If you’re new to the world of PC gaming or haven’t built your own rig before, keeping track of all the parts required to build a functioning PC can get confusing. Knowing what you need and finding all the right gaming PC parts to build your perfect machine is no simple task, but we’re here to help. Below, we'll go over all the various component parts of a PC and show you what you’ll need to make your new gaming PC work properly. 

Since hardware advances at such a rapid rate, we won’t include specific hardware models or product recommendations. Instead, this guide is full of general information that will help you understand how a computer’s various components function and work together. You’ll still need to do research to find the right, compatible parts for your personal gaming PC. 
 

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is often referred to as the brain of a PC. The CPU manages data and tasks, sending and receiving signals from the PC’s various components. Broadly speaking, a CPU’s power nowadays is measured in gigahertz (GHz), and in general, the higher that number, the faster it can manage its tasks. 

In the old days, CPUs typically had one core—a single unit for executing instructions, performing calculations, managing data, and coordinating data between a PC’s other components. Many modern CPUs have multiple cores, which effectively allows your PC to process more data simultaneously. The more data that your PC can crunch through at any given moment, the faster you can get things done. 

When looking for a gaming CPU, optimize for the highest affordable clock speed (measured in gigahertz or GHz) and core count. 

You’ll also need to make sure the CPU you choose is compatible with your motherboard and that you have a good cooling system to keep it from overheating. 
 

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

A GPU is perhaps the key component in a gaming rig. GPUs govern things like screen resolution, graphics rendering, the rate at which your screen refreshes, and general visual fidelity. 

Modern GPUs include VRAM, a specialized kind of high-speed memory soldered onto the hardware. It’s engineered to meet your GPU’s needs and stands separate from your CPU’s functionally slower RAM pool. A GPU with more VRAM can hold more assets—shaders, textures, and other graphical data—in memory, so that your GPU can access it quickly. The upside to more VRAM is that it generally allows you to run games at higher quality settings, frame rates, and resolutions while preventing undesirable side effects like lag or stuttering. 

Opinions vary, but 8 GB of VRAM is the general minimum recommendation nowadays for gaming at 1080p resolution, while higher resolutions and more demanding games can benefit from 12 GB or more. Keep in mind that PC games are always pushing against the limits of hardware, so buying a GPU with more VRAM is also a solid way to keep your hardware relevant longer. 

PC games tend to publish minimum GPU requirements, which you can see in the System Requirements section of a game’s Epic Games Store page.

Keep in mind that desktop GPUs are typically more powerful than laptop GPUs, which you may want to take into consideration when choosing which kind of gaming device to acquire.
 

Motherboard

Your motherboard allows your CPU and components to communicate. Think of it like the land and the roads that your information from your RAM, CPU, and ports travels across. 

When choosing your gaming PC’s motherboard, make sure that its chipset is compatible with your CPU, GPU, RAM, drives, and other peripherals, and then look at whether you need specific premium features like built-in Bluetooth support.
 

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is your PC’s short-term storage system. It holds data in memory that’s quicker to access than pulling it from your hard drive or SSD at short notice. In effect, the more RAM you have, the quicker your PC can respond to your inputs and execute tasks. 

PC games tend to have minimum RAM requirements, which you can see on the System Requirements section of a game’s Epic Games Store page. 
 

Storage: Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and Solid State Drives (SSD)

On a gaming PC, drives are where you store data. The bigger your drive, the more space you have for storing everything from applications to media and games. 

There are two broad types of drives. A hard disk drive (HDD) stores data on platters of rotating disks. The higher the rotation speed, the faster you can access your data. A solid state drive (SSD) stores data without moving parts. 

An SSD can access data quicker than an HDD, and faster access means faster computing. The downside is that SSDs cost more per unit of storage than hard drives. 

There are two popular types of SSD connections: SATA and NVMe. SATA is an older technology, originally designed for spinning hard drives and adapted to work with SSDs. It’s a more affordable choice for an entry-level gaming PC. NVMe technology was designed specifically for SSD storage, and its higher bandwidth allows you to access data significantly faster. 

If you’re having trouble finding an SSD that’s in your price range, consider purchasing a HDD/SSD hybrid which is a cost-effective way to get more storage and better speeds by leaning on both technologies. That said, SSDs are a lot cheaper than they used to be, and are sometimes mandatory for certain performance-intensive modern games.
 

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

The PSU delivers power to your gaming PC. It plugs into your wall outlet, and then converts and distributes electricity to your components.

PSU manufacturers rate their products using watts. Components like your CPU and GPU have wattage requirements, and your PSU must be able to meet them. Like with RAM and VRAM, having some overhead for future upgrades is a good idea. There are plenty of PSU calculators available online, just a search away. 
 

PC Cases: sizes, types, and cooling systems

In general, PC cases and their various shapes and sizes fit into a few different categories. 

