PC gaming and console gaming are two different worlds. They each have their hardcore fanbase, and every fan is ready to defend its choice to the death. But, for most, console gaming is basic level gaming, while the PC master race is as pro as it gets. There’s one problem, though – not everyone is tech-savvy. While we won’t get into all the specifics, we’ll give you a few pointers on how to start your PC gaming journey and build the rig from your dreams.
Decide What You’ll Play
First thing first – there’s a ton of gaming hardware out there with different prices. Before you build your first PC, you should know that you don’t need to build a beast worth $10K just to play online casino games, solitaire, or Minecraft. Those aren’t technically demanding games – spinning roulette or blackjack on your PC doesn’t need the latest GPU. In this case, you can go with style over performance and build a capable PC for less money than a rig with the latest hardware. There’s no point in investing in the latest GPU just so you can play solitaire. A mid-tier gaming GPU will serve nicely in this case, as will a mid-tier CPU.
Set a Budget
The budget will greatly define how your gaming journey starts. Those lucky ones with a limitless spending budget can buy whatever they want. Those with just a few thousand bucks to spend might have to skimp a bit on the content inside the gaming case. If you don’t set a budget yourself and you look at all those shiny hardware pieces, it’s easy to get carried away and spend a mountain of money you otherwise don’t need to.
Do Hardware Research
Unlike consoles which cost a fixed amount and have next-gen hardware you don’t change, things are different for PCs. There are many pieces you need to look into, including the processor (CPU), motherboard, graphics card (GPU), and even the power supply unit (PSU). They should all work in synergy and everything is important, even the PSU. Then there are peripherals, a case with a good airflow, the RAM kits, storage, and more. It can be a nightmare for beginners, and that’s why it’s a good to read a few guides, talk to experienced builders at forums, and do some research before buying gaming hardware blindly.
Buy or Build?
If you’re confused about all the hardware pieces and you’re worried if you can build it all yourself, it’s time to ask the question – build or buy? There are pre-built gaming PCs for every pocket which are pretty solid if you’d rather have the pros finish the job for you. But, let’s face the facts – building your own gaming PC is a special occasion and a pleasure if you know what you’re doing.
If this is your first gaming PC and you want to learn stuff, you need to watch some tutorials online or do it under the supervision of an experienced builder. It’s not that hard once you know where everything goes, and a far more satisfactory experience than buying a pre-built rig.
