Gaming is a popular pastime for many people and a way of making money for some. To game, you need a decent computer or smartphone. Because of the versatility and screen real estate you get, we are going to focus on gaming computers for this article. There are some mistakes people make when buying a gaming computer. We are going to look at a few of them so you know what to avoid when shopping for one.
Buying a Computer with the Wrong Processor
Your processor is a crucial component, and you should be careful when shopping for one. Choosing a CPU is relatively simple because the higher the number, the better it usually is. Processors from AMD with an X after their name, for example, the Ryzen 9 5900X, are great for gaming because they come with lots of cores.
On the intel side, a higher number is better, but you also need to check the letter after the processor name. For desktops, a K after the main name means the processor is unlocked and thus can be overclocked for faster speeds and better performance.
For laptops, you will usually see an H or U after the name. The U means it is an ultra power-saving chip so it is not great for gaming. An H means it is a faster processor that performs well but cannot be overclocked.
Processors with an HX after the main name are made using the same silicon used in desktop computers but come in mobile packaging. You will find laptops and desktops with different processors when shopping or when looking at lineups like the Lenovo gaming processor PCs so it is a good idea to know about them.
Choosing The Wrong Storage Option
The type of storage inside the computer will determine the gaming experience you will get. The best storage for a gaming computer is a solid-state drive (SSD). An SSD does not have any moving parts and is thus much faster than a traditional hard drive.
SSDs used to be very expensive, but their price has come down a lot in recent years. You can get a 1 TB option from companies like Samsung and Crucial at a great price.
You can install all your games on this drive but because games are getting bigger you might not have space for much else. This is why it is also a good idea to get a hard drive for things like music and movies. Larger capacity hard drives are very affordable.
Getting The Wrong GPU
The other determinant of your gaming experience is the graphics card (GPU). These days, there is not much difference between offerings from AMD and Intel, only that each has specific features for things like productivity. However, you get a very similar gaming experience with the two.
For inter, the 3000 series cards are great options, but you can also get cheaper 2000 series cards with decent performance. For AMD, the latest cards in the 6000 series will give you a great experience.
Conclusion
The CPU, GPU, and storage impact your gaming experience which means they are what you need to be careful about when buying a gaming computer. If you cannot find components from the current generation, you can always pick ones from the previous generation as they still offer a great experience.
