The Ultimate Gaming PC Build for 2020

Building your own PC is the only way to get exactly what you want. Prebuilt systems always cut corners to save costs, but you’re not interested in cutting corners. You want the latest, most powerful components that will deliver an immersive gaming experience. Over the next few paragraphs, we’ll go over exactly what components you need to build the ultimate gaming PC for 2020. From the CPU to the graphics card, memory to storage, case to cooling, we’ve got you covered. By the end of this article, you’ll have a parts list ready for the gaming PC of your dreams. The only question left will be what game to play first.

Choosing the Best CPU for Your Gaming PC

When building a gaming PC, the CPU is one of the most important components to consider. For the best performance, you’ll want to choose a processor specifically designed for gaming.

Intel vs AMD

The two top CPU manufacturers for gaming are Intel and AMD. Intel’s Core i5 and i7 CPUs are excellent for gaming, with the i7 being the most powerful. AMD’s Ryzen 5 and 7 chips are also great options, often at lower price points than Intel. For most gamers, an Intel i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 will work great.

Clock Speed and Cores

For gaming, higher clock speed and more cores are better. A CPU with a clock speed of at least 3.5 GHz and 6 cores is ideal. An 8-core CPU will give you even more power. The latest AMD Ryzen and Intel Core i7 CPUs have base speeds of 3.6 GHz or more and up to 8 cores.

Future-Proofing

If you want your gaming PC to last for several years without needing upgrades, choose a more powerful CPU. An Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 will give you better future-proofing than an i5 or Ryzen 5. As newer games are released, they will require more CPU resources – so more cores and higher clock speeds will help ensure your CPU doesn’t become a bottleneck.

Overclocking

For the ultimate gaming performance, consider overclocking your CPU. Overclocking pushes your CPU to higher speeds than stock settings, boosting your frame rates in games. Unlocked “K” Intel CPUs and AMD’s entire Ryzen line allow overclocking. But you’ll need an overclocking-enabled motherboard and CPU cooler to handle the extra heat. Overclocking does reduce CPU lifespan, so only do it if you’re technically inclined!

In the end, for the best gaming CPU in 2020, go with an Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9. Pair it with a powerful graphics card, and you’ll have a gaming PC that can handle anything.

Picking the Right Graphics Card for Optimal Gaming Performance

When it comes to gaming PCs, the graphics card is the heart of the system. It’s what translates all those millions of lines of code into the virtual worlds we love to get lost in. If you want a seamless gaming experience with high frame rates and graphics on ultra settings, you’ll need a powerful GPU.

Budget Gaming PC Builds for 2023

For the best performance in 2020, go with an NVIDIA RTX 2070 Super or better. The 2070 Super provides fantastic performance for most AAA titles at 1440p, with the option to utilize ray tracing and DLSS. If money is no object, the RTX 2080 Ti is currently the best graphics card for 4K gaming and virtual reality.

• Under $500: NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT. Great for 1080p gaming at 60fps.
• $500-$700: NVIDIA RTX 2070 Super. Amazing for 1440p and can do 4K.
• $700-$1200: NVIDIA RTX 2080 Super or AMD Radeon VII. High-end 4K and VR ready.
• Over $1200: NVIDIA RTX 2080 Ti. The ultimate 4K and VR gaming experience.

When shopping for a new graphics card, consider the resolution and refresh rate of your monitor, types of games you play, and how long you want the card to last before needing an upgrade. With the newest generation of GPUs offering advanced features like ray tracing and DLSS, now is an exciting time for PC gaming. The graphics card you choose will ultimately determine what virtual worlds you get to explore, so take your time and choose wisely. Your gaming experience depends on it!

Must-Have Gaming PC Components for the Ideal Build

To build the ultimate gaming PC, you need to carefully choose components that will give you the power and performance you need. Focus on these must-have parts for your ideal gaming build:

Graphics Card

The graphics card is one of the most important parts of a gaming PC. It handles all the visuals and graphics processing for your games. For high-performance gaming, choose an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super or better. More powerful cards like the 2080 Ti will give you smoother gameplay at higher resolutions and graphics settings.

Processor

You’ll want a fast, multicore processor, also known as a CPU. For gaming, an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor is ideal. These powerful chips can handle graphics-intensive games while running other applications in the background. More cores and a higher clock speed will provide better performance for gaming and streaming.

Memory

For your gaming PC to run well, you need enough random access memory or RAM. 16 gigabytes of DDR4 memory is good for most games. For the best performance, 32 gigabytes or more is recommended. The more memory your PC has, the more it can do at once without slowing down.

Storage

A solid-state drive or SSD for your main storage will make your gaming PC much faster. Choose at least a 500 gigabyte SSD for your operating system and games. You can add a larger mechanical hard drive for extra storage. An SSD has much faster read/write speeds than an HDD, so games and software will load quicker.

Power Supply

Don’t skimp on your power supply. Choose a high-quality unit from a reputable brand like Corsair, EVGA or Seasonic. For a high-end gaming build, get at least an 80+ Gold certified 650-watt PSU or higher. The power supply provides stable power to all your components, so it’s not an area you want to cut costs on.

With these core parts in place, you’ll be dominating the latest games in no time. Keep your drivers up to date, overclock for extra performance and you’ll have an incredible gaming machine. What are you waiting for? Start building your ultimate gaming PC today!

Building a Gaming PC on a Budget

Building a gaming PC on a budget is totally doable if you’re willing to make a few compromises. You don’t need the latest, greatest components to have a solid gaming rig. By choosing more affordable alternatives for some parts, you can build a capable gaming PC for under $700.

