How to Choose a Gaming Computer?
Buying a new computer is a big decision. Whether you’re purchasing a dedicated gaming computer, a home office work machine, or a video editing workstation, you need a computer that will perform well both at the time of purchase and years later. You need something with enough storage space for all your files and applications. You need something that runs cool and quiet so you don’t constantly have to listen to the hum of fans.
And it must fit within your budget.
This may sound like you’re searching for perfection, which has traditionally been quite hard to find. However, when buying a new computer, it is entirely possible to find the perfect computer for you. You just need to know a little about what you actually need. It is not always exactly what you want, but if you focus your budget on getting a computer that does what you need it to do, rather than just what looks good on paper, you will get a computer that is a joy to use for years to come.
To help you pay attention to different components, we have outlined them for you. If it’s still difficult to determine your needs after reading the guide, you can always contact our customer support, and we will be happy to assist you in choosing your new computer.
What Will You Use the Computer For?
Before we look at the components that make up your new computer, you need to think about what you will be using it for. If you need a computer only for light web browsing, children’s homework, and occasional movie watching, you don’t need a top-tier gaming computer. Similarly, if you want to play games at 4K resolution with all settings on Ultra, you won’t get far with a home office work computer.
Most computers are versatile enough to do a bit of everything, but if you start with your needs and focus on them when choosing a computer, you’ll get one that can do everything you need and more without going over budget.
Here is a quick overview of different ways to use a computer and some quick hardware recommendations for what type of computer would best suit your needs.
- General Use: Light web browsing, movie streaming, homework, and Office work. Entry-level processor, 8GB RAM, smaller SSD.
- Esports Gaming: Regular gaming, game streaming, web browsing, and video streaming. Mid-level processor, 16GB RAM, mid-level graphics card, larger SSD.
- Extreme Gaming: AAA games at 1440p or 4K resolution, gaming and streaming simultaneously. High-end processor, 32-64GB RAM, high-end graphics card, large SSD, second SSD for additional storage.
Although these categories don’t cover all needs and don’t go into specific component details, they provide a good general basis to start choosing a computer and give you something to consider when selecting a new computer.
If you need more information, contact Arvutipunkt to get personalized advice from our system builders, or read on to learn more about how to choose the most suitable computer for you.
What Components Should Be in My New Computer?
Now that we know what you need the computer for, let’s look at what your new computer needs to do its job; namely, the components. These are the individual parts of the computer, encompassing everything from the processor at the heart of the computer to the storage devices for your data, ending with the power supply that keeps the entire system running.
There are many choices in each category, but we will cover all the basics so you have a good understanding of what each component does and what you should consider for your next computer.
Processor
The central processing unit (CPU) is the heart of your computer. Regardless of what you use it for, it handles all the general computing tasks and directs specialized hardware like the graphics card for gaming or video editing.
Processors are primarily manufactured and sold by two major companies: AMD and Intel. With some exceptions, their processors are fairly comparable in terms of price and performance across their respective ranges. Newer processors offer better performance and features, so you’ll want to choose one of the latest generation processors from either brand. For AMD, these are the Ryzen 4000 series and onward, and for Intel, the 11th generation and onward.
Budget-Friendly Processors
If you’re looking for something at the entry level, Intel’s Core i3 and Core i5 models are the best choices, such as the Core i3-12100 or Core i5-11400 for a budget computer. For AMD, the Ryzen 5 processors from the fourth and fifth series are good options.
Mid-Range Systems
For mid-range systems, it’s worth aiming for Core i5 and Core i7, as well as newer Ryzen processors. These include the Core i5-13600K and i7-13700K, or AMD Ryzen 7700X and 7800X3D (currently arguably the world’s best gaming processor).
High-End Computers
For high-end computers, the best are Intel Core i9-13900K and AMD Ryzen 7950X3D and 7950X.
Summary
When choosing a processor, think about what you will use your computer for and how much performance you need. Both AMD and Intel offer great options in every price range and for every purpose, whether it’s a budget-friendly computer, a mid-range system, or a top-tier gaming computer.
RAM (Memory)
RAM Options
Entry-Level Computers:
- 8GB: The minimum for everyday use such as light web browsing, office work, and some simple games. It is sufficient for regular use but limits the ability to open multiple applications simultaneously.
