4K is the ultimate resolution for demanding gamers who want to enjoy exceptional image quality. But to play in 4K, you need a powerful and well-balanced gaming PC, capable of handling the most demanding games without slowdowns or compromises.
In this article, we will present the essential components for building a high-performance 4K gaming PC with the best value for money in 2024.
How to compare PC components
If you want to compare the PC components we have presented, or if you are looking for other options that are more suited to your budget or needs, we recommend using an online PC component comparison tool .
It will allow you to easily find the best PC components at the best value for money, based on your selection criteria. You can also consult user reviews, expert tests, and offers from retailers.
Our choice: DropReference . This PC component comparison tool is simple and effective. It allows you to compare the features, performance, and prices of thousands of PC components from the biggest brands on the market.
It also offers buying guides, advice, and ready-to-use PC configurations.
The processor
The processor is the brain of a gaming PC. It handles the calculations and instructions necessary for games and applications to run. To play in 4K, you need a fast and robust processor, capable of keeping up with the graphics card and avoiding bottlenecks.
We recommend opting for a latest generation processor, with at least 6 cores and 12 threads , and a high frequency.
Our choice: the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X . This processor offers impressive performance thanks to its 5nm manufacturing process, its 6 cores and 12 threads, its base frequency of 3.8 GHz and its boost mode up to 4.8 GHz.
It is compatible with DDR5 memory and PCI-Express 4.0, and features a 32MB cache. It comes with a high-quality Wraith Spire CPU cooler, which provides efficient and quiet cooling. It is available for approximately €300.
If you prefer Intel processors, we invite you to read our I7 and I9 .
The motherboard
The motherboard is the foundation of a gaming PC. It houses the main PC components, such as the processor, memory, graphics card, storage, etc. It ensures communication between these components and offers additional features, such as sound, network, USB ports, etc.
To run your PC in 4K, you need a high-quality motherboard that's compatible with your chosen processor, DDR5 memory, PCI-Express 4.0, and M.2 NVMe SSDs. We also recommend choosing a motherboard with a recent chipset, good cooling, and overclocking options.
Our choice: the Gigabyte B650 GAMING X AX . This motherboard is designed for 6th generation AMD Ryzen processors, with an AM5 socket and a B650 chipset. It supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at 6000MHz, PCI-Express 4.0 graphics cards, and 4.0 SSDs.
It features a high-performance cooling system, with heatsinks on the VRMs, chipset, and SSDs. It also offers gaming features such as 7.1 surround sound, 2.5 GbE Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports, and RGB Fusion 2.0. It is available for approximately €200.
RAM memory
RAM memory in a gaming PC. It temporarily stores data used by the processor and applications. It affects the PC's speed and responsiveness. Sufficient and fast RAM is essential, capable of handling the most demanding games and background applications.
DDR5 memory , which offers superior performance to DDR4 , with higher frequency and bandwidth, and lower power consumption and latency.
We also recommend choosing a 32GB capacity, split into two 16GB sticks, to take advantage of dual channel mode.
Our choice: the Corsair Vengeance DDR5 32GB (2 x 16GB) 6000MHz C30 . This RAM offers exceptional performance thanks to its 6000MHz frequency, its latency of 30-36-36-72, and its bandwidth of 48GB/s.
It is compatible with 6th generation AMD Ryzen processors and motherboards with B650 or X670 chipsets. It features a sleek design and customizable RGB lighting. It is available for approximately €400.
The ventirad
The CPU cooler is the processor's cooling system. It consists of a fan and a heatsink, which dissipate the heat produced by the processor. It ensures the proper functioning and longevity of the processor, and affects the PC's noise level.
To avoid problems, you need an efficient and quiet CPU cooler capable of maintaining the processor at an optimal temperature, even under heavy load. We recommend choosing a high-quality cooler with a 120mm fan or larger, and a heatsink with aluminum or copper fins.
Our choice: the ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO . This CPU cooler offers excellent performance/price ratio thanks to its two 120mm fans, its heatsink with 54 aluminum fins, and its included MX-4 thermal paste.
It is compatible with AMD Ryzen processors up to 200W TDP and easily mounts on the AM5 socket. It provides efficient and quiet cooling, with a maximum noise level of 22.5 dB(A). It is available for approximately €40.
The graphics card
The graphics card is the key component for 4K gaming. It manages the display and graphical effects of games. It directly impacts the visual quality and smoothness of the game in 4K.
