A gaming PC is an important investment, so pick the right machine for you. There was a time when gaming desktops cost thousands of dollars. And buying one meant making a big sacrifice. In 2022, a gaming PC doesn’t have to be expensive. But how do you choose a good gaming PC? Use the following tips:
What is your Budget?
Some budget “gaming PCs” cost under $500. Some of them cost more than $2,000. For someone who uses their desktop to play simple 2D games, there’s no reason you should spend more than $500. As already mentioned, though, spending more on a gaming PC has its benefits. You will get a machine with high-fidelity graphics, higher processing power, and a larger storage drive. These specs are essential if you play advanced video games like Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, or The Witcher 3.
RAM Size
RAM is one of the most important components of a PC. RAM helps the Central Processing Unit (CPU) store information temporarily. This, in turn, speeds up your computer while gaming or completing random tasks.
The amount of RAM on your PC impacts its performance. Anything less than 4GB will usually slow your machine down when playing standard quality video games. If you love to play games using the clearest resolutions, ensure you invest wisely in RAM.
Ideally, you want a PC with 8GB to 16GB RAM for a delightful online gaming experience. If you regularly play complex video games in high resolutions, aim for a machine with up to 16GB of RAM.
Processor Speed
A processor or CPU, on the other hand, executes the majority of commands on your computer. It’s like your computer’s brain. Naturally, you want a computer with a big brain.
But how powerful should it be? A processor’s power is determined by its clock speed and number of cores. Speed is measured in gigahertz, say 2.0 GHz or 3.0 GHz. But, the frequency isn’t everything. You need to look at the core counts, threads as well as the cache. When it comes to cores, the ideal PC needs at least six cores. As per present-day standards, the Ryzen 5 5600X or the Core i5-12400 is the bare minimum for a smooth gaming experience.
Do You Need a Graphics Card?
Every video game player wants a PC with a powerful graphics video card. A GPU enables you to play online games at 1080p or 4K resolutions. AMD and Nvidia are the leading manufacturers of GPU cards. If you play the latest 3D games, you will almost certainly need a discrete graphics card. For most players, 1080p is the go-to gaming resolution and for that, the RTX 3060 or the Radeon RX 6600 XT is sufficient. The higher you go up the resolution ladder, the steeper your GPU needs get.
Type of Storage and Size
A decade ago, nearly all computers came with a hard disk drive (HDD). Nowadays, most manufacturers have embraced Solid State Drive (SSD). The benefit is speed. SSD drives are up to 10 times faster than their HDD counterparts.
Against that backdrop, avoid desktops that utilize HDD storage in 2022. The only exception is if a computer comes with both an SSD and HDD.
How much storage space do you need for your gaming PC? If you rarely download video games, you really don’t need to store games. But for most gamers, you want a lot of storage.
Some modern video games occupy more than 100GB of storage. Now, imagine downloading five of these games.
That said, you’re probably also buying a desktop to serve multiple factors. Maybe you’re a freelancer and want your desktop to serve both purposes. In that case, aim for a PC with 512GB to 1TB of space.
Gaming PC versus Smartphone
Not everyone needs a gaming PC, especially people who love simple mobile games. Buy a gaming PC if you spend a lot of time gaming. It’s more exciting to play games for long hours on a large monitor compared to a tiny cell phone.
Also, you will need a machine if you’re planning to become a streamer. Yes, you can stream your favorite games on Twitch and YouTube through a smartphone. But it is not as seamless as using a gaming PC.
Not Every Gamer Needs a Gaming PC…
Every gamer wants to have a beautiful, powerful gaming machine. But truth be told, you don’t really need an expensive desktop to play certain online games. Take casino games as an example.
You can play nearly all slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker games on a low-budget desktop, laptop, or smartphone. However, it is essential to find a good casino site. Check out time2play.com for a list of the best-rated online gambling sites in 2022.
Look out for games offered, bonuses, banking methods, and reputation when choosing a casino. That way, you will be assured of having a delightful time regardless of your chosen gaming device.