Mid-Range Computers:
- 16GB: A suitable choice for most users, especially gamers. It allows you to open more browser tabs and supports a wider range of games and applications. It is a good balance between performance and cost and is also suitable for some more demanding tasks.
High-End Computers:
- 32GB: Ideal for high-end gamers and those involved in intensive photo or video editing. The increased memory ensures smooth operation even with the most demanding applications and allows many resource-intensive programs to be opened simultaneously.
Professional Workloads:
- 64GB or More: If you work with professional tasks such as large-scale data processing, 3D modeling, or complex simulations, more memory can be very beneficial. With larger memory capacities, it is important to ensure that your computer and workload can utilize it effectively.
Other Considerations
- DDR4 vs DDR5: The newer DDR5 memory offers better performance and energy efficiency, but DDR4 is still widely used and often cheaper. The choice depends on your processor and motherboard support.
- Speed: Once you have ensured sufficient memory capacity, you might consider faster memory, which can provide a small but noticeable performance improvement, especially in more demanding applications and games.
In summary, when choosing memory for your computer, focus first on the capacity to ensure smooth operation and multitasking ability. If your budget allows, consider newer and faster memory to get the best possible performance.
Graphics Card
Every computer needs some sort of graphics processor to function, but not every computer needs something powerful. In fact, most Intel and some AMD processors have built-in graphics. If your goal is only to watch streaming movies, browse the web, respond to emails, and do light office work, you don’t need a dedicated graphics card at all.
Graphics Card Options
Without a Graphics Card:
- Integrated Graphics: For most everyday tasks, the graphics integrated into the processor are completely sufficient. Intel and some AMD processors come with a capable graphics processor that can easily handle streaming, web browsing, and office work. This combination is represented, for example, in our Gallium computer.
For Gaming:
- Esports and Mid-Range Gaming: If you want to enjoy high frame rates and smooth gameplay, you need a graphics card. Nvidia RTX 3050 and 3060 are excellent entry-level graphics cards for modern gaming with high frame rates. The AMD RX 6600 is also a good alternative.
- More Demanding Games and Higher Resolutions: For more demanding games at higher resolutions, it is recommended to invest in the Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti or AMD RX 6750 XT. These cards offer significantly better performance and visual quality.
- 4K Gaming: For gaming at 4K resolution, you need the latest generation graphics cards. The Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti, 4080, or – if the budget allows – RTX 4090 are excellent choices. AMD RX 7900 XT and 7900 XTX are also great and more affordable options, although their ray tracing performance is not as impressive as Nvidia’s cards.
Professional Work:
- 3D Design and Video Encoding: If you are involved in 3D design or video encoding acceleration, almost any graphics card will improve performance. Higher-end cards provide better performance, but if your work is not particularly demanding, mid-range GPUs can suffice instead of the more expensive workstation GPUs.
- The choice of the best graphics card for various professional tasks can vary significantly, so it is recommended to consult with Arvutipunkt specialists for additional assistance to choose the most suitable graphics card for your workload.
Summary
When choosing a graphics card, consider what you will be using your computer for. Integrated graphics are sufficient for everyday tasks, but for gaming and more demanding work, a dedicated graphics card is necessary. Nvidia and AMD offer excellent options in every price range and for every purpose, whether it’s budget-friendly gaming or high-end 4K gaming.
Motherboard
Choosing a motherboard is more about features than performance. While higher-end motherboards offer additional stability for overclocking and more USB ports, support for other components is what matters most for most people.
Important Considerations:
- Memory Support: Ensure that the motherboard supports the type of memory you want (e.g., DDR4 or DDR5) and has enough memory slots.
- PCIe SSD Support: Check if the motherboard supports the desired PCIe generation SSDs (e.g., PCIe 3.0, 4.0, or 5.0).
- Power Connections: Some motherboards require additional power connections, such as a secondary CPU power connector. Make sure your power supply can support these.
- Number and Type of Ports: Consider how many USB ports, SATA connections, and other expansion options you need.
- Compatibility: Ensure the motherboard is compatible with your processor and graphics card and that your case and power supply support it.
Summary
Motherboards have the least impact on overall performance, so this is an area where you can save some money in your budget. However, make sure that the motherboard supports all necessary components and that you have a suitable case and power supply for it.
