It’s fair to say computers rule our lives. Many of us use them at work, school, home, even on holidays. They’re easy to buy because there are hundreds of different types available, from the slimmest of personal laptops to the chunkiest of towers. Where should you look, though, if you want something really special, something, unlike all the others?

You could decide to build your own computer rig. This isn’t an easy process, but it is a popular hobby among gaming enthusiasts and technology obsessives. If you have a reasonable amount of mechanical knowledge, it is possible to construct a unique computer from scratch. In fact, many gamers choose this option because it’s the best way to boost their tech specs.

This article covers some of the key components that you’ll need for building a totally unique gaming computer.

The CPU

The CPU is, arguably, the most important part of any computer rig. If the motherboard is its central nervous system, the CPU is its brain. Ideally, you want to get your hands on the fastest, most powerful product you can afford.

For instance, quad core CPU chips are excellent for gamers because they provide robust support for multicore processors. The Intel Core i5-4690K is one of our favourite choices. It may hyperthread to a lesser degree than the i7, but it’s still plenty of power for intense gaming.

The CPU Cooling Fan

You can’t build a successful gaming rig without a reliable cooling fan. The longer you play, the hotter the CPU is going to get. This slows performance right down unless you have an efficient fan to stabilise internal conditions.

Online stores like www.bazaargadgets.com stock high quality CPU equipment at affordable prices. If you’re buying online, just make sure the store has a suitable returns policy. You don’t want to shell out for a high end component and get stuck with a faulty product.

The Motherboard

Your motherboard needs to be powerful and efficient because it handles every computing process. All actions and decisions run through this component. Whether you opt for an Intel or an AMD motherboard is up to you. Both are dependable and great for supporting gamers.

Normally, AMD motherboards are a little more affordable. So, if you are on a budget, they’re likely the best choice. If you’re happy to splash out, on the other hand, pick up an Intel. They offer a little extra raw computing power. One of our current favourites is the Intel z97-A ATX.

DIY gaming rigs can take a lot of forms.

The GPU

GPU is extremely important for gamers, as it determines how smoothly CPU intensive processes operate. You can’t load up on CPU and expect it to do the job alone. You need a GPU card with plenty of RAM and the power to render at a high level.

We recommend paying a little more for high end GPU as even tiny micro pauses can have a devastating effect on playability. They occur when a graphics card is slow to deliver its calculations. Opt for something like the MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G if you’re looking for a good balance between performance and affordability.

How to Make Sure You Buy High Quality Products

There are other considerations, of course. For a high performance gaming rig, you also need a sturdy case, fast RAM and a dependable power supply. You can shop for all of these components online. However, it’s important to be an informed consumer, particularly when spending a lot of money on key pieces of computing kit.

Before you buy from an online store, check to see if there are any customer reviews. Normally, the finest providers have a loyal fan base and a strong reputation. You should be able to read about other people’s experiences and decide if the store provides both reliability and good value for money.