While building a PC may seem straightforward, the process involves a number of potential pitfalls that can catch even experienced users off guard. From selecting components that don’t fit together to overlooking crucial power or cooling requirements, simple missteps can lead to costly setbacks or frustrating troubleshooting. Compatibility between the CPU, motherboard, memory, and graphics card is especially critical, as a mismatch in any of these parts can prevent your system from functioning altogether. Proper planning also involves thinking ahead about airflow, cable management, and upgrade paths.
To make the process smoother, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide that covers all the essentials needed to build a gaming PC. Whether you’re aiming for a compact budget build or a high-end powerhouse, this roundup will help you navigate the vast range of components available today. By focusing on hardware that not only performs well but also works seamlessly together, our guide is designed to help you avoid the usual headaches and get straight to gaming with confidence.
Hardware that makes sense
The first step in building a PC is choosing hardware that aligns with both your budget and your specific needs. Even with unlimited funds, going straight for the most expensive components isn’t always the smartest approach. Here’s an overview of what you need:
- A case
- A graphics card, or GPU
- A processor, or CPU
- RAM
- Storage
- A power supply
- A CPU cooler
The GPU
The GPU is arguably the centerpiece of any gaming PC, and one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is choosing between AMD and Nvidia. As of now, AMD generally offers better value for money, while Nvidia leads in ray tracing performance and upscaling technologies. Nvidia’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) remains the gold standard, although AMD’s FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) has made noticeable strides and continues to improve.
Currently, AMD’s latest offerings fall under the RX 9000 series, while Nvidia just rolled out its RTX 50-series. Depending on your budget, you may find greater value in previous-generation cards, which still deliver solid performance. For high-end builds and 4K gaming, Nvidia still holds the edge, offering top-tier performance with or without DLSS. On the other hand, AMD tends to dominate the midrange and budget categories, especially for 1080p and 1440p gaming.
When choosing a GPU, resolution is a key factor—higher resolutions demand more powerful hardware. Frame rate targets are another important consideration, as pushing more frames per second can enhance gameplay fluidity, especially in competitive titles. While nearly any GPU can reach decent frame rates at lower settings, you’ll need a more powerful card to maintain both high visual fidelity and performance. If you’re unsure where to start, consider checking out our curated lists of the best graphics cards for different resolutions and use cases.
Overall, we’d say Nvidia is a slightly better option for users planning on building a higher-end PC, since Nvidia GPUs are the most performant at 4K, with or without DLSS. Meanwhile, AMD is the best option for budget-conscious buyers, which fits nicely into AMD’s performance advantage at lower resolutions.
GPU pricing continues to be a sore point for many PC builders. Over the past few years, graphics card prices have climbed well beyond traditional MSRPs, with many newer models selling at a much higher cost compared to their launch price. Even when prices come down slightly post-launch, it’s not uncommon for retailers or resellers to keep costs inflated especially for high-demand models.
The CPU
As of 2025, both AMD and Intel offer a diverse range of CPUs that cater to different use cases and budgets, from entry-level chips around $100 to premium models nearing $900. The performance gap between the two brands continues to be narrow overall, but when it comes to gaming, AMD currently holds a lead with its 3D V-Cache-equipped processors, particularly the Ryzen 7000X3D and newly launched Ryzen 9000X3D series. These CPUs deliver exceptional gaming performance thanks to their massive L3 cache, which helps reduce latency and improve frame rates, especially in CPU-bound titles. For gamers looking to get the most frames per dollar, AMD’s X3D chips are hard to beat in today’s market.
Intel, meanwhile, has shifted focus to its next-generation Core Ultra series, which now replaces the traditional Core i-series branding. The new lineup features a hybrid architecture similar to previous-gen Raptor Lake CPUs, but with improved efficiency cores, AI acceleration, and updated support for DDR5 memory. While Intel’s Core Ultra chips perform very well in general workloads and remain highly competitive in gaming, especially at higher resolutions, they tend to fall just short of AMD’s X3D variants in raw gaming performance. That said, Intel CPUs still offer strong single-core speeds and a broader range of integrated graphics options for non-gaming systems.
