So, you want to build a gaming PC. You have likely seen cool games with great graphics. Now, you want to build your own computer. Consequently, the first question is, what parts do i need to build a gaming pc? It might seem hard at first. In fact, you might think you need to be an expert. However, it is easier than it looks. Fortunately, this guide gives you a full list of all the parts you need. We will tell you what each part does. Additionally, we will use simple words and go through the list one by one. Therefore, this will help you feel good about starting your build.
Building your own PC is a fun thing to do. For instance, it lets you make a computer that is just right for you. You get to pick every single part. As a result, this means you can focus on what is important for the games you like. Moreover, the skills you learn will help you for many years. This means you will be able to upgrade your PC by yourself. So, let’s start this fun project and answer the big question.
What Parts Do I Need to Build a Gaming PC: The Core Components
These first parts are like the heart and brain of your new PC. Indeed, they do most of the hard work. They also have the biggest effect on how well your games run. For this reason, it is very important to pick these parts with care. Above all, they all need to work together to make a strong and balanced system.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU): Your PC’s Brain
First on our list is the CPU. The CPU is, in essence, the computer’s brain. It tells all the other parts what to do. For gaming, a fast CPU helps your games run smoothly. Specifically, this is very true in games with a lot of action.
- Who makes them? The two main companies that make CPUs are Intel and AMD. Both of them make great CPUs for gaming.
- What to look for? You will see words like “cores” and “clock speed.” More cores help your PC do many things at once. A higher clock speed can make games run faster. For most gaming PCs today, a CPU with 6 cores is a good start. A key part of knowing what parts do i need to build a gaming pc is matching your CPU with your other parts.
The Graphics Card (GPU): The Source of Gaming Visuals
Next is the graphics card, or GPU. For a gaming PC, this is arguably the most important part. Essentially, the GPU makes the pictures you see on your screen. A strong GPU, therefore, lets you play games with the graphics turned up high.
- Who makes them? Like with CPUs, the two main makers are NVIDIA and AMD.
- What to look for? Look at the VRAM, or video memory. For playing games in 1080p, a card with at least 8GB of VRAM is good. If you want to play in 1440p or 4K, you will want 12GB or more. You can see how well different cards run games on websites like Tech Spot. They test lots of cards to help you pick.
The Motherboard: The PC’s Central Hub
The motherboard is the main board where all your other parts plug into it. It is like the body’s nerve system because it lets all the parts talk to each other. For this reason, your motherboard must work with the CPU you pick.
- What to look for? Every CPU needs a special “socket type.” So, you must get a motherboard with the right socket for your CPU. You should also check the motherboard’s size. The most common size is ATX. This size has lots of room for all your parts. Make sure it has enough slots for your memory and drives.
The Supporting Cast: Memory and Storage
Now that we have the main parts, let’s talk about the supporting parts. These components are also very important for a fast PC. Specifically, they work with your CPU to make sure games load fast and run smoothly.
What Parts Do I Need to Build a Gaming PC: RAM
RAM is your computer’s short-term memory. It holds the data for the games and apps you are using right now. Consequently, if you do not have enough RAM, your PC can feel slow.
- How much do you need? For a new gaming PC, 16GB of RAM is the best amount for most people. It is enough to run most games well. You can also have other apps open. If you do many things at once, you can think about getting 32GB.
- What kind do you need? Today, there are two main kinds of RAM: DDR4 and DDR5. DDR5 is the new and faster kind. If you are building a new PC with a new CPU, you should get DDR5 RAM. Getting the right RAM is a key answer to the question of what parts do i need to build a gaming pc.
What Parts Do I Need to Build a Gaming PC: Storage Drives
Your storage drive holds your computer’s main software, your files, and your games. The speed of your storage drive, therefore, sets how fast your PC starts up. It also sets how long you wait for games to load.
- NVMe Solid State Drive (SSD): This is the fastest storage you can get. You should use an NVMe SSD for your main drive. Put your main software (like Windows) and your top games on it. This will give you very fast speeds. A 1TB drive is a good size to start with.
