After answering a couple of questions for one of our readers named George concerning a prospective midrange (R3 1300X and GTX 1050 Ti) gaming PC build last month, he was generous enough to share not only some photos of his finished build, but also some advice for those looking to build similar machines!
 

Gaming PC Component List

Here’s George’s full parts list for his new desktop midrange gaming rig:

Including the cost of Windows 10 and a 144Hz Acer 1080p gaming monitor, the total cost for his build came to about $1100 (he was able to make use of a Dell keyboard and Logitech G Pro mouse that he already owned).
 

Advice for George’s Fellow PC Builders

And here’s what George had to say about the experience, in his own words:

I started out wanting to build a computer just for gaming as my laptop was getting on in years. I wanted to dedicate the laptop to work only and the desktop to gaming only. Since I had never built a PC before, I decided to play it safe and follow Logical Increments to build a good tier PC to handle my non-intensive gaming needs. Having said that the guide provided ample recommendations for my parts as well as why I should pick them. The finished build turned out great and runs pretty smoothly with next to no problems. So here are some advice from my personal build experience:

1. Do your own research: Logical increments provides a decent framework for PC building, but it shouldn’t be the only resource you consult. Look through other websites on each part and figure out why exactly people choose their specific parts and how these parts work together.

2. Check your compatibility: Make sure that your other components can actually fit on the board. The two main CPU types are from AMD and Intel, and they sell motherboards specifically designed for those CPUs. So make sure those two match. The rest of the components should work, but if you’re looking to run more graphics cards, multiple RAM, whatever, check the motherboard features to see if it supports those upgrades.

3. Mount the fan carefully: The fan gave me significant trouble as AMD has a weird clasp mechanism instead of screws. My fan’s clips were EXTREMELY tight and I had to really loosen the clasps (until they were almost off) around the CPU to even fit the fan on. So if you are planning on using an AMD core, watch out for that. Also, mount the fan AFTER you’ve settled the motherboard in the case, preferably with most of the other wiring already done. I learned that the hard way. Be careful removing the fan too.

4. A HDD is not necessary: If you’re just looking to game on the computer like I am, there’s no particular reason to get a HDD. The SSD is smaller but faster and is designed to help launch programs quickly, not store a bunch of files. Use an external hard drive or install a HDD if you plan on using it to store things.

5. Check monitor compatibility: Check to see if the monitor has the same connection port as your graphics card. If you’re going for a gaming build you have to consider the refresh rate. Even if your game says you’re running at 400 fps, it won’t look like it if the monitor can’t output the same refresh rate to match. I think refresh rate matches on a 1 to 1 ratio to fps so keep that in mind.

6. Graphics cards: are dead expensive because cryptominers are jerks. So maybe wait a little while until those currencies crash and their miners have to sell their house.
Have fun building!

We’d like to thank George for sharing his advice and sending along photos. If Logical Increments helped you build your PC and you’d like to share your story, please email contact@logicalincrements.com.