An Ode to PC Gaming: Why Investing in a Home Gaming Rig is Worth It!.
In today’s modern gaming culture, PC gaming is experiencing a resurgence like never before. Fueled by technological advancements in hardware, software and an evolving digital marketplace, PC gaming has quickly become the platform of choice for many gamers looking for the utmost immersion, digital experience and customization.
If you’re in the market for an upgrade or are searching for a brand new gaming platform, this guide is here to make sure you get the most out of your PC gaming experience. The latest hardware, gaming-focused software, and a host of digital downloads can be combined to create a thrilling, top-tier gaming experience at home. So what exactly do you need to invest in to ensure your PC gaming experience is superior to the console contenders?
To kick things off, the first and most important component of any PC gaming build is the CPU (central processing unit). Simply put, a CPU is the brains of the operation. Since most gaming PCs are either custom created or bought pre-built, the exact hardware components (or combination) will vary from machine to machine. However, all PCs must have a compatible CPU setup.
The latest CPUs for gaming PCs come from both Intel and AMD, who offer models tailored to more advanced and higher performing systems. The Intel Core i7-8700K 6-Core 3.7GHz and Core i9-9900K 8-Core 3.6GHz are both popular CPU options for gaming PCs. All the major CPU chip manufacturers are currently competing for the best gaming performance from the newest generation of components.
The next component to consider for a PC gaming build is the graphics card (GPU or graphics processor unit). The GPU controls the graphics performance of the PC. This includes actual images created on-screen, such as textures, effects, shadows, lighting, and all manner of detail. Whether playing a competitive shooter or exploring a detailed open world, graphics cards ensure that images and objects appear exactly as designed by the developers. Considering this, it’s easy to see why the GPU is such an essential component for gaming PCs.
When buying a GPU, it’s important to pay close attention to the type of card, its features and its connection ports since some models may be limited or offer certain advantages over others. Most gaming PCs require a dedicated and separate graphics card, though there are some models that include an integrated GPU. The most popular GPU options for gaming PCs are currently the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti and the AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT, both of which offer capable performance for the latest titles.
In addition to the CPU and GPU, gamers should consider investing in an overclocking-capable motherboard. This type of motherboard increases the computing power of the CPU by multiplying its base clock rate, or frequency. Clocking is a manual or automated process that can sometimes increase the speed of a PC up to 20%, depending on hardware capabilities. However, overclocking is not required for all games, especially those that don’t demand much processing power.
When it comes to RAM, the most common suggestion for gaming PCs is to have at least 8GB, though 16GB is more likely the sweet spot for most modern titles. Some top-of-the-line PCs might even offer more than 16GB of RAM, allowing for smoother performance on more demanding games. It’s important to check for compatibility when buying RAM, as some types may not be compatible with certain motherboards or processors.
Finally, a hard drive must also be purchased when setting up any gaming PC. The two main types of hard drives are the mechanical hard disk drive (HDD) and the solid-state drive (SSD). Performance-wise, SSDs provide better transfer speeds and accessibility times compared to their HDD counterparts. Plus they tend to be more rugged, reliable and longer lasting. In short, an SSD is the ideal choice for a gaming PC, offering fast loading times and better overall gaming performance.
All in all, investing in a capable home gaming PC rig can still be a wise decision, especially considering the leaps and bounds in technology we’ve seen in recent years. With the right pieces of hardware and skilled set up, gamers can achieve the performance and immersion they deserve. PCs are more than capable of keeping up with modern AAA game titles, and the range of gaming peripherals on the market further enhances their flexibility and performance. From edge computing setups to virtual reality rigs, gaming on PC is here to stay as a top contender in the gaming industry.