Build your own gaming PC

What are the key components you need to build your own gaming rig?

Typically you will require:

• CPU/Processor – the brains behind your PC, probably the most important item within your PC, select a high performing model that will last you some time
• Motherboard – vital that this is compatible with the CPU, buy these items in tandem
• Memory – keeps your system at top speed, get as much as you can afford that your motherboard can support
• Hard drive – storage for all your files, a solid state hard drive (SSD) will provide a faster experience but are more expensive and smaller in capacity
• Graphics card (GPU) – ensure you have one with a high frame rate (minimum of 60 FPS)
• Power Supply Unit (PSU) – a vital component that needs to be able to handle the load put on it by the other PC components
• Cooling – with all this power comes a lot of heat, the enemy of working PC. Choose between air and liquid cooling, air is cheaper and easier to install but liquid cooling does provide better cooling
• Case – lots of choice available but think carefully to ensure there is enough room for future upgrades, a quality case can last several new builds

All of these components really come down to budget and purchasing these items separately and building a PC yourself does not necessarily mean you will end up with a cheaper solution, in fact many off the off-the-shelf gaming PCs will come in at a cheaper price – but you do get the flexibility to build your gaming PC exactly how you want.