PC Gaming: Everything You Need to Know.
Are you someone looking to get into PC gaming? Whether you’re brand-new to the gaming world, or an existing console player looking to take the leap, you’ve come to the right place. With the vast combination of physical hardware components, digital software, and a handful of configuration options, PC gaming can seem overwhelming. But don’t be scared off—this guide to PC gaming is designed to educate you on all the necessary aspects to become a successful PC gamer.
Part 1: Hardware and Peripherals
Every computer setup is unique on its own. To get the best gaming experience possible, you’ll need to select a combination of hardware components that will allow you to master any game you throw at it.
Processor: A processor (CPU) is the brains of the operation. It manages all processes, applications and games running on your computer. Not all CPUs are created equal; certain chips are more powerful than others. The most popular processors for PC gaming is from Intel’s Core i-series. For gaming, the more cores a processor has, the better. This is because more cores allow for more instructions to be processed simultaneously.
Graphics Card: A graphics card (GPU) is one of the most important hardware components for PC gaming. It renders visuals for each game and allows for better image quality and higher frame rates. When deciding on a GPU, pay attention to its type, memory size, and core clock. You’ll want to select one that works with your processor and can give you plenty of performance.
Motherboard: The motherboard is the central component of your PC. It connects and coordinates all the parts of the system together. When choosing a motherboard, it’s important to make sure your processor and GPU are compatible. Some motherboards offer additional slots for multiple GPUs and other hardware, such as solid-state drives and storage devices.
Memory: Memory (RAM) is the amount of storage space on your PC. Generally, the more RAM you have, the better. For gaming, 8GB is a good baseline, although some games may require 16GB. Pay attention to the type of RAM your Motherboard can handle, as many of them are limited to certain types.
Storage: Your PC’s storage is where files, applications, and games are stored. Hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs) are the two primary types. HDDs are older and have a slow read/write speed, but they have a large capacity and are cheaper. SSDs have lightning-fast read/write speeds and are more expensive, but they can significantly increase your computer’s performance.
Power Supply Unit: The power supply unit (PSU) is necessary to power all the components of your PC. It converts electricity from the wall outlet into useable energy. Most PSUs come with a variety of adapters to power different components. When shopping for a PSU, make sure to select one that has at least 80% efficiency and enough wattage (power output) to power the components of your PC.
Case: The case is the one part of the computer that you’ll actually be able to see. It houses all the hardware components and features various ports to connect your peripherals. Some cases have larger dimensions and can accommodate more hardware components than others. When selecting a case, make sure to select one that has enough room for your processor, GPU, motherboard and other hardware components.
Part 2: Software & Drivers
Software helps power your PC and is necessary for your computer to operate properly. There are several types of software that come pre-installed on your PC.
Operating System: An operating system (OS) is the main software of your computer. It manages the hardware and functions as the interface between the user and the computer. Windows 10 is the most popular OS for gaming, although Linux-based operating systems such as Ubuntu are also a viable option.
Game Library: Your game library is a collection of digital games that can be accessed directly from your PC. With a library of thousands of games available, you’re sure to find something that you’ll enjoy playing. Steam is the most popular digital game distributor, but there are many other services such as GOG, Uplay, and Origin.
Third-Party Drivers: To get the most performance out of your gaming PC, you’ll need to install driver software for each of your hardware components. This software typically comes with each component, but it can also be downloaded directly from the manufacturer’s website.
Part 3: Accessories & Peripherals
As important as the hardware and software that power your PC, peripherals can help you enhance your gaming experience by providing the ultimate level of comfort and control.
Monitor: A good monitor is essential for PC gaming. It should have a fast response time, a high-resolution display, and support for adaptive sync technologies such as FreeSync and G-Sync. Monitors come in a wide range of sizes, so make sure to select one that fits your desk space.
Keyboard & Mouse: A gaming keyboard and mouse are essential tools for any PC gamer. They provide precise control while you’re playing, allowing you to input commands quickly and accurately. There are a variety of gaming keyboards on the market, from membrane to mechanical switches, to wired and wireless varieties. It’s up to you to decide which one is best for you.
Headset: A headset will provide immersive audio for a more immersive gaming experience. Whether you’re playing competitively or just for fun, a headset will allow you to hear in-game sound effects, ambient noise, and the voices of your teammates. You can find a wide selection of headsets, ranging from budget options to high-end models.
Gaming Chair: A comfortable gaming chair is a must if you’re going to spend long hours playing your favorite games. Many gaming chairs feature ergonomic designs that provide support for specific areas of your body and are adjustable to suit your height and seating position.
Part 4: Networking
To get the most out of your gaming PC, you’ll want to take advantage of networked gaming. This is when you connect your PC to the internet and either play against others online or with others on the same local network.
Multiplayer Online: To play against others online, you’ll first need to have a stable internet connection. Then, you’ll need to create an account with a gaming service such as Steam, GOG, Uplay, or Origin. Once you’ve registered, you’ll be able to join game lobbies and search for other players.
Local Network: To play against others on a local network, you must connect your computer to the same router or modem. Depending on the game, you may be able to create a local IP address to connect with one another. Alternatively, you can use an ethernet cable to directly connect each computer together.
Part 5: Gaming Controllers
PC gaming controllers make gaming easier and more enjoyable. Instead of using the keyboard or mouse, you can use these controllers to input complex commands with just a few buttons.
Gamepad: A gamepad is a type of controller with two joysticks and multiple buttons that can be used to play games. Gamepads are a good choice if you’re looking for an easy way to navigate menus and control characters.
Wheel: A wheel is designed for racing games and simulates the feel of driving a real car. It usually connects to the PC with a USB cable and has buttons and foot pedals for precise control when you’re playing.
Flight Stick: A flight stick is designed for flight simulator games and offers more realistic control over aircrafts. It features an array of buttons and switches that allow you to control the aircraft’s direction and speed.
Part 6: Configuration
Your gaming PC will need to be configured correctly before you can take advantage of all the hardware’s performance.
BIOS: The BIOS (basic input/output system) is a system controlling your hardware’s settings. Before launching your PC, you should make sure the BIOS settings are set to your liking and can give your computer the best performance.
Overclocking: Overclocking is a process that allows you to squeeze more performance out of your processor and graphics card. This can give your PC a much-needed boost in performance, but it requires advanced knowledge and technical know-how.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a new gamer or a seasoned veteran, this guide should help you understand everything you need to know about PC gaming. Building your own gaming PC can be intimidating, but with the right parts and a little bit of tinkering, you’ll have no problem becoming a master PC gamer. Good luck and have fun!