{"id":28564,"date":"2023-04-28T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-28T09:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/?p=28564"},"modified":"2026-05-11T10:42:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T09:42:49","slug":"overclockers-uk-ultimate-pc-building-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/overclockers-uk-ultimate-pc-building-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Overclockers UK Ultimate PC Building Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Building your own gaming PC can be a daunting prospect. Step in Overclockers UK<\/a>. We\u2019ve put together this extensive guide, complete with further reading and an FAQ, just for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Overclockers<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Build Your Own PC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many things to consider when building your own gaming PC. You need to decide on the perfect hardware for your needs. These then need to be compatible and work cohesively together. In addition to this, a stylish PC case is a must<\/em>, but it also has to be large enough to handle all your chosen hardware. Then there\u2019s the more advanced stuff like water-cooling, modding, add-ons \u2013 it\u2019s enough to trigger the anxiety and send you running for the hills. But take a deep breath, this ever-updating DIY PC hub is going to answer all your questions and more. Plus, if it doesn\u2019t answer your questions, let us know and we will endeavour to fill those blanks for you. So, stock up on snacks, because we have a lot of ground to cover! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Build Your Own PC?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First of all, we think it\u2019s important to know why<\/em> you should build your own gaming PC. It\u2019s more than just the bragging rights, we swear. When crafting a gaming PC, you can engineer it to your own specific needs, budget, and gameplay style. If you\u2019re big on farming sims<\/a> and little else, then an overclocked Intel Core Ultra 9 or AMD Ryzen 9 is going to be a little bit overkill. (Don\u2019t worry, I\u2019m calling out my own gaming habits<\/a> here.) Alternatively, if you\u2019re a streaming superstar<\/a>, sharing AAA gameplay in 4K<\/a> with your beloved audience, then elite-tier hardware is going to be your go-to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We each require something a little bit different from our gaming PCs, so building your own is the best way to perfect your specification. It ensures you get exactly what you need, without all the extra fluff! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What do You Need to Build a Gaming PC? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve covered why, now it\u2019s what<\/em>. What do you need to build a gaming PC? This is where the overwhelming diversity in form factors, generational tech, and brands can get a little much. Because there is literally so much to choose from. The Overclockers UK website, alone, has thousands<\/em> of products to peruse and we specialise in gaming hardware. Imagine if we sold everything! Cue the fainting cartoon gifs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To keep things simple for a hot second, there are seven<\/strong> must-have components that you need to craft a gaming PC. These are a motherboard<\/strong>, processor (CPU)<\/strong>, memory (RAM)<\/strong>, graphics card (GPU)<\/strong>, storage<\/strong>, power supply unit (PSU)<\/strong>, and a PC case<\/strong> to keep it all in. You will also need a cooling system, but we\u2019ll cover that later! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It could be argued that a graphics card is not 100% essential, as many CPUs include integrated graphics, but we\u2019re operating on the assumption that this is a gaming PC you\u2019re building. A dedicated GPU is always better when a PC\u2019s primary function is gaming. This is also true for content creators and streamers. Before you say anything, we know PC case is technically not a component, but you do absolutely need one for building a computer. Unless you have the mad skills to make one out of Lego, then who I am to stop you? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tangents aside, these seven pieces of kit are essential for building a gaming PC. But this is where it gets a little trickier. You need to ensure these components are compatible and will all fit inside your case. If you buy a motherboard with an Intel chipset but buy an AMD Ryzen 7000 Series CPU<\/a>, you\u2019re going to run into problems. Equally, an E-ATX motherboard is not going to fit inside a Mini-ITX PC case. Therefore, when you’re buying the individual components, you need to think of the gaming PC as a whole, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Overclockers
OcUK PC Speed Build Challenge at Epic Lan 36<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Core Components<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

