The Rise of PC Gaming: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners.
In the past few years, PC gaming has had an absolute revival. With an upsurge in consumer demand for more powerful PCs and graphics-intensive games, people of all ages are getting into PC gaming in droves. Whether you want to immerse yourself in a visually stunning, action-packed video game, or simply play casually with your friends, a PC gaming setup is the ideal way to do it.
But all too often, newcomers to PC gaming are overwhelmed by the complexity of the technology, as well as the sheer breadth of titles available. To appease every type of gamer out there, manufacturers have gone to great lengths in creating various types of gaming PCs, and ensuring support for a diverse selection of gaming software.
So, if you’re just getting started, don’t worry–we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the essentials of PC gaming and what you’ll need to get a formidable setup going. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be comfortable enough to start making thoughtful decisions about what setup is right for you!
First of All: Why Go PC Gaming?
In the age of fierce console competition, why should you bother with PC gaming? The answer is simple–a PC offers more flexibility, power, and efficiency compared to a console.
Let’s start with the obvious: power. Both consoles and PCs have their strengths and weaknesses, but PCs have a marked advantage when it comes to raw power. PCs feature top-of-the-line components and are easily upgradeable, allowing you to run games at higher framerates and smoother graphics.
Furthermore, PCs have the benefit of being more “universal” than consoles, offering a new level of flexibility in terms of hardware and software. Since PCs are open-source, they are customizable on a much deeper level than a console, meaning you can tailor the hardware to your exact specifications.
Finally, PCs offer a wider variety of games than consoles. While both platforms offer industry-wide releases, PC gaming allows you to enjoy an even larger selection of indie titles and games from smaller developers. PC gaming is also the go-to platform for e-sports, meaning you’ll have access to a vast selection of competitive titles.
The Four Pillars of PC Gaming
Now that you know why PCs are such great gaming machines, let’s get into the nitty-gritty by discussing the four essential pillars of PC gaming. We’ll go through each one in detail and explain why it’s so important.
1. Processor (CPU)
Much like the engine of a car, the processor is the brain of your PC. In short, it’s responsible for carrying out any and all instructions given to the PC. A strong processor will churn out quick, efficient results, which is crucial for games that require intense calculations.
When shopping for a processor, aim for one with at least two cores and a high clock speed. This will ensure that your PC can carry out multiple tasks in a timely fashion, and handle play sessions without lags or hiccups.
2. Graphics Card (GPU)
The graphics card is the second most important component of your PC. As the name implies, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is responsible for delivering the visuals of a game, such as 3D models or textures.
For gaming, you should always opt for a dedicated GPU, as integrated graphics are not up to the task. Aim for one with a decent number of cores, as well as a high-end VRAM, to get the best visuals possible.
3. Memory (RAM)
RAM (Random Access Memory) is another critical component of your PC, as it stores data while the processor is occupied carrying out instructions. The more RAM you have, the faster your PC will run and the more efficiently it’ll be able to multitask.
When shopping for RAM, opt for high-speed DDR4 sticks for maximum efficiency. And for gaming, 4GB of RAM should be enough; 8GB is ideal.
4. Storage
The last and perhaps least exciting component of a PC is the storage. This refers to the physical hardware that houses all of your PC’s software and games, as well as any important files or documents.
For gaming, an SSD (Solid State Drive) is the most ideal option. They offer incomparable speed and reliability and run games faster than traditional hard drives. But since they’re pricey, you can always opt for a hybrid drive to get the best of both worlds.
Equipment for PC Gaming
Now that we’ve covered the basics of PC gaming, let’s discuss the hardware you need to make your setup complete. We’ll give you all the details you need to make the best decisions for your PC gaming needs.
Monitor
When it comes to gaming, the monitor is arguably your most important purchase. A good monitor will help you immerse yourself in the game, and get all the tiny details a console’s limited resolution won’t let you see. We’ve compiled our top picks for gaming monitors here.
Keyboard and Mouse
A great gaming keyboard and mouse combo is essential for any PC gaming setup, as your accuracy and speed will determine your success. Keyboards, in particular, are uniquely designed with gaming-optimized features such as macro keys and customizable settings.
Headset and Microphone
Gaming headsets and microphones are essential if you want to experience games to the fullest. Not only do they add realism with powerful surround sound effects, but they also let you communicate with your gaming buddies with crystal-clear sound.
Wi-Fi Adapter
For online gaming, you’ll need a strong and reliable connection. Wi-Fi adapters will help you get connected wirelessly, so you can enjoy your games without worrying about cables and wires.
Gaming Chair
No gaming setup would be complete without a comfortable gaming chair. Good gaming chairs come with ergonomic features such as lumbar support and armrests, so you can stay comfortable for hours on end.
Where to Buy Your PC Gaming Setup
With the basics out of the way, the last thing to consider is where to purchase your gaming setup.
For hardware, you’ll want to shop from trusted PC hardware retailers like Newegg, Amazon, and even your local electronics shop. Be sure to take your time and do your research, as prices and specs can vary greatly.
Then there are the big-box stores like Best Buy and Walmart that offer a wide variety of gaming equipment. The major advantage here is convenience, as you’ll be able to buy any peripheral or accessory you need in one trip.
Finally, there are digital markets like Steam and the Microsoft store where you can purchase hundreds of games. Be sure to check out the latest sales and discounts, as prices can fluctuate regularly.
Conclusion
PC gaming has had a huge revival in recent years, and with its diverse library of games and supercharged hardware, it’s no surprise why. With the help of this comprehensive guide, you’ll now have all the knowledge you need to select the perfect setup for your gaming needs. So don’t wait any longer–now’s the time to enter the amazing world of PC gaming!