Building your dream PC can be an exciting task, and it’s no secret that it can get quite expensive. The good news is that you can build the ultimate gaming rig without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best shops in the UK for buying components for your dream PC. We’ll dive deep into each component such as CPU, GPU, RAM, motherboard etc. In addition, we’ll give a comprehensive guide on how to build a budget-friendly gaming rig, without compromising on performance.
Table of Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Choosing the right components
i. CPU
ii. GPU
iii. RAM
iv. Motherboard
v. Storage
vi. Power Supply
vii. Case
3. Best shops in the UK for buying components
i. Overclockers UK
ii. CCL Computers
iii. Box.co.uk
iv. Scan Computers
v. Ebuyer
4. Building a budget-friendly PC
i. Tips for building on a budget
ii. Selecting the right parts
iii. Assembly
5. Conclusion
6. FAQ
Choosing the Right Components
When it comes to building the ultimate gaming rig, it is critical to choose the right components. Here are some of the core components that you should consider:
CPU
The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of your PC. It’s responsible for executing instructions and controlling the overall performance of your system. Intel and AMD are the two go-to brands for CPUs in the market. For building a budget-friendly gaming PC, AMD’s Ryzen 3 2200g or Ryzen 5 2400g, and Intel’s Core i3-8100 or Core i5-8400 are some of the most popular options.
GPU
The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is responsible for rendering images and videos that are displayed on your monitor. NVIDIA and AMD are two of the most popular brands for GPUs. For budget builds, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, AMD Radeon RX 580, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB are great options.
RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is the component that allows your computer to run multiple programs at once smoothly. For budget builds, 8 GB DDR4 RAM with a frequency of 2666MHz is adequate.
Motherboard
The motherboard is what brings all of your components together. It’s essential to choose a motherboard that’s compatible with your CPU and GPU. For budget builds, the MSI B450M PRO-VDH or ASRock AB350M Pro4 are good options.
Storage
There are two types of storage for computers; Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and Solid State Drives (SSDs). HDDs are slower but offer more storage, while SSDs are faster but cost more. For budget builds, a combination of an SSD (120GB/240GB) for the operating system and an HDD (1TB) for storage is the best option.
Power Supply
The power supply unit (PSU) is responsible for providing power to the components inside your PC. It’s important to choose a PSU that provides enough power and is efficient. For budget builds, 450W or 550W gold-rated PSUs are good options.
Case
The computer case is what holds all of your components together. It’s important to choose a case that’s compatible with your motherboard and has enough space for all of your components. For budget builds, the Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L or Fractal Design Focus G are good options.
Best Shops in the UK for Buying Components
Now that you know what components you need for your budget build, it’s time to look at the best shops in the UK for buying components.
1. Overclockers UK
Overclockers UK is one of the most popular shops in the UK for building a gaming PC. They have a wide range of components from the leading brands, and their prices are highly competitive. They also offer same-day shipping, making it convenient for those who need their components quickly.
2. CCL Computers
CCL Computers is another go-to shop for PC builders. They offer a wide range of components, from entry-level to high-end. They have a great website that’s easy to navigate, making it easy to find the components you need. Moreover, they offer free delivery on orders over £50.
3. Box.co.uk
Box.co.uk is known for its extensive range of components from various brands, including ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte, among others. They have a price match promise, making them an affordable option for budget builds. Their customer service is also top-notch, and delivery is typically within 2-3 working days.
4. Scan Computers
Scan Computers is known for its excellent customer service and competitive prices. They have a wide range of components from all the leading brands. They offer same-day delivery, making it the ideal option for those who need to build a gaming PC quickly.
5. Ebuyer
Ebuyer is another great option for building your dream PC on a budget. They offer a wide range of components, and their website is easy to use. One of Ebuyer’s main advantages is their free delivery on orders over £49.98. However, their delivery time can be longer than some of the other options mentioned.
Building a Budget-Friendly PC
Building a budget-friendly gaming PC requires careful consideration of the components you choose. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Tips for Building on a Budget
1. Set a budget. Knowing how much you can afford to spend will help you prioritize which components you need the most.
2. Research the components you need. Look at the reviews and benchmarks to ensure that the components are reliable and offer excellent performance.
3. Buy the components on sale. Many online shops offer discounts on components throughout the year, so keep an eye out for deals.
Selecting the Right Parts
When you’re building a PC on a budget, it’s important to prioritize the components that will have the most impact on performance. Here’s a rough guide for what you should prioritize:
1. CPU – AMD Ryzen 3 2200g or 5 2400g, Intel Core i3-8100 or Core i5-8400.
2. GPU – NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, AMD Radeon RX 580, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB.
3. RAM – 8GB DDR4 (2666MHz).
4. Storage – 120GB/240GB SSD for the operating system, 1TB HDD for storage.
5. PSU – 450W or 550W gold-rated PSUs.
6. Case – Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L or Fractal Design Focus G.
Assembly
Once you have all of your components, it’s time to assemble your PC. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Install the power supply unit (PSU) in the case.
2. Install the motherboard standoffs.
3. Install the motherboard.
4. Install the CPU and CPU cooler.
5. Install the RAM.
6. Install the graphics card.
7. Install the storage components (SSD and HDD).
8. Connect the cables to the motherboard, PSU, and components.
9. Power on the PC.
10. Install the operating system.
Conclusion
Building a budget-friendly gaming PC can seem daunting, but with the right components and careful planning, it’s easy to do. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can build the ultimate gaming rig, without breaking the bank. When it comes to shopping for components, Overclockers UK, CCL Computers, Box.co.uk, Scan Computers, and Ebuyer are all excellent options.
FAQ
Q. What is the most important component in a gaming PC?
A. The most important component in a gaming PC is the CPU. It’s responsible for executing instructions and controlling the overall performance of your system.
Q. How much RAM do I need for a gaming PC?
A. 8 GB DDR4 RAM with a frequency of 2666MHz is adequate for most gaming PCs.
Q. Do I need a separate GPU for a gaming PC?
A. Yes, a separate GPU is necessary for a gaming PC. Integrated graphics are not powerful enough to run games smoothly.
Q. What is the best brand for gaming components?
A. The best brands for gaming components are AMD, Intel, NVIDIA, and AMD.
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