When it comes to choosing the best starter gaming PC, there are many considerations that need to be made. First of all, budget is a major factor: Do you want to spend the bare minimum or would you prefer to invest more for the best features? Then, there’s the type of games: Are you looking for titles that match the exclusive specs of a high-end gaming machine or are more casual titles enough for you? Finally, spec-wise, you should consider the CPU, RAM, motherboard, and graphics card.
When it comes to budget, all gamers understand that the more you’re willing to shell out, the better specs or gaming capabilities you can expect. More often than not, you can save money and still get a reliable machine as a starter gaming PC. However, if you want to give yourself a head start, then you should be ready to invest in stronger components, such as the CPU, graphics card, and RAM.
As for the types of games, you can choose from casual titles, mid-sized games, and high-end ones. Casual games are usually available in the laptop section or small form factor gaming PCs, offering a great variety of graphics solutions and even some virtual reality options. Mid-sized titles could lean more towards portables, with higher-end graphics solutions, while high-end titles need the power of larger setups, where you will pay more on hardware.
No matter the budget, an experienced PC builder should know the essential specs needed for an ideal gaming PC. As long as you look for a reliable processor, with a good amount of RAM, a motherboard that’s fit for gaming and the right kind of graphics solution, you should be good to go. When it comes to processors, Intel i5, AMD Ryzen 5, and Intel i7 are good mid-range options. RAM should range from 8 to 16 gigs, depending on how much you can afford.
A motherboard is the bridge between the CPU, the RAM, and the HDD. When looking for a good gaming motherboard, stick to established platforms such as Intel Z97/X99 or AMD’s AM3+. For graphics solutions, there’s a variety of companies you can count on, such as Asus, MSI, Zotac, EVGA or AMD Radeon series. Once you have the processor, RAM and graphics card, you can go ahead and build your PC.
Finally, if you’re looking at a complete package, some pre-built gaming PC providers are worth checking out. Building with them can be a great way to get your gaming needs covered – no need to search which parts fit your specs. Alienware, Lenovo, or Dell Visor offer good gaming options in different sizes, colors and designs. Once you made up your mind, all you have left to do is hit the stores.
About The CPU
The Central Processing Unit, or the CPU, is one of the most important components for a gaming computer. Its purpose is to direct and control the operations of the computer by executing commands from the software, acting as the brain of the computer. A CPU uses transistors to execute multiple tasks at once – this is referred to as multi-tasking. For gaming, more cores, threads and faster processing speeds of the CPUs will lead to better performance.
When it comes to considering a CPU, the latest Intel Core i7 processor and AMD Ryzen 7 are among the best options in terms of processing power and performance. When you’re shopping for processors, you should look out for clock speeds and extra features like hyper-threading and turbo boost. Clock speeds are normally expressed in GHz and can vary from model to model – the higher the GHz, the faster the CPU. Each model of processor also has a minimum and maximum “turbo speed”. A CPU with a higher turbo speed offers better performance.
Another thing to bear in mind when considering a CPU for gaming is that more cores does not always translate to better gaming experience. Too many cores can actually reduce game performance in some cases. So, depending on the types of games you intend to play, you would need to choose wisely. It is also important to note that the clock speed is more important for most gaming tasks than the number of cores.
Opting for a better processor can result in better gaming performance quality. However, it can also be more expensive. Therefore, if you are looking for an affordable gaming PC, you should opt for the Intel Core i5 processors or the AMD Ryzen 5 models, which still offer good gaming performance and will save you money.
It is also important to note that the type of motherboard you choose needs to be compatible with the processor you choose. Therefore, it is essential that you do the necessary research to ensure that the processor and motherboard you plan to buy will work effectively together. It is generally recommended to opt for the latest LGA 1151 Intel socket as it offers better gaming performance.
About The Graphics Card
The graphics card, also known as the video card, is responsible for creating the images on the screen. To get the best gaming experience, you must carefully select the best graphics card. The graphics card is one of the most important components of the gaming PC, and investing in the latest and greatest tech usually improves gaming performance.
