Ultimate Guide to Building Your Own Gaming PC for Any Budget

Building a gaming PC tailored to your needs can save money and deliver better performance than pre-built systems. It also gives you a deeper understanding of how your machine works. This guide walks you through each step, from setting your budget to powering on your new build. You’ll learn how to pick the right parts and use store filters to find components that fit your goals and wallet.

Define Your Budget and Use Case

Start by deciding what you want your PC to do. This shapes every choice you make.

• Everyday tasks, office work, browsing: Aim for a budget build around €400–600.

• Gaming at 1080p, content creation: A mid-range build between €700–1,000 fits well.

• Gaming at 1440p or 4K, video editing, 3D rendering: High-end builds start at €1,200 and can go beyond €2,000.

  
  

Set a realistic budget and divide it roughly like this:

• GPU: 30–35% (key for gaming)

• CPU: 15–20%

• Motherboard: 10–15%

• RAM: 8–10%

• Storage: 8–10%

• PSU (Power Supply Unit): 8–10%

• Case and cooling: the rest

  
  

This breakdown helps balance performance and cost.

Choose Your CPU First

The CPU affects which motherboard and RAM you can use, so pick it before anything else.

On the store:

1. Select CPU from the category dropdown.

2. Filter by CPU Brand to pick AMD or Intel.

3. Use the Cores and Threads sliders. For gaming, 6–8 cores work well. For content creation, 12 or more cores help.

4. Adjust the Boost Clock slider. Higher clock speeds improve single-core performance, which benefits gaming.

5. Use the CPU TDP slider to ensure your cooler can handle the heat.

6. Toggle Integrated GPU if you want a backup display option without a dedicated graphics card.

7. Set the Price slider to stay within your budget.

   
   

Remember the CPU socket type shown in the specs. You’ll need this for the motherboard.

Pick a Compatible Motherboard

Your motherboard must match the CPU socket and support your RAM type.

On the store:

1. Select Motherboard from the category.

2. Use the Socket Type filter to match your CPU.

3. Choose the Form Factor that fits your case (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX).

4. Filter by RAM Type (DDR4 or DDR5) and maximum supported speed.

5. Check for features like PCIe slots, USB ports, and M.2 slots for SSDs.

6. Use the Price slider to fit your budget.

   
   

A good motherboard balances features and price without unnecessary extras.

Select Your RAM

RAM affects multitasking and game performance.

On the store:

1. Choose RAM from the category.

2. Filter by Type to match your motherboard (DDR4 or DDR5).

3. Pick the right Capacity: 16GB is ideal for gaming; 32GB or more suits content creation.

4. Use the Speed filter. Higher MHz can improve performance but check motherboard compatibility.

5. Set the Price slider.

   
   

Buy RAM in kits (2x8GB or 2x16GB) for dual-channel performance.

Choose Storage Options

Storage affects load times and file management.

• SSD (Solid State Drive): Faster boot and game load times. Aim for at least 500GB.

• HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Larger capacity for cheaper, good for storing media.

  
  

On the store:

1. Select Storage.

2. Filter by Type (SSD or HDD).

3. Use Capacity sliders to find what fits your needs.

4. Consider NVMe SSDs for faster speeds if your motherboard supports them.

5. Set the Price filter.

   
   
   
   

Pick a Graphics Card (GPU)

The GPU is the heart of gaming performance.

On the store:

1. Select Graphics Card.

2. Use filters for Brand (NVIDIA or AMD).

3. Set VRAM (4GB minimum for 1080p gaming, 8GB+ for higher resolutions).

4. Filter by Price to stay within your budget.

   
   

Remember, the GPU usually takes the largest chunk of your budget.

Choose a Power Supply Unit (PSU)

A reliable PSU protects your components.

On the store:

1. Select Power Supply.

2. Use the Wattage filter. Calculate your system’s power needs online or add 20–30% headroom.

3. Look for 80 Plus certification for efficiency.

4. Set the Price slider.

   
   

Pick a Case and Cooling

Your case holds everything and affects airflow.

On the store:

1. Select Case.

2. Filter by Form Factor to match your motherboard.

3. Check for good airflow and enough space for your GPU and cooling.

4. Choose between air cooling or liquid cooling options.

5. Set the Price filter.

   
   
   
   

Custom gaming PC build with RGB lighting

Assemble Your PC

Once you have all parts:

1. Prepare a clean workspace.

2. Install the CPU on the motherboard carefully.

3. Insert RAM sticks into the correct slots.

4. Mount the motherboard inside the case.

5. Install storage drives.

6. Attach the GPU to the PCIe slot.

7. Connect the PSU cables to all components.

8. Double-check connections.

9. Power on and enter BIOS to check system status.