For beginners, the PC gaming scene might feel daunting to enter. It could be because hardware specifications are complicated to understand, or because there are numerous storefronts and hundreds of games to choose from. There's a lot to consider, and it's easy to become overwhelmed. However, just because you like gaming doesn't mean you have to spend hours reading all there is to know about PC gaming. Knowing the fundamentals is enough to get you started in the gaming world.

Games look and perform best on a PC. So, if you want to have a good and professional gaming experience, having a good gaming setup is essential. This guide will walk you through what you need to pay attention to when creating your own gaming setup. Let’s jump right into it!

The Hardware

When it comes to gaming laptops, there’s plenty of information to talk and research about. So, let’s just talk about the main things you need to be concerned about when it comes to the hardware.

Processor (CPU)

A CPU, or central processing unit, processes instructions from applications. The CPU gathers information from a program, then decodes and executes commands. It’s an important part of general computing needs but is an essential component for you to consider when it comes to gaming.

Processors can be built with different numbers of cores, including dual-core, quad-core, hexa-core, octa-core, etc. In case you’re looking for a high-performance system, I recommend a quad-core or hexa-core processor since they work well in multi-threaded applications. As for the speeds, they vary depending on model and voltage. But to avoid bottlenecking, you would want a processor that runs at a minimum of 2.0 GHz, and if you can choose 3.0 GHz or 4.0 GHZ, that’s even better!

Motherboard

Another important component when it comes to a gaming PC is the motherboard. The CPU, memory, and video cards are all directly attached to the motherboard. If you’re planning to build your own gaming PC, make sure to look for a motherboard that has ample slots for memory you’ll use and the size of the video card that you’ll install. Plus, if you want to install two or more graphics cards, remember to check if your motherboard supports SLI or CrossFireX!

Graphics Card (GPU)

The graphics card is probably the king when it comes to the visual experience you get from running your games. Nowadays, the selection of graphics cards available on the market is massive. You can choose from budget models running around $50, all the way up to extreme multi-GPU options that can cost you $600 or more.

If you’re a newbie and just starting to play games on your PC, I suggest you look for a graphics card that has a minimum of GDDR3 video memory and supports DirectX 11. Of course, it’ll be better if you can go for the GDDR5 or GDDR6, but the choice is up to you.

Storage

When it comes to storage, speed is the main thing here. Not only does it affect how fast your games will load, but also reflects how quickly it can pull up data in-game.  Modern games require countless assets and textures while you’re playing (like Sword of Legends), so, if your computer’s storage can’t keep up, that will negatively affect your gaming experience. That’s why you’re going to need a decent-sized SSD (solid-state drive) for your PC.

It’s true that SSDs used to be expensive; however, in recent years the price has dropped considerably, making it more accessible for you to purchase quality SSDs. Since games are now quite massive, I recommend you get at least a one-terabyte drive from brands like Samsung or Western Digital so that you can satisfy all your game storage needs! If you still need more storage for more files, consider buying a hard disk drive (HDD) as another source of storage.

Memory (RAM)

This piece of hardware provides a space for data, which then will be accessed by the CPU. This means that it lets your computer use data quickly, so the more RAM your computer has, the faster your computer will use a program or a game. The amount of RAM you need differs drastically depending on what your computer is used for.

Of course, a gaming PC needs more RAM than a computer that is used to simply browse the Internet; however, within the gaming world, each game has different memory requirements. Generally, 16GB RAM is enough for a gaming PC for beginners, however, don’t use that number as a reason to avoid reading the system requirements next to the games you download. Remember to do some research before you start buying to see how much RAM your favourite games need, then you can decide how much memory your computers need.

The Accessories

As you’re browsing through storefronts, you’ll see plenty of items that are marked as “gaming accessories”, including headsets, keyboards, monitors, gaming mice. They tend to be super expensive if you purchase everything, so believe that it’s possible for you to have an amazing gaming experience without having to invest in all these accessories. So, make sure to consider your needs before investing in all these accessories.

Gaming Mice and Keyboards

Having a gaming keyboard and a gaming mouse is essential to every gamer out there, and they both tend to offer the same kinds of benefits. They have lower input lag than the other non-gaming accessories. You can even reprogram the keys and buttons to do the things you want multiple times. For racing or third-person action games, you can also consider investing in a controller for a smoother experience.

Monitors

When it comes to monitors, the main thing you need to pay attention to is the refresh rate. The refresh rate displays the maximum frame rate that the monitor can display and is usually measured in Hertz. This is important if you want to get the full benefit of your PC while making the games look visually much better! There’s also the choice of resolution, do you want a 1080p, 1440p, or a 4K display? Deciding on all this information can help you purchase the monitor that best suits your preferences.

Gaming Headset

A gaming headset is the last accessory that is also essential to your setup. Gaming headphones are a great investment if you want to play online and talk to your teammates. They also offer you a couple of small perks, such as 3D audio, so you’ll know where the sounds are coming from while playing your games. There’s little difference when it comes to standard headsets and gaming ones, but people generally go for gaming headsets when creating their own gaming setup.

Conclusion

There’s a lot to unfold if you’re interested in entering the world of PC gaming. However, while it may look overwhelming now, it can only become easier as you gradually get used to it. I hope this guide has successfully introduced you to the world of PC gaming and explained some of the essential things you’ll need to keep in mind before starting your gaming journey.