How To Maintain Gaming Pc
Every PC gamer strives for the best gaming performance, and there are a few steps you can take to ensure your system stays in top condition. PC component stress test, clean fan, uninstall unwanted software, check for pertinent software updates, inspect the GPU temperature and apply thermal paste, maintain the operating system, and replace outdated hardware parts are some of the basic ways for how to maintain a gaming PC.
To begin with, performing a component stress test will diagnose any component that may be under strain or defective. A component stress test also increases knowledge of your system and provides insight into which component may be the cause of any potential issues.
Following that, regularly cleaning the fan blades is important since they are the main component of the cooling system. Moreover, uninstalling any unnecessary applications can improve your gaming PC’s performance as they take up resources, such as RAM and storage. In addition, checking for software updates is essential to keep your system compatible with the latest games.
Furthermore, inspecting your GPU temperature is recommended as overheating can cause permanent damage to the GPU and other components. Thermal paste can extend the lifespan of these components. Additionally, regularly updating the operating system can help make sure the system runs efficiently, especially for gaming purposes.
Finally, replacing outdated hardware parts should be done to enhance the performance of the system. If your system has any RAM or storage beyond the recommended specifications, then a compatible part should be replaced to increase performance.
Perform PC Component Stress Test
A PC component stress test is a very useful tool which allows users to identify any components in their system that may be malfunctioning or under strain due to age or usage. Whether you are a beginner or expert PC user, it is always recommended to run a component stress test before starting a game in order to prevent system breakdowns. Stress testing allows the user to identify which component needs the most attention and focus, and the rest of the gaming experience can proceed without interruption.
It is important to note that component stress tests analyze components such as processors, RAM, and storage drives and can even indicate damage before it happens. Therefore, if a component is identified as needing attention, this will ensure that repair or replacement is done before any damage can occur.
Performing component stress tests on a regular basis can be beneficial as it keeps the system up-to-date, and performance can be maintained. Additionally, by comparing component performance from one test to the next, you can identify peaks and troughs in the system, which can help identify the cause of any issues.
Regular component stress tests are a good precautionary measure for any PC, especially for gaming PCs. It is not only a preventative buffer against component failure, but also provides knowledge of your system, as well as a basis for benchmarking and analyzing performance.
Clean the Fan Blades
Cleaning the fan blades in your gaming PC is an essential maintenance task. The fan blades are the main component of the cooling system, and with their spinning motion it is easy for dust and other particles to accumulate over time. If the fan blades are not regularly cleaned, they can become clogged, which can lead to overheating, and that is when permanent damage can occur.
One of the most effective ways to clean the fan blades is to use compressed air, as this will blow away any dust or debris that has accumulated. An important thing to remember when cleaning with compressed air is to keep the can upright and away from the fan blades to prevent any liquid settling on the blades. Furthermore, avoid using any kind of liquid to clean the fan blades as this may cause more harm than good.
Also, it is important to note that cleaning the fan blades should not be done too frequently as the blades are delicate and can be easily damaged. So, if you are noticing that your system is becoming overly dusty, then it is time to clean the fan blades.
It is worth noting that, although dust can be removed through regular cleaning, dust can also build up on other components, such as the CPU, RAM, and motherboard. Therefore, it is recommended to use a vacuum cleaner to ensure that all dust is removed from the system.
Uninstall Unwanted Software
Having a lot of software installed in your system can greatly reduce the gaming performance. Uninstalling any unnecessary applications from your system is essential in order to maximize gaming performance. Unused software still takes up resources, such as RAM and storage, and can cause agonizingly slow loading times and in-game lag.
One of the main reasons why software is uninstalled is because it is no longer being used or it was installed in error. It is important to remove any unused software as it can reduce the speed and performance of your system. In addition, it can also increase the likelihood of computer crashes and error messages.
Furthermore, every time you uninstall a software, it also removes the registry entries associated with that particular program. So, it reduces clutter in the registry and makes the system faster and more efficient. On the other hand, uninstalling old versions of software can help to remove any bugs and errors associated with those versions.
Lastly, uninstalling any malicious software is also advised. Malware and other malicious software can damage your system and steal your personal information, resulting in financial losses and identity theft. Therefore, regularly running anti-virus software should be done in order to ensure your system is protected from malicious programs.
