Easy Guide to Build High Performance Custom Gaming Desktop PC

Gaming is not for everyone. Period.

There are times in life when you have to make big decisions. Decisions like ‘should you buy a new Custom Gaming Desktop PC or build your own?’

Let us see what are the essential components, and where you can buy the parts required to make your own custom gaming PC from scratch easily.

The Essential Computer Parts for Building Custom Gaming Desktop PC:

Gaming Parts	Gaming Parts Name	Link
Casing	Cooler Master HAF 912	[su_button url=”http://www.memory4less.com/cooler-master-co-computer-case-accessory-rc-912-kkn1″ target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#efdd2d” color=”#000000″ wide=”yes” center=”yes” icon=”icon: shopping-cart”]Buy Here[/su_button]
Processor	Intel Core i7-6700K Quad Core 4.00GHz	[su_button url=”http://www.memory4less.com/intel-4-00ghz-core-i7-desktop-processor-cm8066201919901″ target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#efdd2d” color=”#000000″ wide=”yes” center=”yes” icon=”icon: shopping-cart”]Buy Here[/su_button]
Cpu cooling fan	Artic Freezer 13 – 200Watt	[su_button url=”” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#efdd2d” color=”#000000″ wide=”yes” center=”yes” icon=”icon: shopping-cart”]Buy Here[/su_button]
Graphics Card	Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1060	[su_button url=”http://www.memory4less.com/gigabyte-tech-video-graphics-card-gv-n1060wf2oc-6gd” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#efdd2d” color=”#000000″ wide=”yes” center=”yes” icon=”icon: shopping-cart”]Buy Here[/su_button]
Motherboard	MSI Pro Series Intel Z270	[su_button url=”http://www.memory4less.com/msi-z270apro” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#efdd2d” color=”#000000″ wide=”yes” center=”yes” icon=”icon: shopping-cart”]Buy Here[/su_button]
RAM	Samsung 8GB PC4-17000 DDR4-2133MHz	[su_button url=”http://www.memory4less.com/samsung-8gb-ddr4-pc17000-m378a1g43db0-cpb” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#efdd2d” color=”#000000″ wide=”yes” center=”yes” icon=”icon: shopping-cart”]Buy Here[/su_button]
Hard Drive	Samsung Spinpoint F1 1TB	[su_button url=”http://www.memory4less.com/samsung-spinpoint-1tb-sata-3-0-gbps-hard-drive-hd103uj” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#efdd2d” color=”#000000″ wide=”yes” center=”yes” icon=”icon: shopping-cart”]Buy Here[/su_button]
Power Supply	Cooler Master Elite V2	[su_button url=”http://www.memory4less.com/sea-sonic-electronics-co-power-supply-s12d-750″ target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#efdd2d” color=”#000000″ wide=”yes” center=”yes” icon=”icon: shopping-cart”]Buy Here[/su_button]

I purchased all the items from Memory4less.com because they had discounts on all of them and they had this unique Gaming PC Builder. I should say here that this is not the Best High-End Gaming PC but it is a price-friendly gaming PC that can play all games like a charm.

Let’s Start Building Our First Gaming Computer

[su_heading size=”20″]Computer Casing: Cooler Master HAF 912[/su_heading]

[su_note note_color=”#ffd466″ radius=”1″]

Best For:

The Cooler Master HAF 912 is best for anyone who has a bigger desk for a Custom Gaming Desktop PC because this case won’t fit on a smaller desk. Apart from that, it has air flow from all sides so one won’t need more computer cooling fans inside it.[/su_note]

[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″]

[su_note note_color=”#333333″ text_color=”#ffffff” radius=”4″]Pros:[/su_note]

• More Spacious
• Budget Friendly
• Has a built-in pouch for personal belongings
• Has removable enclosures for adding bigger graphic cards

[/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″]

[su_note note_color=”#e9e9e9″ radius=”0″]Cons:[/su_note]

• Bigger size, won’t fit in small places

[/su_column]
[/su_row]

Why I used Cooler Master HAF 912?

I used Cooler Master HAF 912 because of its flexible mounting options and high airflow architecture. Besides, the price of this casing was just about right in comparison with other cases. It also has a special case for personal belongings such as USB, ear piece and other small handheld devices that often get misplaced.

It is a mid-tower computer case so you can install mini-ATX and ATX motherboards in it easily. Furthermore, there are around four water cooling outlets; however, I haven’t used any except the one needed for motherboard.

Another option I liked about this specific gaming PC case was that we can easily remove the hard drive enclosure for even higher airflow.

With better airflow, budget-friendly price and additional room for further storage, Cooler Master HAF 912 is one of the best gaming PC cases in the market.

