Fast-paced races, solving tricky puzzles, defeating monsters, zombies and villains: PC games are complex and require a lot of computing power. This quickly brings a standard desktop computer to its knees. If you want to enjoy complex games without lag time, you need a gaming PC. What should it do – and how much money should you budget for the purchase? Here’s everything you need to know about gaming PCs.
Which graphics performance should I choose?
A razor-sharp display, lightning-fast response times, impressive 3D images: you’ll have fun playing through the latest blockbusters with your gaming PC . These components are responsible for the superior performance:
- the graphics card (GPU), the heart of every gaming PC
- the processor, also known as the CPU
- the main memory for a smooth data transfer
- A large hard drive is important for storing large numbers of complex games locally. 512 gigabytes are recommended. Keep your eyes open when buying a fan. Due to the strong performance of the graphics card and processor, it is faced with big tasks.
What should the individual components of a gaming PC do? We have broken down the most important properties for you.
Graphics cards for realistic gameplay
When it comes to a gaming PC , the number one criterion to look out for is graphics performance . Even though all models are designed to give you unlimited gaming pleasure, they are not the same and have different graphic performances. These graphics performances are ensured by the computer’s graphics card , the characteristics of which sometimes vary greatly depending on the range and age of the device. But a very powerful graphics card is not always necessary. It is therefore advisable to choose the graphics card according to the level of performance required for the optimal functioning of the games you have already purchased and those you will be playing in the future.
- Beginners use at least one NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or a comparable unit from the AMD Radeon RX series, for example the RX 6800. It delivers up to 79 frames per second (fps). The RX 6950 XT achieves up to 114 fps.
- The RTX GPUs from NVIDIA offer faster video memory plus ray tracing for a photorealistic display. The NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3060 Ti , for example, offers up to 155 fps for a fair price. An alternative in the similar segment is the AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT.
Power gamers rely on graphics units from the NVIDIA RTX 3000 series. The RTX 3090 is one of the most powerful GPUs for gamers. With a full 25 gigabytes of video memory and maximum frame rate, even 8K displays with a full 60 fps are possible.
What you need to remember: Choose your computer with a graphics card that suits your desired gaming experiences. It needs to be powerful enough to ensure the games work, but not too powerful as this will increase the price of the computer without perhaps needing it for your gaming needs.
The more time passes, the more storage space the video games consume, so that many gamers are often annoyed. That’s why it’s important to choose a laptop model that has enough storage space to back up your games without having to constantly uninstall and reinstall the latest games.
There are several solutions for this. HDD hard drives offer plenty of storage space at an affordable price, but tend to be slow when writing and reading files, which can slow down game load times. SSD solid state drives are faster and offer accelerated read and write speeds , but they’re also more expensive and often smaller in size than an HDD for the same price.
What you need to remember: Depending on your needs, you not only need a hard drive with enough storage space, but also one that offers a pleasant application. If loading times don’t bother you and you want to save money, then an HDD is suitable for you. If you want short loading times and are willing to accept having less storage space, then it is better to use an SSD.
Choose the right processor and the right RAM
In addition to the graphics card, other components are also of great importance when configuring a gaming laptop. The latest games also require large processing power and enough memory to provide a smooth gaming experience without being slowed down by multitasking .
This is especially true for gamers who use other programs during gaming sessions, such as group chat programs, gaming platforms, or streaming video software. Also, keep in mind that several gaming laptop models offer memory expansion through additional slots if needed
The processor is responsible for building your game world including enemies, treasures and surprising moments . This should happen in real time, which requires a high clock rate. These CPUs are used in a gaming PC:.
- An Intel Core i3-10105F with a clock rate of up to 4.4 gigahertz (Ghz) is ideal for beginners. An alternative is the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G with onboard graphics chip.
- The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is designed for future titles . It creates up to 4.8 GHz clock rate in twelve cores. The Intel Core i7-12700K has a maximum of 5 gigahertz.
- The high-end processors include the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D and the Intel Core i9-12900KS . Up to 4.5 or 5.5 GHz ensure lag-free gaming fun.