In most modern games, the CPU doesn’t play as direct a role as the GPU, but it becomes increasingly important if you’re targeting high refresh rates above 144Hz or playing CPU-intensive games like simulations and strategy titles. Many titles still benefit from strong single-threaded performance and large cache sizes. A good rule of thumb for gaming in 2025 is to look for a processor with at least six to eight cores, though having more is often recommended for future-proofing and multitasking. Key specs to prioritize include a high boost clock, a newer CPU architecture (such as AMD Zen 5 or Intel Core Ultra), and support for fast DDR5 memory.
Thanks to improvements in manufacturing and competition between brands, even midrange CPUs now offer more than enough performance for 60 to 120 fps gaming. Older CPUs released after 2017 can still hold up well in many titles, but if you’re building a new PC today, opting for a current-gen chip ensures longer software support, better efficiency, and higher average frame rates. If you’re unsure where to start, be sure to check out our updated gaming CPU roundups or benchmark-driven reviews to find a processor that fits your performance goals without overspending on features you may not need.
The CPU cooler
Choosing the right cooler for your CPU is essential for maintaining optimal performance and avoiding thermal throttling. The type of cooler you need largely depends on the CPU’s power draw (TDP), your case size, noise preferences, and whether you plan to overclock.
Air coolers remain a popular and budget-friendly choice, ranging from compact low-profile units for small form factor (SFF) builds to large dual-tower designs capable of handling high-end processors. On the other hand, all-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers, once seen as luxury options, have become more affordable and accessible in recent years, making them a viable choice even for mid-range builds. These coolers often offer improved thermal performance and a cleaner aesthetic, especially in glass-panel cases, though they do introduce more moving parts like pumps and tubing.
Compatibility is another key factor. You’ll need to ensure that your cooler supports your CPU socket and fits within your case’s dimensions—check height clearance for air coolers or radiator space for AIOs. For modern Intel and AMD chips, it’s worth checking thermal recommendations, as newer high-performance CPUs can run hot under load. If silence is a priority, look for coolers with quiet fans or adjustable fan curves. And if you care about aesthetics, many coolers now include RGB lighting and sleek designs that match themed builds. Ultimately, the best CPU cooler is the one that balances thermal performance, noise levels, looks, and budget based on your specific use case.
The motherboard
Having the right motherboard is a critical step in building your PC, as it determines compatibility with your CPU, RAM, storage, and expansion options. The first decision is your CPU brand, Intel or AMD, which will dictate the socket type (e.g., LGA 1851 for current Intel chips or AM5 for AMD’s latest). From there, you’ll need to choose a chipset that matches your performance needs and budget. Higher-end chipsets like Intel Z890 or AMD X870E offer better power delivery, more PCIe lanes, and advanced features like overclocking support, while B-series and lower-tier chipsets focus on essential features at a lower price point.
Motherboard size is another important factor to consider. ATX boards provide the most expandability, while microATX and mini-ITX are better suited for compact builds but may offer fewer ports and slots. Key specs to pay attention to include the number of RAM slots and supported speeds, M.2 storage options, USB port variety, and onboard networking features like Wi-Fi or 2.5GbE LAN.
For gamers or content creators, support for fast PCIe Gen 4 or Gen 5 graphics and storage devices can make a big difference. Finally, some boards come with extra perks like reinforced GPU slots, onboard diagnostic LEDs, and BIOS flashback features that can be helpful for troubleshooting or future upgrades. Ultimately, choose a motherboard that not only supports your chosen components but also offers a balanced mix of features that align with your build’s goals.
The RAM
RAM isn’t exactly crucial for a good gaming experience, but it’s not something you should ignore. Compatibility is a bigger issue for RAM than gaming performance, but we’ll talk about that later.
