How to Build a Gaming PC: Gaming PC Parts and Step by Step Setup |…

Memory (RAM)

Random Access Memory (RAM) is your PC’s short-term memory. It’s where applications store temporary data that needs to be accessed quickly—those “instruction lists” that the CPU reads and executes.

For gaming as of 2022, you’ll need at least 16GB of RAM. If you plan on running multiple simultaneous processes, like streaming your game, or heavily modding your game, you’ll need more.

The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for RAM is what your motherboard and processor can support. RAM that’s faster than what your system supports will downclock to run at your system’s capabilities.

Tip: It’s not recommended to mix RAM kits from different manufacturers, even if they are advertised with the same speeds, as the specifications can vary.

Tip: If you decide to go with high-speed RAM, look for RAM with Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (Intel® XMP) support. High-speed RAM will run at a standard (lower-than-advertised) speed unless it’s overclocked2, and Intel® XMP makes this easy to do with predefined and tested profiles.

Check out our comprehensive RAM guide ›

Storage: Solid-State Drives (SSDs), Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)

There are two main types of storage: Solid-state drives (SSDs) and hard disk drives (HDDs). Each has its pros and cons, though the good news is that you don’t have to choose just one.

You’ll most likely want an SSD in your build. They are much faster and less prone to mechanical failure than HDDs, and some modern games have begun to require them. You’ll find SSDs in two protocols:

• Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), which is the older protocol of the two and operates with higher latency and lower peak bandwidth.
• Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe), which uses the PCIe interface to achieve higher performance.

You may also want to include an HDD in your build. The advantage of HDDs is their lower cost and high storage capacity, meaning you can store large quantities of data relatively inexpensively. HDDs come in two form factors:

• 2.5 inches, which are more common in laptops and usually spin at a rate of 5400 RPM (revolutions per minute).
• 3.5 inches, which are more common in desktops and spin at faster rates, often upwards of 7200 RPM.

You don’t necessarily have to pick just one type of storage. Many people use a small SSD as a boot drive (for the operating system, games, and other programs) and fill the rest of their bays with cheaper HDDs for maximum storage capacity.

Learn more about selecting SSDs and HDDs for your build.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Selecting a power supply unit (PSU) is a critical step in any build. The PSU needs to be well-made and powerful enough to handle all current and future components, and it doesn’t hurt to have a warranty.

PSUs come in non-modular, semi-modular, and full-modular styles.

• Non-modular PSUs have all cables permanently attached. This is the cheapest option, but you’ll need to find a place to store all the cables that you know you’re not going to use. Too many unused cables result in poor cable management, which can obstruct airflow and end up affecting your PC’s performance.
• Semi-modular PSUs are the best option for most people. These units come with a handful of essential cables attached and are cheaper than full-modular styles.
• Full-modular PSUs are even easier to work with than semi-modular PSUs, but the added convenience usually comes shouldered with a higher cost.

Tip: A PSU Wattage Calculator can help you figure out how much wattage you need.

Learn how to choose the right PSU.

System Cooling: CPU Cooling and Chassis Airflow

There are two main ways to cool your PC: Air cooling and liquid cooling.

• Air cooling uses fans to funnel hot air through your system and away from components to prevent overheating. The main benefits of air cooling are cost and ease-of-installation (fans are smaller and easier to fit inside a crowded chassis). The biggest drawback to air cooling is that it can be inefficient: It depends on unobstructed airflow inside the case to move hot air away from components, so any airflow restriction can be problematic.
• Liquid cooling uses a liquid coolant (such as distilled water) to soak up heat from components and move it to an area that’s less restricted (where the radiator is placed). Liquid cooling is less dependent on airflow inside the chassis, and therefore more efficient at cooling specific components. The downside to liquid cooling is that liquid cooling systems are contained, which means they’re usually larger and more difficult to install than a typical air-cooled setup (they’re also more expensive).

When building a liquid cooled PC, you generally have two options: an All-in-One (AIO) liquid cooler, or a custom cooling loop.

• AIOs are self-contained, pre-assembled units that come ready to install out-of-the-box and require minimal maintenance.
• Custom cooling loops are an advanced customization option that gives you greater control over your system’s operating temperature (and, thus, its performance) and aesthetics. It requires some in-depth research, as you’ll need to plan out the route of the cooling loop through the case, and to assemble the loop yourself from custom parts.

Whatever type of cooling system you go with, you’ll need a dedicated CPU cooler. CPU coolers come in both air and liquid form factors and mount directly onto your CPU. When shopping for a CPU cooler, it’s important to make sure it’s compatible with your CPU and sized to fit your build.

Keep your PC cool.
Learn more about liquid cooling vs air cooling.

Peripherals

Monitors, keyboards, mice, headphones, and other peripherals mostly come down to personal preference. You don’t need to purchase these items with your components, but you will need a display, a keyboard, and a mouse to set up your system after you build it.

Tip: Keep build balance in mind when picking peripherals—if you’ve got the best components in the world but you’re still using a 1080p, 60Hz monitor, you won’t be taking full advantage of your hardware.

What to look for in a gaming monitor ›

Operating System (OS)

Last but not least, you’ll need to prepare to install an operating system once all the other components have been assembled in the case. To prepare your PC’s OS ahead of time, determine which OS you want to install on your PC and download the installer on a USB flash drive. Windows 11 is recommended to unlock the full potential of the latest Intel® Core™ CPUs and Intel® Arc™ GPUs. You can download the installer here.