The most important component is a very powerful graphics card with ample video memory, capable of handling the most demanding games in 4K Ultra, with or without ray tracing.
We recommend opting for a latest generation graphics card, with a modern architecture, 16 GB or more of video memory, and compatibility with PCI-Express 4.0.
Our pick: the Sapphire Nitro+ Radeon RX 7900 XT . This graphics card delivers stunning performance thanks to its 5nm manufacturing process, 80 compute units, a base clock speed of 2.1 GHz, and a boost clock speed of up to 2.7 GHz. It features 16 GB of GDDR6X video memory with a bandwidth of 512 GB/s.
It is compatible with PCI-Express 4.0, ray tracing, and AMD technologies such as FidelityFX Super Resolution, Smart Access Memory, and Radeon Anti-Lag. It features a high-performance cooling system with three fans, a heatsink with copper heat pipes, and RGB lighting. It is available for approximately €1000.
Good to know : Here's a comparison of the best graphics cards for 4k gaming on PC !
M.2 SSD storage
The M.2 SSD is the hard drive of a gaming PC. It stores data for the operating system, games, and applications. It directly impacts the PC's speed and responsiveness. To play in 4K, you need a fast and spacious M.2 SSD capable of reducing game loading and launch times.
We recommend choosing an M.2 NVMe SSD, which offers superior performance compared to SATA SSDs, with faster read and write speeds, lower power consumption, and a smaller footprint. We also recommend selecting a capacity of 1TB or more to allow you to install multiple games in 4K.
Our pick: the Samsung 980 Pro 1TB M.2 PCIe Gen4 NVMe . This M.2 SSD delivers exceptional performance thanks to its PCIe Gen4 x4 standard, allowing it to reach read and write speeds of 7000 MB/s and 5000 MB/s respectively. It has a 1TB capacity, enough to store numerous 4K games. It also features V-NAND flash memory technology, which offers increased durability and reliability. It's available for around €200.
The power supply
The power supply is the heart of a gaming PC. It provides the energy necessary for the PC's components to function. It influences the PC's stability and security. A powerful and reliable power supply is essential, capable of delivering sufficient power to the most demanding components, such as the graphics card and the processor.
We recommend choosing a high-quality power supply with 80 Plus Gold certification or higher, which guarantees high efficiency and low energy consumption. We also recommend selecting a power rating of 750W or more to ensure a safety margin and future upgrade potential.
Our pick: the Corsair RM750x 80 Plus Gold . This power supply delivers 750W of power and boasts 80 Plus Gold certification, ensuring 90% efficiency at 50% load. It features a 135mm fan that stops when the load is low, for quiet operation.
It is fully modular, allowing you to use only the necessary cables for better organization and air circulation. It is available for approximately €120.
The monitor
No 4k without a good screen! To play in 4K, you need a quality monitor, with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, a high refresh rate, a low response time, and compatibility with adaptive sync technologies.
We recommend opting for a monitor of 27 inches or more, to fully enjoy 4K, with an IPS or VA panel, which offers faithful colors and wide viewing angles.
Our choice: the LG 27GN950-B . This monitor offers exceptional image quality thanks to its 4K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and HDR 600 compatibility. It features a Nano IPS panel, which delivers vibrant colors and 178° viewing angles.
It's compatible with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-Sync technologies, which eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. It also features a gamer-oriented design, with an ergonomic stand, a slim bezel, and RGB lighting on the back. It's available for around €800.
If this 4k screen isn't right for you, we invite you to read our article: The best 4k PC monitors for gaming !
The case
The case is the chassis of the gaming PC. It houses the PC components, such as the power supply , motherboard, graphics card, storage, etc. It influences both the aesthetics and the cooling of the PC.
To run your beast of a machine, you need a spacious and well-ventilated case capable of housing even the largest components and cooling them effectively. Opt for a high-quality case, with a design that's either understated or flashy depending on your taste, a tempered glass side panel to admire your components, and mounting points for additional fans or radiators.
Our choice: the NZXT H510 . This case offers a sleek and minimalist design, with a tempered glass side window, a smooth front panel, and simplified cable management.
It has two pre-installed 120mm fans at the rear and top, and two slots for 120/140mm fans or radiators at the front.
It is compatible with ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards, and graphics cards up to 381 mm in length. It is available for approximately €80.
