PC Gaming: Going for Gold with the Best Rig Configuration.
Gone are the days when gamers had to settle for the off-the-shelf gaming consoles in order to enjoy their favorite games. Today’s gaming rigs are a far cry from what the gamers of the past used, with lightning-fast processors, vast amounts of RAM, powerful graphics cards, and a huge selection of gaming accessories. The process of turning your beloved PC gaming rig into an unparalleled gaming powerhouse can be a long, complex, and expensive journey – but the results will be well worth it.
The right PC gaming rig doesn’t come pre-built. Some games are intense and require high performance, while others are less demanding and don’t need to be run on the same level as triple-A titles. Even if you’re not a serious gamer, it makes sense to add components to your PC that can easily handle more intense gaming. This way, not only can you enjoy your existing titles, but you can also upgrade down the line, if needed.
To start off, you’ll want to pick the right processor. The processor is the brains of the gaming rig and any bottlenecking caused by the processor will limit performance. Intel and AMD both currently have powerful multi-core processors that are capable of running even the most demanding games without any issues. You’ll want to pick a processor with a good cache and equal-sized cores if you’re going for an Intel processor, as these will allow for better multitasking. On the AMD side, the Ryzen 7 chips offer impressive multitasking capabilities and are great for streaming and gaming.
Next, you’ll want to consider the graphics cards. You’ll want a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) that is capable of running the latest games without breaking a sweat. Popular choices from Nvidia or AMD allow you to choose from entry-level cards, to cards designed for 4K gaming and VR experiences. Once you’ve made up your mind on the GPU, you’ll want to give some serious thought to the power supply unit (PSU). It needs to be able to provide enough power to run the components at their peak performance. If you are looking for a good PSU, make sure you select one that is 80-Plus certified for efficiency and reliability.
The next component in your rig is the memory, or RAM. You’ll want to get a good amount, as games today require a good amount of RAM to run without lagging or stuttering. The rule of thumb is 16GB, but you can aim for 32GB if you’re a heavy gamer. If you’re planning to use any virtual reality software, you’ll want to get more than 32GB.
Solid state drives (SSDs) are a great option to get the most out of loading times and boot times. Choose one with enough storage space to hold all your necessary games and applications. Hard drives are also possible, but SSDs are typically faster and more reliable.
Finally, it’s time to choose a case. A good case is one that is spacious, well-ventilated, and easy to access. A good rule of thumb is to select a case that is a size larger than the components you are using. This will give you room to upgrade, should you decide to do so in future. If you’re going for an ATX setup, consider an ATX case. Mid-tower cases provide more space and better cooling potential, but full-tower cases are better for advanced configurations.
After all these components have been selected and built, you still have to choose the other gaming peripherals such as a mouse, keyboard, headphones, etc. If you’ve invested in high-end parts for your PC, it makes sense to invest in a gaming monitor as well. A gaming monitor will provide the best visuals with your new setup, providing a more immersive gaming experience.
If you’re looking to optimize your gaming experience, there are many tips, tricks, and tweaks available. As with any major setup, research, planning, and some trial and error will be necessary to get the most out of your rig. With the right components, PC gaming can provide an immersive experience that will keep you entertained for hours. So if you’re looking to take your gaming to the next level, consider investing in the components mentioned here and you’ll be on the path to PC gaming gold.