Succeeding in the World of PC Gaming: It All Starts Here.
PC gaming enthusiasts, rejoice! It’s a thrilling time to be engaged in PC gaming, as the industry continues its upward trajectory with new gear and technology constantly coming out. With that said, it might seem intimidating to take the plunge into the world of PC gaming. Whether you’re an experienced player or someone that’s never picked up a controller before, there’s plenty to learn. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide to help bring you up to speed on what it takes to succeed in the world of PC gaming.
Understanding What Makes a Great PC Gaming System
No modern PC gaming setup is complete without the proper computer gear. This portion of the guide will cover the basics of the kind of hardware you should look for when building a terrific PC gaming system. Of course, there are dozens of variables to take into account when customizing your system, from the kind of processor, memory, and video card you want, down to the Operating System you plan to use. However, let’s start by looking at the most important parts.
First, a quality gaming system needs an excellent motherboard. Keep an eye out for components with an SLI (scalable link interface) compatibility, as this means your computer will be able to run two processors at once if you ever decide to upgrade it. Furthermore, look for motherboards that are compatible with the latest generation of chips and have enough expansion slots for cards.
Secondly, the most important part of any PC gaming system is the processor. A good gaming computer should have at least a third-generation Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor. This is the kind of power needed to run the latest titles without skipping a beat. While you can certainly find gaming computer configurations that offer more power for less money, it’s best to stick with these two processor lines for your gaming needs.
Thirdly, you need to consider the RAM (random access memory) requirement of your PC gaming system. Most modern gaming titles need at least 8 GB of RAM. That said, if you plan to upgrade your computer over time it’s best to opt for 16GB of RAM so that you can take advantage of future titles and software.
Finally, don’t forget to check the power supply unit. This is usually offered as a bundle when you purchase the PC. It’s essential to select a power supply that will be able to handle the additional power requirements of your computer. A quality power supply should have 80Plus certification since it means it’s more energy efficient than other power supplies.
Choosing the Best Video Card for Your Gaming Needs
Now that you’ve got your processor sussed out, it’s time to take a look at the type of video card you’ll need for your gaming system. The video card is one of the most important components for any gaming system and it’s imperative to make sure you choose one that is up to the task. Let’s take a quick look at the options currently available.
At the entry-level, look for a 3D Video or Graphics Card. These cards give gaming machines the capability to render 3D image scenes, as well as offers ample performance to tackle most games. A good starting point is an AMD R9 200 Series card, or an Nvidia GTX 970. Or if you’re looking to step up to the latest in gaming performance, you can’t go wrong with something like an AMD R9 295X2 or an Nvidia Titan X.
Picking Your Prefered Platforms
Now it’s time to decide which PC gaming platform you’ll be utilizing the most. There are a plethora of choices, with the most popular being Steam, Origin, GOG, and even the Xbox Live Arcade. Deciding which one is right for you depends largely on your choice of games, as each platform offers different benefits for certain kinds of games.
Steam, for example, is the most comprehensive platform for digital downloads and it offers the largest library of titles for a variety of genres. Indie developers often release their games through Steam, so it has the widest selection for these types of titles. Furthermore, Steam offers sales, discounts, and its own integrated community features such as achievements and leaderboards.
GOG, on the other hand, is unique in that it focuses solely on classic games. GOG’s library has plenty of older classics, as well as some more modern titles. These are usually sold at a discounted price and are often DRM free. GOG also offers its own online community and offers gamers with a rewards system as well.
Origin is the platform created by EA and allows gamers to purchase their titles directly from the company. Origin also offers dozens ofEA’s titles, as well as additional social features such as cloud saves and chat. Finally, Xbox Live Arcade is a platform dedicated to indie developers, allowing them to create and publish their own titles on the Xbox platform.
Important Accessories for Optimal Gaming Performance
It’s important to remember that the basics aren’t all you need to really enjoy a successful gaming session. That’s why we’ve put together this list of essential gaming accessories you’re going to want to pick up.
First, you need a great gaming keyboard and mouse. Look for gaming keyboards equipped with anti-ghosting technology, so that all your keys press quickly and accurately. When it comes to the mouse, make sure you look for one that offers adjustable grip and DPI settings, so you can customize the mouse to best fit your gaming habits.
Additionally, you may also want to pick up a gaming headset. This isn’t essential, of course, but a good gaming headset can give you the edge in battles and unravel the suspense of horror and sci-fi games. Look for headsets that offer surround sound and come with an integrated microphone.
Finally, no gaming setup should be without a high-quality monitor. Look for an IPS panel that offers wide viewing angles, quick response times, and accurate colors. This can help you get the most out of your gaming experience.
Conclusion
Overall, we hope this guide has been helpful for helping you set up a gaming computer that can handle the best in modern gaming. Of course, there are dozens of extra details, options, and nuances to take into consideration, but we hope that this guide has given you the basic knowledge needed to make informed choices. May the odds be ever in your favor as you dive into PC gaming!