Top 10 Tips for Choosing a Gaming Computer

Which brand builds the best gaming PCs?
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Alienware

brandstar

CompYou

HP

iRu

Total voted: 20

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Regardless of whether you are building a gaming computer yourself or picking up a ready-made system unit, the choice in any case begins with the case.In part, this is the element that you can save on by using, for example, the case from your old PC. This is logical if it meets the key requirement for a modern gaming "shell" - it has a sufficient number of ventilation holes for installing coolers of the cooling system. The more of them, the better, because in the future, when upgrading, it may be necessary to install additional fans or radiators, if we are talking about a water system.

As for the form factor, we recommend choosing the “classic” ATX MidiTower. Most of the gaming hardware is sharpened for this format, plus the internal dimensions leave enough space for better airflow. But, if you plan to use only top-end components, then you will have to pay extra for a massive Full-Tower, otherwise the high CPU cooling towers or dropsy components simply won’t fit. By the way, consider the length of the cables, a huge case requires longer versions, for which, most likely, you will also have to pay extra separately.

The processor is a key link in the overall performance of a computer, so its choice should be taken as seriously as possible. Today, the CPU market is divided between Intel and AMD.In general terms, Intel is outperforming the competitor in terms of per-core efficiency, and AMD is leveling the playing field by introducing more cores and threads at the same chip cost. If we discard the technical subtleties, then in general we can talk about parity, so the choice of a brand is a purely personal matter. But as for the characteristics, the key requirements are relevant for processors of any manufacturer.

Number of Cores. For an ultra-budget build, you can choose a 4-core chip, it will provide enough performance to run games at medium settings, but for better comfort, you should consider versions with six or eight cores. At the same time, it makes little sense to overpay for even more, since games usually use one or two cores maximum, and the rest are needed for background load (OS operation, other applications, etc.). The exception is the top novelties in the strategy genre (for example, Total War: Three Kingdoms), which have "learned" to use all the CPU cores.

Clock frequency. More important parameter than the previous point. After all, the more powerful a separate core, the higher the performance in the game. We recommend looking towards versions with a base frequency of at least 3.0 GHz, and ideally more than 3.5 GHz, otherwise there may not be enough power for top game projects in the near future. It is also important to take into account the turbo frequency parameter, i.e. the maximum to which the chip can accelerate under short-term load. Everything is simple here - the higher the better.

Preparing for overclocking or an unlocked multiplier.For those who like to “tune” the performance of the assembled system on their own, changing the operating frequencies of the components, this is an important parameter, the rest do not need it, and in general, manual overclocking loses its meaning these days, since the chips use the built-in bus much more efficiently, leaving almost no ground for "creativity" of overclocking enthusiasts.

Integrated graphics core. An absolutely useless thing for a gamer, in a gaming computer, only a discrete video card should be responsible for the graphics.

Yes, discrete graphics cards today bring sadness to the vast majority of gamers, because their prices fly into space much higher than Bezos could rise on his New Shepard. Perhaps only bitcoin can compete with graphics chips in terms of price take-off, so choosing the right model for a gaming PC for home adds a lot of headaches. To choose the right gaming graphics card, you need to consider the following nuances:

Only new. We strongly do not recommend looking towards the secondary. Used video cards with a high degree of probability were exploited in mining farms and their working potential was developed to the maximum. There is a huge risk of buying a model that will die in a couple of weeks/months.

GPU frequency. The most important parameter responsible for the performance of the video card. The higher the value of the base and turbo frequencies, the more effective the card will show itself in games.

Number of computing modules. It's simple, the more shader processors, texture units and rasterization, the faster the picture is drawn on the monitor screen. Of course, the newer the card, the higher the number of modules, plus they work better due to advanced technologies.

Video memory size. The recommended minimum is 4 GB. The optimum for guaranteed medium settings is 6 GB. If you want to always play at maximum speed, choose cards with 8 GB of memory or more.

Video memory type. It makes no sense to buy models with a memory standard below GDDR5, however, even this type can already be considered obsolete, so top-end video cards are equipped with faster GDDR6 or even GDDR6X.

Ray tracing support. A technology for which you will have to pay a significant extra, but which will provide the highest quality in-game lighting. True, so far, even in the AAA segment, there are not so many game projects that effectively use 100% ray tracing.

RT and tensor cores. A couple more new technologies that are being actively introduced into gaming novelties. In short, they create photorealistic lighting and provide high quality detail through the use of artificial intelligence. In budget models, this is not found, so their support significantly increases the cost of the video card.

Having found the right processor and graphics card, it's time to start choosing a motherboard that will qualitatively combine their best sides and help you unlock their full working potential. First of all, the motherboard must fit the form factor of the case you have chosen and have the appropriate socket for the CPU. There should be no problems with mounting a video card, the necessary slots are on all modern models. Well, then we look at the key features that are important for a gaming PC.

Chipset. A connecting link that ensures the smooth operation of all components of the board and components connected to it. Gaming variants, as a rule, receive the Z index for Intel processors and the X index for AMD chips in the name, while the office ones are marked with the B index. Note that not all chipsets provide for the possibility of overclocking video cards, so it is worth clarifying this issue on the website of the motherboard manufacturer .

RAM slots. Taking into account the future upgrade, take models with at least 4 slots for RAM and an upper threshold of at least 64 GB, otherwise, instead of adding, you will have to buy new strips, throwing out those that are still working. In addition, pay attention to the operating frequencies of the RAM supported by the motherboard, it is extremely important that the maximum level is above 3000 MHz.

