For a beginner, building a gaming PC can seem like a daunting process. And the truth is, yes, it is hard work. The main questions you might have could include:

• What parts do you need to build a PC?
• What tools do I need?
• What are the main benefits of building a PC?
• What is the actual building process?

This Ultimate gaming PC build guide will answer most of the questions you might have.

Why build your own gaming PC?

If you are a true gamer or simply a computer enthusiast, then I assure you that nothing compares to the satisfaction of completely building your own fully functional PC. There are many reasons why you might want to assemble your own PC, and here are a few of them:

Building your own PC allows you to improve its performance at a lower cost

By mounting your own PC, you get significantly more performance per Dollars spent than by buying a ready-made PC. You can assemble a PC equivalent to those already assembled in the shops for two-thirds of the price!

Customization

By building your own gaming PC, you can make it unique and tailored to your taste and performance expectations by selecting from an infinite number of component combinations.

Gamers know that customization is very important. By building your own PC, you can choose what you put in it and how you want it to look.

Satisfaction

Nothing will make you appreciate the machine on which you play games, stream, listen to music, and do just about everything else you do on it, more than building it yourself.

Building your own system will allow you to learn more about the hardware you’re using and understand each component better. And it’s definitely more satisfying than going to your local computer store and buying a pre-assembled PC with no flavor.

It’s FUN

Putting together your own gaming PC requires a bit of research to find the exact components you want, and for that, you’re going to have to look at or read hardware reviews and ask others for advice.

It might sound like a lot of work, but you’ll have fun talking to other people, learning things, being able to fully embrace your geeky side, and getting to know all the details of what makes up your ultimate gaming PC.

What do you need to build a gaming PC?

Choosing the right parts is essential before building a gaming PC. It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying the most expensive core components, such as the CPU or GPU – at the cost of neglecting components like the RAM or the PSU (“Power Supply Unit”).

To make the process easier, here’s a list of basic components and we will guide you to choose the right options for your needs.

The motherboard

As its name suggests, the motherboard is the nerve center not only of a good PC but also of any computer in general. It is a key part that must be chosen with great care, bearing in mind that it should allow you to upgrade your machine when it is no longer able to run the next games, when your graphics card is no longer powerful enough, for example.

The choice of motherboard is conditioned by:

• Format (mini-ITX, micro-ATX, ATX, and e-ATX),
• Socket, i.e., the brand of processor it will house (Intel or AMD),
• Chipset as well as its slots,
• Connectors and Expansion ports which are used respectively to connect the RAM memory bars, the hard disk(s)
• And finally, the Graphics card as well as other secondary components such as the sound card or the network card.

As we mentioned earlier, it is crucial to take into account the evolutionary potential of your future motherboard in order to avoid having to start on a new configuration in 6 months.

The Processor

The processor is the brain of a computer. Its impact on performance in games is not as important as it used to be, but it remains an important choice to make, which will also influence other parts, like your cooling system and your motherboard.

While Intel has long dominated the market, in 2021, it is clear that AMD is the one with the most momentum with its Zen 3 architecture. Both brands offer good options; however, if you buy the best processors available or if you opt for a more affordable one, note that this is a part that doesn’t really degrade over time.

The Graphics Card

The graphics card is the part that will have the biggest impact on the performance of your games. It dictates the resolution you can play at, the smoothness of your games, and the quality of the graphics. It’s also the hardest to get right these days. Here again, there are two main families: NVIDIA cards and AMD (RX 6000 series).

To choose the right graphics card, you need to consider your budget, the resolution of your screen, the quality of the graphics you expect, and the refresh rate you want to play at.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is the element that allows the processor to store data temporarily so it can be accessed quickly. The higher the number of RAM you have, the faster the software will run. The current generation of processors must be equipped with DDR5 memory, a technology that came on the market a few years ago and whose price has nevertheless dropped considerably.

Some people claim that 8 GB is enough, but the whole point of building a PC is not to have to close Chrome every time you start a game. Go for at least 16 GB, ideally 32 GB or more.

Note: it is better to have 2 x 16 GB memory sticks than 4 x 8 GB sticks since you can more easily add memory later, and their resale value will be higher.

Going to Buy RAM? Learn more about How to choose the right RAM for your desktop or laptop PC

Storage disk (Hard drive)

For storage, avoid hard drives, which will slow down your computer considerably. Instead, you have two choices: an SSD, or an NVMe array, a small memory chip that installs directly on the motherboard in an M2 port, without having to be connected to a SATA port and your power supply like an SSD.

