Custom Gaming PC Build: Essential Components Checklist

Building your own gaming PC in 2025 saves money and gives you full control over performance. Here’s what you need:

• CPU: At least 6 cores, 12 threads, and 3.5–4.0 GHz speed.
• GPU: Aim for 12GB VRAM or more for modern games.
• Motherboard: Match your CPU socket (e.g., LGA 1700 for Intel, AM5 for AMD).
• RAM: 16GB minimum; 32GB recommended for future-proofing.
• Storage: Use a fast NVMe SSD (1TB+) and a budget-friendly HDD for extra space.
• PSU: Reliable unit with 80 Plus Gold certification; 650W–850W capacity.
• Cooling: Air or liquid cooling based on your budget and performance needs.
• Case: Ensure proper airflow and compatibility with your components.

Quick Tip: Compatibility is key – double-check sockets, power requirements, and dimensions. Use this checklist for a smooth build process and optimal gaming performance.

How to Pick the Best PC Parts

Required PC Components

Building a gaming PC means carefully selecting components that work together for top-tier performance.

The CPU acts as the brain, processing game and software instructions. When choosing one, focus on its core count, clock speed, and cache size, as these directly affect how well games run.

GPUs come with dedicated VRAM and features like ray tracing, which enhance graphics in demanding games.

The motherboard connects all your components. As Intel puts it:

"Building a gaming PC from scratch is the only surefire way to ensure that your system is capable of satisfying all of your personal preferences." ^[2]

When it comes to memory (RAM), make sure it’s compatible with your motherboard. While 16GB is the baseline for 2024, opting for 32GB offers more flexibility for future needs ^[1]. Also, ensure the RAM type, such as DDR4 or DDR5, matches your motherboard specs.

For storage, you’ll need a mix of speed and capacity. NVMe SSDs are the fastest ^[1] – perfect for your operating system and most-played games. HDDs, on the other hand, are a budget-friendly option for additional storage.

A reliable power supply unit (PSU) is essential to keep everything running smoothly. Look for a trusted brand and ensure the wattage is sufficient for all your components with some extra headroom.

Your computer case should fit your motherboard’s form factor and provide good airflow. Cases with mesh fronts and multiple fan slots help keep temperatures in check.

Cooling Type	Advantages	Best For
Air Cooling	Affordable, simple to maintain	Budget setups, moderate use
Liquid Cooling	Superior cooling, quieter operation	High-performance builds, overclocking

Lastly, check that all components are compatible. For instance, Intel CPUs often use sockets like LGA 1700, while AMD Ryzen processors are designed for AM4 or AM5 sockets ^[3].

Component Selection Guide

Here’s a closer look at how to pick the right parts for your build.

CPU Selection

Choose a CPU with a solid balance of core count, thread count, and clock speed. For gaming in 2025, aim for processors with at least 6 cores and 12 threads, running at clock speeds between 3.5 to 4.0 GHz ^[2][4].

Here are two popular options:

CPU Brand	Latest Socket	Strengths	Best Use
Intel	LGA 1700	Excellent single-core performance	Competitive gaming
AMD	AM5	Great price-to-performance ratio	Gaming and content creation

Once you’ve selected a CPU, make sure to pair it with a compatible motherboard to unlock all its features.

Motherboard Selection

Your motherboard choice depends on the CPU socket, chipset, and BIOS compatibility. For Intel’s 12th/13th gen processors, go with an LGA 1700 motherboard featuring chipsets like Z690 or Z790 ^[3].

Key features to look for:

• Form factor: ATX for larger builds, mATX for compact setups.
• Memory support: Decide between DDR4 and DDR5 based on your budget and performance needs.
• Expansion slots: PCIe 4.0/5.0 for modern GPUs.
• Storage interfaces: Multiple M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs.

RAM Requirements

For gaming in 2025, 16GB is the minimum, but 32GB offers better performance for demanding tasks ^[2]. When picking RAM, consider:

• Speed: DDR4-3200 or DDR5-5200 as a baseline.
• Latency: Lower CAS latency means better responsiveness.
• Compatibility: Check that the RAM matches your motherboard’s supported DDR generation.

Storage Options

A dual-storage setup works best for modern gaming PCs:

Storage Type	Suggested Capacity	Use Case
NVMe SSD	1TB or more	Operating system and frequently used games
SATA SSD/HDD	2TB or more	Storing your game library and media files

This combination ensures fast load times and ample storage space.

GPU Choice

Your graphics card is the heart of gaming performance. High-end GPUs like the GeForce RTX 4090 deliver 24GB GDDR6X memory and 1008GB/s bandwidth ^[5]. For a more budget-friendly option, the RTX 4080 Super offers 16GB GDDR6X memory at 736GB/s bandwidth ^[5]. To stay ahead of future demands, aim for GPUs with at least 12GB VRAM ^[6].

Power Supply Selection

Calculate your system’s power needs and add 20% extra capacity for safety ^[2]. Look for these features in a PSU:

• 80 Plus Gold certification or higher for efficiency.
• Modular cables for easier cable management.
• 650W–850W capacity for mid- to high-end builds.
• Built-in over-voltage protection for reliability.

