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Although consoles are typically the face of video gaming, for some time now, PC gaming on Windows machines has been considered the ultimate way to enjoy and experience gaming. From superior graphics and performance to an endless library of feature-packed games, the humble PC has something to offer for every type of gamer.
However, getting started with PC gaming can be overwhelming, especially for those new to the platform. If you’re making the switch from console gaming, for instance, you might be wondering if you need a custom-built rig to get the maximum gaming experience. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started, from purchasing a gaming PC to the type of digital games the platform will give you access to.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Gaming PC
No, you don’t need to be an expert in PCs when it comes to purchasing a machine for gaming, but it is important to brush up on your knowledge of computer basics. There are several things you need to consider when choosing a machine, especially if you’re on a budget and are keen to get the best experience possible.
Graphics Card
A graphics card is quite possibly the most critical component of a gaming PC. It determines the quality of the visuals that will be displayed on your screen and directly impacts the gaming experience. If you want to play and enjoy games with high frame rates and high resolutions (which include most modern games), a high-quality GPU is essential and will improve your gameplay.
Processor
You can think of the processor or Central Processing Unit (CPU) as the brain of a gaming PC. It’s essentially in charge of everything, from running programmes to executing the most demanding of calculations. If a gaming PC is to handle the unique demands of 21st-century digital games, it needs a powerful process. Look for ones that feature multiple cores and are capable of delivering high clock speeds.
Storage
A solid gaming PC needs a substantial amount of storage to cope with all the tasks you’ll be asking it to do, whether that’s installing and storing games, keeping game data safe and secure, as well as managing other applications. Gaming PCs ideally need a Solid State Drive (SSD) as it will ensure faster load times and a much smoother performance. It’s still possible to get away with using an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) but be prepared for a future upgrade.
RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is the temporary memory used by the gaming PC to run applications. When it comes to PCs, most components are replaceable, and it’s pretty straightforward to upgrade RAM after a few months or years; however, it makes sense to get the most you can afford from the outset. As a minimum, 16GB or more is preferable, especially if you’ve got some marathon gaming sessions in mind.
Monitor
As much as you’ll be focusing on getting the right gaming PC, you also need to think about the display you’ll be using to play your favourite games. It may be tempting to plug a PC straight into a multi-purpose TV as you would a console, but when it comes to gaming, the right display can enhance or ruin your gaming experience.
High refresh rates of 144Hz or more and a low input lag are necessary if you want to enjoy a smooth gaming experience. Meanwhile, features like G-Sync and FreenSync can keep screen tearing to an absolute minimum.
Games you can Enjoy on the PC
Historically, PC gamers haven’t always had access to the widest selection of games to play. Once gaming truly hit the mainstream in the early 2000s, consoles took over as the primary way to play. Then, as games themselves became much more immersive and technologically advanced, the gaming community soon realised that desktop machines offered the most power and the smoothest overall gaming experiences.
Furthermore, the rise of gaming marketplaces like Steam and digital gaming platforms like PokerStars Casino have made the desktop the most convenient way to game. PCs can store tons of games downloaded from marketplaces, as well as ensure the highest quality experiences when playing games in browsers.
Here in 2023, there’s an enormous range of gaming genres that can be played online; here are just a few of the most popular:
Real-time strategy (RTS) games, as the name suggests, test your strategic thinking and resource management. Such games typically involve building a base, gathering resources, and commanding armies to defeat your opponents.
First-person shooter (FPS) games are one of the most popular genres in PC gaming and a top favourite among eSports players. These games put you in the shoes of a protagonist, giving you an immersive way to play that’s at the heart of the action.
Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) are games that allow you to create a character and explore a vast virtual world with thousands of other players. The very nature of these games lends themselves well to the PC, since you’ll typically spend hours exploring and roaming virtual worlds as well as having to deal with all manner of combat, resourcing and strategic tasks – all while competing against or teaming up with members of the global gaming community.
Online Roulette. The casino game roulette may be hundreds of years old, but that doesn’t mean it’s diminished in popularity with gamers. In fact, the game has been given a new lease of life in the digital age and is available to play online in numerous exciting variants and formats at platforms like the aforementioned PokerStars Casino. Most roulette games that are available online are part of the iGaming sector, so they involve playing with real money. However, there are several free-to-play versions that are also available as browser games.
Sports games are some of the most wide-reaching of all video games, and there are tons available that you can play on PC. From simulation games that allow you to experience virtual versions of everything from football to golf to sports-themed games that see you taking on the role of club manager, the PC is a platform that has them all.