[su_heading size=”20″]Processor            :               Intel Core i7-6700K Quad Core 4.00GHz[/su_heading]

[su_note note_color=”#ffd466″ radius=”1″]

Best for:

Intel Core i7 6700K is an unlocked processor with 4 GHz base speed. It is best if you intend to overclock.  The speed can be increased to 4.2 GHz with liquid cooling or any other form that can keep it intact.[/su_note]

[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″]

[su_note note_color=”#333333″ text_color=”#ffffff” radius=”4″]Pros:[/su_note]

• Turbo Boost
• Overclock enabled

[/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″]

[su_note note_color=”#e9e9e9″ radius=”0″]Cons:[/su_note]

• Uniprocessing

[/su_column]
[/su_row]

Why I used Intel Core i7-6700K?

This is a 4 GHz Intel Core i7 sixth generation processor that can be further increased to 4.2 GHz with overclocking. The processor has an embedded graphics card of Intel HD Graphics 530 and can support up to 64GB of RAM.

Today most games require at least a Core i5 processor with 3 GHz base speed. Therefore, by using Core i7 sixth generation processor, I can run most of the soon-to-be released games quite easily. Using a midrange but latest processor is a way of future-proofing myself.

Though I could have opted for Core i7 4^th generation processor, I knew it’d become obsolete quickly for newer computer games.

Moreover, the Intel Core i7 sixth generation processor also supports 4K resolution. Therefore, I can easily say that it is one of the best Intel processor for building a Custom Gaming Desktop PC.

[su_heading size=”20″]Graphics Cards                  : Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1060[/su_heading]

[su_note note_color=”#ffd466″ radius=”1″]

Best for:

This Graphic card Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1060 is for all those gamers who want to play the latest games and can compromise a little on quality.[/su_note]

[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″]

[su_note note_color=”#333333″ text_color=”#ffffff” radius=”4″]Pros:[/su_note]

• More Affordable
• Two-Way Airflow
• Better than AMD Rx 480
• Easy One-click Overclocking

[/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″]

[su_note note_color=”#e9e9e9″ radius=”0″]Cons:[/su_note]

• Provides lesser details on the latest digital games if compared with GTX 1070

[/su_column]
[/su_row]

Why I used Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1060?

Graphics are everything in a Custom Gaming Desktop PC. According to GPU benchmarks, the GTX 1060 is much better in graphics and texture detail than RX 480 by AMD, considering that both were released during the same period.

However, GTX 1060 certainly lags behind the newer variants such as GTX 1070 and GTX 1080. However, it provides enough juice for display of bearable quality textures in the latest gameplays.

As I had to focus on quality and price, I used the GTX 1060. Otherwise there are better graphic cards available in the market. But I believe while shopping for electronic products, those that are neither the newest nor the oldest should be selected.

GTX 1060 can run all games that are being developed at the moment. This means I can keep this graphic card for the next four years without worrying about replacement.

The GTX 1060 graphic card can easily be overclocked without the user requiring any overclocking knowledge and it is one of the Faster Graphics Card for Custom Gaming Desktop Computers.

[su_heading size=”20″]Motherboard:                   MSI Pro Series Intel Z270[/su_heading]

[su_note note_color=”#ffd466″ radius=”1″]

Best for:

MSI Pro Series supports overclocking. Therefore, if you are an avid gamer and would like to overclock your PC, then Intel Z270 is the right choice. Apart from OC, the motherboard supports audio boost and bit coin mining. Thus you will get instant gratification and long-lasting performance.[/su_note]

[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″]

[su_note note_color=”#333333″ text_color=”#ffffff” radius=”4″]Pros:[/su_note]

• Supports OC
• Look cool
• Can support more peripherals

[/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″]

[su_note note_color=”#e9e9e9″ radius=”0″]Cons:[/su_note]

• Only works with DDR4 or DDR3L

[/su_column]
[/su_row]

Why I bought MSI Pro Series Intel Z270?

The only reason I bought Z270 was because of the ‘Z’ factor. Other mobo’s do not support overclocking and this one does. Also, there were other alluring factors that led to this choice such as:

DDR4 Boost:

Though I don’t actually OC all the time but sometimes one cannot resist the desire. Therefore, in order to set all the framework for such an instance, I have used Z270 PC that supports DDR4 Boost.
To explain DDR4 Boost in simple steps, it is a way through which MSI DDR4 Boost supported motherboards can get optimal performance from RAM modules. This is done by using zig-zag routing procedures to prevent fiber weave effect and ensure stable signal.

Audio Boost:

Apart from DDR4 Boost that provides seamless performance and can be utilized while OC, MSi also provides audio boost audio jacks that increase the quality of the sound during game plays.

USB Boost:

Another additional factor added in Z270 is the increased speed of external storage. The X-Boost can be used for VR and USB both. It can be enabled and disabled through X-boost menu.

There are many other motherboards available for gaming so in the end it all comes to your personal preference.

