Want a powerful computer for gaming? To ensure the device ticks all your boxes, it’s a good idea to build a gaming PC yourself. This gives you complete control over the hardware and keeps the option open if you want to upgrade it later. Read on to learn what components you need and how to build your own gaming PC. You’ll also discover how Avira Free Security can help you tune up and rev up your customized computer.
Build your own gaming PC or buy one?
If you want to get yourself a computer specifically for gaming, should you buy a ready-made PC or build your own custom model? Although there’s no right or wrong answer, the advantage of building your own gaming PC is that you can select the components based on your own wish list.
In terms of price, there’s only really a slight difference in cost between the two. If you build your gaming PC yourself, it’s easier to keep track of how much you’re spending on the individual components. There’s always the option to upgrade individual parts later on too if your budget doesn’t stretch to them now. After all, you don’t necessarily need high-end components for solid performance.
From the tools to the case: What do you need to build a gaming PC?
When building a gaming PC, the choice of hardware is crucial since the computer will only deliver the performance you’re after if you choose the right components. You’ll also need some practical skills, a suitable work surface, and tools to assemble the individual parts.
What tools do I need?
You’ll need the right tools to build your own PC. A PH2 Phillips screwdriver is a must-have for almost all kinds of work. Depending on the hard drive you want to install, you might also need a PH0 Phillips screwdriver. Use magnetic tools to prevent smaller screws potentially falling into the case and causing damage. Also think about the following:
- Work surface: Choose a large work surface. The best option is a table with an antistatic surface to prevent unwanted electrostatic discharge from damaging sensitive components.
- Antistatic wrist cuff: It complements the antistatic surface by preventing sensitive components from being damaged by electrostatic discharge.
- Lighting: Make sure your work surface is well lit when assembling your new gaming PC. It’s best to use several light sources such as a portable lamp and an additional head torch.
And although not essential, cable ties come in handy as they help to make the inside of your gaming PC tidier. To trim the ends, you’ll also need a pair of scissors or wire cutters. Instead of cable ties, you can also use hook-and-loop straps to hold the individual cables together.
How do I choose the right case?
The case provides the framework for your self-built gaming PC. Your choice comes down to where you’re going to place your computer and how much space is available. For example, an eye-catching design such as one with a tempered glass side panel is only worthwhile if you’re going to be showcasing your PC.
There are basically three main types of case: Full-tower, midi-tower, and mini-tower. However, the sizes are not standardized and can vary depending on the manufacturer. Just be sure when selecting your motherboard that you choose a case that can accommodate it.
What hardware does a computer need for gaming?
From the motherboard and the CPU to the PSU and GPU, the choice of components dictates the speed, responsiveness, and frame rate it can output. It also affects how well your self-built gaming PC can multitask. Depending on your personal preferences, choose what’s best for you.
What components do I need to build my gaming PC?
You’ll need various components — from the processor and the motherboard to the RAM and the operating system. How you select the individual components depends on your requirements. If you want to play a specific game on your gaming PC, it’s best to check the title’s recommended system requirements first. You can then select the individual components on that basis. Websites for gaming PC configs are often a helpful resource.
The brain of your computer — the processor
The processor (also called the central processing unit or CPU) is the core of every computer. It executes instructions necessary for programs to run. It also assigns tasks to other components, acting as the brain of your self-built gaming PC. To ensure your home-made computer lives up to your expectations and allows you to enjoy an immersive multimedia experience, your choice of CPU is crucial.
If you want to use your self-built PC primarily for gaming, we recommend a processor with a high maximum turbo clock frequency. It should also have a high number of cores and threads as these have a significant impact on performance. The higher the number, the better at multitasking your gaming PC will be. You’ll then find it easy to game and stream at the same time — with the gaming experience remaining smooth. Whether you go for AMD or Intel is entirely up to you.
