When it comes to buying a gaming PC, the term “best specs” can be quite ambiguous. Different gamers may have different preferences, so what constitutes the “best” for one person may not be for another. However, there are a few key specs that should be taken into consideration when looking for the ideal gaming machine. Here, we’ll discuss the components that give you the best gaming experience.
First and foremost, consider the processor. A powerful CPU is essential for any gaming PC, as it determines how well your PC can handle new games and software. Intel’s Core i7 and AMD’s Ryzen 7 are the best processors on the market right now, delivering plenty of power while creating minimal heat. Both processors should be more than enough to handle any intense gaming.
Speaking of power, that brings us to the graphics card. It’s arguably the most important feature of any gaming PC, as it’s responsible for delivering smooth frames and rendering details on the screen. When it comes to GPUs, NVIDIA’s RTX 30-series is currently leading the pack, although the AMD Radeon RX 6000-series is a great alternative if you want similar performance at a lower price. Either way, make sure to pick a card with enough VRAM, so your games will look sharp.
Additionally, memory is also important. Aim for at least 16GB of RAM if you want your PC to run as smoothly as possible. Otherwise, 8GB of RAM should be enough for most titles, but you may need to upgrade it if you plan on doing a lot of multitasking. 8GB of RAM should also be fine if you plan on running lighter titles like Fortnite or Minecraft.
Finally, storage is another key component to consider. Solid-state drives (SSDs) offer high speeds and faster loading times, so they’re a great choice if you want to minimize waiting time. Most gaming PCs nowadays come with 1TB of storage, but that might not be enough if you’re a digital hoarder. If you plan on downloading a lot of games, you can save some money by getting an HDD instead, as they provide greater capacity at a lower cost.
Cooling and Peripherals
A gaming PC should be cooled adequately too, to ensure that it keeps running at optimal temperatures. After all, overclocking, heavy multitasking, and other strenuous tasks put a strain on the components, and having a good liquid cooling system or even a decent air cooler is crucial to maintaining your PC’s performance. But ultimately, cooler PCs are quieter and last longer as well, so investing in quality cooling solutions, such as liquid coolers, is highly recommended.
Moreover, peripherals like a competitive mouse, a comfortable keyboard, and a gaming headset should also be taken into account. Different gaming titles require different input methods, so having a range of peripherals that suit different games is essential in maximizing your gaming experience.
In addition, a good monitor is just as important as the right hardware. Choose a monitor with a response time of at least 5ms, a refresh rate of 144Hz or higher, and a resolution that suits your PC’s power. While Full HD is still the standard, 1440P and 4K resolutions provide a much sharper image, which may be worth the extra money if you want a superior gaming experience.
Finally, don’t forget to account for your budget. The prices of PCs can range from very affordable to surprisingly expensive, so decide how much you’re willing to spend before buying one. It’s always better to get a more modest PC you can upgrade over time, as opposed to forking over a huge chunk of money for components that won’t last more than a few years.
Conclusion
Overall, knowing what components you need in the ideal gaming PC is essential if you want the best gaming experience. You may not be able to get everything on your wishlist, but aiming for the best specs you can afford should be your priority. After all, you don’t want to end up having to upgrade your PC every couple of years or worse, having it break down in the middle of a gaming session.
Physical Space
Physical space is another factor to take into consideration when picking out a gaming PC. It’s important to choose the right case size for the components you need, as you don’t want a case that’s too small and cramped for the components. Alternatively, a too large case may result in an uncomfortable gaming experience. Additionally, it’s best to opt for a case that’s easy to open and close in case you ever need to upgrade your PC.
Additionally, if you’re one of those gamers who would like to present their PC in its full glory, many cases on the market come with tempered glass, RGB lighting, and even built-in keypads for a truly custom experience. If you’re into that sort of thing, it’s worth looking into these cases as well.
Another physical space issue to consider would be the space around the computer. Some folks will use the extra space around the gaming PC for peripherals like gamepads, headphones, webcam and other accessories. The presence of too much clutter can be a major distraction, so make sure you have enough clearance for any peripherals.
Finally, any gamer will tell you that a gaming chair is essential. You don’t have to go for the flashiest and most expensive one, but make sure it’s comfortable and ergonomic. Otherwise, you risk hurting your back and neck due to poor posture. Not only will this affect your gaming performance in the long run, but it can also lead to serious health issues down the line.
Overclocking
Overclocking refers to making physical or software changes to the CPU, graphics card and other components in order to increase the performance of your PC. It’s one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to make your PC run faster, but it’s not a risk-free endeavor either. If done correctly, overclocking will provide you with more stable frames and a noticeable boost in performance, but it’s best to leave overclocking to the pros if you’re not sure about your skills.
While overclocking can be beneficial for some gamers, it’s important to consider whether it’s worth the risk. Overclocking the wrong components or pushing the components too hard can cause problems like system instability, crashing, and even permanent damage. So if you’re planning to overclock your PC, make sure you have the right tools, like a good power supply, a reliable fan, and quality cooling unit..
Furthermore, it’s best to consider whether you’ll get the most bang for your buck. Will overclocking actually give you the performance boost you need? If not, it’s best to save your money and buy a better processor or graphics card instead. Many gaming PCs on the market come pre-overclocked, so you may not need to OC your PC at all.
Finally, remember not to get too ambitious. You don’t have to push the components to their limits in order to get decent performance. As long as your PC has all the necessary components, it’s likely to be powerful enough if you stick at the default speed. You could always overclock it later if you feel like your PC needs a performance boost.
Upgrading
The beauty of PCs is that components are easily replaceable, so finding the best specs for a gaming PC may not necessarily mean having to buy a new machine. If you already own a decent gaming PC, you may be able to get the performance you’re looking for with a few simple hardware upgrades.
For instance, you may be able to upgrade the RAM or the storage, or perhaps even get a better graphics card or processor. Of course, you’ll need a compatible motherboard for Intel’s CPUs and/or a compatible GPU for NVIDIA’s and AMD’s GPUs, but even then, upgrading is often cheaper than buying a new PC.
On the other hand, if you’re feeling adventurous and have the technical know-how, you can even build your own gaming PC. That way you can choose exactly the parts you need and take into account the physical size of the case, the overclocking potential, and other features you may want. Building PCs can be rather fun, so if you’re into tinkering around it’s worth looking into.
Finally, it’s important to note that even the best gaming PC won’t be completely future-proof. At some point, your PC will become outdated and its performance won’t be enough to run the latest games. When that happens, it’s time to start looking for a new PC, or at least upgrade a few components.