RAM is frequently hyped up as a key driver of a PC’s gaming performance, but in reality, a high-end kit of RAM isn’t much faster than a slower one. However, the price difference between the lowest-end and many high-end RAM kits is usually very small, so we recommend picking up a faster kit if you find a decent deal.
Capacity is also not a very big deal for gaming in particular, but you will want 16GB at minimum, and we recommend 32GB or higher if you can afford it — and you should be able to since many mid-range DDR4 RAM kits cost just $50 at the moment.
That being said, there is one aspect of RAM that is often overlooked: channels. You’ll find that RAM is often sold in kits of two or four sticks, and that’s not a coincidence. Having two sticks of RAM rather than one will always result in better performance in basically every application, even if capacity and speed are identical. The reason why is that CPUs have multiple memory channels, and more sticks mean more memory channels can be utilized, increasing the amount of data the RAM can transfer. Mainstream CPUs from both AMD and Intel are limited to dual-channel support, so you only need two sticks of RAM, as four sticks will still be limited to dual channel. Under no circumstances should you ever just have a single stick of RAM — get two.
The last thing you’re probably wondering about is DDR4 versus DDR5. While DDR5 RAM is certainly faster than DDR4, it’s not so much faster that it’s worth paying twice the price or more—at least in terms of raw gaming performance. However, most modern platforms have now transitioned to DDR5, and DDR4 is expected to be phased out in the near future. If you’re building a high-end PC and want every frame you can get, DDR5 can be a worthwhile investment. But if you’re gaming on a lower-end to mid-range system or prioritizing visual quality over frame rate, DDR4 will still serve you well—just keep future upgrade limitations in mind.
If you’re wondering about what RAM you should get, then check out our list of recommended kits of RAM for gaming.
The storage
When choosing storage for a gaming PC in 2025, the baseline expectation is a fast NVMe SSD. Traditional hard drives have all but vanished from gaming builds, and even SATA SSDs are now largely reserved for bulk storage or budget builds. For smooth performance and fast load times, a PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD is the sweet spot, offering excellent read/write speeds at increasingly affordable prices. Games continue to grow in size, with many AAA titles now exceeding 100GB, so a 1TB drive is the practical minimum, while 2TB is quickly becoming the new standard for gamers who juggle multiple titles.
PCIe Gen 5 SSDs are also becoming more common in high-end builds, boasting blistering speeds upwards of 10,000MB/s, but real-world gaming benefits remain marginal compared to Gen 4. They’re better suited for professional workloads or enthusiasts looking for the absolute best. If your budget allows, consider pairing a smaller capacity, faster SSD (for your OS and key games) with a larger secondary SSD for the rest of your library. Just make sure your motherboard supports your drive’s interface and form factor especially important if you’re using multiple M.2 drives in a compact case.
The power supply
While there’s no gaming-specific reason to choose one power supply over another, the increasing power demands of modern GPUs, especially with features like frame generation and ray tracing, make PSU selection more critical than ever. You’ll want a unit that not only supports your current hardware but also gives you headroom for future GPU upgrades. This is especially important with newer cards from Nvidia and AMD pushing well beyond 300W in peak scenarios.
To estimate how much power you need, use a PSU calculator and focus primarily on the CPU and GPU. A good rule of thumb is to total their power requirements and add at least 200W for system overhead and future-proofing. Aim for a PSU with at least an 80 Plus Gold rating for better efficiency and reliability, while Platinum or Titanium units are nice to have, they’re not strictly necessary for most users. Finally, stick with trusted brands like Seasonic, Corsair, Be Quiet!, and EVGA, as a quality power supply is one of the most critical components for system stability and longevity.
The case
Finally, you’ll need a case to house all of your components, and while it may seem like a purely aesthetic decision, the case you choose plays a crucial role in both the performance and usability of your build. The best computer cases offer efficient airflow with well-placed intake and exhaust fans, helping to keep your CPU and GPU cool without excessive noise. Many modern cases come with mesh front panels or perforated sides, which allow for better air intake compared to older cases with sealed-off front panels. You’ll also want to make sure your case supports enough fan or radiator mounting options, especially if you’re planning to use a liquid cooler.
