To get the most out of your gaming experience, it helps to have a capable hardware setup, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to go out and invest in the most expensive rig out there.
Instead, there are many other affordable options to suit all types of gamers. The first thing to ask yourself is what kind of device you would prefer playing your favourite games on, which will significantly narrow down your search for the most suitable hardware.
With that said, let’s dive straight in and take a closer look at some of the key devices and components that gamers need to enjoy a smooth and seamless experience each time they play their favourite titles.
What type of device is best for gaming?
Almost all devices today that can be used for gaming offer excellent gameplay experiences, but at the same time, unique experiences. For example, mobile gamers who use their smartphones to play games can count on a far more portable and convenient way to play games.
In comparison, when playing games on traditional consoles, desktop computers, and laptops, the experience is different. They prioritize performance and immersion over portability, making them ideal for dedicated gaming sessions at a desk or in a living room.
Some people prefer playing on PC at home in their favourite space, whereas others prefer playing on the go using a mobile or dedicated handheld gaming device. Which do you prefer?
The main types of devices you can use to play games today include the following:
- Desktop computers
- Laptops
- Consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox)
- Handhelds (e.g., Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck)
- Smartphones
- Tablets
There are pros and cons for each of these devices, which you need to weigh up before deciding which one would be best to play the games you love the most.
As mentioned, you don’t necessarily need a top-of-the-range PC, console or mobile device to play some of today’s best games, but they are great if you can afford them.
Mid-range devices can handle most games with relative ease, but some of the more graphically demanding, high-end triple-A blockbuster video games won’t work so well on older devices or cheaper modern devices.
I want to play blockbuster video games using a PC. Which components are necessary, and what’s just hype?
You have two options when getting a new gaming PC. You can either build the system yourself (or get an expert to build it for you) by ordering the parts individually, or you can buy one that’s already assembled without having to do all the hard work.
Whether you are building a PC from scratch or investing in a pre-built one, there are many things to consider, starting with what you’ll use it for. For example, the powerful hardware choices discussed below are aimed at running graphically intense blockbuster games, not less demanding activities. While you could use a high-end PC to explore the latest new online casinos, such platforms are designed to run smoothly on virtually any modern device without special components.
With that in mind, let’s look at a common decision: cooling. Although many people say that liquid cooling is just hype, it has its place. For most gaming PCs, a high-quality air cooler is perfectly sufficient, cost-effective, and reliable. However, for very high-end CPUs or for aesthetic-focused builds, a liquid cooling system can offer superior thermal performance. It is a premium feature, not an absolute necessity for every gamer.
Other hardware components to consider are the following:
- CPU (Central Processing Unit): Your PC’s central processing unit is its “brain,” a component often mistakenly identified as the motherboard.
- GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): The most important component for gaming, as it renders the visuals.
- Motherboard: The motherboard serves as the central hub, linking all of your computer’s disparate components into a unified system.
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Your PC’s short-term memory. For optimal performance in current gaming titles, 16GB of RAM is generally considered the baseline recommendation.
- Storage (SSD/HDD): Where your games and operating system are installed. For swift loading of applications and data, an SSD (Solid State Drive) is indispensable.
- Power Supply Unit (PSU): Delivers electricity to your entire system. A reliable PSU from a good brand is critical.
- Case/Chassis: This refers to the PC case, the outer shell that contains all of the computer’s internal parts.
That’s not forgetting accessories and peripherals to heighten your online gaming experience, such as a decent monitor/screen, an ergonomic gaming chair, gaming mouse, gaming keyboard, webcam, speaker set, and headphones with a microphone.
You also need to make sure that you have a decent Wi-Fi/internet connection with fast speeds that today’s best games require to run smoothly.
Final thoughts
There are many ways to avoid overspending on a decent PC gaming system. As mentioned, you don’t necessarily need to break the bank to get a reliable desktop computer or laptop that will easily be able to handle the games you enjoy playing.
The best thing to do before purchasing any new devices or components would be to see what the experts suggest and consider devising yourself some kind of sensible spending budget. When budgeting, prioritize your spending on the GPU, as it has the biggest impact on gaming performance. After that, ensure you have a capable CPU, at least 16GB of RAM, and an SSD for your primary drive.
If you want to build a PC from scratch for the first time, then you may also want to consider asking the experts for help or watching plenty of how-to video tutorials on video streaming platforms like YouTube.