To help with that, let\u2019s go over each of these must-haves in a little more detail. We\u2019ll be talking about the latest generations of hardware and popular previous editions that are still available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Motherboard<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This is the foundation for your gaming PC. All the other hardware connects and interfaces through it. No mobo, no function. Motherboards are primed to work with one brand of processor. If you want an Intel Core Ultra processor, you need a motherboard equipped with an Intel chipset <\/strong>and socket<\/strong>. Which chipset and socket is then determined by the generation of processor you want. For example, if you wanted an Intel Core Ultra 200 CPU<\/a>, you\u2019d need a motherboard with an 800 Series chipset and LGA 1851 socket. Thankfully, motherboard product and manufacturer pages usually detail which processors are compatible. Here is a handy table to give you a quick overview: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Socket<\/th>Chipsets<\/th>Compatibility<\/th>Generation(s)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
LGA 1851<\/td>B860
Z890<\/td>		Intel<\/td>Core Ultra 200<\/td><\/tr>
LGA 1700<\/td>B660
Z690
B760
Z790<\/td>		Intel<\/td>12th Gen (Alder Lake)
13th Gen (Raptor Lake)
14th Gen (Raptor Lake-S)<\/td><\/tr>
AM5<\/td>B560
X670<\/td>		AMD<\/td>Ryzen 7000
Ryzen 8000
Ryzen 9000<\/td><\/tr>
FCLGA 4677<\/td>W790<\/td>Intel<\/td>Xeon W (Sapphire Rapids)<\/td><\/tr>
sTR5<\/td>TRX50
WRX90<\/td>		AMD<\/td>Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7000 WX
Ryzen Threadripper 7000<\/td><\/tr>
LGA 1200<\/td>Z490
H510
B560
Z590<\/td>		Intel<\/td>10th Gen (Comet Lake)
11th Gen (Tiger Lake)<\/td><\/tr>
AM4<\/td>A520
B550
X570<\/td>		AMD<\/td>Ryzen 3000
Ryzen 5000<\/td><\/tr>
LGA 2066<\/td>X299<\/td>Intel<\/td>X-Series<\/td><\/tr>
sTRX4<\/td>TRX40<\/td>AMD<\/td>Ryzen Threadripper 5000WX<\/td><\/tr>
LGA 1151<\/td>H170
B150<\/td>		Intel<\/td>6th Gen (Skylake)
7th Gen (Kaby Lake)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\"The<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The Ultimate Guide to Motherboard and CPU Compatibility<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve put together a comprehensive guide on motherboard and CPU compatibility. This article details matching the right brands, the socket<\/a>, processor generations, and chipsets, helping you to find the right combination of hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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CPU<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The CPU, otherwise known as the central processing unit, is the brain of your gaming PC. It controls all the things. Utilising a combination of cores and threads, your workload, games, and applications are intelligently managed, keeping your PC running smoothly and efficiently. There are two main brands to choose from: Intel<\/strong> or AMD<\/strong>. This choice will definitely dictate which motherboard you can use, but may also influence the memory solution. Both the Intel Core \/ Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen Series feature processors that are built for different needs and budgets. The smaller numbers are for entry-level and budget gamers, whereas the big numbers are about elite-tier performance with matching price tags. Check out this table for more details. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tier<\/th>Intel<\/th>AMD<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Entry-level<\/td>Core i3 \/ i5
Core Ultra 5<\/td>		Ryzen 5<\/td><\/tr>
Mainstream Gaming<\/td>Core i5 \/ i7
Core Ultra 5 \/ 7<\/td>		Ryzen 7<\/td><\/tr>
Elite<\/td>Core i9
Core Ultra 9<\/td>		Ryzen 9<\/td><\/tr>
Professional<\/td>X-Series
Xeon W-Series<\/td>		Ryzen Threadripper<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

RAM:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The RAM, or Random Access Memory, is your gaming PC\u2019s short-term memory. This is where cache information is kept. Therefore, you need lightning-fast memory solutions with substantial capacities to keep everything running smoothly. Typically, 16GB to 32GB <\/strong>is ideal for gaming<\/a>, whereas bumping up to 64GB or even 128GB and beyond<\/strong> is better for heavy-duty content creation and digital rendering. General rule of thumb: the more intensive your workload, the more RAM you\u2019ll need. Currently, we use two standards of memory, DDR4 and DDR5<\/a>. The latter is the latest standard which will eventually replace the former, but plenty of hardware is still utilising DDR4. If your budget is a little tighter, then opting for DDR4 is a good way to save without sacrificing performance. Also, be sure to check which standards your motherboard supports and which your RAM modules are \u2013 they need to match! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>DOCP vs XMP Showdown: Unlocking RAM Performance<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

One other thing to consider when purchasing RAM is overclocking. If you\u2019re using an AMD Ryzen 7000\/8000\/9000-based build, then look for modules with AMD EXPO.