Gone are the days when you can play one of the most popular games with an 8MB RAM and a 40MB hard disk space. Yes, you read that right MB not GB. This was for one of the best-selling games of the 90s, Doom.
This 2020, Doom Eternal is released. To play Doom Eternal, you are going to need at least 8GB system RAM and 50GB hard drive space. Truly as games had advanced during the past decades, so have the systems and components of gaming PCs.
If you are wondering what to look for in a gaming PC, there are several things you need to take note of. You should start with the components of a gaming PC and learn of its capabilities for expansions and upgrades.
What to Look For in a Pre-built Gaming PC
If this is going to be your first gaming PC, chances are, you would want it to be pre-built. After all, assembling your own gaming PC requires experience, skill, and a lot of time. So, whether you are checking out a cheap gaming PC under $300 or an expensive one over a thousand, it’s important to inspect the following gaming PC components:
High-End Processor
When it comes to gaming PCs, some components are more important than others. You can save on some while others you really need to put all your budget into. The processor or the Central Processing Unit is something you should never skimp on. This is the brain of your gaming computer and should be at the very least, an Intel Core i5-6600K @ 3.5 GHz or better.
Advanced GPU
The GPU or Graphics Processing Unit is responsible for rendering high-resolution videos and images of your games. Back then, most games were only 2D but today, games have moved to 3D and have become more realistic. Without a proper GPU, you’ll be running your high-tech games pretty badly. The best GPU in the market for gaming PCs are from Nvidia and AMD.
Expandable RAM
From Overwatch to Fortnite, you don’t really need a high RAM to be able to run them. Most of the games only require a minimum of 8GB RAM. But of course, don’t expect smooth gameplay as frame rates will definitely be slower. However, it is possible to increase or upgrade your RAM. Just make sure the gaming PC you will get has the capability for expansion.
Factors to Consider When Buying Gaming PCs
One of the best ways to find out what to look for in a gaming PC is to check your own needs and preferences. You’ll be able to figure out where most of your budget should be allocated and what parts you can skip out on. Here are the important factors you need to consider:
Games
What are the kinds of games you will be playing? If you are on the lookout for the next big release from World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy then you should look for a gaming PC with the very best specs.
However, if you are more of a casual gamer and don’t really play games with heavy graphics, you can make do with minimum system requirements. Or maybe you prefer games from the past decades, then there really is no point in splurging on the best graphics cards or processors.
Visuals
Will your gameplay experience rely heavily on what you see? Do you need to see the smallest of details when you go on missions with your friends on Far Cry? If your answer to these questions is yes, then you need to focus your budget on visuals.
Aside from getting the best internal components for your gaming PC, you also need to think about the display. You need to invest in a monitor with a resolution of at least 1,920 by 1,080 and a size of over 20 inches. If you don’t want a monitor that is too big then maybe you should also consider getting multiple monitor displays, maybe a 2- or 3-monitor setup.
Audio
How important is audio to you? For some, the gaming experience is just not the same without the proper background sounds. For others, audio is much more crucial—hearing a faint rustle or footsteps can save your life.
Audio is not just for ambiance or an enhanced gameplay experience. This is also important for co-op games to be able to play with your buddies or teammates. You need to decide what kind of speakers to get or if you will rely on a headset. Don’t forget to consider the microphone, too.
Aesthetic
Not really important for the gaming experience but gaming PCs come in a wide range of designs. You might be interested in tricking out your tower with RBG or LED lights. It can definitely look cool if your monitor matches your keyboard and gaming mouse as well as your CPU.
Conclusion
When it comes to what to look for in a gaming PC, there are definitely some components that should be the standard. This includes the processor and your graphics. The rest will definitely depend on your own preferences and of course, your budget.
Building a gaming PC is not for everyone, most of the time, it’s better to get a pre-built one instead. However, if you plan on amping up your gaming PC in the future, make sure to get a pre-built PC with an option for upgrades.