Connectors for the cooling system. The most important point, because with a lack of connectors with the option of adjusting the fan speed, it will not be possible to ensure high-quality ventilation of the case and maintain the noise level at an acceptable level.

Other Connectors. Here it’s not for everyone, but we still recommend paying attention to the number of built-in USB 3.0 and higher ports, because fast communication with gaming peripherals has never bothered anyone.

Multi-configuration support. Some graphics cards are able to work in pairs, which helps to increase performance in games. If you plan to build such a system, for example, by adding another graphics adapter in six months / a year, then make sure that the motherboard supports this function and has enough appropriate connectors.

To prevent your computer from overheating, it must be “cooled down” in a quality and timely manner. There are two types of cooling systems - classic air and liquid ("dropsy"), just like in a car. Air is much cheaper, does not require maintenance, is easy to install, but makes more noise and is not as effective when working with top-end components, where the level of heat dissipation is extremely high. In turn, properly installed liquid cooling copes with any load, but it only costs significantly more, plus it requires periodic monitoring of the coolant level. So which cooling system should you choose?

Looking in the direction of dropsy is worth it only when buying productive hardware from among the top models of processors and video cards of the latest generations. With mid-budget, and even more so budget gaming PC assemblies, it is quite possible to get by with ordinary turntables, since gaming cases, as mentioned above, have a sufficient number of places for their installation.At the same time, you should not skimp on the quality of the coolers, otherwise they will start making noise very soon, creating an unnecessary acoustic background.

To answer the question about the required power level of the power supply, it is worth looking into the specifications of the video card as the main consumer. Next, we throw a little on top for a reliable margin, because each SSD drive or RAM bar added in the future will also take a little power, although not as noticeable as replacing a video card with a new generation model. It's also important to pay attention to the amount of cables available so that you have enough for all the components in your build. Consider the length of the cables, not all PSUs can be plugged into huge cases.

Expect to equip your gaming computer with only SSD drives, and allocate a separate one for the OS, and use others to install games, otherwise overwriting game files too often will reduce the life cycle of the drive for the OS. Why SSD? It's simple - high data transfer speeds both the launch of games and helps speed up their work during gaming, especially if you prefer network PvP projects. Loading textures into the video memory of a graphics adapter from an SSD is much faster than from an ancient HDD, which also makes extra noise.

In part, this section can be attributed to the item related to motherboards, where the importance of having a large number of USB ports of at least 3.0 standard, and preferably higher, was mentioned.This high-speed connector will provide faster signal transmission, for example, from a gamepad or steering wheel, which will greatly help in games, especially when gaming over the network. It is also worth mentioning the connectors that were originally mounted on the front panel of the PC case. Having at least a couple of USB ports and a headphone jack will slightly increase your mobility near your computer desk, adding about half a meter of extra cable length. However, this is not much more important, but the ability to quickly connect the necessary peripherals without having to “dive” under the table to the back of the case.

So, your home gaming PC is selected or assembled, it remains only to turn it on and enjoy gaming. What else does a modern gamer need to comfortably run the best games? Let's briefly run through the main elements of the home gaming ecosystem.

Monitor. You should not take models with a diagonal of less than 27 inches, playing them is not very comfortable. Also, you should not buy displays with support for 4K resolution if you have chosen budget versions of the video card and processor, and also stopped at the minimum amount of RAM. With such a kit, even the 4K support declared in the video card will provide FPS subsidence to unplayable values ​​and you still have to switch to FullHD resolution.

Game Mouse. We have already done a material on which mouse to choose for gaming, so we summarize briefly - the best option has an LED optical sensor, connects via USB and has customizable buttons with a large click resource.

Keyboard. Like a mouse, it is better to connect a gaming keyboard with a USB cable.Segmented backlighting is also important here, highlighting the gaming blocks of buttons, plus the presence of a macro recording function and your own customization of additional keys will not be superfluous.

Gamepad. Extremely comfortable manipulator, suitable for a wide range of genres. It is very convenient, allows you to comfortably “fall apart” in a chair and loads your hands less. It makes no sense to use the gamepad only in shooters, where moving the crosshair is much faster and more convenient with the mouse.

Gaming Headphones. Where in modern games without high-quality sound. Even in mid-level projects, developers manage to introduce dynamic acoustic content with 3D effects and other goodies. Of course, all this sounds as beautiful as possible only in the appropriate headphones, the rules for choosing which we also already wrote.

The Russian market is very rich in companies involved in the assembly and sale of finished system units, including gaming ones. For example, a Russian company brandstar offers probably the most extensive selection of assemblies for any wallet. In its arsenal, both incredibly budget PCs based on the hardware of the last generation, suitable for simple games, and new items with a biting price, but with top-end video cards. We also note that BrandStar offers the largest possible number of options based on AMD chips.

Another domestic assembler is not far behind CompYou. This brand focuses on inexpensive computer assemblies without using the latest components.

In turn, the company iRu gravitates toward the mid-budget segment, offering only a couple of top assemblies based on 10th generation Intel chips. On the other hand, this company has much nicer cases.

Of the foreign companies, American companies have achieved the greatest success in Russia. Dell with its subsidiary Alienware, as well as HP. All three companies offer very interesting options, but with a noticeable overpayment for the brand.

Brand representation Acer, ASUS, Lenovo and MSI in our country is not so large and is limited to a couple of available models. That being said, MSI has the most striking case design, while Acer offers the best prices.