National Computer Repair

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

Tag: pc gaming

PC Gaming Equipment for Beginners

New gamers often face a steep learning curve after their initial introduction to the world of PC gaming. Taking the first steps in acquiring your own gaming equipment can be daunting and confusing, but this blog, along with our hands-on experts are here to help. Whether you’re investing in an entirely new gaming PC or plan to upgrade an existing one, follow along below as we discuss the four main components to look for when shopping around.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The job of a CPU is to collect, read, and process instructions provided by applications, then act accordingly. Essentially, a CPU is the brain of a PC and is responsible for carrying out all of the essential tasks that allow it to function properly.

While this component is important for general computing needs as well, it’s an especially critical component for optimal gaming. It’s important to note that replacing or upgrading the CPU later down the line will generally require you to also switch out the motherboard.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) or Graphics Card

What would gaming be without the graphics? A graphics card is the ruler of the visual experience because it’s what accelerates your PC’s creation and rendering of images, video, and animations. Your GPU and CPU work as a team to harmonize the graphics with basically everything else.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is a piece of hardware responsible for helping a PC run programs more efficiently. The more RAM a PC has the more information can be simultaneously accessed and translated by the CPU. Gaming PC’s require more RAM than non-gaming PC’s because these programs need more space, or memory, to operate properly and at full speed.

Storage

The amount of storage a PC has directly affects how fast or slow it will load programs and read data. PC storage typically comes in the form of a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), the difference being that HDDs are cheaper and come in higher capacities while SSDs are best for achieving the fastest speeds.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day as long as new gamers invest in enough system memory and storage space to meet the minimum requirements of their games, the overall performance will mostly come down to the CPU and graphics card. At National Computer Repair in Madison, TN, not only will you find high end gaming PC’s, hardware and accessories, but trusted advice from local tech and gaming experts as well. Contact us via our website or in person any day of the week!

What to Look For in a Good Gaming PC

Are you in love with the world of PC gaming? Are you currently in the market for a good gaming PC or the parts to build your own custom rig? Then it’s an important step to understand what exactly you should look for in a PC for your enjoyment. Keep reading to discover some key factors to keep an eye out for in your next gaming PC.

*Note: If you’re looking to build your next PC and need a breakdown of the specific parts you’ll need, we’ve previously written about the main components to any good gaming PC here.

Professional gaming computer set up.
Professional gaming computer set up.

Hardware Compatibility

When you’re building a gaming PC, your number one priority should always be the compatibility of the parts. Everything from the processor and CPU to the motherboard should be compatible before you make that purchase and install them.

Memory Speed

No matter what type of memory you purchase for your rig, you should always check to ensure you’ll actually be using all of that memory speed. You can check this by entering the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)** and loading the memory profile. There are also plenty of third-party apps which will show you your computer’s current memory speed.

** BIOS: firmware used to perform hardware initialization during the booting process, and to provide runtime services for operating systems and programs.

An 80 PLUS Rating for the Power Supply

Your computer’s power supply should be able to stand up to the games and other tasks you’re planning on using your PC for. By choosing a power supply which has an 80 PLUS certification will guarantee your gaming PC can handle just about anything you plan to throw at it.

Cable Management

Once you have all the computer components and you’re ready to put it into the case, you want to make sure everything will fit and look clean. Cable management is key in achieving a nice, clean appearance for your rig. Fun fact: good cable management might also help improve the cooling system due to the improved air flow inside the case.

Overclocking: Worth it?

Gaming computer monitor and tower.
Gaming computer monitor and tower.

Overclocking and whether it’s worth it or not is completely subjective. Overclocking is the process of speeding up your computer beyond the manufacturers’ specifications for a faster runtime. If you feel it’s worth the possibility of burning out your rig’s components and voiding the parts’ warranties, then your performance goals can be met through overclocking. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons before making the final decision.

Conclusions If you’re ready to get started playing all of your favorite PC games on a system you’ve built yourself, following these tips for ensuring your PC survives will help a great deal. If you run into any problems or would simply like some help in building it, come into our computer shop at National Computer Repair and let our knowledgeable technicians help you with it all!

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!

The Rise of PC Gaming

Personal computers, or PCs, were introduced in 1975 with the MITS Altair 8800 and IMSAI 8080. Before that, the Magnavox Odyssey was the first video game console, created by Ralph Baer in 1972. So, what happens when you merge the two forms of technology together? You get PC gaming – a rising form of interactive entertainment. In our blog, we’re going to give you the details about PC gaming and how it’s becoming the strongest force as a video game platform.

The Statistics

According to WePC, 53% of game developers were developing games for PC and Mac in 2018. Online PC games are expected to take up 47% of the global PC and console gaming revenues in 2019. The numbers continue to surge, and with advancements in technology, it will come as no surprise if every household has at least one PC for gaming. The worldwide revenue of the PC hardware industry was 23.11 billion dollars in 2017. As graphics continue to improve thanks to the hardware that supports it, people are more inclined to invest in a PC with higher resolution and smoother frame rates.

The Influences

Several factors come into play that influence the rise of PC gaming. One example is Steam, a digital distribution platform developed by Valve that allows individuals to purchase and play video games. They call themselves “The Ultimate Online Game Platform,” and millions of players log on every day. Steam is strictly for PC gaming, as video game consoles have their own online shop where games are digitally sold.

Another influence – this one probably being the biggest – is popular streamers. Gaming streamers on social media, Twitch, and YouTube have taken the Internet by storm and many people tune in to watch them play games or chat. Twitch is a major platform for streamers where they can earn money. In fact, Twitch streaming is now a full-time job, but being successful requires the same effort if you were to become a YouTuber. In most instances, streamers use PCs to connect to streaming channels.

As people interact online through social media, so do gamers on their respective gaming platforms. Online multiplayer modes have been around for quite some time, but thanks to recent popular games with international acclaim – Overwatch, Fortnite, and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) – there has been a surge in online gameplay. The introduction of cross-platform play allows for a wider audience, encouraging players to interact with those who have different gaming platforms.

Lastly, indie games have seen a rise in popularity, especially for small game developing companies that don’t have enough budget for a AAA title. Indie games have a little more breathing room during development, and even a single person can create one to put up on Steam. Because of this, many indie games are played on PCs, and even popular streamers play them because they want to help market or advertise them.

Conclusion

In general, video games are constantly rising, but PC gaming in particular is swaying people to “build” a powerful PC to play and experience video games in better quality. Players are also able to control how they want to play on their PC – mouse and keyboard or game controller. There’s a lot of freedom with PC gaming, which is why many game developers focus on developing games on that platform. It welcomes lesser-known developers and companies to create and distribute on a platform that garners millions of online players. Gaming is never declining – it’s a force to be reckoned with.