Check for Pertinent Software Updates
Software updates are essential to keep your gaming PC running smoothly and at peak performance. It is advised to check for updates periodically, as they provide your system with crucial performance improvements and bug fixes. Additionally, checking for software updates will also help keep your system compatible with the latest games.
One way to check for updates is to open the Windows Update pane, which can be found in the Control Panel and then checking for updates in the Updates tab. Additionally, you can enable automatic updates by checking the box ‘Install Updates Automatically’. This ensures that your system is always updated with the latest patches and fixes.
In addition, applications and drivers can also be updated in the same way, by checking for updates in the Settings app. It is important to note that updating drivers is crucial as outdated drivers can cause system instability and poor performance. Furthermore, it is advised not to download drivers from third-party websites, as they may contain malicious software.
It is worth mentioning that updating your graphics card is also an important step in keeping your system up-to-date. This can be done by visiting the manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest updates. Also, keep in mind that any updates must be compatible with your system.
Inspect GPU Temperature and Apply Thermal Paste
Inspecting the GPU temperature is an important part of maintaining a gaming PC as overheating can cause permanent damage to the GPU and other components. There are several ways to check the temperature of the GPU, but the most reliable way is to use a dedicated software such as GPU-Z or SpeedFan.
It is important to note that the average GPU temperature should not exceed 90° C (194° F). If your GPU is running hotter than that, then it is recommended to apply thermal paste. Thermal paste helps to keep the GPU cool and reduces the effect of heat.
Applying thermal paste is an easy process and can be done in few steps. First, remove the existing thermal paste that is on your GPU by wiping it off with a lint-free cloth. Then apply the thermal paste in a thin layer, as too much paste can result in poor heat conduction. And finally, secure the GPU and check the temperature again.
It is worth mentioning that the thermal paste should be reapplied occasionally to ensure the GPU is running at its optimum temperature. Also, the type of thermal paste you use depends on your GPU, so it is important to research the best thermal paste for your GPU before making a purchase.
Maintain the Operating System
Maintaining the operating system is essential for keeping your gaming PC running smoothly. Regularly updating the operating system can help make sure the system runs efficiently, and also helps to reduce security risks and any unwanted bugs.
To begin with, it is recommended to only install the necessary updates from the Windows Update page. Most of the updates are optional and not recommended for gaming PCs, so it is important to select only the ones that are pertinent for your system. Additionally, Windows 10 users can pause any updates for up to 35 days, in order to avoid any unwanted patches.
Furthermore, keeping the system clean is also an important step in maintaining your gaming PC. Cleaning the system means to delete any junk files, such as temporary files or any files left behind by uninstalled programs. This will help to free up space on your hard drive, resulting in improved system performance.
Also, regularly running a system scan with an anti-virus program can help protect your system from any malicious software. It is important to note that some anti-virus programs provide real-time protection, which can detect and prevent virus infections immediately.
In addition, performing a disk cleanup can also be helpful, as it will delete any unneeded files from your system and free up disk space. Disk cleanup can be done in the Settings app and is important to note that this process can take some time.
Replace Outdated Hardware Parts
As technology advances, the hardware of a gaming PC can become outdated and can negatively impact performance. Therefore, it is essential to replace outdated hardware parts to enhance the performance of the system and maintain the gaming experience.
One of the main signs of outdated hardware parts is a slow and sluggish system. If the system is struggling to do the normal tasks, such as loading a game or streaming a video, then it is time to upgrade.
If your system has any RAM or storage beyond the recommended specifications, then a compatible part should be replaced for improved performance. Additionally, you should check the game’s system requirements before upgrading and make sure that your system is powerful enough to run the game at optimum performance.
Also, replacing the graphics card can be beneficial, as the latest graphics cards provide improved performance and more powerful processors. Additionally, the latest graphics cards are capable of handling the most modern games at higher resolutions and higher frames per second.
Furthermore, upgrading the CPU can also be beneficial as a new CPU will provide improved performance and speed. It is important to note that all the components must be compatible with each other, so all the parts should be purchased from the same manufacturer.
Lastly, replacement parts should be checked for compatibility with the motherboard, as an incompatible component can cause the entire system to malfunction. Therefore, it is important
