Video:What to Look for in a PC for Gaming

Transcript:What to Look for in a PC for Gaming

Hi, I'm Nick, and today for About.com, I'm going take a look at the things you need for a gaming PC.

PCs are generally used for work and Internet browsing. However, PCs are also capable of providing gaming experiences that blow the competition out of the water. That's the thing about PC gaming – if you have the right set up, games run like a dream, but get it wrong and it could into a stuttering nightmare.

Gaming PCs: Video Card

A good gaming system has a number of different aspects to it and each of them has an important role in the process. However, a good video card is essential for PC gaming. Video cards deal with the graphics of the game, meaning that higher resolutions will require a powerful video card to process them.

The most important factor to look out for when looking at video card specs is the GPU. Don't get suckered in by higher memory specs – look for clock speeds and number of pixel pipelines and remember, it's generally better to have more pipelines than higher speeds. The HIS Radeon HD 1GB is one video card worth considering for those on a budget.

Gaming PCs: RAM

When it comes to memory, you should be looking to have at least 4GB of RAM, although there's no harm in getting more as spare memory will always come in handy! The G.SKILL 8GB DDR3 Kit is available for under $50 and is a worthy contender for your money!

Gaming PCs: Display

Of course, you want to consider the screen you're playing on. Resolution, contrast ratio and refresh rate are key factors here. Try and aim for a resolution of 1920x1080 or above if you can, and make sure it comes with plenty of connection ports, such as HDMI or dual-link DVI.

Gaming PCs: Processor

Don't worry too much about storage space and processor speeds. A dual-core processor will get the job done and a hard drive of 7200RPM should be enough to get you going. Of course, there will always be better options available, but remember that the video card is your absolute priority! You can pick up a Seagate Barracuda 1TB for less than $100 if you look in the right places.

Gaming PCs: Upgrades

Now you've got a system that can play the best games, you can improve the experience further by modding the case, maximizing audio and stocking up on peripherals. Although these features aren't essential, a good set of speakers and a sound card can ramp up the experience significantly.

Remember, PCs are fantastic because specific parts can be modified and upgraded. If you find your system is lagging slightly behind the optimum specifications, you can target the part you need, rather than buy a whole new system.

Now you can start putting together your dream PC. For more tips and tricks, just visit compute.About.com.