If you’re an avid gamer, chances are that you’re constantly looking for ways to improve your gaming experience. Whether it’s for the upcoming release of a hot new game or an older game you’d still like to play at peak performance – upgrading the components of your gaming PC is a great way to squeeze more power out of your rig. Upgrading a gaming pc doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavour and can have great returns in terms of increased performance and better quality visuals. Let’s explore what components are worth upgrading on a gaming pc.
GPU
If you’re into games, investing in a more powerful GPU is a great way to go. A GPU is responsible for producing sharp, smooth visuals and enables advanced game features such as texture filtering, anti-aliasing and frame rate. A more powerful GPU will allow for improved visuals and allow games to run on higher settings for optimal performance. Furthermore, a powerful GPU also allows for players to take advantage of newer technologies such as VR and 4K gaming.
CPU
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brains of any computer and is essential for running the most CPU-intensive games. A weak CPU will result in stuttering and low frame rates, while a powerful one can ensure steady and consistent performance. Generally speaking, a modern and powerful processor is necessary for taking advantage of many advanced features of today’s games. Investing in a powerful processor is also a great way to future-proof your gaming PC.
RAM
One of the more straightforward upgrades, more RAM (Random Access Memory) will allow you to open more applications at once and allow games to run without hiccups. More RAM will also allow for improved performance in games that require a lot of memory, such asMMORPGs. A minimum of 8GB of RAM is recommended for a gaming PC, and 16GB or higher for serious gaming.
Storage
Storage is an important factor when it comes to gaming. Today’s games are generally larger in size, often requiring upwards of 50GB of storage. A standard HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is enough for holding small-to-moderate game libraries, but if you wish to install many high-performance or large-sized games a more powerful storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) will be beneficial. Furthermore, an SSD can drastically improve load times and boot times in addition to providing significant performance gains in some applications.
Monitors & Peripherals
Improving the display and peripherals you use with your gaming PC can significantly improve the gaming experience. Investing in a high-quality monitor with a higher refresh rate and response time will result in sharper visuals and greatly improves the experience in fast-paced games. Additionally, gaming mice, keyboards and headsets also make for incredibly useful upgrades for immersive gaming experiences.
Cooling & Power Supply
Finally, cooling and power supply should be kept in check when building or upgrading your gaming PC. Investing in a high-quality cooling system will keep the temperature of your components from damaging them and rendering them unusable. Furthermore, having a powerful enough PSU (Power Supply Unit) can ensure that all components are able to function in their optimal state. People often overlook the importance of cooling and power supply, but it’s important to bear in mind when upgrading components.
Software Upgrades
Software upgrades are important to improving the performance and usability of your gaming PC. Keeping the drivers of your components up-to-date can ensure more consistent performance and bug fixes, while installing additional software such as overclocking programs can allow you to squeeze more power out of your PC. Additionally, many games require the latest version of the DirectX API to run correctly, and thus it is important to keep up with the latest software updates.
Customising Your Gaming PC
It is also important to consider customising your gaming PC’s aesthetics. Investing in a custom RGB lighting system or a third-party case can drastically improve the looks of your rig and make it a true eye candy. Customising your PC also extends to its internal components – there are dozens of custom cooling solutions and watercooling kits available for maximum performance and aesthetical pleasure.
Upgrading Your Operating System
Finally, upgrading your OS from time to time can benefit the speed and performance of your gaming PC. Windows 10 is the latest and most preferred OS, allowing for the latest games and applications to be used on Windows PCs. Upgrading your OS also allows for improved security and an increased amount of features not present in other operating systems.
The Benefits Of Upgrading Your Gaming PC
Upgrading your gaming PC can bring a plethora of benefits – improved visuals, better performance and an immersive gaming experience. Furthermore, these upgrades come in varying price ranges, allowing for budget-friendly modifications as well. Upgrading one’s gaming PC is a great way to stay ahead of the game, enabling you to enjoy the latest titles on the highest settings and ensuring better gaming experiences.
What Setting Should I Upgrade My Gaming PC On?
When upgrading your gaming PC, it’s important to keep your budget and needs in mind. Generally speaking, it would be best to focus on upgrading the components that are most relevant to gaming such as the GPU, CPU, RAM and storage. Additionally, peripherals such as gaming mice and keyboards can make for great investments as well. Furthermore, budget permitting, it would be wise to focus on future-proofing your gaming PC by investing in components that can handle upcoming games easily.
The Pros And Cons Of Upgrading Your Gaming PC
When considering whether or not to upgrade your gaming PC, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. On one hand, upgrading your gaming PC will allow for a better gaming experience and reduced hiccups with newer games. On the other hand, the cost of upgrading can be daunting, with components such as GPUs often being of hefty price. With that said, upgrading selected components such as the CPU and RAM is sometimes a great way to get ahead in games without spending too much.
What Kind Of Upgrades Should I Avoid?
When upgrading your gaming PC, it’s important to avoid unnecessary upgrades and stick with components applicable directly to gaming. Upgrades such as sound cards, network cards and extra fans are often a waste of money, as the performance gains are often unnoticeable. Furthermore, many components such as custom water cooling are only applicable to advanced PC gaming and should only be considered if absolutely necessary.
