4K gaming PCs are increasingly becoming popular among the PC gaming community. This can often be attributed to the increasing affordability of powerful graphics cards and processors, as well as the fact that 4K resolution gaming offers a unique experience in terms of visuals and rendering capabilities. There are several key components which define a 4K gaming PC, and whilst there is some flexibility in terms of the components that can be included, it is important to understand what a 4K PC offers in order to make a decision on whether it is the right choice for you.
Graphics Card
At the heart of any well-built 4K gaming PC is a powerful graphics card. It is essential to have a graphics card that can handle the intense amounts of data associated with 4K gaming. At the very least, this requires a GeForce GTX 1080 card, since this is the lowest specification capable of gaming at 4K resolution. However, the latest models of graphics cards such as the RTX 2080 TI offer superior performance, and should be considered if you are looking to play the latest AAA titles at maximum settings. Additionally, if you plan to run more than one monitor, then the addition of a multiple graphics card setup will give you the best possible 4K gaming experience.
Processor
The processor is just as important for 4K gaming as the graphics card, and this is because the processor is responsible for ensuring that data is processed quickly and efficiently. As a general rule, having a highly clocked multi-core processor such as an Intel Core i7-9700K or a Ryzen 7 3800X will give you the best 4K gaming experience. This is because these processors offer superior performance when compared to their predecessors, and they will keep your system running smoothly, even during longer gaming sessions.
Memory
Once the processor and graphics card have been decided upon, you will need to consider the amount of RAM required to power your 4K gaming PC. Ideally, you should look for a minimum of 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and you may wish to extend this to 32GB or even higher if you’re looking to run multiple monitors or if you’re a heavy multitasker. This additional RAM will ensure that your system is able to cope with multiple tasks, and it will help to increase the longevity of your system.
Storage
4K gaming PCs also require a sufficient amount of storage to ensure that the system is able to cope with the large amounts of data associated with 4K resolution gaming. This is especially true if you plan to store a lot of games on your system. For this reason, opting for a solid state drive (SSD) is recommended, as this will give you faster loading times and a smoother gaming experience. Additionally, a large capacity hard drive (HDD) can also be included, which can be used to store additional games and data.
Monitors
Having the right monitors is also essential for 4K gaming, as it is essential to be able to see all the beautiful details offered by the 4K resolution in the best possible way. Much like the other components needed for a 4K gaming PC, there are some variations available when it comes to monitors. At the very least, you should be looking for a 60Hz monitor with a 4K resolution, and preferably one with either a G-Sync or FreeSync function. If you’re looking to use multiple monitors, then you should opt for two or three high quality 4K monitors.
Cooling System
Finally, cooling is a very important component of a 4K gaming PC, as this will ensure that the components do not overheat. Therefore, it is recommended to use a liquid cooling system or dedicated air cooling system. This will help to keep the components cool and ensure that the 4K gaming experience is as smooth as possible.
Cost
When it comes to 4K gaming PCs, there is a wide range of costs associated with them. Generally speaking, it will depend on the components chosen and the performance level that you are looking for. For example, if you opt for higher performance components such as a graphics card and processor, then the overall cost of the system will be higher. On the other hand, if you go for a mid-range setup then the cost will be much lower.
Power Supply
The power supply is one of the most important components when it comes to choosing a 4K gaming PC. This is because 4K gaming requires a large amount of power in order to run smoothly, and therefore it is essential to have a power supply that can handle the strain. It is recommended to opt for a power supply that is at least 850-1000 watts, and preferably one with at least 80+ efficiency rating.
Heat Output
Whilst a robust cooling system is necessary for a 4K gaming PC, it is also important to consider the amount of heat output that the system will generate. This is especially true if you plan to keep the PC in a smaller room, as it could become too hot. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for components that have lower heat outputs, as this will make it easier to keep the system cool.
Upgradability
Lastly, it is important to be aware of the upgradability of your 4K gaming PC. Measuring the upgrades that can be made to the system is a good way to ensure that your PC can keep up with the latest games and technologies. Some components such as the graphics card are relatively easy to upgrade, whilst others such as the power supply and cooling system are more complex.
