PC Gamer is a magazine and website founded in the United Kingdom in 1993 devoted to PC gaming and published monthly by Future plc. The magazine has several regional editions, with the UK and US editions becoming the best-selling PC games magazines in their respective countries. The magazine features news on developments in thevideo game industry, previews of new games, and reviews of the latest popular PC games, along with other features relating to hardware, mods, “classic” games, and various other topics.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for building a gaming PC in 2023:
- Determine your budget: The first step is to determine how much money you are willing to spend on your gaming PC. This will help you decide what components you can afford.
- Choose a CPU: The CPU is the brain of your PC and will affect its overall performance. In 2023, the top CPUs on the market will likely be from AMD and Intel. Consider your budget and the requirements of the games you want to play when choosing a CPU.
- Select a motherboard: The motherboard is the foundation of your PC and will dictate what other components you can use. Choose a motherboard that is compatible with your chosen CPU and has the features you need, such as the number of RAM slots and expansion ports.
- Pick a graphics card: The graphics card is crucial for gaming performance. In 2023, the top graphics cards will likely be from NVIDIA and AMD. Consider your budget and the requirements of the games you want to play when choosing a graphics card.
- Choose RAM: RAM affects how many applications and processes your PC can handle at once. In 2023, DDR5 RAM will likely be the standard. Choose a RAM kit that is compatible with your motherboard and has enough capacity for your needs.
- Select storage: You’ll need storage to install your operating system and games. Consider both an SSD for faster load times and a larger HDD for storage capacity.
- Choose a power supply: The power supply is responsible for providing power to all the components in your PC. Choose a power supply that is compatible with your components and has enough wattage to handle them.
- Select a case: The case is where you’ll assemble all your components. Choose a case that is compatible with your motherboard and has enough space for your components.
- Purchase additional peripherals: You’ll also need a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Consider your budget and personal preferences when choosing these items.
- Assemble your PC: Follow the instructions that came with your components and assemble your PC. Be sure to ground yourself and take proper precautions to avoid damaging your components.
- Install your operating system and drivers: Once your PC is assembled, install your operating system and drivers for your components.
- Install your games: Finally, install your games and enjoy your new gaming PC!
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Install Windows & drivers: Next, using your bootable Windows drive, install the OS. It’s pretty self-explanatory. Then, once you are in Windows, ensure that you install any software related to your GPU driver. Then any fan control or RGB software will also come in handy, depending on what you have purchased.
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Test boot: Hook up the power cable, and switch your PSU on, next, hook your GPU display ports up to your monitor. Then, press the power button. If you have done this correctly, then your PC should spring to life, and you’ll be greeted with a BIOS screen. If you’ve reached this point, you can now install an OS such as Windows if you hook up a keyboard.
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Install your GPU: To install your GPU, make sure there are no obstructions on your case. This might include some brackets on the back that need to be removed. Depending on the size of your graphics card, this can be anywhere between two to four slots.
How much does a gaming PC cost?
You can build a gaming PC from anywhere from around $600. We wouldn’t recommend building one under that point. If you are strapped for cash, a Steam Deck might be your best budget alternative.
Once you’ve decided what you are going to use your PC for, you can begin to plan out a rough budget. By our estimations, building a capable gaming PC that can push a 1440p framerate will cost around $1000.
