Budget & Build: Fundamentals of a Gaming PC

Do You Need a Gaming PC?

If you’re into video games, a gaming computer is a must. Mind-blowing performance, a wide range of gaming accessories, perfectly suited for individualized use: what’s not to like about gaming computers? Whether you’re a hardcore or casual gamer, the performance and customization options on these machines will elevate your gaming experience.  For serious gamers, the question isn’t whether you should build your own PC or not. The question is how can you build it. And that’s what we’re going to cover here.  Let’s start with the things you need to build your custom gaming PC.

What Do You Need to Build Your Own PC?

Building your custom gaming PC is all about picking the right components and having the knowledge to assemble the computer.  

Essential Components

Whether you’re building a high-end or a budget gaming computer, the following components are essential: Central Processing Unit (CPU)—you can think of this chip as the brain of your computer. It’s responsible for executing instructions and processing information. The better the CPU, the faster your computer can process information.  Motherboard—all the electronic components of your computer are connected to this board. This includes everything from the CPU to the hard drive and power supply unit.   Random Access Memory (RAM)—the RAM gives different programs and apps a place to store data temporarily. This type of memory has a direct effect on the performance of your computer, as it gives you faster access to different types of data.  Graphic Processing Unit (GPU)—all types of graphics that appear on your computer monitor are processed by this card. The more powerful the GPU, the faster it can render complex game graphics, and the better the visual output you’ll get.  Storage—this is where all the data on your computer is stored. Video games take up a lot of space on hard drives these days. If you plan on downloading video games on your computer, a giant hard drive is a must.  Power Supply Unit (PSU)—powerful computers need a power source to keep working. And that’s what the PSU is responsible for. By converting the Alternating Current (AC) to a regulated Direct Current (DC), this unit gives your gaming computer the exact amount of electricity it needs. Cooling system—heat is a natural byproduct of any electronic system. The more powerful the system, the more heat it produces. As the self-explanatory name suggests, the cooling system keeps the temperature under control.  Operating system—a powerful custom PC doesn’t do much without an operating system. For gaming computers, the go-to operating system is Windows. This system gives you the best compatibility with different games and gaming accessories.  Gaming peripherals—the perfect gaming peripherals vary from one gamer to another, based on the type of games they prefer. In almost every gaming scenario, a comfortable gaming chair, a reliable keyboard, and a good mouse are a must. 

Where to Buy Your Gaming PC Materials

There is nothing you can’t buy online these days; gaming computer parts are no exception. If you want an online retailer that specializes in computer parts and accessories, Newegg is hands down your best choice Other great options for buying your PC kit online are Amazon and eBay. If you like to shop in-person, you can visit your nearest computer parts shop. 

Recommended Budget

Like everything else, you get what you pay for. The higher the budget you have for your gaming PC, the higher the performance you’re going to get. While the average budget for a “decent” gaming computer is in the $800-$1200 range, there is no limit on how much you can spend.  If you’re a hardcore gamer with $45,000 to spare, the 8Pack OrionX is a great way to spend it. Realistically speaking though, you can get a pretty decent gaming desktop for under $3,000. Here’s a list of the best gaming computers that you can get right now.

Gaming Computers: It’s All About the Accessories

The experience of a gaming computer won’t be the same without the right accessories. You need to factor in additional costs like a mouse, a keyboard and a proper gaming monitor. And of course, a good sound system is essential if you want an immersive experience.  Keep in mind that there’s a gaming version of all the accessories we mentioned. These are designed specifically for gamers and have the ergonomics and performance level you need for a smooth gaming experience. 

Custom PCs: Beyond Gaming

Just like gamers, users with special requirements need custom computers that are designed specifically for their needs. Aside from gaming PCs, the following are the most common types of custom computers: Productivity PCs—these are the workhorses of the computer world. Productivity PCs (also known as workstations) are usually built for CPU-intensive tasks. Engineers and other professionals who use 3D software like 3D Max and Maya rely on productivity PCs to get things done.  Streaming PCs—streaming puts an extra load on any system. In addition to processing the task at hand, these systems encode and decode the streaming video in real-time. For people who stream for a living, streaming PCs are a must. 

Gadget Genie: Your Go-To For Gaming PC Maintenance

Even though you can buy all the components of your new gaming computer online, you might not have the technical knowledge to assemble those parts.  There are lots of compatibility issues that you need to consider when you build a PC. And that’s why you need trustworthy experts to help you throughout the entire process.  The Gadget Genie team is ready to help you build a gaming PC, and keep all your electronics running like the day you bought them.  Contact us for more information.

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