Full tower cases are the largest vertical PC cases and have the most space for components and cooling systems. Mid-towers and mini-tower cases are smaller versions of these. Small form factor (SFF) cases are extremely compact and travel well, but they don’t offer space for many extra components. Desktop PC cases are also very minimal and made to fit on a desk along with your monitor, keyboard, and mouse. 

It’s important that your case is compatible with your motherboard and has room for all your components. You’ll also want to take into consideration what kind of cooling system you want. While many gaming PCs use air cooling, which is essentially a series of fans, liquid coolant systems have become a popular choice as well. While liquid systems are a more efficient cooling method, they also tend to cost more and have more failure points. You can also opt to use a hybrid system that uses both air and liquid cooling.
 

Sound cards and network cards

Most motherboards come with sound cards built in, but you can opt to install your own. 

Game audio is extremely important, and a sound card can help players hear things like footsteps or gunfire off in the distance. If you’re going to upgrade your sound card, make sure it has low latency, a headphone amplifier, and surround sound. 

Having a network connection for downloading and playing is an essential aspect of PC gaming. Your motherboard might come with a built-in network card, but if not, you'll need to figure out whether to invest in one. When choosing a network card, make sure it has low latency and can handle your internet speeds. While a strong WiFi connection is good, your best bet is to directly connect to the internet through an Ethernet cable. In general, you’ll most likely want a network card for your PC that can do both a direct connection and WiFi.
 

External peripherals

Beyond the internal components of your PC gaming rig, external peripherals can play a big part as well. Be sure that your external peripherals match your budget and your needs as a gamer.

Monitors and displays

Gaming monitors or displays that match or exceed the ability of your PC’s graphical capabilities are the ultimate visual component. Just note that there’s a difference between a standard computer monitor and a gaming monitor. Gaming displays often have higher refresh rates, and some even have hardware built into them to work more seamlessly with your GPU. Be sure that the monitor you pick is optimized to work with your system.

Keyboard and mouse

A solid gaming keyboard and mouse can optimize your play. Gaming mice and keyboards are often designed to enable better reaction times and take more wear and tear than standard PC peripherals. 

A good gaming keyboard will have features like programmable keys. Those let players make custom commands for frequently used actions. It should also provide a comfortable experience for everyday use outside of gaming. Gaming keyboards come in all different shapes and sizes, making it easy to find one that fits your needs and your style.

Gaming mice are a key component to any PC gaming rig. Many gaming mice feature customization options like programmable buttons and the ability to add or take away weights. Some come with proprietary software that allows you to control things like scroll wheel speed and DPI rate. Form and shape are also worth considering when picking the right gaming mouse for your PC.

Headset and speakers

There’s little point in having a good sound card if your speakers aren’t capable of handling high-fidelity audio. A good sound system can increase a game’s immersion. While there are a number of basic low-cost speakers out there, consider investing in something with more features. Surround sound speakers and subwoofers can make the floor rattle and make it easier to pinpoint your opponents when playing a game. 

A good headset is another solid choice for gamers. They tend to cost less, and some can replicate the benefits of surround sound. Many gaming headsets also come with attachable or built-in mics for chatting with your squad while playing or hanging out on Discord. A number of quality gaming headsets come with external mixers, which help you dial in the perfect blend of chat, game sounds, and volume for an optimum audio experience. 
 

Components of a PC FAQs

What is the most important component of a gaming PC?

Many would argue that a solid graphics card is the most important component of a gaming PC since it determines visual fidelity. However, a good gaming PC is only as strong as its weakest link. Having a PC setup with quality components spread throughout means that your whole system has the power you’ll need to play your games. 

How often should I upgrade my gaming PC components?

The frequency at which you upgrade your gaming PC’s individual components is going to vary from person to person, but in general you can expect to replace your components on a semi-regular basis. Sometimes, things will break or become obsolete, so be sure to keep up with the latest gaming PC hardware news.

Is it better to build or buy a gaming PC?

Many PC gamers prefer to build their own rig rather than purchase one. That allows them to customize and personalize every aspect, based on their own needs and budget. However, there’s nothing wrong with buying a pre-made gaming PC if you don’t consider yourself tech-savvy or don’t want to take the time to hunt down individual parts and put them all together yourself. 

How much should I budget for a gaming PC?

In general, a low-end gaming PC could cost between $500 and $800. This should allow you to play many games, but the system would potentially struggle to run some new and cutting-edge games. 

A mid-range gaming PC could cost between $800-$1500 and allow you to play most modern games with mid-range visuals and refresh rates. 

For those looking for the best, most cutting-edge technology, you’d likely start around $1,500 for the most up-to-date PC gaming rig. It’s not uncommon for high-end machines to cost upwards of $2,000 or more.

Can I use a gaming PC for tasks other than gaming?

Absolutely. A gaming PC can handle any general tasks that a normal PC could. In fact, in many cases, a gaming PC can handle things like photo and audio/video editing due to its high-end GPUs.

Once you have your new gaming PC assembled, browse the Epic Games Store to find something to play, and make sure you check out the Epic Games Store's news page to catch up on the latest from all of your favorite developers about all of your favorite games.