Although you might think a faster GHz speed equates to a faster machine, you must factor in the CPU’s generation and number of cores. The processor frequency is measured in gigahertz and is the number of how many calculations a CPU is capable of per second. Made up of millions of tiny transistors, the CPU handles all processing functions and tells each component what to do. Just as important as your GPU is your central processing unit, or CPU. The GTX 1660 and AMD RX 5600 graphics cards lead the lower mid-tier options, offering performances that keep up with more expensive rivals. Budget-friendly PCs meet recommended specs for 1080p gaming on most games, but if you want ray tracing for lifelike in-game lighting and 4K gaming, you won’t find it in this price range. The visual data that the GPU handles also impacts tasks like video editing, gaming, and machine learning. The more power behind your GPU, the smoother and better looking your games are thanks to detail-rich resolutions for improved textures and faster frame rates. This component is one of the biggest in your PC’s case and handles graphic rendering. The three main components of a gaming PC are: Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)įront and center of any gaming PC build is the graphics processor unit, or GPU. If you want a simple machine to play older or less demanding games like Skyrim or Minecraft you can scrape by with the parts in our Best Value and Work and Play picks. If you want to play modern esports titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive in 1440p resolution at a higher frame rates you’ll need more powerful components. These specs dictate what level of performance you can expect, be it the quality of game settings or the expected refresh rates. Gaming PC Specs and Why They Matterīefore you purchase a gaming computer, it helps to understand the components that make up a PC. After all, there’s a reason PC Master Race snobs exist. They offer deeper levels of graphics tuning, a wider range of games at better prices, and extensive content creation capabilities, whether you’re running demanding live-streaming software or editing photos and videos. Unlike the new gaming systems, cheap gaming PCs are both readily available and serve as powerful workhorses beyond gaming. This demand is especially problematic during a global chip shortage that has constrained supply. Although the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 are able to play AAA titles with ray tracing at a 4K resolution up to 60 fps for under $500, to say they’re in high demand would be an understatement. In this price range, you’re looking at computers capable of running modern AAA games at a 1080p (full HD) resolution on medium to high settings at an average rate of 60 frames per second. These days finding a good pre-built gaming PC under $1,500 in stock is difficult, but a hell of a lot easier than finding the newest graphics cards or gaming consoles.

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