National Computer Repair

Experienced in computer repair, data recovery, and a love for all things geek.

Tag: graphics cards

The Main Components of a Gaming PC

If you’re heavily into playing PC games, it’s worthwhile to invest in a gaming computer. While most PCs can play video games, specialized gaming computers totally enhance the gaming experience. These computers are built with components that are specifically designed to run video games efficiently without causing the computer to crash. What are these parts exactly? Read this blog post for a rundown of the main components required for a gaming computer.

Graphics Processing Unit

Graphics Processing Unit, GPU, Graphics Card, Video Card

The graphics processing unit is known as the GPU, graphics card, or video card. This component is the most important part for PC gaming; it’s what makes games look photorealistic without crashing your computer or slowing down the gameplay.

The graphics card relies on the processor (CPU) to function. If the CPU isn’t processing the game quickly enough, the GPU’s visual output will be bottlenecked, meaning that the FPS (frames-per-second) will drop and the game will lag or freeze. A high quality GPU working in conjunction with an efficient processor will give you a smooth gaming experience.

Check out our selection of graphics cards.

Processor

Computer Processor, CPU

The central processing unit, or CPU, is the brain of the computer. The CPU controls the number of tasks your computer can perform simultaneously, and how quickly it can do so. For gaming, the processor is the second most important component in a computer, as it works hand-in-hand with the graphics card.

Since the CPU is so important, make sure you are buying an up-to-date CPU and compare it with competitor brands to ensure that you are picking the best model possible. Many gamers purchase Intel processors, as their stronger single-core performance makes them especially suited for gaming; although, AMD processors are quickly becoming just as good as Intel processors in terms of gaming, and are more affordable.

Memory

RAM, Memory, Memory Card, Random Access Memory

Random Access Memory, or RAM, is the third most important component for gaming; it allows computers to quickly access files and run multiple processes simultaneously without lagging. It’s directly linked to the CPU, and greatly impacts the CPU’s performance and your gaming experience.

Speed isn’t as important as quantity; the more RAM you have, the better your system will be at managing multiple applications at once and meeting the memory requirements of today’s PC games. You will need at least 4GB of RAM for your computer (any less and your computer won’t be able to run most games), though 8 to 16GB are your best options.

Storage

Computer Storage, Hard Drive, Solid State Drive

To figure out how many gigabytes of storage you’ll need, look at how much space your current list of games require, and use that number to gauge how much storage to get. Then, you will need to choose between a hard drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD). Having both is recommended, but we suggest getting an SSD if you can afford only one.

If you’re looking for quality, get an SSD – they are smaller, durable, provide faster loading times, and can store a significant amount of data. If you’re looking for quantity, opt for an HDD – they are larger, more affordable, and can store much more game data (though they can result in slower loading times).

Power Supply and Motherboard

Computer Motherboard

Computers need electricity to run, so a good power supply unit, or PSU, is critical. Don’t get a cheap, poor-quality PSU, or else the rest of your computer won’t perform well. Buy from a reputable manufacturer, and make sure that the unit you buy has enough wattage for your system. This Power Supply Calculator helps you determine how big your PSU needs to be.

Every computer part is connected in some way to the motherboard, so that every component can communicate and work together. Motherboards do not have any effect on gaming performance, so it does not matter what type you purchase, as long as it’s compatible.

Check out our selection of motherboards.

Case

Computer Case, Computer Tower

The computer case holds everything together and can make your system last many years without needing many rebuilds. Your case should have space for your motherboard, GPU, and for replacement parts that may be installed in the future. It should also accommodate for a cooling setup, allowing room for two fans and vents for those fans.

Check out our selection of computer cases.

Other Components

Operating System (OS): Windows 10 is the top recommended system for gaming, but if you can’t afford it, go for Linux operating systems.

Mouse and Keyboard: Consider the types of video games you like to play. Shooter games require a usable mouse, while MMOs, MOBAs, and strategy games need a quality keyboard.

Monitor: What’s the point of playing a video game if you can’t see anything? Invest in a good monitor that is compatible with your setup.

Fans: These keep your computer cool and prevent it from overheating. A high quality fan improves air flow, keeps hardware at a decent temperature, and reduces the noise coming from the computer.

Computer Fan

Conclusion

There are many parts needed for a gaming computer. Luckily, National Computer Repair LLC has the parts you need to design your dream gaming PC. If you can’t do it yourself, let us custom-build one for you!

PC Problems: Should You Upgrade or Start From Scratch?

If you built your computer from the ground up and got used to optimal performance, sometimes even the smallest dips in speed can seem much more drastic than they are. This familiarity with speed and convenience makes knowing when to upgrade and when to cut your losses and build a new PC rather difficult. Many times, users can convince themselves an entirely new computer is necessary simply out of excitement of being able to craft a new machine with completely modern parts. And while we would never scold you for being excited about the new PC innovations out there, the more budget-friendly option can often be just replacing a part or two.

If you find yourself walking a tightrope unsure of whether you want to upgrade or rebuild, we urge you to read on. Below, we’ve covered a few of the important questions you need to ask yourself if you plan on making some changes to that current rig.

How Necessary Is the Upgrade?

Having the funds necessary to build up an entirely new computer can be exciting, but knowing when’s the right time to simply opt for a upgrade can keep your computer running well until an even more impressive set of parts worth that excitement are released! Always ask yourself just how essential the upgrade or rebuild really is. Is your computer running slowly across the board or is it only when you perform certain tasks or utilize a certain part? If it’s the latter, you could save quite a bit by simply swapping out that one trouble-making piece.

When Is a New Computer Necessary?

One of the many perks of custom-built computers is the fact that many of their parts are reusable. If you needed a brand new motherboard, for example, you can still use your old power supply, graphics card, and even power supply.

That being said, this doesn’t necessarily rule out the need for a brand new computer in certain circumstances. After all, if everything in the computer is so old that it isn’t even worth recycling or if the parts are so outdated they wouldn’t meet the needs you now have for a PC, it could be simpler to start with a new rig and upgrade it as time goes on.

 

What Parts Need an Upgrade?

If you’ve come to the realization that a complete rebuild isn’t necessary, the next step is nailing down what parts actually need that upgrade. Much like when you build a new PC, it’s essential to start with what you need out of your computer. If you’re simply looking to speed it up for the sake of efficiency, you can get away with a simple SSD. If, however, you want to game more and have your computer keep up with higher visual settings, a new graphics card could be the way to go.

Unfortunately, it can sometimes be the case that one individual part depends on another component to run effectively. In these kinds of situations, swapping one out can mean having to upgrade the other. For instance, if you plan on upgrading your CPU, you might need to invest in a new motherboard that can hold it if your current one isn’t a proper fit. A brand new graphic card, on the other hand, may not depend on any given part in such a way but, if your power supply isn’t up to snuff, you won’t be able to leverage the abilities of that new video card in the first place.

Conclusion

It can sound like a lot to keep all of this in mind, but there’s no reason to be discouraged! Whether you’re a tech savvy person yourself or you don’t know the first thing about custom rigs, there are countless teams, forums, and blogs like ours online that can help fill the gaps in your knowledge. Do your homework, speak with the professionals, and create that computer that lasts you for years to come!