An NVMe array is – by far – the preferred option for storage in recent years. It’s easier to plug in, cleaner to install (since you don’t have to deal with cables), and the fastest solution on the market. The only downside is that motherboards have few compatible ports (from 1 to 4 on average), so you won’t be able to constantly add more over time as was possible with SSDs. As for capacity, if you plan to play games, 1TB seems to be the minimum since some games can reach 150GB. A 500 GB drive is too quickly filled for modern games.

Power Supply box (Power supply unit)

The power supply is what provides the electrical current to the different parts of your computer.

The main feature of a power pack is its power. Your needs can be estimated with various online calculators, but graphics card manufacturers also have minimum suggestions, which are usually higher. You will also need to choose its efficiency, identified with the help of the 80 Plus program.

In short, an 80 PLUS Titanium case will be more efficient than a Gold, which in turn will be more efficient than a Silver, then a Bronze. The more efficient the PSU, the less power you will lose, but the more you will pay for it.

The cooling system

Your processor will need cooling; Without cooling, it will overheat at the first opportunity. Note that while processors used to come with their own heat sinks and fans, this is no longer generally the case. You will therefore need to buy one.

Two main cooling systems exist for computers:

• Air cooling.
• Water cooling.

If a liquid cooling system used to be complex to install, this is no longer the case in recent years, thanks to all-in-one systems. These are not very expensive (at least, considering your overall budget), and they offer maximum cooling. This means that your processor will be able to run at its peak performance for a long time.

When buying one, make sure you get a model whose size is compatible with your case. This one must also be compatible with the format of your processor.

The Case

The case needs no introduction: it’s the room where your components will be housed. Obviously, choose a case with a design you like, especially if you plan to have your computer in view. Ideally, choose a model with easily accessible ports on the front and that is compatible with the components you want to use.

Also, make sure that its size is compatible with your motherboard’s form and that it’s big enough for your graphics card. Personally, I also like cases that make it easy to place cables under the motherboard, which means that both sides of the case are removable, which makes for a cleaner case with better ventilation.

The tools needed for PC building.

If you don’t have these tools on hand, don’t worry. There are many suppliers of electrical/electronic tools, and they can be purchased at a relatively low cost in supermarkets or home improvement stores.

• Anti-static wrist strap: This will help disperse static electricity that may build up.
• Screwdriver: This is the most commonly used tool in PC assembly and repair.
• Cable ties: If necessary, to keep things in order, it is advisable to tie the cables inside the PC case.
• Mini cutter: Useful for all sorts of things, the cutter is especially handy when you are using cable ties, which need to be cut off cleanly.
• Flashlight, torch, or headlamp: It can get dark inside a PC case, especially once everything is set up.
• Pencil and Notepad: It will be easier for you to take notes of important settings and options when assembling or disassembling your machine.

How to build a PC: Complete and detailed step by step guide

Here are some important things to know before you start:

• Make sure you have a tidy flat space (desk or floor) to start with and get organized.
• Keep all papers, cables, and screws from the same component together but don’t mix them up.
• Don’t hesitate to look at the explanation manuals that are given with the components if you have any doubts.

Step 1: Mount the processor in the motherboard

To begin, you must mount the processor in the motherboard. To do this, uncheck and lift the small iron rod next to the processor and pass it to the other side to open the protection.

Then place the processor in the reserved slot and close the cover by folding back the iron rod to its original position.

Step 2: Place the fan tray

Once the processor is in place, you will have to place the CPU cooling system. The method of attachment can vary from one to another, there may be a bracket to aim at, or it is sometimes possible to clip it.

Step 3: Install the RAM on the motherboard.

Installing the RAM should not be a problem for you. If the installation of the memory sticks is not very complicated, we strongly recommend that you refer to your manual.

Step 4: Fix the motherboard in the case

The motherboard is almost ready, and we will finish filling it with the graphics card after the PC assembly.

• Open the case and lay it down; it will be easier to work with.
• Remove the original cover (protections) on the motherboard connectors if present.
• Check the presence of the positioning (fixing) spacers on the motherboard slot.
• Now, Insert it so that the external connectors fit properly.

Step 5: Place the graphics card

Now it’s time to finish mounting the components on the motherboard and insert the graphics card. Start by removing the plastic pieces that are on the graphics card.

To install the graphics card:

• Locate the PCI slot closest to the processor where the graphics card will be installed.
• Remove the covers (protections).
• Insert your graphic card (do it until you hear a clip indicating that the lock is engaged).
• Screw it down for a secure fit.

Step 6: Place the power supply

We can now continue assembling the PC and move on to placing the power supply, which we will connect next.

• Take the PSU, and place it in its slot located generally at the bottom or top of the case.
• The power supply is generally delivered with 4 cross-headed screws for its fixing at the back of the case.

