Most gamers have built or considered building a gaming computer system. While this is an exciting endeavor for most, the actual process can be challenging, thanks to the vast amount of misinformation online. Before you build your first PC, it’s important to tell the facts from hearsay.

Myth 1: Gaming PC builds are complicated

While building your own PC may seem like a complicated process for a first-timer, it’s not. Building a PCs is like everything else. If you are operating with the right information, the process seizes to be complicated.

A quick glance at computer “internals” may look like a complicated mess with countless wires and spinning parts. However, most computers have the same parts. Understanding the basics (components and their positioning) makes the entire process less complicated. Building a gaming computer can be as simple as replacing basic parts with better ones. However, you must understand the basics first!

Myth 2: You need special equipment to build a gaming PC

While your favorite YouTube influencer may have fancy tool kits for their PC rebuild videos, you don’t really need much. A basic head screwdriver and some cable ties can get the job done. There’s no need to buy an entire set of bit screwdrivers and fancy mod mats. You won’t need all that.

It’s more about having the right components to start with and assembling them together. Most components can be installed using a basic screwdriver. Some cable ties are important to avoid a wiring mess. You also need to watch out for static electricity to avoid damaging your components.

Myth 3: It’s challenging to select compatible components

Building a computer isn’t hard if your build involves updating hardware. Most new parts out there will be compatible with other new and old parts. There are also online resources offering compatibility checks. While you may be confused by technical jargon, there are ways to simplify your decision when selecting parts.

Focus more on potential bottlenecks common when using weak CPUs with new GPUs. Slow CPUs compromise GPU performance (underutilize GPU processing power).

Myth 4: Pair parts from the same company for ultimate video game performance

Most companies will market new products alongside existing products. However, this doesn’t mean pairing those products offers the best performance. You can mix PC parts from many different manufacturers and get better performance than when pairing parts from the same company.

This myth is a common marketing strategy since it helps computer parts manufacturers optimize the use of their current marketed hardware. You should be guided by your workload as opposed to matching brands. Some games may work best with certain GPUs since API’s are fully optimized for those GPUs. If you are building a PC to be used for other applications like video editing, mixing parts i.e., a Ryzen 3950x processor and RTX Quadro graphics card, won’t compromise performance.

Myth 5: High wattage is bad

There’s a misconception that high wattage power supply units tend to damage system components. This isn’t true! Many novice gamers building their first personal computer buy just enough PSU for their build-out of fear of supplying more electricity than required to different parts and damaging them in the process.

The truth is – power supply units supply power per a component’s needs. Additional power can’t be sent forcefully to components, so it doesn’t hurt to get a high-wattage PSU, just in case you upgrade components in the future, and they need more power. You should focus on quality PSUs instead. Avoid cheap units as well as those that come with very little to no information. Poorly built units are usually to blame for this myth. Instead, buy 80+ standard/bronze efficiency-rated units that have enough wattage for your current components and leftover just in case you upgrade components in the future.

Myth 6: More RAM = Increased PC performance

Novice PC gamers may be tempted to go for more RAM to boost performance. This shouldn’t be the case. Adding RAM won’t make your PC at par with some of the fastest PCs today. More RAM should only be considered if your workload is being limited solely by low RAM. Otherwise, you’ll need to go beyond getting more RAM to boost performance.

Myth 7: More Cores translate to a faster PC

Like RAM, cores aren’t the most/only important thing. Cores are separate execution units allowing computers to run many different programs simultaneously. However, having more cores in isolation doesn’t help much. Single-threaded applications can’t run more than one core simultaneously. So, it doesn’t really matter how many cores you have. As a result, a faster 4-core CPU will be faster than a slow 8-core CPU. Most single-threaded applications won’t take advantage of additional cores. A quad-core CPU will be slower than an octa-core PC with identical speeds. As a result, CPU speed is as important as the number of cores.

Myth 8: Overclocking compromises durability

Overclocking parts (increasing their output) reduces their lifespan. This isn’t necessarily the case. Overclocking components can increase performance. However, it also increases thermal output, increasing the need for additional cooling. If you have plans for sufficient cooling, overclocking won’t reduce the lifespan of your computer components. However, excessive heat will accelerate wear and damage to PC components.

Myth 9: Cables suffocate airflow

There’s a misconception that airflow can be interrupted by too many cables. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. Airflow remains constant unless physical objects block the PC case intake. While it’s good practice to manage cables, you need more than thought besides untidy cables to suffocate airflow in your internal components.

There you go! There are many misconceptions about building the best computer systems. Many people shy away from custom/prebuilt computers because of misinformation. Don’t let the benefits of custom-building your own PC or buying a prebuilt surpass you because of common myths.

Most importantly, you don’t have to build your first video game system 100% on your own. You can borrow the knowledge of professionals from Skytech. You can avoid the tedious, time-consuming, and expensive process of building your first PC through trial and error by choosing prebuilt computer from Skytech – a renowned custom gaming PC company.