When it comes to PC gaming, many players choose to construct their own system using separate components to suit their budget and gaming style. A pre-built gaming PC may be a preferable option for some, but the customisation factor of building from scratch is often the driving force.
Building a gaming PC with little-to-no experience may seem like an overwhelming project - a PC involves a myriad of moving parts with many different elements to consider. However, the building process is relatively logical and straightforward; providing you heed instructions and advice, you can enjoy a fully functional gaming system to be proud of. Here are some helpful tips and hacks to keep in mind.
Stick Within Your Budget
When selecting individual components, it’s easy to slip and go over budget, particularly if you’re insistent on the best of the best. High-quality components *will *result in an exceptional system, but it is possible to go overboard. For example, 8GB is considered the baseline requirement for most AAA titles. While 32GB RAM may be beneficial for demanding multitasking, it is generally deemed overkill for standard gaming setups. Set a budget pertaining to your requirements and make every effort to stick to it.
Select Components Based On Your Gaming Style
Your system requirements will mostly depend on the type of games you play. Future-proofing, to an extent, can be highly beneficial to ensure your PC can run upcoming titles, but as mentioned previously, opting for needlessly powerful components can set you back more than is necessary. Consider the titles you play and check any system requirements to ensure your finished PC can run them without issue.
Choose An Appropriate Workspace
Once you’ve compiled your individual parts, a suitable workspace is required. A large surface, such as a wooden desk or dining table, in an uncluttered environment, is ideal. Maintaining a stress-free space with everything laid out neatly within arm’s reach will enable you to build quickly and efficiently. Keep in mind that you are working with electrical components, so avoid carpeted areas that can lead to a build-up of static charge, which may damage sensitive hardware.
Get The Right Tools
Before you begin your build, gather all of the necessary tools to avoid having to trek back and forth to the hardware store. You will need the following:
- Philips-head magnetic screwdriver
- Pliers
- Thermal paste
- Zip ties
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Compressed air duster
There are other tools and parts that may make the building process more manageable and less fiddly, but as long the basics are covered, you shouldn’t run into any issues.
Ensure Your Components Are Compatible
All of your components must be compatible with one another for a functional system. Motherboards are notorious culprits when it comes to compatibility issues. Depending on the manufacturer, your motherboard may not have the correct type of socket for your CPU, rendering it incompatible. An excellent solution to this potential issue is to purchase a motherboard bundle, so you can guarantee compatible components whilst still maintaining an element of control over your build.
Don’t Force Anything
A surefire way of damaging components is by forcing them into place. Your PC parts should fit into place with an audible click without excess force. Granted, you may need to do a bit of wiggling and apply gentle pressure to ensure everything is secure. If something doesn’t seem to slot into place as it should, remove it, rotate it, and try again.
Avoid Messy Cables
The dreaded cable spaghetti can not only make your build appear messy and unprofessional, but it can be a safety hazard. Untangle and organise your cables as you build with zip ties or cable tidies (available in most homeware stores). Orderly cables will also provide you with more room in your chassis, allowing vital airflow and breathing room for effective cooling.
Seek Advice
When in doubt, seek information from the gaming PC community. You can find excellent building tutorials on sites like YouTube, but when you need specific solutions and pointers, forums and social media sites are the places to be. From component recommendations to budgeting tips, you can rest assured that any problem you face will have a solution.