Getting that sweet new gaming rig up and running is easier than you think! Chances are you either just finished putting together your very first DIY gaming PC or are busy planning one out. Well, let me be the first to say congrats! Building your own machine is so rewarding and will save you plenty of cash versus a pre-built one.
As a dedicated PC gamer myself, I still remember the adrenaline rushing through me the first time I pressed that power button after hours of assembly. But don’t sweat it – getting all the necessary software and accessories installed is a piece of cake if you follow the steps in this guide. By the time you finish, you’ll have a battlestation that’ll crush the competition without breaking a sweat.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know to dominate from the get-go. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive in!
Installing Your Operating System (OS)
The first major step in a gaming PC set-up is getting your operating system installed. For gaming, Windows 10 is really your best choice, as it has great optimisation for games compared to macOS or Linux. Download the installation media (USB drive or disc) from Microsoft’s website. Restart your PC and boot from the install media to begin. Follow the on-screen prompts to install Windows on your primary SSD or HDD.
Setting Up Drivers And Software
Now that your OS is installed, it’s time to set up all the crucial drivers and programmes. Go to your motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest chipset, audio, network, and other drivers. Install any graphics card drivers from the manufacturer’s site as well. Next, install common applications like a browser, discord, Steam, etc. Antivirus software is also recommended for security.
Customising Your Settings
With the gaming PC set-up drivers handled, you can now fine-tune Windows. I recommend changing a few settings for better performance: turn off visual effects, disable unneeded startup programmes and services, and tweak power options for better battery life on laptops. Personalise your desktop with a cool wallpaper too.
Peripherals And Accessories
One of the most important aspects of any gaming PC set-up is your peripherals—the devices you directly interact with, like your monitor, mouse, keyboard and headset. Having high-quality peripherals that suit your needs and playstyle is essential for maximising your experience. Let’s dive into some key options to consider.
Screen Size
When it comes to monitors, the bigger the better is usually the way to go for gaming. A 27″ screen with QHD or 1440p resolution at 144 Hz or a higher refresh rate provides an incredibly immersive experience. This allows you to enjoy detailed visuals while also taking advantage of your powerful graphics card’s high framerates. Make sure to use a DisplayPort cable for the fastest throughput. For the ultimate screen, consider an ultrawide monitor with an ultra-wide aspect ratio of 21:9 or 32:9 for a true surround experience.
Input Devices
For gaming PC set-up input devices, a lightweight gaming mouse with customizable buttons and a responsive sensor is preferable. Popular brands include Logitech, Razer, and SteelSeries. Consider an ergonomic mouse designed specifically for long gaming sessions. For keyboards, mechanical switches provide satisfying tactile feedback, ideal for gaming or content creation work. RGB backlighting is also a fun way to customise lighting profiles. Some high-end keyboards even have dedicated macro keys for complex inputs.
Headset
Audio is hugely important too; you’ll want clear positioning of enemies thanks to surround sound. A good gaming headset with large drivers delivers rich acoustics, whether open-back or closed. Wireless options are handy for avoiding cord tangles, too. Don’t forget a microphone (detachable or not) for engaging with teammates. External speaker systems or soundbars paired with subwoofers bring incredible immersion as well.
Gaming Chair
Comfort is just as crucial when battling foes for hours on end. An ergonomic gaming chair with adjustable armrests, lumbar support and recline lets you relax in style. Wrist pads prevent fatigue for intense keyboard or mouse sessions. External RGB strips or nanoleaf panels add ambient lighting, while desk mats protect surfaces from dirt and spills. Monitor mounts free up surface space, while dual monitor arms let you neatly position two screens.
Ports
Additional gaming PC set-up peripherals include USB hubs for easy access to extra ports without daisy-chaining, headphone stands to keep cans off the desk, USB mics for clearer communications than onboard audio, and controllers for couch co-op games or platformers. Having the right setup of peripherals tailored to your preferences ensures you can stay focused on epic adventures without physical distractions detracting from the fun.
Taking Care Of Your New Pc
Now that you’ve completed building your top-notch gaming rig, it’s important to keep it running at peak performance for many gaming sessions to come.
- Proper maintenance and care are key to extending the lifespan of your precious components.
- Start with regular cleaning to remove dust buildup.
- I recommend using compressed air to blow out heatsinks, fans and other hard-to-reach areas every 1-2 weeks.
- A soft brush can also dislodge stubborn particles.
- Make sure your case filters are spotless to maximise airflow. This prevents overheating from restricted ventilation over time.
- Monitor temperatures with hardware monitoring software too.
- Check CPU and GPU temperatures under load; high readings may indicate inadequate cooling and need attention.
- Consider re-applying fresh thermal paste between the CPU and cooler every 1-2 years.
- Backup your important files to external hard drives, cloud services or Blu-ray discs regularly.
- A catastrophic drive failure or virus could wipe out years of memories and work in an instant otherwise. Keep backups updated to protect irreplaceable data.
Test your gaming PC set-up power supply’s outlets, cables and connections every 6 months for signs of wear. Replace worn or damaged cords ASAP. An extended warranty for parts can offer peace of mind against failures outside your control.
Enjoying Your First Games
With everything installed and configured, it’s time for the main event—gaming! Download some free-to-play titles or your favourite paid games from digital platforms. Update games regularly for bug fixes. You will be astounded by the state-of-the-art graphics and seamless responsiveness when compared to consoles with a powerful gaming setup. Invite friends over for LAN parties too.
Conclusion
And with that, you’re all set to embark on a journey of awesome PC gaming experiences! Be sure to join online communities to chat with fellow rig builders. Upgrading pieces over time, like adding more RAM or a faster SSD, is also part of the hobby. Happy gaming, and we hope this guide helped you get started on the right foot.