Gaming PCs have been a favorite of gamers for a long time, with upgraded hardware allowing for increased performance. There’s no doubt that choosing the right gaming PC hardware is important for getting the most out of your gaming experience. But, there’s one factor that can’t be forgotten – no matter how powerful the hardware is – software. Reddit users have long discussed which must-have software every gamer should have installed on their system, and they’ve come up with a list of must-haves. Here’s an overview of the must-have software for your gaming PC, according to Reddit.
First and foremost on the list is Windows 10. It may not be the most preferred operating system (OS) among gamers, but it certainly has its advantages. It supports multiple GPU configurations, and allows for game streaming and Xbox integration. It is also the most compatible OS, with video game manufacturers providing support for the Windows system.
In terms of hardware support, drivers are a must. Driving the graphics cards, motherboard drivers help improve performance enormously. NVIDIA drivers in particular are regularly recommended by Reddit users, as they’re developed with gamers in mind. Additionally, getting the latest updates for the graphics cards are important for boosting performance.
Next in line is a reliable antivirus. Redditors advise to stay clear of free solutions, as these are often inadequate when it comes to protection. Paid solutions like Norton and McAfee are recommended, although the choice depends on the user’s needs.
For audio features, Dolby Atmos is the must-have software. It enables virtual surround sound, and many users find that it significantly enhances the gaming experience. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store.
Under-the-hood tweaks are always recommended, as they come with several performance improvements. Redditors suggest software like CPU-Z and HWMonitor, which make the task of updating and customizing your gaming PC simpler. Additionally, Intel XTU and 3DMark are other software that help with the power-up process.
Finally, Steam, GOGGalaxy, or any other game library program is a must-have. These programs not only allow gamers to purchase, download, and organize games, but also help enhance the gaming experience with its many features.
Microsoft Windows 10
Microsoft Windows 10 needs no introduction, as it is the most popular OS among gamers. It provides support for Xbox integration, multiple GPU configurations, and allows for 4K gaming. It also runs on high-end PCs with the latest processor, providing the best gaming experience. Furthermore, the OS is regularly updated and comes with parental controls for parents to manage their children’s experiences on the PC.
One of Windows 10’s standout features is the Xbox Game Pass which allows gamers to access hundreds of premium titles with a single subscription. It is also very user-friendly, with an intuitive interface. Moreover, users can check system performance, game stats, and other features right from the start menu.
Another great feature is the Windows Store. It allows gamers to browse, purchase and download their favorite games, even on low-end systems. Furthermore, the Windows Store also provides access to mods, maps, patch notes and other related content.
Drivers
Updating the drivers regularly is essential for gamers to get the best out of their gaming PC. Most experienced gamers will know to download only the latest graphics and motherboard drivers for their gaming PCs for better performance. Redditors suggest NVIDIA drivers, which are specifically designed for gamers.
The NVIDIA drivers come with a host of advanced features like improved cooling, accelerated rendering, and even automated driver updates. The latest drivers are optimized for the most popular games and have the latest GPU configurations supported. Furthermore, they also come with a performance monitor that can display the GPU temperature and fan speed.
Antivirus
Having a good antivirus installed on your gaming PC is essential for keeping it safe from threats like viruses and malware. Reddit recommends, staying away from free antivirus solutions and opting for paid ones like Norton and McAfee. These come with additional features like parental controls and cloud storage which further enhance the security of your system.
One of the best features offered by paid antivirus solutions is real-time scanning. This helps detect and remove dangerous threats and detect malicious activity, ensuring that your gaming PC is always safe. Furthermore, some antivirus solutions also come with game-friendly features like gamers mode and game booster, both of which help improve game performance.
Dolby Atmos
Having superb audio is as important as great visuals for a great gaming experience. That’s where Dolby Atmos comes into play. It is a must-have software for gamers who want to enjoy the best sound possible. Dolby Atmos provides virtual surround sound which results in an immersive gaming experience.
Additionally, Dolby Atmos also comes with tweaks and tools which can be used to customize the audio and achieve the perfect sound. It also adjusts sound levels and audio processing depending on the type of game you’re playing, thus providing an enhanced and realistic sound.
Finally, Dolby Atmos can also be used with headphones, allowing gamers to experience the full impact of the sound. It also comes with its own optimization tool, allowing users to find the optimal audio settings for their headphones.
Under-the-Hood Tweaking
Under-the-hood tweaking is a must if you want to maximize the performance of your gaming PC. Redditors suggest using software such as CPU-Z, HWMonitor, Intel XTU, and 3DMark. These programs allow the user to customize their PC’s power-up process and enhance the performance.
For starters, CPU-Z and HWMonitor can help you to analyze and understand the components in your system. They also provide detailed information about your CPU, RAM, and GPU, allowing you to make changes accordingly. Furthermore, Intel XTU and 3DMark can be used to overclock your CPU and GPU for enhanced performance.
Additionally, these programs come with various tools and features such as power-saving options, benchmarking tools, and graphics tweaking tools. Using these tools and tweaking the settings can help to make your gaming PC run faster and smoother. Furthermore, these programs can also be used to adjust the fan speeds for improved cooling, thus avoiding any potential hardware failures.
Game Library Software
Finally, having a game library software is an essential part of every gaming PC. Redditors suggest having a program such as Steam or GOGGalaxy, as they provide a host of features which can help enhance the gaming experience.
These programs allow gamers to purchase, download and organize their games. Additionally, they also feature features such as cloud saves, game streaming, and achievements, among other things. Moreover, they provide a range of customization options that can be used to create custom in-game graphics and audio settings.
Furthermore, some game library programs also offer advanced features such as modding and map editing, as well as access to mods, maps, and patch notes. This allows gamers to expand their gaming experience beyond the original game. Finally, many of these programs come with the ability to schedule automatic downloads for games, and even schedule backups, ensuring that all the important data is safe and secure.