Step 7: Connecting the different cables

The order in which the different connectors are attached does not really matter. For a clean result, you just have to be logical and avoid crossing the cables.

Step 8: Connecting the case fans and the front panel

We will take this opportunity to connect the external fans of the PC to the motherboard. Locate the cables that are connected to the case fans. The fan connectors are 3-pin connectors that you will connect to the “sys-fan” ports on the motherboard.

Let’s move on to the front panel connections. These are all the cables with small tips coming out of the front of the case. To connect them, refer to the diagram in the manual of your case; the connections may vary from one case to another.

Finally, we finish this PC assembly by connecting the hard disk(s) or SSD to the motherboard. To do this, you simply use the SATA power cords and the SATA data cables.

Step 9 (Final Step): Check that everything works.

Now we have finished installing everything on our PC (unless you have additional components like a wi-fi card.), and we are going to make sure that everything works. Don’t close the case yet.

Connect the external power cable to the mains and press the power switch. Normally, if you have everything connected properly, the PC should turn on, and all the fans should be running.

The great thing about a gamer setup is that it’s synonymous with “good components, well cooled.” It’s a perfect mix to look ahead and plan for a 5-to-10-year expense. If you start with a high-end graphics card today, you won’t see the limits of it for another 4-6 years – and even then, under extreme conditions, which will have made you change everything else in your setup anyway (an 8K display?).

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The RAM is the powerhouse of your computer. The speed of program execution depends on this crucial element. This article is an explanatory guide to help you choose RAM that will fit your needs.

Definition and importance of the RAM.

• Types of RAMS;
• The Things to Consider during your Purchase.
• How to choose the RAM that suits your Needs (Office compute, Games, Graphic design, …).

What is RAM (Random Access Memory)?

We will begin with a quick summary of what RAM is and what it does in a computer. RAM can be thought of as a fast transition voice for information between your storage disk and your processor.

When your computer wants to use a piece of information, it retrieves it from your hard drive and stores it temporarily in the RAM. Since RAM is much faster, this will avoid having a fast processor that is constantly waiting for information.

It is therefore understandable that a larger amount of memory makes it possible to store more information and thus to speed up processing. We went from computers with 512 MB of memory not so long ago to models with 16 or even 32 GB today. However, most computers today run with 8 GB of RAM, which is more than enough for the average user, both on Windows and Mac.

Reminder: The storage capacity of RAM is expressed in MB or GB (Mega & GigaBytes), and the data processing speed of RAM is measured in MHz or GHz (Mega and GigaHertz).

Types of RAM.

In general, you should remember the following instructions when purchasing RAM for your computer.

• The laptop’s RAM is smaller than the desktop RAM.
• Different types of RAM are not compatible with the same system.

Here’s an overview of the different formats of RAM and what you need to know about them.

• Rimm: These RAMs have 184 connectors (pins) with a capacity of 64 bits.
• DIMM: They have connectors on each side, with a capacity of 64 bits minimum and 168 connectors. This is the most common format.
• SIMM: memories with 30 or 72 connectors and a capacity of 8 or 32 bits. This format has not been used for a few years; it is only found on old computers.
• SO DIMM: RAM format for laptops.

In addition to the format of RAM, we must also differentiate the types of memory Chips. Here is an overview of the most popular types of RAM.

Dram (Dynamic RAM)

An old format that is no longer used but can be found on old machines.

SD RAM

Sd ram-type memory sticks are also only found on older computers. These bars have a 168 DIMM format.

DDR RAM

It was mainly found on entry-level computers. This type is less and less widespread. The DDR memory sticks are in DIMM 184 format. They are twice as fast as sd ram and have a frequency ranging from 100 to 275 MHz.

DDR2 RAM

When it first came out, this type of memory was mainly installed in high-end computers, but now it is one of the most widely used types of memory. Ddr2 are in DIMM 240 format and are twice as fast as DDR SDRAM; they have a frequency of 200 to 533 MHz.

DDR3 RAM

The newest type of memory chips, DDR 3 chips, is in DIMM 240 format. They are twice as fast as DDR 2 in data processing and have a frequency of 266 to 400 Mhz.

DDR4 RAM

This is the most recent and most used operating memory. The energy requirements have been reduced by up to 20% compared to ddr3. The operating frequency of the ddr4 RAM is a minimum of 2133 Mhz.

DDR5 RAM

Manufacturers have already announced a new memory standard, ddr5, which should eventually replace the current ddr4. The modules will offer even more capacity and higher bandwidth – speeds up to 6400mhz, while having lower power requirements.

The types of RAM presented differ significantly in their specifications. Of course, a ddr3 chip can work well on older equipment, but due to its power-saving design and better performance, it is always worth using the latest solutions. Therefore, the choice of ram types and individual parameters is essential.

