Gaming PC

The 7 Key Features of a Gaming PC

• Graphics Cards

  Probably the most important difference between gaming PCs and regular systems, the graphics card (or GPU) is what allows these systems to manipulate complex visuals at lightning speeds. This is an area where costs rise relative to ordinary computers, but if you've ever tested gaming PCs in showrooms, you'll appreciate that the extra expense is worth it. Look for models with at least 8 GB RAM and processors speeds above 1.4 GHz.

• CPU

  It's not much use having a top of the range graphics card, without the CPU (or processor) required to put it through its paces. All gaming PCs max out on processing speed and core numbers, although the exact speeds vary, so don't get caught out. Anything around 4 GHz with a speed boost is a good yardstick to aim for. Look for “overclocked” CPUs as well – as these models can be forced to operate above manufacturers' guidelines.

• RAM

  For performance, RAM is one the most important characteristics to look out for. 16GB RAM is pretty much standard. Anything less, and many of the latest games will start to struggle. While memory is the most important consideration, be sure to pay attention to the DDR (Double Data Rate) type as well as the overall speed. Those looking for high-spec gaming shouldn’t do without DDR4 RAM or RAM that runs below 2400 MHz.

• Fans and Heat Sinks

  Gaming PCs are designed to remove heat efficiently via specially designed fans or water-based cooling systems. With so much going on in the CPU and GPU, gaming PCs generate an immense amount of heat. Ordinary PCs wouldn't be able to dissipate this heat, causing it to damage internal components over time. That's why Good fans keep noise to a minimum while ensuring that your motherboard and key components won't be zapped. Water cooling helps to target specific areas of the hardware which generate the most heat, offering as much surface area as possible to transfer heat to the external environment. Look for over 50CFM flow rates and integrated noise reduction.

• Storage

  Gamers need serious storage space for the games they play, but they also need the hard drives they use to be as fast as possible. This typically means using premium SSD drives that avoid lag and give plenty of capacity to add new titles as they are released. If you plan to keep multiple games on your hard drive at once, then you’ll want to be shooting for a 1 TB SSD, but with services like Steam allowing us to keep our libraries in the cloud, you can save big time by opting for a 250 GB model.

• PC Case

  Gaming PCs look significantly different to normal PCs, with colourful, jagged and glass cut PC cases. Sometimes, this is purely decorative. Gamers tend to appreciate style and aesthetics more than business-oriented users. But a well-designed gaming PC case will have a functional aspect as well. They help to remove heat and dust from key components, and also provide easy access to the inner workings of a computer, making maintenance and replacements easy.

• High-end audio hardware

  Sound is another core priority for most gamers, and ordinary soundcards won't always deliver the goods. That's why many gaming PC owners decide to go for specialist gaming cards like Creative's Sound Blaster Z. Some even go off-road with bespoke soundboards made with Nichicon capacitors – the type you'd expect to find in high-level stereo setups.