Gaming PCs: What to Look For
Made-to-order gaming units are the way to go if you’re interested in the ultimate gaming experience. Many gaming computers come already equipped with the finest technologies, but upgrading is the best option to ensure you get exactly what you want. Consider the following criteria before your build your dream gaming machine.
Graphics & Performance
Many of today’s hottest games incorporate 3D imagery, so you'll want to upgrade your graphics card to take full advantage of the mind-blowing scenery. Stream processors, also known as CUDA cores, are what graphics cards use to process images quickly and efficiently. The more stream processors a graphics card has, the better it is. Vendor-provided upgrades are also a very important component of purchasing a gamer computer. These customizations – which can include everything from graphics cards to speakers – let you tailor a gaming system to your personal use and preferences, and to the size of your wallet.
Many of today’s hottest games incorporate 3D imagery, so you'll want to upgrade your graphics card to take full advantage of the mind-blowing scenery. Stream processors, also known as CUDA cores, are what graphics cards use to process images quickly and efficiently. The more stream processors a graphics card has, the better it is. Vendor-provided upgrades are also a very important component of purchasing a gamer computer. These customizations – which can include everything from graphics cards to speakers – let you tailor a gaming system to your personal use and preferences, and to the size of your wallet.
Processor & Storage
The best gaming computers start with a good processor. Whether you prefer AMD or Intel, look for a processor of at least 3.5 gigahertz, such as the Intel i7-4770K or the AMD FX-9590. The faster your processor, the less lag you’ll have to deal with and the more you can multitask. When it comes to storage space, more is always better. Anything larger than 1TB will provide enough room for all those game files and digital movies. If you’re looking for a less expensive option, buy a standard hard disk drive. For a faster, more reliable drive, try a solid-state drive. Although solid-state drives are more expensive, they don’t have moving parts, making them longer-lasting and more durable. Most gamer PCs even have room for multiple drives, so mix and match or add as much hard drive space as you need.
The best gaming computers start with a good processor. Whether you prefer AMD or Intel, look for a processor of at least 3.5 gigahertz, such as the Intel i7-4770K or the AMD FX-9590. The faster your processor, the less lag you’ll have to deal with and the more you can multitask. When it comes to storage space, more is always better. Anything larger than 1TB will provide enough room for all those game files and digital movies. If you’re looking for a less expensive option, buy a standard hard disk drive. For a faster, more reliable drive, try a solid-state drive. Although solid-state drives are more expensive, they don’t have moving parts, making them longer-lasting and more durable. Most gamer PCs even have room for multiple drives, so mix and match or add as much hard drive space as you need.
Design
The design of good gamer PCs can be both aesthetically pleasing and powerfully efficient. Start with the size: Determine whether a full-size, mid-size, slim or mini system is best for you. If you want to upgrade your machine, choose a larger chassis, but if you have limited space on your desk, look for a smaller body. Many of the best gaming PCs also have clear panels and inside lighting for showing off components to friends and competitors.
The design of good gamer PCs can be both aesthetically pleasing and powerfully efficient. Start with the size: Determine whether a full-size, mid-size, slim or mini system is best for you. If you want to upgrade your machine, choose a larger chassis, but if you have limited space on your desk, look for a smaller body. Many of the best gaming PCs also have clear panels and inside lighting for showing off components to friends and competitors.
Liquid-cooled systems are the most efficient way to keep your processor from overheating, so look into a liquid-cooled system if you plan on extensive gameplay for hours on end. A good system needs enough wattage to fuel the parts in your gaming system, so look for a power supply with more than 600 watts. Plenty of USB ports will allow you to plug in mice, a keyboard and other multimedia devices, so look for more than four, and take note of how many offer USB 3.0 support.
Help & Support
If you’re looking for the best gaming desktop, you’ll also want to be looking for the best customer support. An easy-to-contact manufacturer is more likely to assist you with problems, so look for email support, phone numbers and a live chat feature on the website. If driver downloads are available on the manufacturer’s website, you can always keep your system up to date. User forums and FAQs are also helpful when you need a quick solution or want to ask a question from others who have the same gaming system. Another very important consideration is the warranty available on your gaming PC. A multi-year warranty is common, but choosing a gamer PC with three to six years of coverage will protect against any defects or damage until you buy your next gaming machine.
If you’re looking for the best gaming desktop, you’ll also want to be looking for the best customer support. An easy-to-contact manufacturer is more likely to assist you with problems, so look for email support, phone numbers and a live chat feature on the website. If driver downloads are available on the manufacturer’s website, you can always keep your system up to date. User forums and FAQs are also helpful when you need a quick solution or want to ask a question from others who have the same gaming system. Another very important consideration is the warranty available on your gaming PC. A multi-year warranty is common, but choosing a gamer PC with three to six years of coverage will protect against any defects or damage until you buy your next gaming machine.
You might be tempted to buy an inexpensive gaming PC, but making a few upgrades will save you time, stress and money in the long run. Plus, a gaming PC has a much higher performance ceiling than gaming laptops, thanks to their larger size. Be on the lookout for fast processors, good graphics cards and large hard drives to ensure you get the most from your top gaming system.
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