What you need to build your own gaming PC

💡 Need to know

• The graphics card gets the glory. But the CPU, RAM, and storage matter just as much.
• Compatibility is everything. A powerful part is useless if it doesn't work with the rest of your build.
• Don't cheap out on the power supply. It's the one component connected to everything.
• Building is the easy part. Choosing the right parts usually takes longer than putting them together.

Building your own gaming PC can seem complicated, expensive, even a little intimidating. But once you plunge into the research, you may be surprised at how fun, easy, and worth it the process may be.

Though some configurations can cost up to $3,000, you can get started with about $1000. That's not only cheaper than some prebuilt gaming PCs, it may be a small price to pay to build a long-lasting device that's curated to your specific needs.

At Asurion, we not only fix and protect your tech, we teach you about the gadgets that run your world. Here's what you need to build your own gaming PC, from parts to prices.

Before you buy anything

Before adding parts to your cart, make sure everything will work together. A powerful graphics card or processor won't do you much good if it isn't compatible with the rest of your build.

Check that:

• Your motherboard supports your processor.
• Your case has enough room for your graphics card.
• Your power supply provides enough wattage for your components.
• Your CPU cooler is compatible with your processor and case.
• Your RAM is supported by your motherboard.

The case

The case is what protects your device from dust and potential damage—though you can set up your gaming PC without one if you prefer how it looks. A well-ventilated medium-sized tower case can start at $80, which is really all you need in terms of a good PC case. But higher-end models with more intricate designs—if aesthetics are important to you—can cost up to $400.

The processor

This component serves as the brain of your gaming PC. It makes sure your hardware and software communicate with one another smoothly.

Both AMD® and Intel® offer excellent gaming processors. AMD's Ryzen™ X3D chips are popular among enthusiasts for top-tier gaming performance, while Intel® Core™ Ultra processors deliver strong gaming and productivity performance. The best choice depends on your budget and the games you play.

Whichever one you choose, a good gaming processor can cost you anywhere from $100 to $600, depending on how much power you want. When building gaming PCs, most people will want something in the middle of that range.

CPU cooling

Keeping your processor cool is just as important as choosing the processor itself. Some CPUs include a stock cooler, while others require you to purchase one separately.

For most gaming PCs, a quality air cooler is more than enough. If you're building a high-performance system or simply want a cleaner look, an all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler is another option. Better cooling can help your processor maintain peak performance during long gaming sessions and may extend the life of your components.

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The motherboard

Your motherboard is home to your computer's hardware, and the type you need depends on whether it's compatible with your processor. Choose both carefully, otherwise they won't attach or communicate well. You'll also want to be sure the motherboard fits within the case you've got in mind.

A good motherboard should cost you between $150 and $300. Rather than focusing on a specific model, choose one that matches your processor platform and offers the features you need, such as enough USB ports, expansion slots, and storage connections. Some motherboards also include built-in Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, which can save you from buying a separate wireless adapter. And some electronics stores bundle processors with compatible motherboards, which is often a good way to find a deal.

Graphics card

Your graphics card is the most important part of your gaming PC—and it is probably why you're interested in building your own gaming PC. The better the card, the better the quality of the graphics in your games, so if there's any place you might want to splurge, it's here.

The reason: A mid- to high-level graphics card will help your system stay relevant longer as games become more demanding. The big players—AMD and Nvidia®—have graphics cards that cost well over $1,000. If that number makes you uneasy, they also offer strong mainstream options such as the Nvidia® GeForce RTX™ 5060, RTX™ 5060 Ti, and AMD Radeon™ RX 9060 XT, depending on your budget and performance goals.

Memory

When it comes to gaming, the type of memory that matters is called random access memory, or RAM. The term refers to your computer's short-term memory. The more you have, the faster your computer can access information it has stored with little lag or loading time.

For gaming, there's no such thing as too much RAM, but too little will hinder your experience. We recommend at a minimum 16 gigabytes (GB), but 32GB is the sweet spot for most new gaming builds. Most new gaming systems also use DDR5 memory, which offers better performance and efficiency than previous generations.

Storage

There are two types of storage drives that are important for gaming PCs: solid state drives and hard disk drives. The former are faster and quieter, but they tend to be a bit more expensive.

Today, most gamers choose an NVMe M.2 solid state drive as their primary storage because it delivers much faster load times than traditional hard drives and older SATA-based SSDs.

Which one you choose may depend on your budget and the size of your game files. If you know you'll be using it to play heavy-duty games like Elden Ring™, save yourself the trouble and opt for more space. For most people, a 1TB or 2TB NVMe SSD will do the job, and you can always add additional storage later if you need more room.

Power supply unit

The power supply unit may not be the most exciting part of your build, but it's one of the most important. It's responsible for delivering power to every component in your system.

Rather than buying the cheapest option available, look for a power supply from a reputable brand with an 80 Plus® Gold efficiency rating or better. A quality power supply can improve reliability and help protect your components over time.

A good power supply will typically cost between $80 and $200, depending on its wattage and features. High-end gaming PCs with powerful graphics cards may require 850W to 1000W or more, while many mainstream builds can run comfortably on less.

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