Cooling Setup

Pick a cooling solution that matches your CPU’s heat output, especially if you plan to overclock ^[4]. Options include:

• Air cooling: Affordable and effective for most builds.
• All-in-one liquid cooling: Quieter and better for higher thermal loads.
• Custom loops: Ideal for enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance and aesthetics.

Each cooling type has its pros and cons, so choose based on your performance and noise preferences.

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Setup Requirements

Adding the right peripherals and tools not only completes your build but also makes assembly easier and prepares your system for future upgrades.

Gaming Peripherals

Once you’ve chosen your main components, it’s time to pick high-quality peripherals to level up your gaming experience.

Peripheral Type	Recommended Model	Key Features	Price Range
Gaming Monitor	LG UltraGear 34GP950G-B	1440p resolution, 21:9 aspect ratio, 144Hz refresh rate	£800–£900
Gaming Headset	SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless	Hot-swappable battery, 18–22 hours of battery life	£350–£400
Gaming Keyboard	Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro	Mechanical switches, programmable dial	£220–£250
Gaming Mouse	Asus ROG Keris II Ace	Lightweight design, high polling rate	£70–£90

Build Tools

To make assembly smoother, you’ll need the right tools. A magnetic Phillips #2 screwdriver, magnetic screw tray, and hex driver for standoffs are must-haves. A headlamp, like the PETZL TIKKINA, is perfect for lighting up those hard-to-see spots inside your case. Keep screws organized with a pill case, and always work in a static-free area to protect your components. Don’t forget to ground yourself before starting!

Upgrade Planning

After finishing your build, think ahead about upgrades to keep your system performing well over time.

Component	Upgrade Consideration	Recommended Choice
Motherboard	Latest socket support	ASUS ROG Maximum Z790 Hero (£571)
RAM	DDR5 compatibility	Crucial 64GB DDR5 Kit (£144)
Power Supply	Higher wattage capacity	850W or higher to support future GPUs
Storage	PCIe Gen 4/5 support	NVMe SSD with 2TB or more capacity

When upgrading, focus on parts that boost performance now and leave room for future improvements. For example, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (around £398) delivers excellent gaming performance. Need more storage for your game library? The Western Digital WD_Black P40 Game Drive offers 1TB with read speeds up to 2,000MB/s, making it a great choice for fast and reliable storage.

Quick Reference List

Here’s a streamlined summary based on our component selection and setup guides:

Component Category	Key Requirements
CPU	Ensure the CPU socket and BIOS are compatible with your motherboard.
Motherboard	Check for matching CPU socket, chipset, and PCIe standards.
RAM	At least 16GB; confirm support for DDR4 or DDR5.
Storage	Use a primary NVMe SSD (500GB or more); add SSD or HDD for extra storage.
GPU	Confirm PCIe compatibility and check power needs.
Power Supply	Choose a unit with enough wattage and an 80+ certification.
Cooling System	Opt for air or liquid cooling, ensuring proper airflow within the case.

Essential Build Tools

• Magnetic #2 Phillips screwdriver
• Magnetic screw tray or small-parts organizer
• Hex nut driver or adjustable wrench
• Anti-static wrist strap
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Thermal paste
• Cable ties

"Building your own PC offers the advantages of personal customization, cost-effectiveness, higher performance, upgradeability, and valuable learning experience." – CORSAIR ^[7]

Key Compatibility Checks

• Ensure the CPU socket matches the motherboard.
• Review the motherboard’s CPU Support List.
• Confirm RAM type and speed compatibility.
• Check the motherboard’s Memory QVL (Qualified Vendor List).
• Calculate total power requirements.
• Verify case dimensions to ensure all components fit properly.

Performance Tips

• Update the BIOS before the first boot.
• Install the latest GPU drivers.
• Organize cables to improve airflow and cooling.

This summary highlights the essentials from our detailed guides. For more in-depth instructions, refer to the specific sections above.

Final Steps

Now that everything is installed and configured, it’s time to wrap up your build with these crucial steps.

Before powering on, take a moment to double-check everything. As NZXT wisely advises:

"A good once-over never hurt anyone; in fact, there’s a good chance that a quick once-over could prevent boot issues or component damage" ^[8].

Physical Connections and Safety

Go through all connections to ensure they’re secure. Check that the 24‑pin and 8‑pin connectors are firmly seated, the GPU is properly mounted in its PCIe slot, and the M.2 drives and RAM are fully inserted ^[8].

BIOS Configuration for Gaming Performance

Once your system boots, tweak these BIOS settings for better performance:

Setting Category	Recommended Configuration
Memory Performance	Enable XMP in the AI Tweaker section
Graphics	Set GPU as the primary display adapter
Power Management	Switch to High Performance mode
AMD Systems	Turn on Smart Access Memory (SAM)
System Cooling	Set up custom fan curves

Improved cooling also starts with tidier cable management.

Airflow Optimization

Route cables neatly behind the motherboard tray and secure them with ties. This keeps airflow unobstructed, which is critical for maintaining low temperatures ^[9].

System Stability

To ensure everything runs smoothly, update your GPU drivers, CPU microcode, and motherboard firmware. Monitor system temperatures and close unnecessary background apps for optimal performance ^[10]. These steps will help you achieve a stable and high-performing gaming setup.