Which PC parts should I prioritize for maximum performance?
So, you’ve decided to invest in a new PC. Congratulations! But before you start throwing money at the latest and greatest components, it’s crucial to know which parts will have the biggest impact on the performance of your build. In this article, we’ll help you prioritize which PC components you should focus on to maximize the performance of your new system.
1. CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The CPU is the brain of your PC and is responsible for processing all of the instructions that your computer performs. A powerful CPU can make a massive difference in the performance of your gaming, video rendering, and overall system responsiveness.
When selecting a CPU, the most crucial factor to consider is the number of cores and threads. More cores translate into a more efficient and faster system. They also mean that CPU can handle more tasks at once. Higher frequency (Ghz) is better if you’re after raw power for single-threaded tasks such as gaming. However, more cores are better if you’re doing heavy multitasking such as streaming and recording simultaneously. Intel and AMD are the most popular CPU manufacturers in the market.
2. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
A graphics card has a significant impact on the performance of gaming, rendering, and other applications that rely on high-performance graphics processing. Simultaneously, less graphics-oriented software such as word processing will hardly feel a difference.
When it comes to GPUs, you should be looking at two metrics – clock speed and the number of CUDA (NVIDIA graphics card term) cores or stream processors (AMD term). The higher these figures, the more performance capability the graphics card has. Also, another key parameter is memory. More VRAM (Video Memory) will help in higher-resolution gaming and multitasking scenarios.
When selecting a GPU, consider the architecture to ensure it supports new features and more compatibility with new titles. AMD vs. Nvidia is always a topic that splits opinions. AMD GPUs are usually more cost-efficient, while Nvidia GPUs deliver better gaming performance on the high-end. But, it’s always worth checking the latest benchmarks before making a final decision.
3. RAM (Random Access Memory)
RAM is the short-term memory of your computer – it allows your system to store and access data that it frequently needs to use. Higher RAM capacity allows for smoother multitasking, faster software load times, and other performance improvements. More modern software requires at least 8 GB of RAM (although 16 GB is more appropriate), and it is easy enough to run multiple applications simultaneously, such as a web browser, a word processor, and some other apps, without running out of memory.
When it comes to selecting RAM for your system, consider the speed and frequency of the RAM. Higher frequency RAM is better suited to systems that require higher performance than older applications. Depending on the CPU chosen, the sweet spot usually covers 3200-4000 MHz DDR4 . This can be different depending on the CPU architecture and what motherboard the RAM is going on.
4. Storage
Your storage solution can impact both the performance and load times of your system. It is better to have a combination of different types of storage on your system. SSDs provide much faster read and write speeds than HDDs. Still, they are more expensive in terms of the cost per GB. But they sure deliver a higher quality, snappier experience than a standard hard drive.
For the primary storage solution, we would suggest looking at an SSD. The options are NVMe (fastest SSD Solution) and standard SATA III. NVMe drives come as much more expensive, but these drives offer incredible access speeds and faster load times. The difference between SATA III and NVMe drives is noticeable when booting the OS and gaming titles. NVMe drives are beneficial when it comes to loading much larger gaming files, reducing the load times that the game takes to launch and get to the menu. SATA III SSDs are somewhat slower than NVMe. But, they can save you money. It is often a good idea to use an HDD as secondary storage so that you can store larger files that don’t require the high-speed of an SSD.
5. Cooling System
When it comes to longevity, the cooling system is essential in mitigating the risk of component failure, especially with extreme overclocking. Your system’s cooling solution will make a significant impact on how efficiently your PC can operate. In addition to keeping your parts cool, the right cooling system will also enable you to push your system farther than you would with the stock cooler.
Your system’s cooling solution depends on your power usage, what tasks you will use your components for, and how far you want to overclock your CPU or GPU. A proper cooling system will depend on your budget and your risk tolerance. A simple, budget-friendly air cooler is suitable for most CPUs, while a custom liquid cooling solution is more appropriate for high-end gaming builds with overclocked components.
Conclusion
When it comes to maximising system performance, choosing the right PC components is essential for an incredible experience. We hope this guide has provided you with enough information to prioritise the components that are most critical to get the most of your hardware. Remember that getting the most out of your build doesn’t mean you have hundreds or thousands of dollars to spend on new parts. It is essential to balance your requirements with your budget and choose the most convenient components for your specific needs.
Image Credit: Pexels