What to look for in a PC

What to look for in a PC

Video games can be a lot of fun, and also easy to take over your life, so be careful. Some of your biggest decision lies in picking which console to go with. The major manufactures are of course Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo. Sega is no longer making hardware. Sony and Nintendo not only have consoles that are connected to your television, but also have hand held versions of their systems.


There are two common ways of thinking when you're out buying:
1) Investment (Popular one when someone buys computer hardware)
2) Go with the above average (The logical choice)

1) Investment - Investment just means as it sounds like, you invest in some hardware which is going to be above average even after some years.
For example: The best graphics card

2) Above average product - The logical choice would be to go with the product which is above average, yet not so expensive.
For example: A graphic card better than the mid-range one.

Like many things, but very important for computers - the newer the better.

If you want a computer that provides a good environment for gaming, take a look at this PC gaming checklist, which covers all the essentials, before you go shopping.

High-end laptops have the power to handle demanding games, but a desktop with the same specs will usually be cheaper. Desktop PCs tend to stay cooler, and can come with larger displays that make games look even better.

Desktop

Monitor

Some people overlook this, but this is what your PC is based on !
You won't spend on an uber-expensive graphic card if all you want is a 1024 x 768 resolution. =_=

There was a time when only deep, desk-filling "CRT" monitors were capable of providing performance suitable for fast-paced gaming, but thanks to strides made in LCD monitor technology, choosing a monitor that's great for gaming no longer means surrendering most of your desk space. Any newish LCD monitor should have a low enough response time to suffice.

Other than that, I suggest do not throw that LCD box just yet, cause new LCDs love to be damaged. And you may have to replace it twice or maybe thrice to finally get one with the perfect display worth your money.

We'll talk about LCDs in a bit more detail later on. ;)

Processor

A processor is the brain. It controls and executes whatever happens.
A fast processor is the key. Look for a high GHz (speed) rating and a multi-core processor. The "multi" means that it comprises two or more cores that team up to process data faster. The result? Fast, smooth game graphics.

Since most (and I mean above 99%) games and softwares can only take benefit from 2 cores currently, I suggest new dual-cores.
If you like multi-tasking, like running a virus scan while playing your game (I know sounds stupid, but it's possible at times), go for quad-cores.
But like I said - the newer the better.

"Factory overclocked" processor versions are even better for gaming.
Overclocking is something we'll talk about later..

Motherboard

A motherboard is like skeleton, holds everything together.
Just like the name, this board is your system. Every component (Processor, HDD, graphic card, etc.) is connected to the motherboard.

I strongly recommend a good advanced motherboard, which can support the best devices there are, so that you can buy and connect them later if you were planning on.

PSU/SMPS (Power Supply Unit/Switched-Mode Power Supply)

A PSU is the heart of your system. Just like heart supplies blood throughout the body, a PSU supplies power to the various devices connected in your system. Whether it be a Processor or a motherboard or a graphic card, everything inside the case is connected to the PSU.

If your PC has a quad-core processor or a decent graphic card, do not try to buy a cheap quality PSU. It may permanently damage (and I do mean permanently damage) your expensive devices, because cheap PSUs are tend to blow up easily.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

For some this is the only thing that matters, which is exaggeration.
But it is indeed important. RAM is an essential element, it's like blood in a body.

Computers and the games that run on them store the data they need to access fastest on these chips. You can upgrade RAM yourself, so long as you don't mind popping open your computer's case and inserting a chip. If that's the case, you can always install more later if it's inconvenient for you to include it with the purchase of a new computer. But if you want your computer to be great for gaming, you'll want to pack as many gigabytes of RAM into it as you can, one way or the other.

HDD (Hard disk drive)

An HDD is the storage.
Since lots of the data used by games live on a computer's HDD, you want an HDD that:
1) holds lots of data, and
2) can access that data fast.

Most new computers come with large enough HDD, but if you're willing to spend a little extra, you might be able to eke out better gaming performance by choosing the one with the highest RPM rating and largest cache.

Graphics Card

A Graphic Card decides your Desktop's reputation and performance. No matter if you have a 3GHz quad-core but an integrated chipset, it just sucks for gaming. ;p
A high-quality video card designed with gaming in mind is well worth the extra expense. Battling a hillside of warriors is hard enough as it is, without the video jumps, jerks, and slowdowns caused by a sub-par video card.

Sound Card

Video-games are like films; both are visual mediums that use audio to add meaning and nuance to the narrative. Many of the new computers sold today include a sound card built into their Motherboard. Although these have improved over recent years, they mostly don't offer the solid performance of a dedicated sound card. You can add a quality sound card for relatively little. Models with 5.1 channel surround sound are preferable; even if you don't feel like buying surround sound speakers now, you might change your mind later.

Cooling

So now you've bought pretty cool components, and are ready to roll !
You or maybe your friend fires up RealTemp or something to bench a little.
Guess what, if you need to know what is cooling ? then it's pretty much clear what you're going to get on RealTemp.
Your devices are loosing their life because of the high temperature. Oh Noes !! :O
A decent cooling is a must for a high-end desktop.

There are 2 types of cooling system:

1) Water-Cooling
2) Air-Cooling

1) Water-Cooling is the best but the most difficult, risky and expensive. So you may not want to know anything else about it.

2) Air-Cooling is the more popular choice. It comprises of small fans distinguished as intake and exhaust. The difference is the direction in which they rotate and the fans' positioning.

What I think is if the temperature of your room is pretty cool, then it's suitable to have an intake fan.
But if it is hot, like 30-45C ;( , better use exhaust fans ..

Intake - Like the name suggests, these fans "takes air in" and try to cool down the system.
The usual position of the Intake fans is the front-side of your case.

Exhaust - These fans "push the air out". These fans blow the hot air out and try to prevent the system from heating.
The usual position of the exhaust fans is the back-side and side-panels.


Speakers

Most desktop computers ship with some sort of desktop speaker system, but it's often possible to add a higher-end model for a fuller gaming experience. A 2.1 speaker system (the "2.1" stands for 2 small desktop speakers plus a subwoofer) can provide decent sound, but a 5.1- (or even 7.1-) channel surround sound speaker system is even better. Want to hear that ninja creeping up behind you? You'd better have surround sound speakers back there.

Game Pads/Controllers

* A game pad with multiple directional controllers are usually the best - These multiple directional controllers will allow you to not only move your character, but also turn your head to look for example left/right or up/down.

* Programmable Buttons - This is a must for all the first person shoothers where you have more than one weapon or need to perform 4 or 5 different tasks while the action is going on.

Joy Stick/Flight Stick

* Good for fight simulation games or two dimensional action games.

* Programmable Buttons

Another important feature to look for in a game controller is the interface. Most use a USB port interface which is fast and most PCs usually have at least 2 input jacks. Other game controllers may use a serial port, just be sure to make sure your PC is compatable with the controller you intend to purchase.


Windows

You can find a few games for the Macintosh* operating system, but the vast majority of PC game developers make games for Windows. That said, if you absolutely must have a Mac* and you want to use it as a gaming machine, there is a way:
Buy a copy of Windows, install it on your Mac (using the Mac operating system's Boot-camp feature, which allows it to run Windows), and reboot your computer every time you want to play a game. That's why Windows is widely preferred over Macintosh for gaming.

Internet Connection

If you plan on playing online games, a fast connection is crucial, because even the fastest system performs sluggishly over a slow connection. Some providers offer different levels of service; you may find it necessary to upgrade.