How to Choose a Gaming PC

A graphics card is the most expensive and most important component of a gaming computer as it determines the graphics performance. Its selection should correspond to your demands for smoothness, level of graphic settings and resolution of games. It is best to choose from the latest generation of graphics cards as you can be confident that you're getting the best available technology for your money. There are two leading players in the graphics card market - NVIDIA and AMD.

Memory

As memory capacity increases, the potential of graphics card increases. Some cheaper cards have capacities as low as 1 or 2GB. However, we think between 4 and 8GB is ideal. Memory capacities in top-class graphics cards can exceed 10GB. Memory does not directly determine the performance of your graphics card, but it can act as a handy guide when selecting a machine.

NVIDIA

NVIDIA is the market leader in graphics cards. In gaming computers, NVIDIA cards are exceedingly popular as they cover the full spectrum of performance and price categories.

• The GeForce GTX series includes top-end gaming cards, which can handle many graphic and non-graphic tasks.

• The GeForce GT series features cheaper cards designed primarily for multimedia processing, but they are also suitable for occasional gamers.

AMD

AMD is NVIDIA's largest competitor. Its graphics cards are making a mark with both their cost and performance.

• Radeon RX - a range that covers all AMD graphics cards from the lower to the upper-middle classes. This designation AMD replaced the older concept, which included the R5, R7 and R9 series.

• Radeon RX Vega - higher and premium grade AMD cards.

We can also evaluate gaming PCs based on the quality of their processors, The processor has less influence on the smoothness of games than the graphics card, but it must be powerful enough not to hinder it. A strong graphics card with a weak processor will not work well. Likewise, a weak card with a strong processor will not produce desirable results. To get the best price/performance ratio, these two components should be well balanced. It is usually a good idea to choose the latest generation of processor.

Intel

Intel is one of the world's leading technology companies and has the largest share of the PC processor market.

• Core i3 – lower class Intel processors. The latest generation has no problem with today's games, but this is unlikely to be the case in the future.

• Core i5 – Intel's Goldilocks zone processors. Models in this range provide ample performance for today's games and those in the foreseeable future.

• Core i7 – these high-class processors can handle any game while still having enough performance for online streaming.

• Core i9 – the highest class of Intel processors are especially suitable for workstations. When compared to the i7 series, the difference in gaming performance is not noticeable. The difference in price is though.

AMD

AMD is the second-largest computer processor manufacturer. It is virtually the only challenger to Intel. In 2017, with the AMD Ryzen series, AMD caught up and overtook Intel. 

• Ryzen 3 – lower-class processors. Like Core i3, they have no problems with current games, but they might have problems in the future.

• Ryzen 5 – a happy medium. Performance and pricing are of a similar standard to Intel Core i5 processors.

• Ryzen 7 – AMD's high-end processors. They have enough power to run current and future games with enough left in the tank for streaming or high frame rate gaming.

• Ryzen Threadripper – competition for Intel Core i9. A large number of cores make them great processors to work with, but not so great for playing games.

Marking

Intel i3, i5, and i7 processors are specified in four digits and sometimes with letters. The first digit indicates the generation of the processor, the second the performance classification of the model. When there is a letter at the end of the Intel processor designation, it indicates a special function.

• T - models marked with a 'T' have reduced energy consumption. This means they are economical but also have less power.

• K - this tells you that a processor has an unlocked clock multiplier that can be overclocked for faster than factory speeds. These models are generally more expensive.

AMD use the same marking system as Intel. The first digit indicates the generation within the Ryzen family, the second the performance classification. All Ryzen models have an open multiplier. The letter after the four digits provides more information.

• X - indicates an XFR function that increases the overclocking limit when the processor has a sufficient temperature reserve. This feature is especially beneficial if you have an efficient cooler.

Frequency

It is given in GHz (gigahertz) and indicates the processor speed. As processor performance increases at higher frequencies, a high frequency is a good sign. Basic values range from about 1.6GHz to 4GHz. However, Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 technology provides frequencies of up to 4.5GHz on the most powerful models.

Kernels

The core is the part of the processor that is responsible for all computational operations. Today's processors tend to have multiple cores, which means they can handle a variety of tasks at the same time. The basis for a gaming computer is a quad-core processor but six, or even eight cores, are ideal.

RAM temporarily stores processed data and the programmes you are currently running. For enjoyable gaming, and also to use your PC for work, you should opt for at least 8GB. The increasing demands of the latest games call for 16GB, though most serious gamers will only be happy with 32GB or 64GB.

A popular solution today is to use an HDD and SSD combination. A fast SSD stores the operating system and installed games, while a classic hard drive stores all other data. While SSDs provide quick access to all data, HDDs offer an unbeatable price/capacity ratio.

Connectors also play a role when selecting a gaming computer. Focus on the video connectors and USB ports that are most commonly used.

• USB - for connecting a mouse, keyboard, flash drives or external drives. For higher bit rates, USB 3.0 or the latest symmetrical USB 3.1 Type-C is better than USB 2.0.

• HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI - digital connectors for video and audio signal transmission.

• VGA - also used to transmit video but not audio. This is an older analogue connector.

• Ethernet (LAN) - a connector for connecting a computer to the Internet or a local network. For higher speeds, select Gigabit LAN (1000Mbit/sec).

• WiFi - the latest specification is 802.11ac, which provides higher speed and smoother operation than its predecessor, 802.11 b/g/n.

• Bluetooth - used for connecting wirelessly to headphones or speakers. This technology is not essential when choosing a gaming computer, but it can come in handy.

• Analogue jack – for high-quality wired audio transmission to headphones and speakers. If you have a multi-channel sound system, you will need four connectors.

• S/PDIF - a digital variant of an audio connector that uses optical fibres to transmit data.

• eSATA - dated technology for connecting external hard drives.

• PS/2 - older connector for connecting a keyboard or mouse.

• Memory card reader - allows you to transfer photos from your camera or mobile device quickly.

Monitor

To provide smooth images in fast-moving action scenes, gaming monitors should have low response rates (in ms) and a refresh rate as high as possible. Better gaming monitors have a refresh rate of 120, 144 or even 240Hz.

Keyboard

Mechanical keyboards are best. They are high-quality and durable products that can withstand  rough handling. Moreover, their switch technology can help you in competitive games or significantly improve your typing. Even cheaper keyboards can have gaming features like programmable keys, adjustable backlighting or N-Key Rollover. You can read more in our How to select a keyboard article.

Mouse

Wired and wireless mice are available. The advantage of a wireless mouse is flexibility and ergonomics, but you will need to charge it every now and then. Choose a high-precision DPI to increase accuracy and programmable buttons for more effective play. If you go for an optical mouse, use a mousepad. It may be cheaper than a laser mouse, but it is not ideal on uneven surfaces or glass.

Game Controllers

Game controls include gamepads, joysticks, steering wheels or dance pads.

Headsets

Comfort, sound quality and a microphone for multiplayer gaming are important. Over-ear headsets are the most comfortable for gaming. Two types of design are available:

• Closed - well-insulated sound
• Open - provide more faithful music reproduction without distortion

Chair

With all chairs and armchairs, comfort is more important than design. They can be made from textile or artificial leather.

Games

Game titles offer everything from action, sports, to simulators and RPGs.

Other accessories

Components
Headphones
Speakers
Flash disks

Software

Software
Antivirus

Other accessories

Network elements
TV-tuners
Network cards

Other accessories

Insurance of goods
Extended Warranty

Although gaming laptops are more portable, gaming computer setups are more adaptable.

• Components can be upgraded at any time to improve performance.

• A regular gaming computer is more powerful than an equally expensive gaming laptop.

• You can choose a much larger monitor than a laptop screen.

• Desktop components can be cooled easier, which translates into a longer lifetime and more overclocking potential.

More expensive gaming PC cabinets are made of stronger materials, which results in higher durability, a longer lifespan and better acoustic properties. Better cabinets often feature insulating materials, high-quality fans and dust filters. A good cabinet can serve you for many years and multiple component changes, so by spending a little more, you can actually save money.

Bays for drives and discs

Since optical drives are slowly becoming a thing of the past, you should consider whether you need to buy a cabinet with suitable positions. If you often play DVDs or Blu-ray discs on your computer, then you certainly do. If you don't, you can save space by buying a smaller or more attractive cabinet.

Future upgrades

Keep in mind that a time may come when you may decide to upgrade your computer. To help you do this, you will require a cabinet with plenty of space and water cooling positions, a power source with sufficient power and a high-quality motherboard.

Appearance

Design is one of the key criteria when choosing a computer case. Your  cabinet should be of good quality, but you must also like its look. The choice between an in-your-face gaming design or a minimalist concept is purely down to taste.

Before you spend money on your dream game, it's a good idea to see if your computer has enough performance for it.

• You need to know your computer's hardware, especially the number of cores and CPU frequency, memory capacity and graphics card information. To find the basic data you can look in Windows Device Manager. For more detailed parameters, you can use a service, such as HWiNFO. All games on Alza.cz have system requirements noted in the product descriptions, so you can check them with the parameters of your computer.

• Online tools, such as systemrequirementslab.com are a very convenient way to compare game requirements and components of your computer. You enter the name of the desired game and run the test. It detects your hardware and returns a result that tells you how well your computer is ready for the desired title.

Alza gaming computers are assembled directly by our technicians. As a matter of course, we only use high-quality components, thoroughly test the computer and provide a 36-month extended warranty.

• GameBox - Balanced setups for all gamers.

• eSport - computers created in the spirit of professional gaming.

• Enthusiast - Computers for enthusiasts. They feature top-class components, water cooling and interesting designs.

• Individual - With Alza Individual, you can have a tailor-made computer assembled professionally.

VR Ready computers must meet the hardware requirements for playing virtual reality games. Such machines primarily feature a high graphics performance and can be used for regular games without any problems. Virtual reality glasses, such as HTC Vive or Oculus Rift, are required to play in VR.