Buying a pre-built gaming PC is the best way to get the performance you need without the effort of building a rig yourself. Not sure how to find the right build that suits both your performance and budget needs? Learn more about what to look for in a gaming PC in our guide below!

What To Look For In A Gaming PC? Buying Guide

What makes a good gaming PC will be different from one person to another. To choose the best option, you’ll first need to carefully consider your PC components and their specs. On top of that, it’s worth considering your available ports and connections, as well as the overall case design. 

System Specifications

When buying a gaming PC, the most important question is - what can the PC actually do? Your hardware configuration is what will determine whether your system can run high-demand video games, or if it's better suited for minimal desktop gaming or office work. 

So, what specs do you look for in a gaming PC? Chances are, if you're looking for a gaming rig, you already have some idea of which games you'd like to play. To get a sense of what PC you should look for, make a list of your favourite games and note down their specification requirements. That will give you a good starting point.

Here are the required specifications for some of the most in-demand games:

It's usually enough to meet a game's recommended requirements, but going above those specs can push your gaming experience even further. Below, we explore which specs to look for in a gaming PC to suit the needs of most modern games:

CPU Requirements For Gaming

The CPU, or the so-called 'brain' of your PC, will have a huge impact on every aspect of your gaming experience.

Your gaming CPU needs to be able to quickly process all the instructions and commands of your PC. Look for any one of the two following CPU manufacturers:

• Intel - look for Core i5, Core i7, and Core i9, preferably 12th generation and above
• AMD - look for Ryzen 5000-series or 7000-series 

GPU Requirements For Gaming

If you're looking to play today's most popular, hardware-intensive gaming titles, you'll need a dedicated GPU (or graphics card). The GPU is the component that handles all your game's graphics requirements, influencing aspects such as frame rate, resolution, and the quality of on-screen visual effects. 

Look for dedicated graphics cards from any of the following manufacturers:

• NVIDIA
• AMD

The actual GPU model you choose will depend on your desired gaming performance. If you simply want a smooth performance at 1080p, an AMD Radeon RX 6600 will do the job just fine. On the other hand, a stunning and immersive 4k experience will demand a much more powerful high-end graphics card like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070.

1440p is the sweet spot for most games - you can easily run games at this resolution with a GPU like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060.

RAM Requirements 

As a general guideline when choosing a gaming PC - the more RAM, the better.

RAM is what your gaming rig uses to store all information it is actively using, like any open games and software, open files, and browser tabs. The more RAM you have, the more information your PC can process at once - in other words, you will be able to run demanding games with little to no load time. 

16GB of RAM is considered enough for standard gaming, though you might struggle with highly intensive games and multitasking. High-end gaming PCs come with 32GB or even 64GB - if you're looking to stream resource-intensive games or do professional video editing, it might be worth breaking the bank for better specs.

16GB - 32GB is the perfect blend of costs and performance, allowing you to enjoy a smooth gameplay experience without a huge financial commitment. If your needs change and you find yourself needing more, don't worry - RAM is one of the easiest and most budget-friendly PC components to upgrade later on.

Storage Requirements

If you're planning to store a large number of games, software, and files on your PC, you'll need a large amount of storage. You will need:

• HDD (Hard Disk Drive) - the highest storage capacity device. HDD storage is essential for any PC, and not having enough of it can be very limiting.
• SSD (Solid State Drive) - faster, more durable, and generally more efficient than HDD, though it also has less overall storage capacity.

If you find yourself needing additional storage space, you can always connect an external hard drive and save extra files there.

Ports & Connectivity

Gaming desktops won’t always come with the same types of ports and connectivity. When choosing your brand-new gaming rig, check the specifications for:

• Video output

In other words, the ports on the back of a PC where external monitors connect. Common types of display connections are HDMI and DisplayPort. When looking for a gaming monitor, make sure to choose one that matches your port specifications. 

• USB ports

You need to make sure your PC comes with enough USB ports for all the peripherals you need. This can be your mouse, gaming headset, or even external storage drives. It's also a good idea to go for a wide variety of USB charger types, such as Type-A or Type-C.

• Bluetooth

Most pre-built gaming desktops don't come with built-in Bluetooth support, but you will likely be able to add that as an extra. Usually, most wireless/Bluetooth accessories (e.g. mice or headsets) come with a USB dongle which allows you to connect them to the PC even if it doesn't support Bluetooth connection. 

• Networking

All modern gaming systems support a wired connection by default, but some might also feature Wi-Fi as well. Check the specs list to make sure your PC supports both Ethernet connection and Wi-fi connection, if that is something you require

Case Design & Aesthetics

The standard size for a gaming PC is a mid-tower/ATX case, but cases can come in many different dimensions and visual styles. 

When choosing a case design, consider the:

• Front & rear panel connectivity 

Make sure the front and rear panels offer enough ports and connectors for all your peripherals and devices. 

Also consider that front panel ports will be easier to access, making them ideal for devices you frequently unplug such as controllers, headsets, or external storage. Rear panels are better for devices you keep connected at all times like your monitor, gaming mice, and gaming keyboard.

• Future upgradeability

If you're thinking of upgrading your desktop PC later on, you'll benefit from choosing a larger case from the start. Smaller systems tend to have more compact but also more complex configurations - upgrading will still be possible, just a bit more challenging for those with little experience. 

• Aesthetics

A pre-built PC should keep up with gaming advancements for a long time, so you might as well get a gaming setup that not only performs well but also looks good.

Add more flair to your set-up using transparent side panels and RGB lights, adjusted to the colour scheme of your choosing.

Other Considerations

Now that you know what to look for in a gaming PC in terms of specs and hardware, it’s time to consider other important factors such as:

Overall Budget

Finding the right gaming PC is all about choosing the specs you need while balancing costs. For example, there is no need to splurge on a high-end build if all you’re planning to do is play a few old titles now and then. On the other hand, if you’re looking to play resource-intensive games in 4k but can’t afford to splurge out on the most powerful rigs, it’s important to know where to best cut costs and where to focus your budget. 

Those interested in entry-level gaming could get a decent gaming PC within a price range of only £300-£500, while those looking for next-gen visuals may be looking at costs from £700 to £1000+. 

Peripherals

Once you've found the perfect gaming PC, your next priority should be choosing a monitor. Consider whether you'd like a single or dual monitor setup, and make sure your chosen products match the specs of your GPU. Cannot decide? Browse our gaming monitor options, each designed to offer an excellent PC gaming experience.

If you don't already own any, you should also choose a good keyboard and mouse to complete the setup. Headphones and speakers are non-essential, though they will definitely add to the experience. 

Find The Right PC For Your Gaming Needs With Alex Davis PCs

At Alex Davis PCs, we teach you what to look for when buying a gaming PC and choose the best fit. We offer a wide range of options suited for playing anything from small indie games to AAA games and visually stunning VR titles. Browse our pre-built gaming PCs or contact us today for more information.