Another important consideration is front-panel connectivity. Look for a case with convenient front I/O ports, such as USB 3.2 Gen 1 or Gen 2, USB-C, and audio jacks, so you don’t always have to reach behind your PC to plug in accessories or peripherals. Some premium cases also include features like tempered glass panels, built-in cable routing channels, dust filters, and tool-less drive bays, which make building and maintaining your PC much easier.
The size of the case also determines what size motherboard and cooling hardware you can use. Full tower and mid-tower cases typically support ATX motherboards and even extended-ATX boards in some cases, along with larger GPUs and more fans or radiators. On the other hand, compact and small-form-factor (SFF) cases like the Lian Li A4-H2O, Cooler Master NR200P, or Fractal Ridge, are more space-efficient and ideal for minimal setups or LAN rigs, but they often only support mini-ITX or micro-ATX motherboards and have tighter thermal limits. This means you’ll need to be more deliberate with component selection to ensure proper fitment and cooling.
Ultimately, while function is key, don’t forget about form. Your PC’s case is the most visible part of your setup and a reflection of your personal taste. Whether you prefer a minimalist box, RGB-laden showpiece, or retro sleeper style, there are plenty of designs on the market. Just make sure your components fit and have room to breathe then feel free to let your style preferences guide the final pick.
Parts that are compatible
Hardware compatibility is one of the most important aspects of building a gaming PC. It’s easy to assume that any component will work with another, but the reality is more complex. For instance, not all motherboards support the same type of RAM, CPU socket, or storage interfaces. You might buy a CPU only to realize it doesn’t match your motherboard’s socket, or pick a case that can’t accommodate your graphics card or cooler. Mistakes like these can halt your build entirely, forcing frustrating returns and delays.
To avoid these headaches, it’s essential to double-check specifications for each component and ensure they all work together. Compatibility considerations extend beyond just size and shape—things like power requirements, RAM speed support, and expansion slot availability also matter.
Fortunately, you don’t have to do this all manually. Tools like PCPartPicker.com can help streamline the process. Its PC Builder tool cross-references your selected components and flags incompatibilities immediately, from mismatched RAM types to unsupported CPU sockets. In many cases, it even prevents you from choosing parts that don’t work together. If you’re new to building PCs or just want peace of mind, PCPartPicker is a must-use resource for planning a smooth and successful build.
CPU and motherboard compatibility issues
Although many motherboards are designed to support a wide range of CPUs, that flexibility has limits. The most critical factor in CPU compatibility is the socket type—this is the physical and electrical interface between the CPU and motherboard. For AMD users, the situation is fairly straightforward at first glance: most Ryzen processors from the first-generation Ryzen 1000 up to the Ryzen 5000 series use the AM4 socket. That means if you’re buying a Ryzen 5 5600X, for example, you’ll need a motherboard with an AM4 socket.
However, things become more complicated when you factor in BIOS versions. Not all AM4 motherboards support all AM4 CPUs out of the box. In fact, many boards split support across BIOS updates—older BIOS versions often support only older CPUs, while newer CPUs may require a BIOS update before they will work. This is particularly important if you’re building a PC from scratch, as you may need an older compatible CPU just to update the BIOS.
Meanwhile, AMD’s Ryzen 7000 and 9000 series make use of the AM5 socket, which is not backward compatible with AM4. If you’re planning to use the latest AMD processors, you’ll need a newer AM5 motherboard, and also DDR5 memory, since AM5 does not support DDR4. Always check the motherboard manufacturer’s website for a full list of supported CPUs and BIOS versions to avoid compatibility issues.
RAM compatibility issues
There are two main types of RAM available today, DDR4 and DDR5, and they are not interchangeable. The modules are keyed differently, which means you physically cannot insert DDR5 into a DDR4 slot or vice versa. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for first-time builders to overlook this and only realize they’ve purchased the wrong RAM type when they attempt to assemble their PC.
