Knowledge is power, and that’s especially true when it comes to buying a gaming PC. Before you part with your cash, you want to make sure you’re investing in a powerhouse machine that won’t become obsolete anytime soon. Here are some tips to help you determine what makes a good gaming PC.
The main factor to consider is the processor. Without a powerful processor, your gaming experience will be sluggish at best. Windows 10 recommends 8th Gen Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors for optimal overall performance. Anything below that won’t be suitable for intensive gaming.
The next thing to consider is the graphics card. It’s essential for any gaming PC to have a decent graphics card to crunch through the most visually demanding games – an NVIDIA GTX 1060 or higher is recommended. Buy something lower-spec, and you could find your graphics lagging or not looking quite as sharp as you had hoped.
Another important factor to consider is the amount of RAM (Random Access Memory). Having more RAM helps your PC work faster and more efficiently. Aim for at least 8GB of DDR4 — if you can afford it, go for 16GB. It’s important to note that RAM is not the same as storage, which is where all your games will be stored. For storage, opt for either an HDD or an SSD, depending on the size of your budget.
When it comes to cooling, air-cooling is usually sufficient, although if you’re playing intensive games at high performance levels, a liquid cooler is your best bet. The case should also be considered, as it’s the part of the PC which will house everything and can also provide cooling. Choose a good-quality case with adequate ventilation and cable routing options.
Last but not least, don’t forget the PSU (Power Supply Unit). Power supplies come in different watt ratings, so to ensure you get the best performance, get one with enough watts to run everything in your PC at once. Don’t forget, a gaming PC needs power as well as performance to run without issue.
To sum up, when you’re buying a gaming PC, aim for a powerful processor, a decent graphics card, enough RAM, a suitable cooling solution, a good-quality case, and a suitable PSU. When you have those things in order, you can be confident you have a gaming PC that’s ready for anything.
Processor
When you are figuring out what a good gaming PC is, the processor should be at the top of the list. You will want something that is powerful enough to run intensive games and apps without any issues. An 8th Gen Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor is usually recommended as they offer the best overall performance when gaming. If you go with something lower than this spec, you may find your gaming experience to be sluggish and not up to the standards you desired.
Graphics Card
Getting the right graphics card is essential when building a gaming PC. It helps your system crunch data to make all the game visuals look smooth and visually appealing. NVIDIA GTX 1060 or higher is the suggested level for optimal gaming performance. Anything lower and you won’t quite get the gaming experience you were hoping for.
RAM
Make sure you have enough RAM to keep your system running efficiently and quickly. To do this, you will want to get at least 8GB of DDR4 RAM. The more you can afford here the better, and it is possible to get up to 16GB. It is important to remember though, that RAM is not the same as storage, which is where all your games and apps will be stored.
Cooling
For cooling, most gaming PCs can get away with just an air cooling solution. However, if you plan to be gaming at high performance, then a liquid cooler is the way to go. Make sure you are getting a good-quality case that provides effective ventilation, and don’t forget to add on a suitable Power Supply Unit (PSU). This feeds your PC with the power it needs to run properly and efficiently.
Operating System
Don’t forget to include the right operating system to accompany your gaming build. Windows 10 is the best option for a gaming PC, however if you are on a budget you can opt for a Linux OS alternative. Just remember, some games require a Windows OS to play so make sure you check all the requirements you need for each game.
Audiovisuals
Finally, if you want to get the full gaming experience, then you should consider investing in some audiovisual components. This includes things like surround sound speakers, and a curved or ultra-wide monitor to enhance your gaming immersion. Add the right peripherals such as a gaming mouse and keyboard and you can be sure you have a gaming rig that will last.