- SATA Solid State Drive (SSD): These are also fast, but not as fast as NVMe drives. They are a good, cheaper choice for storing the rest of your games.
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD): These are the slowest drives. They are not good for installing games anymore because they are so slow. But, they are a cheap way to store big files like movies or pictures.
The Foundation: Power Supply, Case, and Cooling
We are almost done with our list. These last parts give a home, power, and cooling for your other parts. It is very important to pick good ones. Indeed, they will keep your new gaming PC safe, cool, and working for a long time. This is a key part of knowing what parts do i need to build a gaming pc.
The Power Supply Unit (PSU): Clean and Stable Power
The PSU is the part that gives power to all your other parts. For this reason, this is not a part where you want to be cheap. A cheap, low-quality PSU can break. In fact, it could even hurt your other parts.
- What to look for? You need a PSU with enough power. Power is measured in watts. For most gaming PCs, a good PSU with 650 to 850 watts is a safe pick. You can use an online tool like the one from PC Part Picker to see what you need. Also, look for a PSU with an “80 Plus Bronze” rating or higher. This means it works well and does not waste power.
The Computer Case: A Home for Your Hardware
The case is the box that holds all your parts. However, it does more than just look nice. A good case, for instance, makes it easier to build your PC. It will also help keep your parts cool with good airflow.
- What to look for? Make sure the case is big enough for your motherboard and graphics card. You should also look for a case that helps with airflow. A front panel made of mesh is a good feature. Good airflow is the key to a cool and quiet PC.
CPU Cooler: Keeping Your PC from Overheating
Your CPU gets hot when you play games. While many CPUs come with a basic cooler, it is often a good idea to buy a better one. A good cooler, for example, will keep your CPU running at its best speed. It will also stop it from getting too hot.
- What are the options? There are two main kinds of coolers: air coolers and liquid coolers. Air coolers use a fan and a metal block to cool the CPU. They are often very reliable and not too costly. Liquid coolers use water to move heat away from the CPU. They can work very well. For good install guides, you can watch videos from companies like Corsair.
So, you now have the full answer to what parts do i need to build a gaming pc. With this list, you are ready to start picking your parts and planning your build. It is a fun and great process. Soon, you will be playing all your favorite games on a new, strong machine that you built yourself.
FAQ – What Parts Do I Need to Build a Gaming PC
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1. What is a CPU? Why do I need it for games?
The CPU is the brain of your PC. It tells all the other parts what to do. In a game, the CPU thinks about what is happening. A good CPU helps your games run smoothly. It stops them from freezing for a short time. Big names for CPUs are Intel and AMD. A good CPU is the base for a great gaming PC. You should get one with at least 6 cores. It will make your games feel very good to play.
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2. Why is the graphics card (GPU) the most key part?
The graphics card is the most important part for games. Its job is to draw everything you see on the screen. It draws all the pictures and makes them move. A strong GPU can draw better pictures very fast. This makes your game look pretty and run with no stutter. This is called high Frames Per Second, or FPS. The top brands are NVIDIA and AMD. The GPU you pick decides how good your games will look.
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3. How much RAM do I need for my games?
RAM is your PC’s fast, short-term memory. It holds the game you are playing right now. This lets your PC work very quickly. For most games today, 16GB of RAM is a great place to start. This will make your games run well. But 32GB of RAM is an even better idea for new games. It will help your PC for a long time to come. Always buy RAM in a set of two sticks. This makes your PC run even faster.
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4. What does the main board do?
The motherboard is the big main board in your PC. All your other parts plug right into it. Think of it like a body. The CPU and GPU are parts of the body. The main board connects them all so they can talk. You must pick a board that fits your CPU. The spot where the CPU goes is called a socket. The board also needs to fit inside your PC case. Make sure it has enough spots to plug in all your parts.
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5. What kind of drive should I get for games?
You need a drive to store all your games. A Solid State Drive, or SSD, is the best kind to get. It is much faster than an old hard drive. An SSD has no moving parts inside. This means your PC starts up very fast. Your games will also load in just a few seconds. The best SSDs are called NVMe drives. They plug right into the main board. Get a 1TB or 2TB SSD to start. This will hold many of your games.