[su_heading size=”20″]RAM: Samsung 8GB PC4-17000 DDR4-2133MHz (two)[/su_heading]

[su_note note_color=”#ffd466″ radius=”1″]

Best for:

Samsung 8GB DDR4 SDRAM is a regular memory module that can be used with all Skylake processors. If you want speed and are looking for a low-cost option, then buying RAM modules directly from the manufacturers is your best bet. [/su_note]

[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″]

[su_note note_color=”#333333″ text_color=”#ffffff” radius=”4″]Pros:[/su_note]

• Faster
• Stable
• Low Volts

[/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″]

[su_note note_color=”#e9e9e9″ radius=”0″]Cons:[/su_note]

• Unbuffered

[/su_column]
[/su_row]

Why I chose Samsung 8GB PC4-17000 DDR4-2133MHz?

I did not go with any special brand specifically. The reason of choosing Samsung was because it provides lower prices than most other brands available on Memory4less.com.

As for the generation of RAM module, I chose a DDR4 RAM because of the processor and motherboard compatibility. The Z270 processor supports DDR4 or DDR3L RAM Modules only.

I bought two 8GB RAM modules because a single 8GB RAM cannot handle most gaming tasks today, thus the need for 16GB RAM module.

Now, if I need more RAM I can easily change that without replacing the whole motherboard. Further, the non-ECC memory is much faster and can easily be overclocked with the system if required.

Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F1 1TB

[su_note note_color=”#ffd466″ radius=”1″]

Best for:

A 1TB hard drive is used in most systems today. Most gamers think it is a low-end hard drive, therefore, should not be used. But if you are a price conscious gamer and use your PC for other purposes, then Samsung Spinpoint 1TB hard drive is right for you.[/su_note]

[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″]

[su_note note_color=”#333333″ text_color=”#ffffff” radius=”4″]Pros:[/su_note]

• Affordable
• Ample storage

[/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″]

[su_note note_color=”#e9e9e9″ radius=”0″]Cons:[/su_note]

• One of the fastest hard drives but slower than an SSD

[/su_column]
[/su_row]

Why I chose Samsung SpinPoint 1TB drive?

A Custom Gaming Desktop PC requires at least 1TB of storage capacity. Most games available today are higher than 10GB in storage space. And when they are installed on a system, the installation takes double the space. This is not possible with 500GB of hard drive.

As for my built, I intend to buy a SSD drive in near future. Therefore, 1TB storage capacity is adequate for near-use.

This Spinpoint drive is more silent than its competitors and comes with extra features such as silentseek and noise guard.

Also from the price stand point, the Samsung 1TB hard drive is affordable and provides higher RPM. With 3GB/s speed, the hard drive can fetch information much faster for the user.

[su_heading size=”20″]Power Supply Unit: Seasonic 750w 80+ Silver Psu[/su_heading]

[su_note note_color=”#ffd466″ radius=”1″]

Best for:

The PSU is powerful enough to run any gaming PC. It is a 750W PSU so you can even use two GPUs at the same time in it. Apart from that Seasonic PSU can help with PC overclocking.[/su_note]

[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″]

[su_note note_color=”#333333″ text_color=”#ffffff” radius=”4″]Pros:[/su_note]

• Can handle heavy hardware

[/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″]

[su_note note_color=”#e9e9e9″ radius=”0″]Cons:[/su_note]

• A little pricier

[/su_column]
[/su_row]

Why I chose Sea Sonic Seasonic 750w 80+ Silver PSU?

I have chosen a Sea Sonic 750W power supply unit (PSU) for my gaming machine. While buying a PSU, you have the option to select from multiple ranges. Many people go with 600-650 watts because of the graphic card.

In my gaming PC, I have used 750Watts because I need room for further improvement. This is just my choice and while building your own PC you have the liberty to get one with lower watts or higher.

Mouse & Keyboard:

I use a regular mouse and a keyboard. And the reason is because I can always upgrade later on when I have some savings to spare. When it is about getting your gaming PC up and running, I don’t focus on these input/output devices. I know a great many gamers prioritize getting the Best Gaming Keyboard and mouse. It sure is more fun but I personally believe it isn’t a necessity. So get your priorities right, save up and upgrade later on.

Conclusion:

As you can see building a gaming PC is not that hard if you shop cleverly and put your heart to it. The best way to learn about where to shop for computer hardware for a gaming PC is to check gaming forums and ask questions if you are not sure. Secondly, read reviews of the products and never miss on price.

While buying gaming hardware for a new computer my style is to search for a specific product like a Z270 motherboard and then tally the price from other shopping stores. Shop from a store that has a better reputation and moderate price. Because not all shopping stores that have the lowest price have quality service.

Do you have any questions about this guide for building your own PC? Do let us know in the comments below.