1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is the main number-crunching ‘brain’ of a system. It’s what programs (by-and-large) run on – though it does occasionally call upon the aid of other processing units.

Key Players: AMD and Intel

2. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

The Graphics Processing Unit job is to process high quality images to the screen as quickly as possible. Ideally, it needs to do this sixty or more times per second.

Key Players: AMD and Nvidia

3. Memory

When your computer needs to remember something, it uses the sticks of RAM that slot into the motherboard. The more RAM you have, the more stuff you can run at the same time. Run out of system memory, and Windows will lean into on the storage drive, which cause things to slowdown.

Key Players: Corsair Vengeance and Kingston Hyper X

4. Storage

If memory is where your computer puts stuff in the short-term, then storage is where data is stored for the long-term. Stored data doesn’t get erased when you switch the machine off - it’s where games and crucial software are kept.

Key Players: Samsung, Seagate and Western Digital

5. Power supply

Your computer’s components need power. That’s the job of the power supply. It needs enough wattage to keep everything running. Fortunately, our configurator comes with a battery icon that’ll help you keep track of what’s required.

Key Players: Corsair and Cooler Master,

6. Cooler

Every calculation your PC makes produces a little bit of heat. A quality cooler will help to keep core temperatures down, and ensure a stable system that lasts for years.

Key Players: Corsair, Cooler Master, EKWB, and NZXT

7. Motherboard

The motherboard is arguably the most important component of all. It’s what allows the various components that make up the system to connect to one another. Your choice of motherboard will determine which CPU, GPU and RAM you can use, and how easily they’ll all be able to talk to one another.

Key Players: ASUS and MSI

8. Case

The case is just the big box that the components go in, right? Well, sort of. It’ll need to be large enough to accommodate the motherboard and power supply, while still providing enough room for airflow to keep the parts cool.

Key Players: Corsair, Cooler Master, Lian Li, Thermaltake
 

Setting your budget

A gaming machine needn’t cost the earth – but larger budgets can stretch to premium components. You might spend as little as R25,000, or as much as Rs300,000+, depending on the gaming experience you’re after.

Component costs tend to be extremely volatile, especially with supply chains facing seasonal disruptions. Moreover, we regularly update our pre-built systems with the latest components to ensure they provide the best value for money. As such, you can expect the cost of different systems to vary semi-regularly.

It’s worth bearing in mind that this does not include the cost of peripheral devices like keyboards, mice and monitors - there’s also the cost of delivery to think about, but we strive to be as upfront as possible about these costs. Take our Build My PC Tool for a spin, and tailor your requirements and budget.