Eklipse Academy

How to Build a Streaming PC: Learning the Components

July 24, 2023

Table of Contents

In today’s courses, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on building a powerful and affordable streaming PC. Whether you’re interested in PC builds for streaming or the difference between a single and dual PC setup, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Course Goals:

Learn the basics of building a computer and understand the major components required.
Provide you with direct links to low, medium, and high-priced builds for your convenience.
Cover the next steps for upgrading your setup as you advance in your streaming journey.
Offer a technical guide for building a dual PC setup

Building a PC: The Basics

Let’s start by discussing the fundamental aspects of building a PC. We will explore the different parts, their properties, and suggest compatible components that fit your requirements. By the end of this section, you’ll have a functional PC that meets your needs and stays within your budget.

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Setting a Budget: Setting a budget is important when building a PC. It helps you make smart choices while staying within your budget. Start by deciding the lowest and highest amount you want to spend. The lowest amount is what you’re okay with investing, while the highest amount ensures you don’t spend too much. By setting these limits, you can navigate the process effectively.

Choosing a Case: Once you know how much you can spend, the next thing to do is pick a case for your PC. The case is where all the parts go, so it’s important to think about a few things before you decide.

Size: Cases come in different sizes, such as Full Tower, Mid Tower, and Mini Tower. The size you choose depends on your requirements and available space. Full Tower cases are the largest and provide ample room for expansion, accommodating ATX motherboards. Mid Tower cases are a standard size that fits comfortably under a desk and supports ATX and micro ATX boards. On the other hand, Mini Tower cases are compact and suitable for micro ATX boards, but have limited space for larger graphics cards.

Accessories: If looks are important to you, think about the extra features and accessories that different cases have. Remember that Full Tower cases, even though they’re good for the future, can be pricier. Mid Tower cases give you a good balance between price and what they can do, while Mini Tower cases are cheaper because they’re smaller.

Choosing a Motherboard: The motherboard is a crucial component that connects all the parts of your PC. When choosing a motherboard, consider the following factors:

CPU Compatibility: Ensure that your chosen motherboard supports either Intel or AMD CPUs. Make sure to check the compatibility with your preferred CPU.
Size Compatibility: Refer to the case section to determine the size of the motherboard that fits within your chosen case. The motherboard size must match the case specifications to ensure a proper fit.
Expansion Slots: Ensure that the motherboard has sufficient PCI slots to accommodate the components you plan to use. Modern graphics cards often require PCIe x16 slots, and having enough RAM slots allows for future memory expansion.

Choosing a Power Supply: Choosing an appropriate power supply is essential, especially if you plan to upgrade your PC in the future. It’s better to invest in a power supply that anticipates future upgrades rather than buying a less powerful one and replacing it later. Use tools like PCPartPicker or Newegg’s Power Supply Calculator to determine the power requirements of your system.

Choosing a CPU: Selecting the right CPU can be challenging due to the numerous options available. To make an informed choice, consider the following factors:

Clock Speed: The clock speed, measured in gigahertz (GHz), indicates the speed at which the CPU runs. Higher clock speeds result in better performance.
Cores and Threads: The number of cores determines how many tasks the processor can handle simultaneously. More cores mean better multitasking capabilities. Additionally, threads enhance performance, particularly for tasks like video editing.
TDP: Thermal Design Power (TDP) refers to the heat generated by the CPU. It’s essential to choose a CPU cooler that can efficiently dissipate this heat, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Socket: The CPU socket must match the motherboard socket for compatibility. Ensure that your chosen CPU fits the motherboard to avoid any compatibility issues.

Choosing Graphics Cards: As a content creator, having a reliable and powerful graphics card is crucial. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a graphics card:

Memory Amount: The amount of memory on the graphics card is vital for smooth performance. Higher memory capacity allows for better graphics quality and smoother gameplay. Aim for a minimum of 8GB for 1080p resolution.
Ports: Ensure that the graphics card has compatible ports, such as HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort, to connect to your display devices.
Form: Consider the size of the graphics card and ensure it fits within your chosen case. Higher-end cards tend to be larger, so make sure your case can accommodate them.
Power Connectors: Verify that your power supply can provide the necessary power connectors required by the graphics card for proper functionality.