There are a lot of different brands available, and each brand has their own range of GPUs, so selecting the right graphics card can be overwhelming. The most popular graphics card brands to choose from are Nvidia and AMD. Doing the necessary research is essential when selecting a graphics card, as both Nvidia and AMD offer great choices at different price points. The two main things you need to consider when selecting a graphics card are the type of GPU – either Nvidia or AMD – and the model.
In terms of Nvidia graphics cards, the GTX 16-series is an excellent choice for most games, providing excellent performance at an affordable price. Similarly, if you’re looking for an AMD graphics card, the Radeon RX 5500 XT is an excellent choice, as it offers good performance for the price.
When deciding on the best graphics card for your PC, it is important to consider the amount of video memory it has because the video card must store the 3D rendered images in order to display them on the monitor. A minimum of 2GB is recommended for most games. Of course, higher memory cards are available, but they are usually more expensive.
Generally, the memory speed of the video card is also important, as it affects the speed at which the GPU can process 3D images. The higher the memory speed, the faster the image will be rendered and the higher the frame rate will be. Lastly, it is important to consider the power required for the graphics card as different models require more power.
The proper selection of the graphics card is important to ensure lag-free gaming experience. With some research, you can find the best model for your gaming PC. Make sure to match the GPU with the monitor in terms of resolution and refresh rate to get the optimal performance from your setup.
About The Power Supply Unit
The power supply unit is a very important part of any gaming PC. It is responsible for converting the incoming AC power from the wall outlet into an adequate DC power to the rest of the parts that are essential for the gaming PC to function. Without it, the PC wouldn’t be able to turn on or boot up.
It is very important to select a good quality power supply with sufficient wattage, as different components in the PC require different amounts of power. When selecting a good power supply, make sure you choose one with sufficient wattage to power all your components. For gamers, it is recommended to opt for a PSU with at least 600 watts. In addition, look for a PSU that is 80 Plus certified and comes with a good warranty.
Installing a quality PSU from an established manufacturer is important as it ensures that your system runs safely and without any issues. Make sure to check the installation manual carefully as it will provide detailed instructions on how to install the power supply unit correctly in the case.
Another important factor to consider when selecting a PSU is the fan noise. Most power supplies come with a fan for cooling, and fan noise can be quite irritating if it is too loud. Look for fanless power supplies, or opt for ones with larger fans, as they usually produce less noise.
Finally, it is important to choose the correct power connection type for your PSU. The most popular connection types are ATX and BTX, which lock securely into place and should match the type of case you have. Also, it is best to choose a power supply with multiple rail outputs, as this will allow you to easily distribute power to the various components of your PC.
About Case Fans
Case fans can be a great addition to any gaming PC system. They help to keep the computer’s components cool by providing additional airflow, thus improving the overall performance. There are many different kinds of case fans available in a variety of sizes and shapes, so choosing the right one can be a challenge.
When selecting fans for your system, you should consider a few factors. First, you need to decide whether you want a fan that produces more air or one that produces less noise. The tradeoff is that fans that move more air tend to make more noise. However, if you are looking for a quiet fan you can opt for a larger fan with slower rotations or a fan with a lower pitch.
The next factor to consider is the airflow direction. Most PCs usually require fans to be installed with the front intake and the rear exhaust. When installing a fan, make sure it is not installed facing the wrong direction – this will greatly affect the performance.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the fan. Most cases will support 140mm or 120mm fans, so make sure to check this before purchasing. Additionally, there are also 80mm fans available, which are usually used in small form-factor systems.
Finally, you should consider the power connection type. Fans usually connect to 3- or 4-pin connectors. A 3-pin fan connects directly to the motherboard and its speed is automatically adjusted based on the needs of the system. A 4-pin fan gives you more control over its speed and performance, as it connects to the power supply.
About The Motherboard
The motherboard is the most important component of any gaming PC system. It acts as the main hub, connecting all the necessary components together and allowing them to communicate. There are many different factors to consider when selecting the right motherboard for your gaming system.
First, you need to decide what type of processor you want to use. This will determine the type of motherboard you need, as different processors use different socket types. For example