All Arvutipunkt computers come with the best motherboards in their price range, but if you need something specific with certain features, be sure to contact us to help you choose the right motherboard.
SSD and HDD Hard Drives
Regardless of the type of computer you are building, make sure it has an SSD as the boot drive. All Arvutipunkt computers are equipped with SSDs as this ensures fast system startup, quick application launch, and usage.
SSD Boot Drive:
Speed and Responsiveness: SSD (solid-state drive) significantly speeds up your system compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDD). System startup, application loading, and waking from sleep are much faster.
Storage Space for Different Users:
- Regular Users: An SSD boot drive is sufficient for regular users and doing homework. If you need more long-term storage space, you can always add another hard drive for storing large files, such as downloading movies and TV shows.
- Gamers: For gamers with a large game library, it’s worth choosing a larger boot drive. A 1TB SSD accommodates most game libraries, but if needed, you can always add another SSD for more storage space.
- Video Editors and Users Working with Large Files: Large SSDs provide the fastest data transfer experience, especially when working with many or large files. When you reach drives of multiple terabytes, hard drives are much cheaper, so you have to consider whether the greater efficiency of the workflow is worth the extra cost.
Final Thoughts:
Regardless of what you use your computer for, an SSD boot drive is essential to ensure fast and smooth operation. By adding a large SSD or HDD, you can ensure sufficient storage space according to your needs. If you need additional assistance or advice in choosing storage solutions for your computer, be sure to contact Arvutipunkt specialists to find a solution that suits your needs.
Power Supply
Arvutipunkt uses only high-quality power supplies (PSU) in its computers, as you don’t want to risk using a cheap power supply in your high-end gaming computer. We ensure that the PSU has enough power for all your components.
Considerations When Choosing a Power Supply:
- Power: Make sure the power supply has enough wattage (W) for all components. Arvutipunkt ensures that the selected PSU meets your system’s needs.
- Efficiency: Power supplies with higher efficiency (such as those with an 80 Plus certification) reduce energy loss and therefore your electricity bills. Higher efficiency PSUs also operate cooler and quieter.
- Quality and Durability: Higher-quality components ensure longer PSU lifespan and better performance, especially if you plan to overclock your system.
- Size and Fit: Compact power supplies are designed to fit into smaller systems. Make sure the selected PSU fits your computer case.
Summary:
Choosing a quality power supply is critical to ensure your computer’s stability and reliability. Arvutipunkt uses only reliable PSUs that meet your system requirements. For additional questions or specific requirements, Arvutipunkt experts are happy to assist you in choosing the right power supply according to your needs.
Case
Computer cases are primarily a matter of aesthetics, but they also determine the shape and size of your computer. A Mini-ITX case supports only certain-sized motherboards, power supplies, and coolers, while some gigantic cases can even accommodate two different computers!
Choose a case design you like, but make sure it also meets your cooling needs and front panel connections. If you often use front USB ports or headphone jacks, ensure that the chosen case provides convenient access. If you want liquid cooling, make sure the case has enough space for it.
Considerations when choosing a case:
- Size and compatibility: Ensure that the case has enough room for your chosen motherboard, graphics card, and cooling system. Check if the case has enough room for the power supply and if it fits your desk or shelf.
- Cooling system: If you plan to use powerful components or overclock, ensure that the case has enough airflow and space for additional fans.
- Front panel connections: Check if the case has all the necessary front panel connections, such as USB ports, headphone jacks, and microphone jacks.
- Liquid cooling compatibility: If you plan to use liquid cooling, ensure that the case has enough space for it and supports the required installation configurations.
Summary
Choosing a computer case is important to ensure your computer’s fit and functionality according to your needs. All Arvutipunkt computers are guaranteed adequate cooling. Choose a case design you like, but also ensure that it meets your computer’s cooling needs and connection preferences. Arvutipunkt experts can help you choose the right case according to your specific requirements and preferences.
In summary
Choosing the ideal computer involves aligning your desires and needs with the right hardware choices while staying within budget. Now that you have a detailed overview of all system components, you are better equipped to make an informed decision when choosing your next computer.
Need more help? That’s what we’re here for. Contact Arvutipunkt and one of our experts will help you discuss what computer would be perfect for you, regardless of your needs.