CPU

For the CPU, choose between an Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor. These budget-friendly chips can handle most games at medium to high settings. If your budget allows, an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 will give you even better performance for more demanding games.

Graphics Card

Consider an NVIDIA GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 580 graphics card. These mid-range cards can run modern games at 1080p with medium to high quality settings while still fitting into a $700 budget. For slightly better performance, choose an NVIDIA RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT.

Memory

For memory, 8-16 gigabytes of DDR4 RAM is a good start for any gaming PC. More memory means you can have more browser tabs open while gaming without performance issues.

Storage

Choose a solid-state drive for your operating system and a few of your favorite games. A 240-500 gigabyte SSD should work well. Then add a 1-2 terabyte hard disk drive for bulk storage of other games and media.

Motherboard

Select a compatible motherboard that will support your CPU and have enough slots for your memory, storage and graphics card. Micro ATX or mini-ITX motherboards take up less space and often cost less too.

By opting for mid-range components in key areas like the CPU, graphics card and memory, you can build a very capable gaming PC for under $700. Compromise where you can to stay within budget, then you can always upgrade individual parts in the future when you have more to spend. With a custom gaming PC, the possibilities for enhancements and optimizations over time are endless!

Optimizing Your Gaming PC Build for Top FPS

To get the highest FPS from your gaming PC build, there are a few optimizations you can make.

Upgrade Your Graphics Card

The graphics card is the heart of any gaming PC, so getting a powerful one is key. Aim for an RTX 2070 or higher. The RTX 2080 Ti is currently the best graphics card for 4K gaming and VR.

Get an SSD

Using a solid state drive (SSD) for your operating system and games will significantly decrease loading times versus a hard disk drive (HDD). Install your operating system and favorite games on an SSD, and use an HDD for storage.

Increase Your RAM

For the best gaming performance, 16GB of RAM is ideal, but 8GB will work for most games. More RAM allows you to have more browser tabs, apps, and background processes open while gaming without impacting performance.

Overclock Your CPU

If you have an unlocked Intel K-series or AMD Ryzen processor, overclocking your CPU can provide extra performance for CPU-intensive games. Overclocking does come with risks like reduced stability and part lifespan, so do thorough research on safe overclocking speeds for your specific processor before attempting to overclock.

Keep Your Drivers Updated

Update your graphics card drivers, motherboard BIOS, and other hardware drivers regularly to ensure maximum compatibility and performance with the latest games. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause performance issues or bugs.

Turn Off Visual Effects

Disabling visual effects like animations and transparencies in your operating system can slightly improve gaming performance. In Windows, you can turn off visual effects by going to Control Panel → System → Advanced system settings → Performance Settings → Visual Effects.

Optimizing your gaming PC build by upgrading key components, overclocking, updating drivers and turning off visual effects can help significantly boost your frame rates and overall gaming experience. Focus on the graphics card, RAM, and storage first before overclocking for the biggest performance gains.

Conclusion

So there you have it, your complete guide to building an absolute beast of a gaming PC for 2020 and beyond. With this powerhouse setup, you’ll be dominating the latest graphically demanding games for years to come. The high-end components we recommended will provide an incredibly immersive experience and allow you to crank those in-game graphics settings all the way up. While the total cost of the build may seem steep, when you consider the performance and longevity it provides, we think the investment is well worth it for any serious PC gamer. What are you waiting for? Go grab those parts and get to building your dream gaming rig. You can thank us later!

FAQs

What is a gaming PC, and how is it different from a regular computer?

A gaming PC is a computer optimized for playing video games. It typically has more powerful hardware components such as a faster processor and better graphics card than a regular computer.

What are the key components of a gaming PC?

The key components include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), storage (HDD or SSD), power supply, and a motherboard. Gaming peripherals like a gaming keyboard and mouse can also be considered.

How much should I spend on a gaming PC?

The price of a gaming PC can vary widely depending on your gaming needs. Entry-level gaming PCs can start around $500, while high-end gaming rigs can cost several thousand dollars. It’s important to set a budget based on your gaming requirements.

Do I need a gaming monitor for a gaming PC?

While a gaming monitor can enhance your gaming experience, it’s not strictly necessary. You can use a regular monitor, but a gaming monitor with features like high refresh rates and low response times can provide smoother gameplay.

What is the importance of graphics cards in gaming PCs?

Graphics cards (GPUs) are crucial for rendering high-quality graphics in games. A more powerful GPU can run games at higher resolutions and frame rates, resulting in a better gaming experience.

How often should I upgrade my gaming PC?

The frequency of upgrades depends on your specific needs and budget. On average, gamers may consider upgrading every 2-4 years to keep up with the latest games and technology.

Can I build my own gaming PC, or should I buy a pre-built one?

You can do either, depending on your technical expertise and preferences. Building your own PC can be cost-effective and allows for customization, but pre-built PCs are convenient and come with warranties.

What is overclocking, and is it safe for gaming PCs?

Overclocking is the process of increasing a component’s clock speed to achieve better performance. It can be safe if done correctly, but it may void warranties and can lead to overheating if not managed properly.

What are some popular gaming PC brands and manufacturers?

Popular gaming PC brands include Alienware, ASUS ROG, MSI, Acer Predator, HP Omen, and CyberPowerPC. However, there are many reputable custom PC builders as well.

Do I need a gaming headset for a gaming PC, or are speakers sufficient?

While speakers can work, a gaming headset is recommended for better immersion and communication in multiplayer games. Gaming headsets often have built-in microphones and surround sound features.

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