Gaming rose to popularity in the early 70s, but with technological advancements, they’ve become available for consoles. Today, computers have become some of the most popular gaming devices. In fact, the PC gaming market is currently valued at $29.17 billion and is expected to grow by 1.3% up to 2028. This shows just how high the demand for computers that can run games is right now.
The great thing about using gaming PCs is that they are completely customizable. But putting together a setup can be confusing – especially for those who are just starting out. You’ll have to consider the PC parts, peripherals, and even aesthetics. So with that in mind, when building your setup, here are the factors that you should think about for the best experience:
Processing Speeds
Processing speed controls the rates at which your computer can collect, read, and understand data. This dictates how smoothly applications will run. Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 are sufficient enough for casual programs, including a range of games like Minecraft and Apex. When paired with at least 16GB of RAM, your computer can support higher frame rates and prevent any lag or packet loss.
You should also consider which operating system you’ll be running on your computer. Most gamers opt for Windows since it’s compatible with most PC games. If you’re used to the Apple ecosystem, then building your own computer may be a challenge as macOS only runs efficiently on Apple products, thus lowering its overall processing performance. Prebuilt iMacs may have substantial processing speeds but they leave little room for improvement and upgrades.
Graphics Capabilities
You should also think about what graphics capabilities you will need from your gaming PC. This dictates your PC’s ability to process and render images and lends a hand to improving overall efficiency. While some processors do have integrated software in places such as AMD’s G series and Intel’s K series, they still do not compare to having an actual GPU. GTX graphics cards are popular for entry to mid-level computers while RTX is a more updated and more efficient option for high-powered computers.
The Corsair ONE i300 is a perfect example of a computer that can run even the most demanding games. It features an i9 with 32GBs of RAM and an RTX 3080, making it very formidable for processing and graphics. The MSI Aegis SE, on the other hand, is best for casual gaming with an i5 and a GTX 16 series. But some GPUs aren’t compatible with certain motherboards so use a part checker before purchasing one.
Peripherals
Having the right peripherals is almost as important as having a good build. Using a computer that can deliver 150 FPS can be useless if you’re using a gaming monitor with a refresh rate of only 60Hz since lower numbers may cause some lag. Gigabyte’s M32U offers 144Hz in 4K resolution, making it one of the best monitors for PC gaming currently on the consumer market. If 32 inches is too large, Dell and LG also have monitors that are 27 inches and below.
Additionally, you should also think about other peripherals such as your mouse and keyboard. Logitech’s G Pro Wireless is one of the most popular Bluetooth-ready mice while the GMMK pro is a mechanical keyboard favored by gamers and enthusiasts. Your choices need to be based on your preference and playstyle so be sure to do lots of research as there are plenty of solid tools out there. Also, remember that most PCs don’t come with microphones or speakers so if you play a game that relies on communication with other players and audio cues, you should purchase those as well.
Gaming Space
Having a comfortable space in the game will make your experience much better as it can be frustrating and tilting to play if you feel cramped and confined. Getting a chair that has great lumbar support will help you when you’re playing long sessions. It isn’t necessary to get one specifically for gaming as ergonomic chairs like Modway’s Articulate Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair is one of the best designs out there. It’s also on the cheaper side so it won’t break the bank. If you do want a gaming chair though Secretlab’s Titan Evo and Noblechair’s Hero are some of the most popular ones among players – the former is usually used in professional tournaments.
You should also consider getting a monitor arm or riser as this will prevent you from having to hunch down just to see your screen. If you are a low-sensitivity player, having enough desk space to move your mouse around can also be great as it allows you to hit flick shots in shooting games.
Creating your setup should include thinking about what you will need to make your gaming space better and to improve your experience, making you more comfortable in the process.
