5 Top Considerations When Customizing Your Gaming PC
Which is better, a prebuilt gaming PC vs. a custom gaming PC? With prebuilt PCs, you get an assembled machine, which makes them the hassle-free option. However, they have limitations in that the predetermined components and build may align differently from what you want in a gaming PC.
Conversely, with a custom-built gaming PC, you have unparalleled freedom to handpick components to make your gaming rig without compromising on what matters to you most. For example, you can pair DDR5 RAM with a premium NVIDIA® or AMD graphics card within an expansive or midsized tower. Another significant advantage of building your PC is that you can upgrade any part you want without being limited to upgrading specific components.
In this article, we'll look at what you need to know when customizing your gaming PC, including performance, speed, cooling, and personalization. Then, we'll explore our best customizable gaming PCs.
1. Processor and Graphics Card: The Heart of Gaming Performance
Choosing the right processor is crucial for a smooth gaming experience, content creation, and efficient multitasking. Consider the number of threads, cores, and clock speed when selecting a processor. A higher number indicates a more powerful processor.
Which processor should I choose, Intel® or AMD? If you have a processor from the same class, the difference may not be noticeable, as both pack enough power to run your system efficiently with minimal lag. The choice comes down to your brand preference and needs.
For Intel CPUs, we recommend the latest 13th or 14th Generation Intel Core™ processors. They optimize performance compared to previous generations while being more energy efficient. The i7 processors offer top-notch performance, while the i5 processors provide value by striking a balance between performance and cost.
If you opt for AMD CPUs, we recommend picking the AMD Ryzen™ 7000 series processors or going for AMD Ryzen 5 processors if you're on a budget.
The graphics card (GPU) is responsible for rendering visuals so that your games look great. Integrated GPUs are suitable for basic tasks like browsing, while dedicated GPUs are necessary for more demanding tasks like streaming gaming sessions on platforms like Twitch.
Well-known GPU brands include NVIDIA and AMD, with Intel entering the scene with their Intel Arc™ GPUs.
For most gamers, a mid-range graphics card like the AMD Radeon™ RX 6600 XT with ray tracing capabilities strikes the sweet spot between affordability and performance as it delivers stunning visuals at 1080p.
However, if you want to play at ultra-high settings and larger resolutions such as 4K, go for high-end GPUs with deep learning super sampling (DLSS) capabilities like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 4060 Ti or 4090.
Below are a few tips to get the most out of your CPU and GPU:
- Check benchmark scores for a particular CPU or GPU to determine which suits your needs best
- Enhance their performance by overclocking them (where supported)
- Use a high refresh rate and resolution monitor to fully utilize your high-end graphics card's capabilities
- Ensure your power supply unit (PSU) can handle the requirements of your chosen components
2. Memory and Storage: Speed and Space
Random access memory (RAM) plays a massive role in determining the overall responsiveness of your custom gaming PC. RAM allows your rig to store and quickly access data that is actively in use, including art assets in games. The faster the RAM can retrieve game data, the faster the game loads. Plus, the higher its capacity, the more temporary game data it can store.
A minimum RAM capacity of 8GB is recommended for playing most triple-A (AAA) titles. However, this value may vary because games have different minimum requirements. Upgrading to 16GB or higher capacity gives you more freedom to multitask with less lag.
How about storage? Modern games with lots of detailed graphics demand more storage space. For example, games like Call of Duty: Warzone can take up over 100GB of space. Thus, if you have more games like this, you might need a primary drive with at least 1TB of space.
Solid-state drives (SSDs) are noticeably faster than hard disk drives (HDDs). SSDs use flash memory, giving them superior read/write speeds and lower latency. SSDs enable PCs to boot up, load applications and games, and transfer data faster.
Pro Tip: Consider using an HDD for cheaper secondary storage and an SSD as the faster primary storage in your gaming desktop. This configuration gives you the best of both worlds: speed for your operating system and frequently played games, plus affordable bulk storage for your game library and media files.
3. Cooling System: Keeping it Cool Under Pressure
A PC may overheat during extended gaming sessions or when running demanding video editing applications. Overheating triggers built-in safety mechanisms that lead to throttled performance to protect components like the processor from damage.
