How to Pick PC Parts to Build a Gaming Computer
Modern technology has made PC building far easier than you would imagine. You don’t have to be a tech genius to piece one together. Instead, you can handpick all parts of a PC, from the power supply to the monitor, and customise the machine to your preferences. That way, your PC can evolve organically as your gaming tastes change, technology upgrades and your budgets expand.
Let's look at how to pick parts of a PC when building one from scratch.
What do you need for a PC build?
The basic parts you need to build a gaming computer are:
- Processing components (CPU, GPU)
- Memory (RAM)
- Storage (SSD or HDD)
- Motherboard
- PC case
- Power Supply Unit (PSU)
- Gaming peripherals
Once built, a USB flash drive is necessary to store the operating system installer for the first launch. Finally, you’ll need a screwdriver to assemble most parts.
Processing components
Any decision-making around gaming desktop parts starts with the processors.
The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of your PC that makes everything work. It handles game logic, physics calculations, audio processing, input processing and more.
The graphics processing unit (GPU) takes instructions from the CPU and renders the actual images on the monitor. It is the single most crucial component and typically costs about 50% of your entire PC budget!
Identify gaming preferences
As this is going to be the biggest purchase in your gaming PC set-up, it is important to identify your gaming preferences and goals first.
- Are you gaming at 1080p (Full HD), 1440p (QHD) or 4K (UHD)?
- Do you prefer 60Hz (standard), 144Hz, 240Hz or even higher refresh rates?
- Do you want to play on medium, high or ultra settings?
Higher resolution, refresh rates, ultra settings and Ray Tracing significantly increase CPU-GPU load.
The games you play also make a difference. For example, eSports titles often prioritise high frame rates, making CPU performance critical. Strategy or simulation games can also be very processor-intensive.
CPU
The two main CPU lines to choose from are Intel Core and AMD Ryzen CPUs. More cores can help if you stream or run background tasks while gaming, but they offer diminishing returns for gaming alone.
GPU (Graphics card)
The main GPU players are NVIDIA GeForce and AMD Radeon. Define your target resolution/refresh rate to narrow down the GPU tier you need.
Another key point when choosing is your CPU-GPU combination. Generally, buy your CPU and GPU within the same tier to avoid bottlenecks. Spending approximately 1.5x to 2x on your GPU compared to your CPU results in a well-balanced gaming system.
Internal memory (RAM)
This is the memory the CPU and GPU use to store temporary calculations when processing. When buying parts for a PC, consider PC DDR3, PC DDR4 or PC DDR5 RAMs. You have to buy RAMs in two or four module sets.
Consider the following:
Capacity
Always check the specific RAM requirements listed by the game developers for the games you plan to play. 16GB is the minimum, but many modern game requirements start at 32 GB. The higher you go, the better the performance.
Speed
Speed is measured in MHz (Megahertz) or MT/s (Mega Transfers per second). For DDR3 and 4, aim for around 3200MHz to 3600MHz. For DDR5, 5600MHz to 6000MHz or higher is a good target.
You have to balance speed with CAS latency (CL). CL numbers indicate the delay between a command being sent to the RAM and the data being available. Faster RAM with higher latency might not consistently outperform slower RAM with lower latency.
External memory (Storage)
External memory is one of the critical parts you need to build a gaming computer. All your games and game data will be stored in this memory. You can choose between HDDs or SSDs.
Modern games can easily take up 50GB to 100GB or more storage space, so make sure you choose a large capacity to start with.
Motherboard
Everything you have chosen so far has to be plugged into your motherboard. Hence, compatible PC parts now become the most critical factor — you should pick parts in the same tier. For example, there’s no need for a high-end motherboard if it’s going to be paired with a low-mid range CPU.
Your motherboard should have:
- The correct socket for your chosen CPU
- At least one full-length PCIe x16 slot for your GPU
- DIMM slots and the maximum supported RAM speed matching your chosen RAM
- M.2 Slots for SSDs or 4-6 SATA Ports for HDDs
Key factors to consider:
DIMM slots
The RAM goes in the DIMM slots, so more slots mean more potential to expand memory capacity over time. You need to factor in RAM compatibility, as motherboards are designed to support specific RAM types.
For example, a 4 slot DDR5 may support a maximum of 192GB or 256GB depending on its generation and paired CPU, but a 4 slot DDR4 may only support a maximum of 128GB.
DDR4 and DDR5 RAMs are not interchangeable. Your motherboard will only support one type.
Network connectivity
Besides the processor and memory slots, make sure to check your motherboard’s network connectivity. You want 1- 2.5 Gbps Ethernet for fast local network transfers and LAN games. Also, check for built-in Wi-Fi interfaces and Bluetooth connectivity.
Audio
Another feature is integrated audio. Look for newer Realtek codecs (e.g., ALC1220, ALC4080) and features like shielding, quality capacitors and headphone amplification for better sound quality and immersion.
PC case
The PC case is the enclosure or shell of your machine. Once you have integrated the processors and memory devices to the motherboard, you screw the motherboard in your case. Therefore, your PC case dimensions must match your motherboard’s dimensions.
Aesthetics
Apart from size, your case choice is based on aesthetics, because the case is what is visible to the world. You can choose between light or dark colours to fit the style of your room. Also, consider if you want tempered glass so the PC insides are visible to some extent. Many cases come with built-in RGB lighting so you can create a game den of your dreams.
Cable management
From a functional perspective, look for cable management features for a neat look. Many gamers also prefer a modern front I/O panel that includes a USB 3.0 port, a USB 3.1 Type-C Port and a combination audio/microphone jack.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Now that your PC is ready, you need to power it up. You cannot plug the motherboard directly into a power outlet due to voltage differences that would instantly fry all its components.
The PSU converts the high-voltage AC power from the wall outlet into the low-voltage DC power that your computer components need. It distributes the correct amount of power to each component through various cables and connectors.
Capacity
Before choosing a PSU, use a PSU calculator to estimate the total power consumption of all your components. Add a 20-30% margin to this calculation to account for usage spikes in heavy gaming sessions. This will give you an idea of your power requirements.
Energy efficiency
Also, look for the energy efficiency rating (80 PLUS Certification) on products you are considering. Aim for Bronze or Gold for the power parts of a PC used for gaming.
Modularity
Also, some PSUs may have cables attached. All detachable (fully modular) PSUs are best for improved airflow, ongoing cable management and efficient building.
Gaming peripherals
Your core gaming PC is ready once you have attached the PSU. You can add gaming peripherals like monitors, controllers, mice, keyboards, microphones and headsets as needed. Most of your existing accessories should be pluggable in the new PC. If purchasing new, look for reputable brands and compatibility with existing parts of a PC.
Buying parts for a PC at Mwave
Buying parts for a PC doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. Do your research and buy good products with long warranties from reputable brands. If you need help selecting the right parts for your PC, please reach out to the team at sales@mwave.com.au
If you’d like to skip the build, you might be interested in our prebuilt Gaming PCs. We handpick all gaming desktop parts and set up ready-to-use machines at reasonable prices.