DDR4 has been the standard for several years and remains compatible with a wide range of older and even some current hardware. Specifically, AMD’s 300, 400, and 500 series motherboards only support DDR4 memory. On the Intel side, DDR4 is supported by 400 and 500 series boards, and also by select models in the 600 and 700 series. However, this is where things get tricky—some Intel 600 and 700 series motherboards support DDR4, while others support DDR5, and there’s no overlap. It’s crucial to confirm what your motherboard supports before purchasing any memory.
On the other hand, DDR5 is now the standard for the latest platforms. AMD’s AM5 platform, which includes 600 and 800 series motherboards, is DDR5-exclusive, marking a clear generational shift from AM4. Intel’s newest 800 series chipsets also rely solely on DDR5, although select 600 and 700 series boards may offer DDR5 compatibility as well. Because both Intel and AMD now support DDR5 across their flagship platforms, it’s increasingly becoming the more future-proof choice especially since DDR4 is gradually being phased out.
Even once you’ve selected the correct RAM type, compatibility doesn’t end there. Performance tuning features like Intel’s XMP or AMD’s EXPO depend on the RAM kit working well with your specific CPU and motherboard. Many memory kits are optimized for either Intel or AMD platforms, and while you can technically mix and match, doing so may lead to stability problems or even prevent the system from booting if settings are misconfigured. For the best results, always refer to your motherboard manufacturer’s qualified vendor list (QVL) to find RAM kits that have been validated for your system. This can save you significant troubleshooting time and ensure your build runs smoothly.
Power supply compatibility issues
Even if you’ve chosen a power supply that meets the wattage and efficiency recommendations for your build, it’s crucial not to overlook one key detail: the cables. Power supplies don’t just deliver electricity, they deliver it through specific connectors, and those connectors determine what components your PSU can actually support. This becomes especially important when dealing with modern GPUs, which can have very specific and demanding power requirements.
For instance, many high-end graphics cards now require two or even three 8-pin PCIe power connectors or the newer 12VHPWR/12V-2×6 connector found on Nvidia’s RTX 40-series and the latest RTX 50-series cards. If your PSU doesn’t have the correct number or type of PCIe connectors, your GPU simply won’t function, regardless of whether your PSU technically has enough wattage. Adapters can be used in some cases, but they’re not always recommended for long-term use, especially when pushing high power loads, as they can introduce reliability issues or even pose a safety risk if not properly installed.
Beyond the GPU, the rest of your system typically doesn’t demand as much in terms of power connector variety, but you still need to be mindful. SATA power connectors are used for 2.5-inch SSDs, 3.5-inch hard drives, fan hubs, and even RGB controllers in some setups. If you’re planning to use several SATA-based storage drives or other peripherals, make sure your PSU has enough SATA connectors, typically, a 650W or higher unit will include at least three to six, but it’s always worth double-checking the spec sheet.
If you’re building a PC with lots of drives, RGB gear, or fans, a modular or semi-modular PSU can be a big advantage. Modular power supplies allow you to connect only the cables you need, helping reduce clutter and improve airflow inside your case. They also make it easier to swap cables if you upgrade your hardware in the future or need more connectors. Additionally, modular PSUs often come with extra cables in the box, and some brands even sell additional cable kits separately.
Case compatibility and other clearance issues
Another important consideration is whether your case can actually accommodate all the components you plan to use. When shopping for PC parts online, it’s easy to misjudge the available space in a case. While it’s technically possible to run a gaming PC without a case, we strongly recommend using a proper one instead of resorting to something like a cardboard box.
Start by checking motherboard compatibility. Motherboards are built to standard sizes, and cases are designed accordingly. Most gaming motherboards come in one of three common form factors, from largest to smallest: ATX, mATX, and ITX. A case built for a specific motherboard size can usually also accommodate smaller sizes, for example, an ATX case can house mATX and ITX boards. However, you can’t fit an ATX motherboard into a case that only supports mATX or ITX.