The main memory (RAM) should not only be available in sufficient quantity, but also allow lightning-fast access. DDR5 RAM is now considered the best. The modules work almost twice as fast as their DDR4 predecessors. These are definitely still an option for entry-level and mid-range computers – especially since DDR5 fully exploits its potential, especially at high clock frequencies.
- The minimum for a gaming PC is 8 gigabytes. Classics like World of Warcraft, Fortnite or Cyberpunk 2077 can be played well with this equipment. You will notice a noticeable increase in performance with 16 gigabytes of RAM – and they are also recommended for titles such as Call of Duty Warzone.
- Passionate gamers who use other applications such as live streaming services in addition to the actual game should rely on 32 gigabytes . If you rely on DDR5 RAM here, you don’t need to worry about upgrading: the equipment is future-proof and fit for all games.
What you have to remember : If your gaming experience is supported by a good graphics card, the computer also needs enough computing capacity through the processor and enough RAM. That’s why you should rely on multi-core processors in combination with at least 8 GB of RAM.
One of the basic requirements for optimal performance when gaming, but also for the security and stability of a computer is an up-to-date operating system. A slow operating system is often a cause for concern and can quickly pose a risk of instability or compromise the security of user data, but also make it impossible to run some games. Fortunately, updating operating systems is a breeze and most refurbished computers come with the latest updates.
What you need to remember: All refurbished computers have a current operating system. However, if this is not the case, it is possible to easily fix the problem through the computer’s settings.
Gaming computers are probably the devices blessed with the most expressive designs. Each brand offers a unique style, using materials, color codes or finishes that are their own.
- For example, Asus Gaming PCs offer distinctive finishes and a sporty design combined with a discreet and compact aesthetic through its ROG range. Also find Asus gaming laptops at Back Market if you don’t want to buy a PC.
- Acer, on the other hand, delivers larger and less discreet devices with a distinctive sports look through its Predator and Nitro ranges. Older models are generally similar to the new devices , but can’t match the ergonomic improvements or refinements that manufacturers have incorporated into their models over time. Check out all Acer gaming laptops here .
What you need to remember: The design of a computer depends on the brand and age. It’s remarkable how well certain models age. However, the newer models spoil their users with some ergonomic advantages that older models don’t have, without really affecting their performance and gaming fun.
Sufficient connection technology for all your needs
Of course, a gaming laptop also needs a correspondingly versatile connection technology in order to connect all the necessary devices. Whether it ‘s headphones with a microphone , a gaming mouse , an Ethernet cable , or HDMI connections for multiple displays , all of these require the right connectors and enough of them. In addition, it is important to pay attention to the technology used, especially for USB and HDMI connections , to ensure correct use.
What you need to remember: If you use many different devices, pay attention to the number and characteristics of the connection technology you need for your future gaming laptop.
Is it possible to buy a gaming laptop cheaply?
A gaming computer costs a little more than an office model. For this reason, the price of a new device freezes the blood in the veins of many a buyer with a small purse. With good reason: Gaming laptop prices are often around 1,000 euros for a minimum configuration.
This is where the refurbished gaming laptop comes into play: You can sometimes buy refurbished gaming PCs for less than half the new price. Then there is also an upgrade for beginners and you can rely on future-proof equipment. It offers the same performances and at the same time is significantly cheaper than a new model , so you can secure a high-quality device at a reduced price.
What you need to remember: With Back Market you can save up to 30% when you buy a relatively new gaming laptop that is refurbished and in top condition. Even better: Some models even offer price savings of up to 50% if they are a little older.
Gaming PC or laptop – which is better?
With a gaming notebook, you can gamble wherever you want. The compact hardware takes up little space on the desk and you can race and eliminate opponents comfortably on the couch. What are the reasons for a gaming laptop – and what are they against?
Mobility is definitely on the pro side: A gaming notebook is not only suitable for gaming, you can also work with it and treat yourself to a game on the go. If you have little space at home, the purchase is also an option.
However, a notebook with comparable performance to a gaming PC costs money: the strong performance has its price and it is even higher for notebooks. Upgrading is also hardly possible and usually only intended for absolute high-end devices. Tip: Medion Akoya notebooks are an interesting alternative to an entry-level gaming PC. With the Predator series , Acer presents gaming notebooks with top equipment.