The graphics card — essential for smooth visuals
Together with the processor, the graphics card (also called the GPU or graphics processing unit) has a big impact on your gaming experience. A powerful GPU is essential if you want to play demanding and graphics-hungry games at a fast frame rate without jerky scene transitions and lag. To ensure you can play your favorite games smoothly, you should choose a graphics processor that meets your games’ recommended system requirements.
The component that connects it all — the motherboard
If you want to build a gaming PC yourself, you can’t do without certain components. These include the motherboard — also called the mainboard. This is the main board to which all the components are connected, including the processor, graphics card, RAM, and hard drives.
To ensure that all components fit on the motherboard, choose one that’s large enough for the hardware. Also make sure that all components are compatible. Common formats are:
- Extended ATX (EATX): The largest motherboard measures in at 30.48 x 33.02 cm or 30.48 x 25.65 cm. It can have up to eight RAM slots, supporting up to 128 GB of RAM.
- ATX: At 30.5 x 24.4 cm, the ATX is only slightly smaller than an EATX motherboard. However, this motherboard has a maximum of four RAM slots.
- microATX: The microATX motherboard features up to four RAM slots and measures 24.4 x 24.4 cm.
- Mini-ITX: The smallest motherboard is the Mini-ITX. It measures 17 x 17 cm and usually has two RAM slots.
The short-term memory of a computer — random access memory (RAM)
The RAM functions as the short-term memory of a computer. Applications store temporary data here from the command lists that the processor reads and executes. For a smooth gaming experience, you should go for at least 16 GB of RAM when building your gaming PC. You can always upgrade the RAM later.
If you want to run multiple processes at the same time — for example, streaming and gaming — you’ll need more RAM. When choosing your memory, it’s also important that the motherboard, CPU, and RAM are compatible. If the RAM is faster than the speed supported by the motherboard, it’ll affect the performance of your entire system.
By the way: Avira Free Security helps you free up more memory and put more zip into your self-built gaming PC.
SSD or HDD storage
There are two different types of mass storage device: Solid-state drives (SSDs) and hard disk drives (HDDs). Here’s the lowdown on the differences:
- SSD: What marks out an SSD is its speed, which some of the latest games require. In addition, it’s less susceptible to mechanical errors than an HDD.
- HDD: An HDD is cheaper than an SSD and still has a high storage capacity.
When building your gaming PC, you don’t necessarily have to choose between an SSD or HDD — you can also combine both types of data storage device. For example, you can use a lower-capacity SSD as a boot drive for the operating system or games for fast loading times. If you fill the other drive bays with cheaper HDD hard drives, you’ll have loads of storage space.
The power source of your gaming PC — the power supply unit (PSU)
When you build your gaming PC, you also need a well-made and powerful PSU. That’s because it powers all your computer’s components. Let’s look at the different types:
- Non-modular: A non-modular power supply comes with all the cables permanently attached. If you don’t need all of them, the disadvantage is that unused cables can hinder air circulation in your PC and affect its performance.
- Semi-modular: Many PC self-builders often use a semi-modular PSU. That’s because these units come with all the key cables and are more cost-effective than modular models.
- Modular: For maximum flexibility to connect only the cables you need, go for a modular PSU — although it is the most expensive option because of that.
System cooling — protection against overheating
To prevent your computer overheating, you’ll need system cooling. The heat can be dissipated by both air and liquid.
- Air cooling: Fans move heated air through the case and away from components to prevent damage. Air cooling is a cost-effective option and easy to use in your self-build. However, if air circulation in the case is restricted, that can make this type of cooling inefficient.
- Liquid cooling: A liquid coolant such as distilled water absorbs the heat from the components and transports it into the radiator. Since it doesn’t rely on air circulation, liquid cooling is efficient. However, the system takes up a lot of space in the computer and can be tricky to install.
In addition to system cooling, the CPU needs its own cooler. It’s attached directly to the processor. As such, make sure that both modules are compatible.
Additional components for your gaming experience
To fully immerse yourself in your gaming world, you’ll also need what are called peripherals like a screen, keyboard, and mouse. You’ll need these anyway to get your gaming PC system up and running once you’ve built it.