Persistent overheating issues can shorten the lifespan of vital components, hence the need for an efficient cooling system.
Opt for parts optimized for temperature regulation, such as RAM, motherboards, and CPUs with heatsinks. As for graphics processors, they are often enclosed with fans to maintain cool temperatures.
There are various cooling options, including air and liquid cooling solutions. Air cooling involves using fans that circulate air through heatsinks to dissipate heat.
On the other hand, liquid cooling uses a closed-loop system with a liquid coolant that absorbs heat from components and transfers it to a radiator, where it is expelled through fans. Liquid cooling often provides superior temperature regulation, especially in high-performance setups with overclocked parts.
When choosing a cooling solution, consider:
- The size of your case and available mounting points for fans or radiators
- Noise levels – liquid cooling tends to be quieter than multiple air cooling fans
- Your budget – air cooling is generally more affordable than liquid cooling
- The thermal demands of your components – higher-end CPUs and GPUs generate more heat
HP OMEN desktops feature advanced cooling solutions, including the innovative OMEN Cryo Chamber™ in the OMEN 45L models, which separates the radiator in a dedicated chamber for improved cooling efficiency.
4. Aesthetics and Personalization: The Visual Impact
One of the benefits of having a custom gaming PC over a prebuilt gaming PC is that you also get to design your setup to match your unique gaming persona and elevate your room's ambiance.
RGB lighting provides a spectrum of colors and lighting effects to choose from as you transform your PC into a dynamic visual masterpiece. You can personalize your setup by selecting components like fans, RAM modules, and motherboards with LED strips. What's more, don't just use the default RGB settings. Instead, leverage various RGB control applications for advanced features like syncing lighting with in-game events or music.
When selecting a PC case, consider its unique design and practicality concerning your desk space. Be bold and pick exceptional cases with intricate designs or tempered glass that show off your RGB lighting. Plus, you can even express your creativity by painting them.
You can also enhance the overall aesthetics through good cable management. Use Velcro straps or stylish cable sleeves to organize cables efficiently to achieve a polished and clutter-free appearance.
5. Future-Proofing and Expandability
Build a future-proof PC by focusing on components that will allow you to keep playing upcoming releases and adapt to your changing needs over time.
The motherboard is arguably the most critical piece for customizing PCs. It dictates the type of storage, RAM, and processor that goes into the PC. Choose wisely and pick a motherboard with the right chipset, additional expansion slots, and versatile socket compatibility. This way, you can effortlessly upgrade specific components without replacing the entire motherboard.
When considering future-proofing, also think about:
- Power supply capacity – choose a PSU with enough wattage headroom for future upgrades
- Case size – ensure your case has room for additional storage drives and larger components
- Connectivity options – look for USB-C and Thunderbolt ports for future peripherals
- PCIe generation – newer motherboards with PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 support faster components
Customizable HP Gaming PCs
At HP, we have a unique solution for gamers wondering how to customize their gaming PC without the complexities of DIY PC building. You pick your preferred components, and we handle the assembly and delivery. Plus, you don't have to worry about compatibility; our system automatically tells which parts work together.
Now, let's explore some standout customizable gaming PCs from HP.
OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop
The OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop GT22-3000t PC delivers high-performance gaming with the latest components and innovative cooling technology. If you're looking for a powerful gaming PC that can easily handle demanding workloads and still be the centerpiece of the room, this premium gaming desktop is an excellent choice.
- Windows 11 Home
- Intel® Core™ Ultra9 285K (up to 5.70 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 36 MB cache, 24 cores, 24 threads)
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5090 (32 GB GDDR7 dedicated)
- Kingston FURY 64GB DDR5-5600 MT/s (1) XMP RGB Heatsink (4 x 16 GB)
The OMEN 45L features the innovative OMEN Cryo Chamber™ cooling system, which isolates the radiator in a separate compartment at the top of the case. This design allows the system to draw in cooler ambient air instead of the heated air inside the case, resulting in improved thermal performance and component longevity.