<\/a> It allows you to easily overclock your RAM. For most other RAM kits, you can use either Intel XMP or DOCP for fine-tuning your memory\u2019s performance. Check out our dedicated blog to learn more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Graphics:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Getting to the juicy stuff \u2013 your graphics card. Also known as a GPU, this is the piece of kit that renders your games, creative applications, and images. The major players are NVIDIA<\/strong> and AMD<\/strong>, but Intel<\/strong> has their own line of GPUs, too. Each is equipped with technologies to optimise gameplay, so that you can play at high resolutions and frame rates. It\u2019s all about that immersive gaming. Fan favourites are real time ray tracing, which accurately replicates realistic light patterns, and upscaling technologies<\/a> which improve resolutions (DLSS for NVIDIA, FSR for AMD, and XeSS for Intel). Whether you opt for an NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel graphics card isn\u2019t going to have a major impact on the rest of your hardware, save for getting a PC case big enough to house them. (Those RTX 4090s are chonky bois!) It\u2019s entirely down to your preference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does need to be considered, much like with CPUs, is the performance you need from your GPU and the budget you have to play with. The following table details how each brand tiers their graphics cards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tier<\/th>NVIDIA<\/th>AMD<\/th>Intel<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Entry Level<\/td>RTX 3050 \/ 3050 Ti \/ 3060
RTX 4050 \/ 4060
RTX 5060<\/td>		RX 6500 <\/td>A310 \/ A380<\/td><\/tr>
Mainstream<\/td>RTX 3060 Ti \/ 3070 \/ 3070 Ti
RTX 4060 Ti \/ 4070 \/ 4070 Super \/ 4070 Ti
RTX 5060 Ti \/ 5070 \/ 5070 Ti<\/td>		RX 6600 \/ 6650 XT \/ 6700 \/ 6700 XT \/ 6750 XT
RX 7600 \/ 7600 XT \/ 7700 XT
RX 9070 \/ 9070 XT<\/td>		A750
B570<\/td><\/tr>
Elite<\/td>RTX 3080 \/ 3080 Ti
RTX 4070 Ti Super \/ 4080 \/ 4080 Super
RTX 5080<\/td>		RX 6800 \/ 6800 XT
RX 7800 XT<\/td>		A770
B580<\/td><\/tr>
Flagship<\/td>RTX 3090 \/ 3090 Ti
RTX 4090
RTX 5090<\/td>		RX 6900 XT \/ 6950 XT
RX 7900 GRE \/ 7900 XT \/ 7900 XTX<\/td>		A770<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Storage:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Now you need somewhere to store all your games, files, and even your operating system. There are two main types of storage drives, the traditional hard disk drive (HDD)<\/strong> and newer solid state drive (SSD)<\/strong>. HDDs generally have high capacities for lower price points, as they are a well-established technology. However, with their moving parts and slower read\/write speeds<\/strong>, they aren\u2019t great for storing programs. That said, their high multi-terabyte capacities make them ideal for storing files, media, photos, and more. SSDs utilise faster NAND technology with integrated memory chips, so they are less likely to get damaged and corrupt your files whilst providing lightning-fast read and write speeds. This makes them great for storing games, applications, and operating systems, letting you take full advantage of reduced loading and boot times. The drawback here is they are still relatively new and much more expensive per byte. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will only improve with time, but your budget, for now, may require a combination of drives. We personally recommend opting for both drives. Use the SSD for the operating system, plus any programs or games you access regularly. The HDD should then be used to hold your expansive media library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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OcUK\u2019s Guide to Storage: How to Best Use HDDs and SSDs <\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve crafted a whole guide that goes into greater detail about how to best use your HDDs and SSDs. Complete with comparing PCIe generations, explaining key terms, and whether your storage solution needs cooling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Power:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Of course, the most important part of your gaming PC isn\u2019t the glamorous graphics card or processing powerhouse CPU. It\u2019s the PSU, or power supply unit, for without it, nothing will turn on. The PSU you choose will depend on your PC case size, the power demands of your hardware, and what generation of tech you are using. Standard PC cases are generally compatible with ATX <\/strong>form factor power supplies, whereas SFF (small form factor) cases accommodate SFX <\/strong>or SFX-L<\/strong> PSUs. There is some wiggle room on that, and the PC case product or manufacturer page will state which size power supply they can host. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, power demands. The more power hungry your hardware, the higher the wattage needs to be. The general rule of thumb when working out what wattage you need is to work out how much power your components use and then double it. That way you have headroom for overclocking and upgrades. Our helpful wattage calculator<\/a> can figure it all out for you. What\u2019s more, you need to make sure your PSU has the right connectors. For example, the NVIDIA RTX 40 Series GPUs need a dedicated 12VHPWR<\/strong><\/a> cable or adapter<\/strong>. It\u2019s recommended you opt for an ATX 3.0<\/strong> power supply, which you can read about here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, power supply units are rated by efficiency. This is the 80 PLUS certification<\/a>, stating how efficient the PSU is at half-load. 80% is the minimum efficiency to earn this rating, hence 80 PLUS<\/em>. The PSU\u2019s 80 PLUS rating will easily be identifiable on the product or manufacturer page. Each rating has a corresponding metal; the more precious, the better the efficiency. For example, a Bronze rating means the PSU is 85% efficient at half load, whereas a Platinum rating is 90% at half load. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Your Guide to PSUs<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

