An ideal gaming PC should be a mix of powerful hardware, good peripherals, and efficient software. The ideal setup will depend on the games being played, but all gaming PCs require the same core components to work efficiently. Here are the basic components needed for any gaming PC:
1. A good quality processor. The processor should be fast and efficient to ensure seamless game performance. Intel and AMD are the two most popular processor manufacturers and both offer a range of processors suitable for gaming. The more cores and threads the better, along with a higher clock speed.
2. A good quality graphics card. This is arguably the most important component of a gaming PC, particularly if you want to play the latest games at maximum settings. Some of the best graphics cards come from Nvidia and AMD. However, you don’t need the most expensive card to get a great gaming experience.
3. Quality RAM. The amount of RAM required for gaming will depend on the type of games you are playing. 8GB is enough for most games, but if you plan on playing the latest titles, 16GB is the recommended amount. DDR4 is the preferred type of RAM due to its higher speeds.
4. Plenty of storage. A gaming PC needs a large amount of storage space to store all of your games and other files. An SSD is the best choice as it allows for faster game loading times, but if you need more storage, a hard drive will do the job just fine. Make sure it’s at least 7200 RPM.
5. A quality PSU. The power supply unit (PSU) should be reliable and of sufficient wattage to power all the components of your gaming PC. Look for a PSU from a reputable manufacturer such as Corsair, EVGA, and Seasonic.
6. A reliable motherboard. A good quality motherboard is needed to ensure that all the components work together correctly. Look for one suitable for your processor and the types of peripherals you will be using.
7. A good quality monitor. The monitor should be capable of displaying the games at the desired resolution and refresh rate. Many gaming monitors have features such as G-Sync/ FreeSync, low input lag, and fast refresh rates.
System Cooling
When it comes to gaming PCs, cooling is an important factor. The system needs to be cooled efficiently to prevent the components from overheating. A quality CPU cooler will help to keep the processor running cool and a good case fan setup is also important for keeping all the components at optimal temperatures.
Liquid cooling systems are also an option for serious gamers, as they help to dissipate heat more quickly than air cooling, but they usually come at a cost. If you are a serious gamer and you want the best performance, then it might be worth investing in a liquid cooling setup.
Peripherals
The peripherals needed for a gaming PC will depend on the type of games being played. A mouse and keyboard are the essentials; a gaming mouse and keyboard set can offer more precise control, as well as additional features such as programmable keys.
A gaming headset is also important for gaming, particularly if you are playing online. High-end gaming headsets come with surround sound technology, which can help to improve the gaming experience.
If you are a serious gamer, then a gaming chair can be a worthwhile investment. Gaming chairs are designed to be more ergonomic, providing better comfort for long gaming sessions.
Finally, a gaming pad can be a useful tool for some games. Gaming pads have more precise analog sticks and buttons, which can give you an edge in games that require quick reflexes.
Software
When it comes to gaming PC software, there are a few essential programs that must be installed. The first is an up-to-date game launcher, as this will allow you to easily launch your games and keep them up-to-date. Steam, Origin and Battle.net are popular choices.
You will also need an anti-virus and malware scanning program, such as Microsoft Defender, to protect your system from malicious software. A system optimizer such as Auslogics Boostspeed can also be useful to help keep your PC running at its peak performance.
Finally, a good quality game recording software is useful for capturing your gaming sessions. Programs such as Fraps and ShadowPlay are popular choices for PC gamers.
Internet Connection
An internet connection is an essential component for any gaming PC. It is important to have a fast and reliable connection to ensure you get the best gaming experience. It is also important to consider the data caps of your internet service provider; if you play a lot of games, you don’t want to be hit with unexpectedly large bills due to data overages.
Gaming PCs Can Be Expansion Ready
Although there is no one size fits all when it comes to building a gaming PC, there are some extra components that can be added later on if you want to upgrade your system in the future. Adding an extra graphics card can be useful for improving frame rates in games, while more RAM and storage can also be useful.
A sound card can also be a worthwhile investment if you want to take full advantage of surround sound. Newer motherboards also support M.2 and NVMe storage, so if speed is your priority, an upgrade may be in order.
Choosing the right components
Finally, it is also important to remember that gaming PCs require high-end components if you want to get the best gaming performance. Do your research and compare prices and features to get the best deal. It is also worth considering the warranties offered by the different components to make sure you are covered in the event of any problems.