For those seeking alternative graphics options, the OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop is also available with the NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5080 (16 GB GDDR7), RTX™ 5070 Ti (16 GB GDDR7), or RTX™ 4080 SUPER (16 GB GDDR6X) dedicated graphics cards.
OMEN 35L Gaming Desktop
The OMEN 35L Gaming Desktop GT16-0066m PC shares many features with the 45L model, albeit in a slightly more compact chassis. Nevertheless, it packs a punch with powerful components and excellent thermal management.
- Windows 11 Home
- AMD Ryzen™ 7 8700G (up to 5.1 GHz max boost clock, 16 MB L3 cache, 8 cores, 16 threads)
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 (8 GB GDDR6 dedicated)
- Kingston FURY 16 GB DDR5-6000 MT/s EXPO™ RGB Heatsink (2 x 8 GB)
The OMEN 35L features Kingston FURY DDR5 RAM with RGB lighting and overclocking capabilities, boasting a blazing speed of 6000 MHz for enhanced multitasking and faster game load times. The system's AMD Ryzen 7 processor provides excellent multi-core performance for gaming and content creation.
With its tool-less design and spacious interior, the OMEN 35L makes future upgrades straightforward and accessible. The tempered glass side panel showcases your components and RGB lighting for an impressive visual display.
Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop
The Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop is ideal for most casual gamers who want a powerful, customizable gaming PC without stretching their budget. Its compact form factor makes it perfect for smaller gaming spaces.
- Windows 11 Home
- Intel® Core™ i5-14400F (up to 4.7 GHz, 10 cores, 16 threads)
- Intel® Arc™ A380 Graphics (6 GB GDDR6 dedicated)
- 16 GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM (2 x 8 GB)
The Victus 15L comes equipped with a powerful Intel Core i5 processor featuring 10 cores and 16 threads, making it suitable for gaming at medium to high settings. The 16GB of DDR4 RAM provides smooth multitasking capabilities, while the Intel Arc A380 graphics card delivers reliable 1080p gaming performance.
For those who prefer AMD components, the Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop with AMD offers an AMD Ryzen 7 processor paired with an AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT graphics card.
OMEN 25L Gaming Desktop
The OMEN by HP 25L Gaming Desktop GT15-2085t is another excellent gaming desktop option, offering a balance of performance and value in a sleek, compact design. It's perfect for gamers who want a powerful system without taking up too much space.
- Windows 11 Home
- Intel® Core™ i7-14700F (up to 5.4 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 33 MB L3 cache, 20 cores, 28 threads)
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 (8 GB GDDR6 dedicated)
- Kingston FURY 16 GB DDR5-5200 MT/s XMP RGB Heatsink (2 x 8 GB)
The OMEN 25L features components optimized for superior cooling efficiency, including a Core i7 processor with a heat pipe RGB cooler and RAM equipped with a heatsink for effective heat dissipation. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card with 8GB of dedicated memory delivers excellent 1080p and 1440p gaming performance with ray tracing capabilities.
With 16GB of memory and a spacious 1TB SSD, this system provides plenty of speed and storage for your gaming library. The compact design makes it suitable for smaller setups while still offering tool-less access for future upgrades.
Summary
When customizing your gaming PC, it's crucial to factor in expected performance, application loading speed, internal cooling strategies, and the overall design aesthetic. Remember to select components that strike an optimal balance between cost and performance from the myriad available options.
Here are the key takeaways:
- Processor and Graphics Card: Choose based on your performance needs and budget, with Intel Core i7/AMD Ryzen 7 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX/AMD Radeon RX offering excellent gaming experiences.
- Memory and Storage: Aim for at least 16GB of RAM and prioritize SSD storage for your operating system and frequently played games.
- Cooling System: Consider your performance needs and case size when choosing between air cooling and liquid cooling solutions.
- Aesthetics and Personalization: Express your style with RGB lighting, case design, and cable management.
- Future-Proofing: Select components that support upgradability, especially a versatile motherboard and adequate power supply.
HP's customizable gaming desktops offer the perfect balance of performance, aesthetics, and value, with options ranging from the entry-level Victus 15L to the high-performance OMEN 45L. Explore our complete range of gaming PCs and laptops to find the perfect customizable gaming rig for your needs.
