Gaming desktop computers
are perhaps the second most often bought computer types, after office
computers. The considerations when buying gaming computers are totally
different than when purchasing office computers. Again, unlike office computers
whose price range is almost similar, the cost of one gaming computer can vary
from another gaming computer by a huge margin. It all depends on a buyer’s
point of view.
In spite of this, there
are some universal factors that must be considered when purchasing gaming desktop
computers. Below are 10 factors to consider when buying a gaming desktop
computer.
Graphics card
The graphics card is the
most significant component in a gaming computer. Modern 3D games use it a lot.
Therefore even if a computer is well-performing but has a weak graphics card,
leave it. It will not offer any value for your money. A good graphics card is
not an option if you are to enjoy your video games. A graphics card is the most
costly component in a gaming computer.
Game style
The style of games you
will play should also determine the gaming computer you purchase. After the
graphics card, this is the other important consideration. Below is a brief on
how the type of games can influence your choice.
a) For Adventures —the computer must be tuned
but the CPU is the most important component.
b) For RPGs —like adventures, focus on the CPU.
c) For Strategies — the CPU and the RAM are the
most important components. Many moving parts will need a powerful RAM.
d) For 3D actions — a graphics card should be
your priority.
e) For flight simulators — it is akin to 3D
actions, the focus should therefore be on the graphics card.
Quality components
High quality components
are central to the performance of gaming desktop computers. Before buying any
component, read reviews and actual buyer recommendations to be sure. Never grab
any low end-model component for your gaming PC. The DVD optical drive is what
you may save on, but for the other components go for the best in the
market.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the
main board. It is what interconnects all the other components in a computer.
Buy the best motherboard for your gaming PC. The merchant can recommend one but
read reviews too before making the final buying decision. In terms of price,
the motherboard should be approximately a tenth of the entire cost of the
gaming desktop PC.
The CPU
The CPU is the second
most expensive component in a gaming desktop computer after the graphics card.
The processor in the CPU determines the performance of your computer.
Multi-core processors from AMD® FX and Intel are very popular. Just like any
other component, read reviews and look at tests before making a decision.
Storage
Faster hard drives are
very crucial. SSD drives are the ideal choice but they can be too costly.
Choose a SATA III; it can cater for your hard drive needs well. But make sure
the RPM is high enough. Therefore if you cannot afford a SSD, look for a drive
with 10000 RPM.
RAM
8GB RAM or higher of
DDR3 modules running at a frequency of not less than 1600 MHz is the best
choice. Choose a RAM series from reputable brands with passive cooling (extreme
editions, gaming editions, etc.).
Cooling
The best gaming desktop
computers provide a high performance but produce a lot of heat. The components
can overheat if they are not cooled well. Invest in a good cooler from a
company that specializes in gaming desktop coolers to safeguard your computer against
excessive heat.
Power supply
Buy an oversized power
supply unit. Determine the number of watts the components require and invest in
a power supply unit with a minimum of a 20% higher performance in watts. The
power supply unit should provide enough amount of power.
Case
The case should be
sturdy and of course something which you like. Consider the price but do not go
for the cheapest one.
Buying a gaming desktop
computer requires a delicate balancing act. No component ought to dominate the
others; everything should be brought at par. Unnecessary hardware components
should be removed to bring the price down. For instance, a system with a 32GB
RAM and a dual-core processor is not a good choice. The money spend on memory
could have been channeled to a fast quad-core processor.
As you browse through
computers and select custom hardware, the one question that should always
linger in your mind is: “Does this make games look and play better?” The
factors above will help you buy the best desktop gaming computer.
