While companies like to boast about large amounts of RAM and how much RGB affects their computers come with, they don’t play a huge portion into gaming performance. You’ll want to focus on the computer specs that matter, like the graphics card or CPU – both of which are responsible for handling the data that your game puts out and renders on-screen.
Here are the computer specs that don’t matter and the computer specs that do.
1. Computer Specs That Do Matter
Gaming revolves around three different aspects for the best results.
The first will be the graphics that a game outputs. This refers to the resolution of the textures that a game has and can run at.
The second will be the frames per second, as this determines how smooth a game will run. You don’t want random drops in frames, as it can make the game feel clunky and unusable.
The last portion stems from internet connectivity. A poor internet connection can make you “lag”, which makes it so that the inputs you make on the controller or keyboard don’t register properly in-game.
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
One of the three most important parts when it comes to getting the best computer spec for your gaming rig. The central processing unit is like the brain of a computer.
If you want to move to the right on your game, the CPU will take the data from the keyboard input and translate it into action on the screen. It is also responsible for the AI in the game, giving them the power to move about and act the way they’re supposed to.
You’ll want a CPU that focuses on high single-core performance over multi-core performance. This is because most games only utilize a single core to two cores at the most. The higher the single-core performance of a CPU, the better a game will perform when it comes to frame rates, responsiveness, and overall game experience.
For those looking for PCs for gaming with high single-core performance, you’ll want to check out the link.
3. Graphics Card (GPU)
The graphics processing unit (GPU) will handle how detailed a game loads. The graphics card is responsible for taking the game data, creating the textures and images that the game wants you to see, and then sends it to the CPU to decide when to output this information.
The GPU will determine how high of quality you can display the data and how much data can be on screen at any given time. That is why games have the option to adjust resolution and render distance, as the GPU will determine both of these aspects. Some games may be played at the maximum settings, while others may need to be toned down.
Your graphics card should only be outputting as much resolution and frames as your monitor can handle. It might sound cool that your GPU can output the latest games at 360 frames per second at 4k. But if your monitor maxes out at a 1080p resolution with 60 Hertz, then you’re not going to benefit from anything over 1080p with 120 frames per second.
4. Storage Device
The type of storage device that you use for your games will determine how fast that they load. The faster the storage device can read data, the faster it can reach the GPU and CPU to render the graphics and display the game.
For optimal performance, look for a computer that comes with both an SSD as well as an HDD. The SDD will be good for games you play all the time and you need quick load times. The HDD will be for your bulkier games that you don’t play as often.
5. Cooling
The cooling your PC has does matter. This means optimal airflow, fans, and cooling for your CPU and GPU to handle the intensive gaming loads that are thrown at it.
You don’t want to be overclocking or pushing the performance of your CPU without proper cooling. You have the option to air cool, where the cooling comes from a heat spreader and a fan that is attached. Or you can go water cooled where the water heats up and is transported to a radiator to disperse the heat.
For the rest of the computer components, you’ll want enough cool air coming in and enough hot air moving out to keep the system cool.
You can create equal air pressure, where there are just as many fans pulling in the cool air as there is pushing hot air out. You can do positive pressure, where there is more air coming in than out. Or you can do negative pressure, where more air moves out than what comes in.
Make sure there are filters to remove any dust that could build up. Too much dust on these filters and the lack of airflow will heat the case. Not having any filters can be a problem, as hair and dust can get in the case and cause the motherboard to fry itself.
6. Monitor
As mentioned with the GPU, you’ll want a monitor that can handle the frames and graphics that your GPU is putting out. Wasting money on a high-end GPU while your monitor remains basic is the same thing as lighting money on fire.
The type of monitor you’ll want will depend on the type of games you’re playing. For those that are playing multiplayer games, you’ll want a monitor that focuses on high refresh rates to deliver the smoothest gaming experience possible.
Those that focus on single-player games and want the highest resolution possible for immersive reasons, then you’ll want a monitor that focuses on handling 4K resolution and color accuracy.
7. RAM
Random-access memory (RAM) focuses on helping your CPU unpack the data files that your game has. It stores them while your CPU processes the data and then transfers the data to your GPU to output to your display.
The optimal storage for RAM will sit around 16 GBs. Most games don’t even need that much, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Focus instead on the speed of the RAM, optimally 3200MHz, to notice the best performance possible.
8. Computer Specs That Don’t Matter As Much
Now the next components won’t matter as much as the ones above, but they will help fine-tune your gaming experience. These are something you can think about after you’ve dropped enough money on your important computer parts.
9. Mouse and Keyboard
Not all keyboards and mice are made the same. You’ll want a pair of accessories that match your gaming style.
If you’re playing a game that requires fast movements and quick turns, you’ll want to grab a mouse that has a high DPI count. These allow your character to turn around in an instant and a simple flick of the wrist will have you doing a complete 180.
For keyboards, you will want one that is responsive to your touch. You don’t want to have to jam your keys down just to run in a straight line. Instead, focus on a keyboard that requires minimal pressure to have a keystroke activate.
10. Power Supply
Your power supply (PSU) won’t matter too much, as computers that are already built can handle whatever you throw at them. But if you’re looking to upgrade to better GPUs or CPUs down the line, you’ll want to make sure that your PSU can handle the extra wattage.
11. RGB
Despite the thought process that the more RGB (lighting) that your computer has, the better it runs, this is entirely untrue. While it might be cool to look at, RGB is only meant for aesthetics more than anything else.
12. I/O
The amount of I/O a computer has doesn’t necessarily matter except for gaming to an extent. You’ll want to make sure that there are enough USB ports to support a mouse and keyboard.
One thing that you’ll want to make sure of is the type of networking that your is capable of. This mainly refers to the type of ethernet ports that the motherboard has or at least the ability to upgrade to, as well as WiFi capabilities.
Your internet download and upload speeds can help with your in-game ping, which will determine how well you’re connected to the host server of the lobby you in. Using ethernet will ensure that you get the highest internet speed possible from your router. WiFi will get the job done, but you’re not going to get the best possible.
Use These Computer Specs To Determine What PC You Buy
Now that you have the computer specs laid out for your gaming PC, the only thing left to do is buy the games you’re looking for. Most games are designed to accommodate even the lowest-end laptop, so don’t feel like you need the latest and greatest. Make sure your PC components all match each other and there is no bottlenecking going on.
If you want to learn more about computer components and what matches you the best, then be sure to check out the rest of the blog. If you know someone interested in a new gaming PC, be sure to share this article with them