Step-by-step guide to building your gaming PC
Once you’ve sourced all the key components, you can build your gaming PC. Get started by following these step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Connect the processor to the motherboard
Place the motherboard on your work surface and locate the CPU connector. It’s usually covered with a protective plastic cap. You’ll see an arrow on the CPU socket underneath. Remember where this is located. Next to the CPU socket you’ll find a small metal lever. Push down on it and move it out from under the piece holding it down, then slowly lift the lever all the way up and away from the socket.
You can then insert the CPU. Be careful, as both the CPU and the CPU socket are easily damaged — and it really could spell game over if you mess up. Hold the processor by its edges and never touch the pins on the top or the bottom. Contamination from dust or the natural oils of your fingers can damage the sensitive components.
Remember the arrow we mentioned just now? You’ll need to ensure the arrow on the CPU lines up in the same corner as the arrow on the socket. Once it does, gently place the CPU in its socket, then lower the metal lever again to lock the CPU in position. You may need to use a little more force to lower the lever. Finally, attach the CPU cooler. It’s best to refer to the manual as installation steps may vary depending on the model.
Step 2: Install the RAM
Insert the RAM modules into the RAM slots on the motherboard. Most motherboards have two or four. If you don’t want to use all the slots, check your motherboard’s manual to see which slots you should use first. It’s easy to do: Simply insert the RAM modules into the appropriate positions so they click into place.
Step 3: Install the PSU
Typically, the power supply unit is placed in the lower part of the case near the back panel. However, check where you need to locate it and how it needs to be oriented. Typically, the PSU fans should point outward through a vent in the case.
If your case lacks a vent, mount the PSU so the fan points up. This allows the exhaust air to escape upwards into the case. When building your gaming PC, it’s important to make sure that there is enough space in the case for air circulation.
By the way: If you’re using a non-modular or semi-modular PSU, route the permanently connected cables through the chassis to the intended components.
Step 4: Insert the motherboard
If the I/O panel is not yet attached to the motherboard, install it first on the rear of the case. You can then install the motherboard. To do this, first secure the middle screw so the motherboard stays in place. You can then tighten the other screws. The number of screws can vary depending on the model. Once you’ve screwed the motherboard in place, connect the power supply to it.
Step 5: Install the GPU
Locate the PCIe x16 slot on the motherboard. It’s the longest of the PCIe slots and is often highlighted in a different color. Attach the graphics card to this slot, making sure that the GPU has space and that air can circulate adequately around it.
Step 6: Install your data storage drives
The location of the drive bays varies depending on the case. You’ll generally find several bays of different sizes are arranged one above the other. Often, you don’t need tools to attach your data storage drives – whether SSDs or HDDs. Many cases have plastic levers on the drive bays to lock the drives into place. If your case has these, unlock the lever, pull out the installation frame, and insert the drive into it. Then push the installation frame back into the slot until you hear a click.
With some cases, you’ll need to use tools to install your data storage drives as they don’t have plastic levers. Instead, you’ll find a large metal bracket with mounting rails and holes. To install the drives, slide them into the bay and then screw them into place tightly. When it comes to the number of screws, it’s best to follow the instructions in the manual to prevent the data storage devices from sliding around. Finally, connect the drives to the motherboard and hook up the power supply. Now your self-built gaming PC is almost ready — there’s only the operating system to go.
Which operating system is best for gaming PCs?
When building a gaming PC, you’ll need an operating system in addition to the hardware as otherwise your shiny new computer won’t work. The operating system is needed primarily to control and coordinate the hardware and run the software and apps on the computer. Windows 11 is recommended for gaming PCs as it helps you unlock the full potential of your CPU and graphics card.
In addition, Avira Free Security will give your computer’s performance a boost. From more hard drive and memory space to faster system startups, the tool can help speed up processes and reduce lag and crashes. It also helps games run faster on your PC.