Whether you’re a seasoned console gamer or new to the gaming scene entirely, buying your first gaming PC is a momentous experience. Playing on a PC is a lot different compared to consoles. Games can run a lot smoother. Graphics may look better. PC games often cost less than console games. And on top of all of that, you can choose from a wide range of peripherals. In short, the sky is the limit when you’re gaming with a PC.
Shopping for a console is pretty straightforward. When it comes to buying a gaming PC, however, there are a lot of factors that you have to consider. That said, proper research is the best way to ensure that you’re getting exactly what you want for the price you’re willing to pay. So before you set forth on looking for a gaming PC or desktop for sale (or building one) for the first time, here are the rookie mistakes you should avoid:
1. Underestimating the size of game files
One of the first factors you should consider when choosing a PC is its storage capacity. Keep in mind that a lot of high-specs games today can easily surpass 30GB, and that’s just the base game. Patches, updates, and expansions can balloon that already huge file size. Moreover, high-quality games in the future will likely be even bigger to game sizes today.
Storage shouldn’t be a problem if you don’t plan to play AAA games or are okay with having only one game at a time and then removing it from your computer. However, if you want all of your games downloaded and ready to play at any time, make sure that you buy a computer that has enough gigabytes to fit your needs as well as SATA cables or drive bays for additional storage.
2. Buying a PC with low RAM
The higher RAM is (random access memory), the faster your system can access data to load things in a game. So if you buy a PC with not enough RAM, you can experience all sorts of issues like choppy frame rates, random freezing, and overall poor gaming performance.
When picking out a PC or building one of your own, start with at least 8GB of RAM. If you can go higher, say, 16GB of RAM, that’s a great way to prepare for the future and ensure that you experience maximum game performance for a long time.
3. Focusing on aesthetics
Don’t buy a PC just because it looks cool or flashy. For one, a cool-looking PC may not have the internal components to make for a great gaming experience. Just because it looks high-end doesn’t mean it is. Moreover, the stylish case and fancy lighting add significant bulk to the price tag.
If you have an endless amount of money to spend, by all means, buy a high-end PC with impeccable visuals. But if you want to stay modest with your budget, don’t focus on the aesthetics of the machine. A plain-looking computer is okay as long as it has quality components inside to give you the best gaming experience that your budget allows.
4. Disregarding future expandability
Unfortunately, there is no true way to future-proof a PC. Technology advances and games develop at breakneck speed. The only way PC gamers can catch up is to make upgrades time and time again.
With that in mind, keep the future in mind when choosing your first gaming PC. To ensure that you can actually expand your machine, choose a motherboard that is not too old so that it can be compatible with future processors. Moreover, buy a PC with extra ports and bays for additional storage that you may need in the future. Keep in mind that the size of your system’s case also matters–if you buy a small one, you won’t have enough room for future upgrades.
5. Forgetting about the OS
The last thing you want to happen is for your gaming PC to finally arrive and then finding out it comes with no operating system. When you buy a gaming PC or any other computer, check if the operating system is included. If you already have a copy of Windows, this shouldn’t be a problem. Otherwise, get a PC that already comes with an OS to get out of paying more money to get it separate.
Buying your first gaming PC is an exciting experience. However, don’t let excitement cloud your judgment and push you to make mistakes. When you’re finally ready to pick a PC, avoid these rookie mistakes to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth.
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