Article Number: 000152785
If you're planning on making your next computer a gaming computer, Dell is here to get you started. This article will help you understand what components set a gaming computer apart from a regular computer, what you need to play different types of games, and considerations to help you make your decision. Once you know what kind of gaming computer is right for you, Dell has many options to fit your needs. Let's get started.
Any Dell personal computer, or PC, can run PC games, but without specialized hardware you will only be able to play games with low requirements. To handle the advanced visuals and processing requirements of many modern games, you need more powerful components than you might find in an entry-level computer. The components often have unique brand names and model numbers which can get confusing, but you can compare them directly using their technical specifications.
The following components make the biggest difference between a computer built for gaming and one built for basic tasks:
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), or Graphics Card
Whether it's on a separate (discrete) card or integrated into the processor, the GPU generates all of a gaming PC's graphics. This makes the GPU the most important component of a gaming PC. Without a powerful enough GPU, certain games may not be playable at all. A GPU's specifications describe its speed, onboard memory, and compatibility with versions of DirectX graphics.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) or Processor
The processor handles nearly all the work that your computer performs, gaming or otherwise. A fast processor with multiple processing cores ensures that your computer can run games designed to for the latest CPU technology, and helps with non-gaming tasks as well. A CPU's specifications describe its processing speed, number of cores, number of threads, and its "architecture."
Random-Access Memory (RAM), or Memory
While it's processing millions of calculations per second, your computer stores the necessary data in its RAM, or memory. It is crucial to have enough RAM to run games, but exceeding the required amount will not increase your gaming performance. RAM's specifications describe its size, typically in gigabytes (GB) and its speed, which must be compatible with your computer's mother board and your CPU.
Other Components:
The components of your gaming PC are described as your PC's specifications, or specs. Your computer's specs determine how and what it can perform; higher grade, more powerful components can deliver greater performance and handle more advanced tasks. Knowing what your PC can handle lets you know what games it can run, and likewise, knowing what games you want to play helps you decide what computer to get. Most games suggest two different sets of requirements: the minimum requirements needed to play at all, and the recommended requirements that provide the best experience. You should aim to get a system that meets or exceeds the recommended requirements for a game typical of the kind you want to play. As computer technology and hardware evolve, game developers create more demanding software to take advantage of the newer, faster machines. A killer gaming rig today may not be able to run the latest blockbuster video game in the future. However, by selecting high-end components today and planning on upgrades in the future, you can get a gaming machine that keeps up with the pack for years to come.
Typical Computer spec list:
Game Type | Features | GPU Requirements | CPU Requirements | Other Recommendations |
---|---|---|---|---|
First Person Shooter (FPS) | High resolution environments, needs consistently high frame rates | High | Medium/High | Pair with a high-refresh rate monitor |
Role-Playing Game (RPG) | Lush environments, epic stories, simplified combat gameplay | Medium/High | Medium | Lots of storage space for game files |
Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs),Real-Time Strategy (RTS) | Dependence on online connectivity, modest graphics, reliable input | Low/Medium | Medium/High for RTS | Gaming mice and keyboards are popular for these game |
Racing, Flight, other Simulators | Physics simulation, scalable graphics, complex calculations | Varies, but higher is better | High | Lots of storage space for game files |
Retro and Low-Requirement games | Low resolution or purposefully modest graphics; older games, or intentionally retro games | Low | Low | Can be played on almost any new PC or tablet |
Virtual Reality (VR) | Total immersion into the game using specialized headsets with twin displays and inputs. | State-of-the-art, multiple GPUs | State-of-the-art | If you want to do VR, you need to make sure you get a PC designed to do so. |
There's more to a gaming PC than its individual components; a powerful GPU won't perform to its full potential paired with a weak CPU, and loads of fast RAM won't help a system that's not designed to take advantage of that speed. Getting a gaming PC from Dell ensures that all of your components are compatible and up to date, meaning all you have to decide is which model and configuration are right for you.
Here are some things to think about to help you decide:
Whatever you decide, Dell has a gaming PC that will meet your needs. Once you have a gaming PC, you can learn how to get the most performance from your machine. Happy gaming!
21 Feb 2021
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