When it comes to picking the best gaming PC for $1500, understanding the different pieces of hardware and what they can do is essential. This article aims to help prospective buyers by explaining various components and how they affect gaming performance.
The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the brain of any computer, and is essential for gaming performance. While entry-level Intel processors can handle most gaming requirements, its worth considering the Intel i5-8400F or even i7-8700K for an optimal gaming experience. Both these chips offer 4.0GHz of base speed with turbo boosts for increased performance, and have an LGA1151 CPU socket.
Memory, or RAM, is also important for gaming performance, as many games provide extra content when more RAM is allocated. 8GB of RAM is recommended for seamless gaming experiences. 16GB is recommended for more demanding titles, such as Forza, Destiny 2 and Grand Theft Auto V.
GPUs, or Graphics Processing Units, are pivotal for gaming performance, and upgrading them should be a priority. A mid-range GPU, such as a Nvidia GTX 1070 or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56, can easily handle 1080p gaming at high settings. If you want to play 1440p or 4K gaming, then you’ll need either a GTX 1080Ti or Radeon RX Vega 64.
There are other important components to consider as well. If a stuttering gaming experience is something you want to avoid, then a power supply and case with enough airflow are necessary. Look for something with at least 250W and good cooling, such as a Corsair Carbide Series C700M or NZXT H700i.
Hard drives also offer gamers broader content options, by granting extra storage and faster loading times. You should look for either a 7200RPM HDD or an SSD. Both are cost efficient and provide similar performance. An SSD would offer quicker loading times while a 7200RPM HDD provides more storage, so it’s up to you and what you need the most.
Finally, to complete the gaming experience, you should invest in a monitor and accessories. As for the monitor, something between 27” and 32” should do the trick. A 1080p or 1440p monitor with a high refresh rate is ideal, since 1080p gaming can get you by with a FreeSync or G-Sync capable monitor. For accessories, consider a mechanical keyboard, headset and mouse, since they contribute greatly to user experience.
What are the Benefits of a Mid-Range GPU?
A mid-range GPU usually offers great bang for the buck. Most gamers who have the average budget of around $1500 will be better off getting either a Nvidia GTX 1070 or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56, both of which are incredibly capable and more than capable of powering 1080p gaming at high settings.
The cost-effectiveness of both GPUs is further strengthened by the fact that they are relatively futureproof as well. As the resolution of the titles increases, these GPUs can still handle most of the more demanding games at moderate settings, though more taxing double-A games may require lower settings.
Furthermore, many GPUs of this calibre offer FreeSync or G-Sync support. This helps prevent screen tearing and provides a smoother gameplay experience, especially at high refresh rates. This is especially beneficial when it comes to first-person shooters, since the extra smoothness can save a handful of milliseconds, meaning the difference between life and death in some cases.
Finally, these GPUs come with updated drivers, making them easier to use in the long run for PC gamers. The drivers are fine-tuned for optimal performance and the latest gaming titles, and their frequency of update is also commendable.
Choose the Right PSU for Your Gaming PC
Choosing the right power supply unit (PSU) can seem like a mundane task while building a gaming PC, but it is a decision that needs to be taken seriously. The wrong power supply can not only result in your hardware malfunctioning but can also be detrimental to the lifespan of your components.
The ideal power supply should match the power draw of the entire system, without going overboard. According to reviews, most gaming rigs need at least 180W of power, with around 250W more than adequate for more demanding titles. As for hardware specific requirements, models like the GTX 1070 need 600W of juice, with the Ryzen 5 1400 processor requiring only 65W.
Due to safety concerns, its recommended opting for a branded and reliable power supply, with excellent customer support and warranty. Popular brands such as Corsair, EVGA and Seasonic are renowned for their reliability and longevity. This is critical, since power supplies are prone to burning out if something goes wrong.
Special consideration should be given to aesthetics, since all the cables will be visible in a tower PC. Look for PSU models that feature sleeved cables and those which have options for modular cables. Since your gaming system should run as cool as possible, it is also wise to look for models with better cooling solutions such as bigger fans and heatsinks.
Essential Factors to Look for in Gaming Peripherals
Complementing your gaming PC build by investing in peripherals such as a keyboard and mouse can help increase your playtime. As the two primary input devices, a good keyboard and mouse should be comfortable and responsive at the same time. Here’s what you should look for:
For mice, ergonomic ones are the best choice since they make long gaming sessions more comfortable. Look for something that fits your grip – a palm grip or claw grip user should get something accordingly. Look for features such as adjustable weights, RGB lighting and good DPI range.
Mechanical keyboards, especially with Cherry MX switches, are always the best choice for gamers. Depending on the type of games you usually play, choose either for a linear Blue Switch or a tactile Brown switch. Get something with a full keyboard key design, anti-ghosting technology, detectible mechanical switches, customizable RGB lighting and multimedia keys.
What’s more, if you’re looking for additional amenities, choose a gaming keyboard with additional luxuries such as USB ports, a detachable wrist rest, dedicated macros and more. Such peripherals play an active role in convenience and better gaming performance.
What to Consider When Picking a Monitor for Gaming?
A monitor is another important part of any gaming build. Since you’ll be staring at the screen for long hours, ensure that it is comfortable and suits your gaming needs. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Size is the first factor to consider. A 27-inch 1080p monitor can provide great immersion, while a 32-inch monitor offers wider viewing angles. If you want more lofty resolutions, 4KUHD monitors with 3840 x 2160 resolutions can offer a great cinematic experience.
Keep an eye out for acontrast ratio, refresh rateandresponse time. The contrast ratio affects picture clarity, while the response time is related to ghosting and blur. A refresh rate of 60Hz is standard, but higher refresh rates such as 120Hz are ideal for gaming purposes. Also opting for a G-Sync or FreeSync compatible monitor is a wise idea.
Finally,connectivity portsare also important. To maximize potential resolutions and refresh rates, consider a monitor with at least HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4 ports, and a USB Type-C port. All of these ports are necessary for taking advantage of the latest displays.
Tips for Maintaining Your Gaming PC
Finally, for long-term longevity, it’s important to keep your gaming PC running flawlessly. Here are some tips for maintenance:
Start by checking if the fans and heat sinks are installed correctly and that there is enough airflow. Dust and dirt can build up inside the case, causing the components to malfunction, so regular dusting and cleaning is essential. For additional cooling, regular fans and liquid cooling solutions such as All-in-One (AiO) coolers are available.
Also, properly securing all the cables is essential as loose cables can create a bottleneck and stutter. To improve the thermal performance and reduce noise, cable ties and cable management solutions are recommended.
Finally, for long-term reliability and health, it’s important to test the performance of your components regularly. You can use a program such as MSI Afterburner or HW Monitor to keep an eye on your hardware and ensure that everything is running as it should.
