Factors To Consider in Choosing A Good Gaming PC

A survey conducted from September to November 2022 among UK adults aged 16 and above revealed that 9% of respondents had engaged in PC gaming, while 11% played video games on laptops or netbooks. Although PC gaming has experienced a decline compared to the expanding console and mobile markets, it has seen a surge in popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A gaming PC provides an excellent platform for experiencing the latest games with impressive visual quality and high resolutions. However, with numerous brands and specifications to consider, choosing the right PC for gaming can take time and effort.

In this article, we will explore the key factors that make a gaming PC exceptional and discuss what aspects to consider when purchasing one.

A gaming computer, known as a gaming PC, is a specialised type of personal computer specifically designed for playing video games. What sets gaming PCs apart from regular personal computers is their emphasis on high-performance components, particularly in terms of graphics cards and CPUs with a higher core count. These components provide enhanced processing capabilities, enabling a superior gaming experience.

Beyond gaming, gaming PCs are also used for demanding tasks such as video editing, thanks to their robust hardware specifications. Many gamers and computer enthusiasts overclock their CPUs and GPUs to unlock additional performance. However, it’s important to note that overclocking typically necessitates enhanced cooling solutions, such as upgraded air cooling or water cooling systems, due to the increased power consumption associated with overclocked components.

When investing in a good gaming PC, several crucial factors should be considered to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors:

Cost/Budget

When purchasing a gaming PC, deciding how much to spend ultimately rests with you and your budget. It’s important to consider that high-end gaming PC options often come with top-quality components, which can extend the lifespan of your PC. Investing a bit more upfront can be a smart move if you want to future-proof your gaming setup.

However, it’s worth noting that you can still make a great investment within a limited budget. With careful consideration, you can find a budget gaming PC that provides an excellent gaming experience without breaking the bank.

For those looking for a specific price range, typically between £1,200 and £1,600, you can find a wide range of gaming PCs that offer impressive performance. It’s also worth keeping an eye out for sales seasons, as they often bring price drops that can further enhance the affordability of your purchase.

Processor and RAM

When choosing a gaming PC, you’ll encounter two primary options: Intel and AMD. The selection of the most powerful processors for gaming depends on your budget. Generally, higher numbers indicate greater processing power, similar to graphics cards.

The CPU acts as the computer’s brain, interpreting and executing nearly everything displayed on your screen. The CPU’s speed and the number of cores significantly impact its operational efficiency. Most CPUs typically feature four to eight cores, enhancing performance and multitasking capabilities.

Computer RAM, or Random Access Memory, supports the main CPU. The quantity of RAM directly affects your system’s ability to retrieve temporary information, improving speed and overall performance.

For optimal gaming performance, it is recommended to have a minimum of 16GB of RAM. While an average PC can handle multitasking reasonably well with 8GB of RAM, gaming demands more resources due to the higher demands of games compared to activities like internet browsing or office-related software usage.

By ensuring your balanced gaming PC is equipped with at least 16GB of RAM, you can eliminate potential bottlenecks when loading new data for fast-paced games. This provides a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.

Graphics Card/GPU

If you’re fairly serious about gaming, the graphics card is where you should focus your attention the most. It’s the component that plays the biggest role in enhancing the visuals of your games, producing high frame rates and enabling smoother gameplay at higher resolutions.

Here’s what to look for:

• A card that is suitable for gaming at a minimum resolution of 1080p, with the option to play at 4K resolution depending on your budget.
• The most powerful GPU processor that you can afford.
• The maximum GPU RAM that you can afford.

Considering these factors when selecting a graphics card can significantly enhance your gaming experience. You’ll be able to enjoy visually stunning games with smooth frame rates and you’ll have the capability to play at higher resolutions if desired. Find out more about the difference between CPU & GPU.

Hard Drive (SSD)

Currently, most computers have a mechanical hard drive, typically offering a minimum of 500GB of storage. While having more storage space can be advantageous, it’s important to consider your actual needs. We recommend prioritizing performance and investing in the amount of storage that suits your requirements.

This is where solid-state drives (SSDs) come into play. Not only are SSDs significantly faster than traditional hard drives, but they have also become more affordable. It’s worth noting that you don’t necessarily need a massive amount of space. A 512GB SSD can comfortably accommodate your Windows operating system and most of your games, substantially improving overall PC performance and game loading times.

There are two common types of SSDs available: SATA SSDs and M.2 NVMe SSDs. The 2.5-inch SATA SSDs are more familiar and utilise a SATA 3.0 connection for data transfer, similar to traditional hard drives. They also require external power from the computer’s power supply.

Regardless of the type of SSD you choose, installing your operating system on the SSD that serves as your primary storage device is important. This allows you to benefit from faster boot times and swift operation in day-to-day use.

Cooling

While cooling may not directly impact performance, it influences your overall PC experience. AMD CPUs and graphics cards come with their own coolers included, eliminating the need for additional cooling solutions if you are unconcerned about noise levels or overclocking. This is especially true if you primarily use headphones while gaming, as noise becomes less of a factor.

However, it’s worth noting that recent Intel processors no longer come with stock coolers.

If you desire a PC that operates quietly or if you intend to push your system beyond its basic specifications, considering advanced PC cooling accessories is advisable. Large air coolers are cost-effective and efficient solutions for cooling the CPU. There are alternatives, such as all-in-one water-cooling systems and custom loops, for those seeking more advanced cooling capabilities.

Casual Gamers

These gamers have a deep passion for one or two specific games. While they may not be willing to spend a substantial amount on a gaming PC, they are captivated by a couple of enjoyable games they know well, such as an MMO or popular free-to-play titles like Fortnite or Apex Legends.

For casual gamers, it may be worthwhile to purchase an affordable gaming PC to enhance their gaming experience without breaking the bank.

Individuals Who Spend More Than 20 Hours/Week Gaming

If you prefer using a PC over a game console, a gaming PC offers immense flexibility regarding game choices. Additionally, PC games are often cheaper than their console counterparts. For individuals who spend significant amounts of time gaming, a gaming PC is an excellent investment.

Streamers

If you aspire to stream your gaming content on platforms like Twitch and other streaming networks, having a capable gaming PC is essential. Playing games smoothly and at a decent quality level is crucial for engaging viewers. After all, no one wants to watch a streamer struggle with game loading times or poor performance.

Home Workers

If you work from home and already need a PC for work-related tasks, investing in a office PC allows you to combine work and pleasure, as your system can effectively handle all your daily work requirements and seamlessly transition into a game mode during your leisure time.

Experienced Gamers Who Enjoy Modding

Gaming PCs provide the ability to mod or modify games to a greater extent. This appeals to experienced gamers who derive pleasure from enhancing their favourite games with inexpensive or even free mods. Modding allows for a unique and personalised gaming experience that brings new life into beloved titles.

Investing in a good gaming computer is crucial for an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience. Considering the abovementioned factors, you can ensure a high-performing system that meets your gaming needs. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a passionate enthusiast, a well-chosen gaming PC will provide countless hours of entertainment and allow you to fully immerse yourself in the exciting world of gaming.

Inside Tech presents state-of-the-art gaming PCs designed for the UK market. Our selection boasts powerful processors, generous memory capacity and top-tier graphics cards, ensuring an exceptional gaming experience. Whether you prefer a customised gaming PC or a pre-built model, we offer a diverse range of options to cater to your needs.

Discover our extensive collection of high-quality gaming PCs to elevate your gaming adventures.