To learn more about 80 PLUS ratings, form factors, and wattages of power supplies, you can check out our dedicated guide to all things PSUs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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PC Case:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The last essential is your PC case. A large deciding factor for your case will be an aesthetic one \u2013 do you want it to be white<\/a>? With a tempered glass panel? Integrated RGB<\/a>? All important decisions. But the first choice should always be the size or form factor. All the common sizes offer a variety of colours, accessories, and features, so you\u2019re never not going to be spoiled for choice. The common form factors are Mini-ITX<\/strong>, Micro-ATX<\/strong>, ATX <\/strong>or mid-tower<\/strong>, and full tower<\/strong>. You can also get cube and specialist cases. Just be mindful when choosing a case, and make sure that it will accommodate all of your hardware. For example, a Mini-ITX case won’t house larger components such as an ATX motherboard. It\u2019s super important to do your research before diving straight in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you need any help at all picking out your hardware, our dedicated team of friendly experts is here for you. Call them on 01782 444 455<\/strong> or click the link below to our online portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Help Desk<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Motherboards<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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CPUs<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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RAM<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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GPUs<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Storage<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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PSUs<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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PC Cases<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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A Beginner\u2019s Guide to Gaming PC Specs<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you are a beginner in the world of PC gaming and still unsure what you need, we\u2019ve put together this complete guide. It will take you through the sort of specs you need and why you should pick certain hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Advanced Components<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

But wait, there\u2019s even more. Take a quick sip and a breather, then we\u2019ll head onto cooling, add-ons, and operating systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cooling:<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

First of all, I would like to stress that cooling is essential<\/strong>. It only falls into the advanced section because different gaming PCs will call for different degrees of cooling performance. If your gaming PC\u2019s workload is going to be light, then air-cooling will suffice, whereas a hench powerhouse will need a fully custom water-cooling loop<\/a>. Mainstream gaming will fall somewhere in the middle with all-in-one (AIO) water-cooling solutions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Air vs Water Cooling: What’s the Difference?<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Cooling in itself can be a rabbit hole to fall down, but we have a nifty guide that details where and when each can be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Operating System:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The operating system, or OS, is the interface you use to control your PC. Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux are all popular operating systems. Windows is the most commonly used on gaming PCs, with Windows 11<\/a> being the current standard, though Windows 10 is still widely used.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Windows 11 vs Windows 10<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about the innovations that come with Windows 11 with our dedicated article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Add-ons:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Add-ons cover a wide range of accessories, that goes from case modding<\/a> to sound cards, drive cages to capture cards, and beyond<\/a>! These additions entirely depend on what you want from your gaming PC. Taking the capture card for example, they are a helpful tool for streamers but would offer no benefit to someone who does not live stream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Overclockers UK’s Ultimate Collection of Streaming Guides<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you are building a gaming PC to support your streaming career, then take a look at our streaming hub. We have guides for hardware, software, and even how to present yourself on stream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shop Streaming<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Water Cooling<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Raijintek<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Air Cooling<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Software<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Tools of the Trade <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whilst many PC cases boast a \u201ctool-less\u201d design, we cannot put our gaming PCs together with our bare hands. Tools are required. Most commonly needed are the following tools: <\/p>\n\n\n\n