The most important components of a gaming PC are the processor and the graphics card. To build a solid entry-level gaming PC, you’ll need at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 combined with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX or AMD Radeon RX graphics card. Also choose a good CPU cooler and a slightly larger case if you plan to play the latest games, as proper cooling is essential. Keep in mind that building a good gaming PC yourself typically costs between €1,400 and €1,600. In return, you’ll enjoy smooth gameplay and great performance in modern titles.

With an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, your PC will be powerful enough for photo and video editing. A dedicated graphics card is also highly recommended if you work with 3D design or other demanding graphical tasks. When choosing a graphics card, make sure your power supply can handle it, as more powerful GPUs consume more energy. Ample RAM and storage are also essential for editing systems. More storage lets you save more files, while more memory ensures faster and smoother editing performance.

Building an affordable PC that meets all your requirements can be challenging. Gaming at high settings or editing photos and videos requires significant performance, which is difficult to achieve on a tight budget. Each use case requires different components. A smart way to build a budget PC is by choosing slightly older components. When newer versions are released, previous models often drop in price while still offering solid performance. In most cases, these parts are still perfectly suitable for building a capable system. From around €600, you can build a complete PC for everyday basic use, depending on your specific needs.

All PC components are installed inside the case. The case also determines the look of your system. The larger the case, the more room there is for powerful components. You can choose a case with a bold design or one that supports water cooling for optimal gaming performance.

The speed of your PC depends on the processor. Without a good CPU, the rest of the system won’t perform properly. The faster the processor, the more tasks you can run simultaneously. Choose an entry-level model (i3 or Ryzen 3) for basic tasks, or go for a powerful processor (i7 or Ryzen 7) for demanding performance.

A CPU cooler removes the heat generated by your PC. It controls the temperature of the system. A better cooler delivers improved cooling performance, which benefits both lifespan and noise levels.

The motherboard allows all components to communicate, from the power supply to M.2 SSDs and from the graphics card to hard drives. High-end motherboards offer additional features, such as support for multiple M.2 SSDs and extra connectivity options.

Memory, also known as RAM, is temporary storage for active programs. The more RAM you have, the more applications you can run at the same time. Basic tasks require less memory, but for gaming or photo editing, higher capacity is recommended.

An SSD is the main storage where your files are saved. SSDs are faster, lighter, quieter, and more energy-efficient than traditional hard drives because they have no moving parts. If possible, choose an NVMe SSD for even faster performance.

Secondary storage is used for long-term or permanent data. You can expand your storage with an SSD or HDD. Choose an SSD if you prefer faster and more compact storage.

A graphics card improves your PC’s visual performance. For standard tasks, an integrated GPU is sufficient. For gaming or high-quality video editing, a dedicated graphics card such as an NVIDIA RTX or AMD Radeon RX is essential, offering superior 3D performance.