Features to consider when choosing a RAM…

When choosing a RAM, we need to consider the type of RAM that will be compatible with our motherboard and the size of the memory we need.

In addition, there are some other important parameters to consider:

The Size (Mb-Gb)

This is one of the most important criteria and is measured in gigabytes (GB). Regardless of the speed and type of memory, if we are thinking of buying a new computer, we should assume that the absolute minimum is 4 GB. This value will be sufficient if we want to use the computer for office work. We will dive deeper into this subject in one of the sections below.

The type.

Only DDR (double data rate) memory is available, so we can choose ddr3 or ddr4 versions. The former is designed for older generations of motherboards. As we mentioned earlier, the difference between ddr3 and ddr4 lies in the power requirements and overall performance – in favor of the new type. In addition, the cost per gigabyte of ddr4 memory is lower than that of ddr3 memory.

The Frequency.

When buying RAM, we must pay attention not only to its size. Another important parameter is the frequency, that is, the clock speed. The higher the frequency, the faster the data processing.

This parameter will be responsible – in familiar terms – for the speed of the RAM. Currently, the standard is 1333 Mhz; in the case of the most modern type of memory, ddr4, even above 2000 Mhz. It should be remembered that other factors also affect the speed of the computer. We can include the already mentioned memory size but also a fast SSD drive or processor. High frequency will be more important for professionals, computer game enthusiasts, or simply people who want to enjoy perfect working conditions on their devices.

The latency

When looking at the specifications of the RAM, you will probably come across a four-digit string, for example, 7-7-7-20. The lower the RAM’s latency, the better the performance of your computer.

The cooling system (Gamers, Video Editors)

Some memories come with an additional colling system. These are basically heatsinks mounted on top of the memory to help dissipate heat from the RAM. Such cooling is only necessary for extreme solutions and high voltages -Games, video editors. It’s not worth buying them just for their interesting appearance. You should also make sure the additional ram heatsink fits next to or below the CPU cooling system.

ECC RAM (For servers)

The ECC technology is nothing but error correction. ECC RAM marked with this sign is mainly used in server solutions where stable operation is required 24 hours a day. You should not look for them in home applications unless you intend to build your own small server; these memories are very expensive.

The Brand of the Memory

Of course, as with all devices, even when buying ram memory, you may pay extra just for an additional inscription or logo. In general, however, all the memory offered on the market today are of adequate quality.

A defective model can be found both at the price of 100 dollars and at the price of 400 dollars. The most important element when choosing a manufacturer should be the warranty. Some manufacturers offer a two- or three-year warranty.

Make sure you double-check before you go to the store.

To make the purchase of your RAM fast and efficient, it is worth checking a few basic things before going to the shop.

• You will need a model of your computer – the full number is on a sticker at the bottom, we can write it down or take a picture, for example, with a cell phone.
• Next, you should check what the maximum amount of RAM supported by this particular model is.
• It is also worth checking what memory is currently supported.
• Moreover, when you buy a RAM, you must also consider the type of motherboard you have.

How to choose the RAM for your computer?

We have answered the most important questions about RAM:

• what is it (function and importance)
• The types;
• The most important parameters to consider (during our purchase).

Now it’s time to consider which RAM will suit each application.

A computer for office and basic Tasks.

A user who mainly wants to perform tasks related to, for example, word processing and office tasks, will not need a large amount of RAM.

RAM features:

• A high-performance ddr4 module with a clock frequency of 2133 Mhz
• Recommended capacity 4gb-8Gb

Gamer, and professional PC (Engineers for example)

Since games require a lot of RAM, gaming Computers should be equipped with a large amount of RAM for a smoother experience.

RAM features:

• DDR 4 memory with a minimum clock rate of 2400 MHz;
• Recommended capacity 8gb-32Gb (depending on the requirements of preferred games)
• Presence of a heat sink or water-cooling system.

It should also be remembered that the graphics card is a very important element to consider when choosing a computer for a gamer.

Servers

• Memory ddr4 with 2400 Mhz minimum;
• Recommended capacity 8 Gb-32 Gb;
• Temperature sensor.

Laptop and PC for Videos Edition, Graphic Design.

Finally, users who are in the field of video editing or graphic design need 16Gb or even 32Gb of RAM for the computers to work at their full potential!

Indeed, editing and visualization software such as some applications of the adobe suite need this amount of RAM to ensure a flawless rendering.

Conclusion.

Users’ needs are very different. When choosing RAM for a computer, one can opt for a cheaper module, but in the case of professional gaming equipment or a server, it is difficult to look for compromises.

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