PC Gaming: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started.
PC gaming has come a long way since the late ’70s, when the first dedicated gaming computers started to arrive on the scene. From graphic-rich console exclusives to real-time strategy masterpieces to invigorating PC shooter titles, PC gamers now have a plethora of genres to choose from as they explore the immersive world of gaming. But with new hardware and software constantly entering the PC gaming market – both official and fan-created – choosing the right setup can seem intimidating.
Whether you’re a veteran PC gamer or a fledgling enthusiast looking to get in on the action, this comprehensive guide to PC gaming will help you build the perfect system that suits your needs. From the basics of gaming hardware and software to the finer details of upgrading and tweaking your gaming environment, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started. Whether you’re a fan of virtual reality, competitive online gaming, building simulation, or just a nostalgic preservationist looking to experience some of the classics, let’s dive into the fascinating world of PC gaming.
Choosing the Right Gaming PC
The most important decision you’ll make when building a gaming PC is choosing the right base system. Anchoring your gaming setup with the right hardware platform is essential for enjoying immersive gameplay and accessing the latest titles. So how do you choose the best gaming PC for your needs?
First and foremost, consider your budget. As with most tech investments, the more money you spend, the more power and options you’ll get. That being said, the key to building the perfect gaming PC for you is finding the balance between power and cost. Spending too much will hold you back from experiencing the full range of gaming genres, while spending too little may cause performance issues and limit your potential for upgrades in the future. Generally, gaming PCs should be able to handle most modern titles and deliver consistently smooth frame rates; however, you can also customize your PC to specialize in certain genres or experiences.
To get a sense of what your budget can get you, you can start with a pre-built gaming PC. Pre-built PCs usually cost around $1000, but they can range up to $3000 or more. These ready-to-go systems come with everything you need to get gaming right away, including a processor, GPU and Storage drive, as well as gaming peripherals such as a mouse and keyboard. Buying a pre-built system is the easiest and most cost-effective route for newcomers to PC gaming.
However, if you want to customize your setup or simply enjoy the process of building your own system, you can opt for a custom-built gaming PC. Custom PCs require more configuration, but they also allow you to choose the perfect parts for your specific requirements. To build a custom PC, you’ll need a compatible case, motherboard, processor, graphics card, RAM, and storage drive. Of course, all of these components come with a range of options, so you’ll need to do some research to determine the best hardware for your gaming needs.
What to Look For in a Processor
Since the processor is a PC’s brains, it’s a key component in any gaming system. To ensure you’re getting the best performance, there are a few factors to consider when selecting a processor.
First off, the clock speed, or number of cycles the processor completes each second, is an important consideration. A processor with a higher clock speed can offer better performance when running complex tasks, such as gaming. However, it’s important to note that some processors use multiple cores as a way to process multiple tasks at the same time, which can partially offset the processer’s clock speed.
Another factor to consider is the number of threads a processor can handle concurrently. Threads are the way the processor handles concurrent tasks, and thus, a processor with more threads can work on more tasks at the same time and potentially perform better in a gaming environment.
Finally, you should also consider the processor’s graphic capabilities, or the type of graphics card it’s compatible with. Most modern processors have onboard graphic processors, but gaming PCs usually require more powerful GPUs such as GeForce GTX 1080 and AMD Radeon RX 580.
Finding the Right GPU
A graphics processing unit (GPU) is an essential component of any gaming PC. GPUs are the keepers of all things graphical, and the better your GPU, the better your gaming experience.
When selecting a GPU, the most important factor is the amount of video RAM (or VRAM) it has. VRAM is the dedicated memory that’s used to quickly render the images you see on your screen. The more VRAM a GPU has, the more detailed the visuals it can display. Gaming PCs should generally have at least 4GB of VRAM.
Additionally, you should consider the GPU’s clock speed and number of cores, just like you did when selecting your processor. Most GPUs that are designed for gaming have higher clock speeds and more cores than basic GPUs, offering better performance and improved graphical capabilities.
Finally, GPUs come in two forms: dedicated and integrated. Dedicated GPUs are more powerful and are usually found in high-end gaming PCs, while integrated GPUs are usually found in entry-level systems. If you’re building a custom gaming PC, it’s best to opt for a dedicated GPU; however, integrated GPUs are still a viable option for less graphically intense titles.
Setting Up the Perfect Gaming Environment
When it comes to creating the ultimate gaming experience, the most important factor is the environment you’re playing in. From potential distractions to adequate lighting, the details of your gaming space are just as important as the hardware you’re using to power it.
For starters, find the quietest place in your home to set up your system. While you may not have the luxury of having an ideal room in your home, make sure to reduce any potential distractions as much as possible. Having a good sound system can also help to enhance your gaming experience, so be sure to invest in quality speakers or headphones.
Next, consider the type of keyboard and mouse you’ll use for gaming. When selecting a keyboard and mouse, opt for a setup that offers the features and customization you need for your games. Some mice are even equipped with weights, so you can adjust them to the comfortable weight for your grip. Additionally, some keyboards offer features such as macros and profile support, allowing you to customize your gaming experience on the fly.
Finally, consider the type of display you want for gaming. If you plan on playing in 4K resolution, you’ll want to make sure your PC can handle it. Also, a larger display will offer a more immersive gaming experience; however, large displays also draw more power and require more video cards, so it’s important to factor these things in when choosing a display.
Getting the Most Out of Your PC Gaming Experience
Now that you have all the components of a gaming PC in place, you may be eager to start playing your favorite titles. But before you jump into the fray, there are a few additional steps you should take to ensure you’re getting the most out of your gaming system.
First, invest in a reliable internet connection. Whether you’re participating in an online match or downloading demos, a fast and reliable connection will keep you connected and lag-free. You should also invest in a good data backup and anti-virus solution to protect your files and system from any potential threats or crashes. Additionally, consider investing in a gaming controller, as many games are still best enjoyed with a controller.
Finally, if you’re serious about playing many of the latest titles at their best, consider overclocking your hardware. Overclocking involves raising the voltage to the components of your system, allowing them to run faster than their stock speed. This can increase your system’s performance and allow you to access the latest games; however, overclocking can be dangerous if done incorrectly. We recommend that you only overclock your hardware if you’re comfortable with configuring your system, as it can easily cause permanent damage if you’re not careful.
Conclusion
PC gaming offers an unparalleled level of control and customization, allowing you to tailor your gaming experience to your needs and preferences. From finding the right hardware platform to creating the perfect gaming environment, this guide to PC gaming has given you the essentials to create a gaming system that offers the perfect balance of features and performance. Whether you’re exploring open-worlds, earning mastery of your favorite RTS, or duking it out in intense online matches, the gaming world is at your fingertips with a properly configured gaming PC.