Gaming PCs are a great way to enjoy immersive video game experiences. Depending on the specific requirements needed to play a game, choosing the right combination of components is crucial. No two gaming PCs are the same, but there are several specs to consider when choosing a gaming PC. Here is a breakdown of the best specs for a gaming PC.
Graphics Card
A powerful graphics card is essential for a gaming PC. The GPU is responsible for rendering the game’s visuals and playing demanding games on the highest settings. For the best visuals and the best performance, you’d want a graphics card with plenty of VRAM (Video-RAM) and a high clock-speed–preferably from the GeForce RTX or AMD RX series.
Processor
The processor is the “brain” of the system. When playing games on the highest settings, having a processor with multiple cores and threads and a high clock-speed is a must. Intel’s 10th generation and 11th generation CPUs or AMD’s Ryzen CPUs offer the best gaming performance today.
Memory
Having plenty of RAM is key to a good gaming experience. As a general rule of thumb, the more RAM the better. 8GB of RAM is enough for most games and 16GB is ideal for high-end gaming. If you are a streamer or video editor, 32GB of RAM would be ideal.
Storage
Having a fast storage drive is key to loading games quickly. Having an SSD (Solid State Drive) is the best way to get games loading fast. SSDs with 500GB or 1TB are good for most gamers, and if you have the budget, a 2TB is ideal. For those who want to store tons of data, a hard-drive with a large capacity is a good choice.
Cooling System
A cooled gaming PC is essential for long gaming sessions. Having a good air or liquid cooling system in place is important so the system does not overheat. A combination of good fans and liquid cooling is ideal for a gaming PC to ensure the best performance.
Power Supply
Having an adequate power supply is essential for a gaming PC. It’s important that it has enough wattage to power all the components. If you’re planning on overclocking or adding more components in the future, getting a wattage that is at least 20-30% higher than what is needed is ideal.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the backbone of your system and it needs to be compatible with the other components. Having a good motherboard with plenty of features such as RGB lighting, PCI-e slots for expansion and applications, and manufacturer support for the latest CPU and GPU tech is important for a well-built gaming PC.
Monitor
A good monitor is important for a good gaming experience. For PC gaming, a good monitor with a high refresh rate and support for FreeSync or G-SYNC is ideal. Monitors with a resolution of at least 1080p are good, and 1440p or 4K monitors are better for higher-end gaming. It’s also important to consider the size of the monitor and the viewing angles.
Headphones
Having a good pair of headphones is essential for a good gaming experience. Gaming headphones come in different styles from wired to wireless and primarily work to reproduce sound from the game itself. A good gaming headset should have good sound quality, comfortable fit, strong mic pickup, and read compatibility.
Keyboard & Mouse
A good quality keyboard and mouse increases the accuracy of your games and makes for a better gaming experience. Keyboards come in both wired and wireless models, and depending on your budget, you can find a model with features like RGB lighting, mechanical switches, and dedicated macro keys. Mice come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Wireless gaming mice offer the best performance and can be used with a wireless charging station.
Peripherals
Having a good selection of gaming peripherals increases the gaming experience. Having a gaming controller is essential for certain genres, and using a joystick and pedals is great for flight sims. If you’re playing racing games, a wheel and pedals setup makes a huge difference. If playing virtual reality games, then a pair of motion controllers and a headset are essential.
Internet Connection
A good internet connection is essential for gaming. If you plan to play online, then having a fast, reliable connection is important. For the best gaming experience, look for a connection with an upload speed at least 5 Mbps or higher, and an ideal download speed of 10 Mbps or higher.
