Feb
Building a gaming PC is an exciting project that lets you customize performance, aesthetics, and value exactly to your needs. Unlike pre-built systems, a custom build often delivers better price-to-performance and upgrade potential. This guide, written by RB Tech and Games, focuses on educating beginners on selecting each part thoughtfully. We’ll cover the process step by step, starting with the most important decision.
Determine Your Usage and Budget
Before buying anything, define your primary usage. This dictates everything else.
– Budget/entry-level gaming (1080p, medium settings, esports titles like Valorant or League of Legends): Aim for 150-190K PKR. Prioritize a solid GPU for smooth frame rates.
– Mid-range gaming (1440p, high settings, modern AAA games at 60+ FPS): 250–320K PKR. Balance CPU and GPU for future-proofing.
– High-end/enthusiast (4K, ultra settings, ray tracing, streaming/content creation): 500K PKR+ Invest in top-tier components like high-core CPUs and powerful GPUs.
– Other factors: Consider resolution, refresh rate (e.g., 144Hz+ monitor), ray tracing needs, or multitasking (streaming, video editing).
Set a realistic budget, then allocate roughly: 30–40% to GPU (the heart of gaming), 20–25% to CPU, and the rest across other parts. Checking compatibility and clearance is a crucial step as well, so be sure to do as well, so be sure to do your homework or reach out on our WhatsApp to get professional help and suggestions.
The 8 Main Components
Here are the essential parts for a gaming PC, in logical selection order.
1. Motherboard
The foundation connecting all components. Choose based on your CPU (AMD AM5 or Intel LGA 1700/1851 sockets in 2026). Look for:
– Chipset (e.g., B850/X870 for AMD, B760/Z890 for Intel) supporting PCIe 5.0 for future GPUs/SSDs.
– Features like Wi-Fi 7, enough USB ports, and M.2 slots.
– Form factor: ATX for standard builds, mATX/ITX for compact cases.
Start here after CPU, as it must match.
2. CPU (Processor)
Handles game logic, AI, and multitasking. For gaming in 2026, AMD’s Ryzen 9000 series with 3D V-Cache excels (e.g., Ryzen 7 9800X3D as top choice for pure gaming FPS). Intel’s Core Ultra or 14th/15th-gen offer strong alternatives for productivity + gaming.
– Budget: Ryzen 5 9600X or similar.
– Mid: Ryzen 7 9700X/9800X3D.
– High-end: Ryzen 9 or Intel i9 equivalents.
Prioritize cores/threads and cache for gaming over raw clock speed.
3. Cooler
Keeps the CPU from overheating. Stock coolers work for low-power chips, but gaming demands better.
– Air coolers (e.g., dual-tower like Thermalright Phantom Spirit) for value.
– AIO liquid (240mm/360mm) for high-end CPUs or quiet operation.
Ensure compatibility (AM5/LGA mounting) and case clearance.
4. RAM
Fast memory prevents stuttering in modern games. DDR5 dominates in 2026, but DDR4 lingers for budget builds.
– Minimum: 32GB (2x16GB) at 6000MT/s+ for gaming.
– Speed/timings matter; enable XMP/EXPO in BIOS.
– 16GB suffices for light use, but 32GB is the sweet spot now (all though thanks to AI the sweet spot is harder to find day by day).
5. Storage
Speed loads games quickly. Skip HDDs for primary drive.
– NVMe SSD (PCIe 4.0/5.0) for OS/games (1TB minimum, 2TB ideal).
– Add a secondary SSD/HDD for mass storage.
Brands like Samsung, WD, or Crucial, Kingston, Lexar, Adata offer reliability, and most of these come with 1 or even 2 years local warranty.
6. Casing (Case)
Houses everything; affects airflow, build ease, and looks.
– Good airflow (mesh front) prevents thermal throttling.
– Size: Mid-tower ATX fits most.
– Features: Cable management, RGB fans, GPU support (up to 400mm+ length).
Popular picks include cases with pre-installed fans for simplicity.
7. Power Supply (PSU)
Powers the system safely. Never skimp here.
– Wattage: 650W–850W for mid-range; 1000W+ for high-end (calculate via tools like OuterVision).
– Efficiency: 80+ Gold or Platinum for reliability.
– Modular cables reduce clutter.
– Ensure ATX 3.0/3.1 compliance for modern GPUs.
8. Graphics Card (GPU)
The most critical for gaming visuals/FPS. In 2026, options include:
– Budget/mid: AMD RX 9060/9070 or Nvidia RTX 5060/5070 series.
– High-end: RX 9070 XT or RTX 5080/5090 for 4K/ray tracing.
– VRAM: 12GB+ recommended. AMD often wins value; Nvidia excels in ray tracing/DLSS.
Final Tips
Buy from a reputable retailer that offers proper After-Sales Service and Reliable Warranty (Aka us, over at RB Tech and Games :P)
Assembly follows: install CPU/RAM/cooler on motherboard first, then mount in case, add storage/GPU/PSU, and cable manage. Update BIOS, install OS, and drivers last.
Building your own gaming PC empowers you with knowledge and savings. Start small if new and if all of this seems to intimidating, give us a call, We gotchu – happy building!
