Are you looking to get yourself set up with a decent PC gaming station but don’t know where to start? The truth is that there are a number of factors to consider and they all depend on your budget as well as your preferences.
Here’s a list of the essentials that you need for an ideal PC gaming experience that will ensure you are getting the most out of your games.
Internet Connection
The reason this is first on the list is because no matter how good your rig is, you won’t be able to play any of your games properly without a good internet connection. Start by choosing a great internet provider like Poynt 360 that offers both FTTN and cable internet packages at great prices. If available in your area, FTTN (connection via fiber optics) is the way to go as it is capable of faster speeds than cable.
When choosing a package, a gamer should be looking out for a download speed of 150 mbps and an upload speed of 10 mpbs for the optimal gaming experience. This allows you to play lag-free and download large games and patches without worry.
Desktop PC
With the internet out of the way, now you can do the fun part and find out what kind of gaming PC you want to buy. If you want your PC custom-built (or can build one yourself) you have a lot of options, but again it comes down to budget and preference.
TechRadar.com has created a helpful list of top 10 gaming desktops that you can buy in 2019. One machine that stands out for being affordable as well as providing a powerhouse performance is #4 on their list – the HP Omen Desktop PC:
- Price: $2,500 US (approx.)
- CPU: Intel Core i7-8700 – i7-9700K
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti – RTX 2080 Ti
- RAM: Up to 64GB
- Storage: 1TB HDD – 512GB SSD + 2TB HDD
Consider these stats as the “standard” of what to look for in a decent rig. Although again, it really depends a lot on your needs as well as budget, so you might find something better after doing some more research.
Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse
No gaming set up is complete without these items. Start with the monitor by checking out this handy guide that goes into detail about choosing the right one. Main specs to look out for in a gaming monitor include:
- High resolution; i.e. QHD/2K (2560 x 1440)
- Pixel density at 109 ppi
- Refresh rates at 144Hz
- Short response times; fastest being 0.5ms
- VA panels for the best image quality
When it comes to choosing a keyboard and mouse, comfort and durability should be top on your list. Always check the reviews first: Does the product last long? Is it comfortable to use for hours? Is it responsive? Are there any known issues?
If you can purchase the item in store after testing it out, that would be the best case scenario. That way you get the chance to use the item and see if it works well for you.
Lots to Consider
There are a number of factors to consider when creating your very own PC set-up, but hopefully this has helped you take your first step towards finding a rig that works for you.
