The Next Chapter: All You Need to Know About PC Gaming.
Are you thinking of taking the plunge and becoming a PC gamer? Or maybe you’re already a PC gaming enthusiast looking to get with the program? No matter what your experience level, this guide will impart all you need to know about PC gaming.
From the varying components that make up a gaming PC, to the software and games you’ll need, this guide will arm you with the knowledge necessary to become a successful PC gamer. So, let’s begin our exploration of the world of PC gaming!
Understanding the Components of a PC
To understand the interaction between various components of a PC, we must first look at the basics. All PCs rely heavily on a basic hardware system that consists of a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and Hard drive. To simplify, the GPU controls graphical processing and rendering to create images on a monitor or TV screen, the CPU controls the logic and instructions that allow the computer to complete tasks, RAM stores data temporarily and can be shared by multiple components at a time, and the Hard drive is used to store data and applications permanently, usually on a form of storage medium such as a hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD).
These individual components are divided up and housed in a computer case. Cases come in a variety of sizes and shapes, allowing users to choose one that best fits their budget and needs. The size of a case typically dictates the sizes of the components that can be housed inside: the bigger the case, the larger the components. Cases also include extra features such as removable panel grills, fan mounts, and cable management.
When it comes to powering these components, that’s where you’ll need to invest in a good power supply unit (PSU). Though generally not too pricey, it’s important to go for one with a higher wattage rating than your needs as this will prevent overstressing your PC components.
Choosing the Right Software and Games
Once you have all the components sorted, it’s time to tackle the software side of things, which will largely depend on the type of gaming you plan on doing. Generally, you’ll need an operating system to run the PC, such as Windows 10, plus gaming software such as Steam, Origin or GOG Galaxy. Certain games may also require specific software run beside them, such as DirectX to ensure certain games will run properly on the computer.
For gaming, you’ll want to look at the type of games you’d like to play. First-person shooters, MMOs and strategy games are generally popular types of games, but there are tons of other genres to choose from. Do your research, check out reviews and player feedback and make sure the game you purchase is one you’ll enjoy.
Tweaking and Tuning Your PC
We’ve reached the fun step where you get to truly make the PC your own. Here, you’ll want to go over your setup, tweaking settings to make sure you’re getting the best performance from your PC. This can include hardware-level settings such as overclocking the CPU and GPU, but it can also include software-level settings such as turning on/off shadows and other graphical features. Keep in mind that overclocking and fine-tuning settings can damage your PC hardware if you don’t know what you’re doing, so unless you’re an experienced PC builder, you’ll want to leave this step to the pros.
Accessories for Hardcore PC Gaming
Though it’s not a necessity, having the right accessories can greatly improve your gaming experience. A good gaming mouse, keyboard and headset will do wonders for your gaming sessions, allowing you to get the most out of any game you choose to play. Additionally, having a gaming monitor and gaming chair can be beneficial as they improve your comfort while gaming and help you reach longer, uninterrupted gaming sessions.
Conclusion
As you can see, setting up a PC gaming system isn’t as hard as it may seem at first. With the right combination of components and accessories, you can set up your perfect gaming PC in no time. Whether you’re a first-time player or a seasoned PC gaming enthusiast, owning your own gaming PC is a great way to take your gaming experience to the next level. Good luck, and have fun!