Essential Components of a Gaming PC
Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or an after-hours warrior, there’s nothing better than a tricked-out gaming PC to enjoy the experience. The key to getting the most out of your PC is understanding all the essential components required to handle high-graphic, high-power games. As your exclusive destination for custom gaming computers, we wanted to dive headfirst into all the core components you need to build your own custom gaming computer. If you already have a reliable gaming PC, you’ll know just what to look for when it’s time for the next rebuild.
Central Processing Unit
Today’s games are all about speed, and that wouldn’t be possible without a fast processor. A central processing unit is the brain of any computer. This unit quickly controls the number of tasks your PC can accomplish and how quickly they can be accomplished. The two most popular processor brands are Intel® and AMD. AMD processors tend to be less expensive, and they are usually advantageous for people who only use their computers for a few simple tasks, such as downloading, emailing, or web browsing. Intel® processors are ideal for hardcore gamers or anyone that edits videos and runs multiple applications all at once. Advanced processing units make quick work of calculations, so you benefit from improved gaming performance overall.
Motherboard
All the components of a high-end gaming computer need adequate housing. Motherboards are like the central nervous systems of computers. These core components relay information and serve as the central hub for central processing units, memory, and graphics processing units. Again, Intel® and AMD are the two most popular brands leading the market today. If you’ve chosen an Intel® CPU, you must choose an Intel® motherboard with the right socket type or processor interface. Double check all specifications as well as memory type, speed, capacity, and number of slots.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
While many of us struggle to remember what we ate for dinner last night, gaming computers are equipped with short-term memories that make it possible to access files quickly without lag. RAM temporarily stores data and provides fast read and write access. If you plan on heavy gaming, you’ll want enough RAM to support smooth gameplay and powerful graphics. Most gaming desktops and laptops will require at least 4GB of RAM or as much RAM as will fit.
Graphics Processing Unit
First-person shooters and pixelated paradises are only as good as your graphics card. We like to think of these video cards as beating hearts that pump pixels from your tower to your monitor. Modern graphics cards take technological leaps from cards found in consumer computers, so they can handle high-definition content, video editing, and much more. Unlike workstation cards, gaming graphics cards are optimized to deliver the best frame rates with the most realistic detail settings. While comparing cards, you should consider memory types, clock speeds, and bit rates.
Storage
Although they are often interchanged in conversation, memory and storage are completely different components. While RAM allows applications to load short-term data during processing, storage allows for long-term data access. The two main types of storage are hard drive or solid-state drive storage. To determine how much storage you need, take a look at how much space your current list of games requires to use as a benchmark.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Every high-end gaming computer requires a quality power supply unit. Each build has its own unique power needs, but power should be determined by overall wattage and rail specific power. The power supply is essential hardware that converts power provided from the outlet into usable power for parts found within the computer case. Your PSU converts alternating currents into continuous forms of power that other components need to run properly.
Now that you have a better understanding of the essential components in any gaming PC, you have the competitive edge needed to build, buy, or customize your own computer. If you have any questions about this article or need help finding specific parts for your custom gaming PC, please contact one of our sales representatives today.
