Perhaps the most critical element for any gaming setup today is the computer. Buying a gaming PC takes planning, research, comparison shopping, and possibly a little test driving. However, when looking for the best gaming PC, your needs and gaming style will be the most important factors to consider. A gaming PC is a significant investment, so you will want to ensure that you get the right equipment for your situation.
With the recent spike in the popularity of gaming, there are numerous options for gaming PCs on the market today. Depending on if you are a professional esports gamer or a casual player, the requirements for your PC equipment could vary. Before purchasing a new PC, you should consider your gaming goals. You will need to think about things such as the types of PC games you intend on playing, the graphics requirements that your games demand, and your need for a future-proofed PC. You will also need to think about tasks other than gaming that you might need the PC for.
Your answer to the above questions will impact the type of computer that you need. If you are looking for a gaming desktop or laptop, there are some basic requirements for any equipment. To find the best gaming PCs, you will need to consider the processor, graphics card, available RAM, and monitor. Let’s take a look at some things to look for when purchasing the best gaming PC.
Processor
The central processing unit, or CPU, is like the brain of your computer. The CPU controls the game world. Surprisingly, gaming doesn’t require that you have a very powerful processor. For a decent gaming experience, you will need a 6 core/12 thread CPU. You can probably do alright with a 4 core/4 thread CPU, however, that is the bare minimum. You would think that the better processor you buy, the better your gaming experience would be. However, more powerful processors only slightly improve gaming performance. Intel Core processors are usually considered the better option for gaming as they have performed slightly better in tests. For a cheaper option, you could also consider an AMD CPU as well.
Graphics Card
Once you determine the right processor for you, the graphics card should be the next consideration. A good graphics card is one of the most important things to consider when determining the best gaming PC. The graphics capabilities of your gaming laptop or desktop PC will impact your gaming experience. All modern games require your computer to have a dedicated graphics processing unit or GPU. The best-recognized GPUs on the market today are Nvidia, AMD, and Radeon. As a general rule, the more powerful the GPU and graphics memory a PC has, the better the game performance will be.
RAM
Your PC’s random access memory, or RAM, is an essential factor in how well your games will run. To get the best gaming experience, you’ll want games to run without lag. Computers with at least 16GB RAM will offer smoother performance and enough memory space for other applications to run in the background without creating lag. Many games can run just fine with a minimum of 8GB RAM, however, they will be slowed if other applications are running.
Monitor
The best gaming PC for you will have a monitor that delivers superior color and resolution. For gaming, you need to choose between an IPS or TN display. If you play games that require higher refresh rates, a TN panel might be your best option. If color accuracy and clarity are important, you should lean toward an IPS display. When thinking about monitor size and resolution, bigger is always better. You’ll want a monitor that is at least 24 inches.
Since many gamers spend a significant amount of time playing, it is important to find a computer that delivers great performance. The best gaming PC will be the one that works for you and the games that you play. With some research and planning, you can find the right equipment for your gaming setup.