
Step 2: Determine your budget: how much are you willing to spend on your gaming computer
In the next stage you have to select your budget for the pc build. Majority of the people in India make this mistake, and they end up making impulsive purchases.
Once you have your complete budget ready, then you can proceed further.
Step 3: Choose the Ideal CPU + GPU combo for your gaming pc
Once you have decided your frame rate and resolution. Then you have to select a GPU to get the desired frame rates.
If you are aiming to play AAA titles at 60+ FPS and do not have any intention for playing competitive games, then you need the best gpu under your budget.
For highly competitive games, then you have to get a high end cpu as well, as the CPU also has to take the load to deliver performance.
Ideal CPU + GPU Combos [Jan 2023]
1080p 60+ FPS gaming :
- Intel i3 12100F + Rx 6500xt
- Intel i3 12100F + Rx 6600
1080p refresh rate [competitive gaming]:
- I5 12400F + AMD Radeon Rx6650Xt
- I5 12400F + Nvidia Rtx 3060
2k 60+ FPS gaming
- Intel i5 12400F + Rx 6650xt
2k High refresh rate gaming [Competitive gaming]:
- I5 12600k + Rx 6700xt
- I5 12600k + Rtx 3060 ti
4k 60+ FPS gaming :
- Intel i5 12600k + Rtx 3070
4k high refresh rate gaming [Competitive gaming]
- Intel i7 12700k + Rtx 3080 or above
Step 4: Choose the Motherboard
In the next step, you have to choose a motherboard and a psu for your gaming pc. Even though many people would recommend that the motherboard does not give you a boost in FPS. Still, I would say that a motherboard gives you a lot of features such as more NVME slots, Fan headers, Bluetooth and wifi connectivity. Just get the best motherboard that you can buy in your budget.
Step 5: Buy CPU Cooler
Once you have your CPU and GPU combination finalised, then you have to buy a CPU cooler. To put this straight I would say that for anything above an i3 or Ryzen 3 you should get an aftermarket cooler. For Ryzen 5/ Intel i5 you can buy an air cooler or 240mm AIO. For any high end processor, you should have a big air cooler, 240mm or a 360mm aio liquid cooler.
Step 6: Buy Ram
For gaming, consider buying at least 8 gb of ram,but 16 GB is a sweet spot ideal for future games as well. For this you will get RGB and Non-RGB Rams, again RGB looks cool, but it will not give you fps. It is better to choose a ram providing good performance within your budget.
Step 7: Buy fast storage
It is unfortunate that in 2023, people are still buying hard drives as their primary storage. I recommend that you buy a fast ssd as your primary storage device, as it will make your gameplays more enjoyable. You will experience fast game load times and quick system boot ups.
SSDs have become more affordable these days. You can buy a 500 GB Sata SSd under 3000. I would recommend that you buy at least a 500 GB SSD, as it gives you ample room for your games and system softwares/files.
Step 8: Buy a (Power Supply Unit) PSU
For the PSU (Power Supply Unit), always buy a power supply from a reputed brand such as Corsair, Cooler master, Deep Cool, etc. Calculate your total system power requirement, and then buy a power supply accordingly.
To calculate your power supply requirements, you can use the pcpartpicker.
You will get two options such as a modular power supply or a non modular power supply. Modular power supplies come with detachable cables, so that you can attach the cables that you need. Non modular power supplies have a cable attached that might assist you.
Step 9: CPU Cabinet
It is up to your choice! What look do you want to give to your computer? You can go with a minimalist look or get a gamer cpu with a lot of RGB,
Buy a CPU cabinet from a reputable brand that comes with good build quality. Also, please check reviews online and see what the buyers have mentioned already.
Step 10: Buy a monitor
Good quality monitor is a necessity for an enjoyable gaming experience. You can buy one based on the level of gaming that you want to play. For most new gamers, a 1080p monitor with 75 Hz & 24 inch screen size would be perfect.
However, if you have any other specific requirement, then you can buy accordingly.
Step 11: Get a gaming keyboard and mouse:
For gaming keyboards, I would recommend that you buy a mechanical gaming keyboard. Here, you will get three options i.e. red switches, brown switches, and blue switches. Blue is tactile and clicky, red is linear and silent switch, and brown comes in the middle.
If you are someone who wants their keyboards to be silent, then you can buy a red switch keyboard.
For a gaming mouse, buy from a reputed brand that has been in the market for a long time. For example, Logitech, Corsair, etc.