You’ll also need to consider components like the GPU and CPU cooler. Most case manufacturers provide specs on what sizes and types of parts will fit, but it’s best to refer directly to the manufacturer’s website instead of relying on Amazon or Newegg listings, which are often inaccurate. In general, clearance issues only arise if you’re using large parts such as triple-fan GPUs, 360mm AIOs, oversized air coolers, or building in a compact ITX case.
Other components can also create clearance issues. Some RAM kits are tall enough to interfere with large CPU coolers, thus you might have to go with low-profile RAM sticks. If you’re adding extra fans to your case or cooler, be sure they’re the correct size. PCIe 4.0 SSDs with bulky heatsinks might not fit on the back of the motherboard and could conflict with a tall GPU. Just be sure to carefully measure and check specs to ensure all your components fit together without issue.
CPU cooler compatibility
When selecting a CPU cooler, it’s important to ensure that it’s compatible with the socket type of your processor. Each CPU socket, such as Intel’s LGA 1700 or AMD’s AM5, has specific mounting requirements, and not all coolers support every socket out of the box. Most cooler manufacturers include multiple brackets and mounting hardware to accommodate a wide range of sockets, and they typically list all supported platforms on their official websites or product packaging.
For recent generations of CPUs, this usually isn’t a major issue, especially with newer coolers that are designed to be broadly compatible. However, in some cases, particularly with older coolers or newer sockets, you may need to order a separate mounting kit. Some companies provide these kits for free upon request, while others may charge a small fee. It’s always a good idea to double-check compatibility before purchasing, and to factor in whether you plan to upgrade your CPU or motherboard in the near future. Taking a few extra minutes to verify supported sockets can save you from the hassle of last-minute returns or delays during your build.
The right tools for the job
You don’t really need any fancy tools or equipment to put a PC together, but if it’s your first time building a PC, you might not have the best tools for the job. Using tools that aren’t really suitable for building PCs, like screwdrivers that are meant for screws larger than you’d find in a desktop, can waste your time by being ineffective and could even cause damage to your build. Here’s a quick list of what you should get:
- Screwdriver kit for PCs or other electronics
- Zip ties or twist ties
- Anti-static wristband
- Thermal paste
For the typical PC, at minimum, you’ll need a variety of differently sized Phillips-head screwdrivers. While you likely own a Phillips screwdriver already, it’s most likely the medium-sized Phillips 1, which is simply too big to use on a PC. Instead, we recommend using a Phillips 0 screwdriver, which is found in most PC-oriented toolkits. The smaller 00 and 000 heads are also very useful, especially for smaller screws like the ones used for M.2 SSDs. Most kits will include all three.
This can be enough to assemble a PC, but we also recommend getting other things to improve the PC building experience: zip ties or twist ties for cable management, a PSU tester, and an anti-static wristband. Twist ties often come with most PC parts, but higher-quality zip ties are usually only included with mid-range to high-end PSUs. Mid-range to high-end PSUs will also often include a PSU tester, which basically tests whether or not your PSU is dead. A simple PSU tester only costs about $5 to $10, so it’s definitely worth it.
While you can build a PC without an anti-static wristband (and most do), wearing one is an easy way to avert the disaster of statically shocking your PC, which is unlikely but still possible. If you don’t want to wear one, then make sure you touch something that will discharge static electricity like the chassis if it’s metal or some other metallic object.
Thermal paste is not a tool per se, but we recommend buying a tube of it just in case you need it for the PC build or just down the road. Most CPU coolers come with a pre-applied layer of thermal paste, but it’s not always a guarantee. Even if your cooler does have thermal paste, there’s always the possibility you might screw up the installation and end up needing a fresh application. You might also want higher-quality thermal paste just for slightly better thermal performance. You can buy thermal paste for less than $10.
And that’s pretty much all you need to worry about until you actually start to build your PC. Before you do that, be sure to plan effectively and ensure your internal PC cable management enables maximum airflow.
