PC Gaming – All Your Questions Answered.
If you’re considering investing in a PC for gaming, there’s a lot to consider. From purchasing the right parts, to understanding the components, building your setup and finding the right accessories, it can be a daunting experience. But once you’re up and running, the world of gaming opens up.
Developers and designers continue pushing the boundaries of gaming technology, offering unique experiences with intense graphics and designs, as well as new genres to explore and master. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, PC gaming can offer you something for almost every preference.
That’s why this article will answer your questions about PC gaming and introduce you to the tech specs that matter when building your gaming setup. So if you’re unsure, want to explore more in depth or need reassurance before investing, get comfy and read on to find out everything there is to know.
What is PC Gaming?
PC gaming is simply playing video games on a personal computer. Unlike consoles which are pre-packaged with a controller, PC games have all sorts of inputs, from a keyboard and mouse to even a joystick or flight stick. Your gaming PC’s power can be changed or upgraded when needed and a wide range of accessories are available for extra customisation.
What Different Types of PC Games can you Play?
The PC gaming library is diverse, providing something for everyone. You’ll find different genres from stratimagic, MMO simulations, turn-based, first-person-shooters and real-time-strategy. Here’s a few examples of popular PC gaming genres:
Action. Action games are usually fast-paced and require you to act and react quickly. Examples of action games include Devil May Cry and Assassin’s Creed.
Adventure. Adventure games are often puzzle-based and involve exploring a virtual world to uncover clues and achieve objectives. Examples of adventure games include the Max Payne series and Tomb Raider.
Sports. Sports games are usually based on real-life sporting events and involve competing against other human players. Examples of sports games include EA Sports FIFA and Madden NFL.
Strategy. Strategy games require players to take a step back and strategically control their units across a map. Examples include Age of Empires, Starcraft and Civilization.
Simulation. Simulation games are designed to accurately simulate real-life activities. Examples of simulation games include Euro Truck Simulator and Farming Simulator.
What do I Need to Build a Gaming PC?
Building a gaming PC is an exciting if not a little overwhelming process. To help, the 5 most important components you’ll need to consider when building a gaming PC are:
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU is the controlling unit that processes commands for the computer and runs programs. It’s one of the most important components as it’s responsible for executing instructions sent to it by the graphics card (GPU) and other components. Your CPU should have at least four processing cores to handle modern games.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
As mentioned, the GPU processes the graphics and unless you’re looking for casual play/ casual games (like Minecraft or Call Of Duty Mobile) then you’ll need a dedicated GPU. These days it’s recommended to have a minimum of 4GB of video memory for a gaming PC.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Your PC’s RAM is used for short-term memory and data storage. Generally, having 8GB of RAM is a good starting point, although 16GB is recommended if you’re gaming more in-depth.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the core of your PC and connects the CPU, GPU and RAM. It’s important to double check what kind of RAM type, storage and graphics cards your motherboard is compatible with as some don’t support the latest tech.
Power Supply
The power supply provides power to your machine and therefore should be considered carefully. The wattage should be equal to or slightly more than the total power of your components combined. To maintain efficiency, it’s a good idea to choose a well-known brand for your power supply.
How Can I Optimise my PC for Gaming?
You can easily optimise your PC for gaming by tweaking the settings to get the best performance from your setup. Here’s what we recommend:
Update Your Drivers
Game developers often push out updates and fixes to improve performance, so make sure your drivers are up to date. You can always update your drivers manually or use a dedicated software to help automate the process.
Adjust Visual Effects
Turning off some visual effects, like motion blur and anti-aliasing, can help save some graphics processing power, increasing your FPS and reducing input lag.
Lower Your Resolution
Lowering the resolution of games can help improve your game performance significantly. Higher resolutions utilize more power, so if your frame rate is stuttering, try lowering your resolution.
Turn Off Unnecessary Programs
Close any programs or applications you’re not using. Keeping background applications open is likely to strip out some of your game performance, so it’s better to close them down.
Set a Frame Rate Limit
Setting your frame rate limit can help prevent your GPU from overworking and wearing down. You can set a frame rate limit in your game settings or, if your game does not have a limit, you can set one in the GPU control panel.
Purchase Additional Accessories
When it comes to PC gaming, there’s no denying that having the right accessories can make all the difference. You don’t have to break the bank for great accessories, but investing in quality products can provide an added level of comfort and control.
For instance, specialised gaming mice and keyboards have adjustable sensitivity, as well as extra buttons and macros, allowing you to tailor your setup to your exact preferences and playstyle. Specialised headsets also offer enhancements, like noise cancellation and communication-enhancing features.
Conclusion
PC gaming provides a world of entertainment, whatever your budget or calibre. And with the right components, software and accessories, you can create a powerful and immersive gaming setup that works for you.
As long as you take your time to consider all the options, like budget, ports, storage and aesthetics, and use the above-mentioned details to create your gaming setup, you’ll be ready to go. So happy gaming and remember to stay safe online, keep your drivers updated and buy the best accessories you can afford.