Gaming laptops and computers have tremendous power, giving gamers an unrivaled experience in gaming. A gaming desktop PC is built to be fast, offering better performance and gaming experience. Gaming computers and laptops have some of the best-in-class technology offering excellent graphics and processors that provide optimal gaming no matter the type of game.

You can find the right gaming computer that fits your needs with several to choose from. Expand your gaming experience with an assortment of games that look and play great on your gaming PC. Visit your local Conn’s HomePlus or prequalify for credit today and own a state-of-the-art gaming laptop or computer.

Things to Consider When Buying a Gaming Computer

When buying a new, prebuilt PC or building your own gaming PC, you need to research, compare, and, if possible, test out your options. If you are a new gamer, you may wonder what is best – a prebuilt PC or build one yourself. Self-built PCs are often cheaper, and you tend to get more control over the functions and features of your gaming experience. However, the process can be difficult, and if you have issues with the building process – you are on your own. But, with a prebuilt gaming PC, you do not have to assemble your own parts, and you have access to tech support from the manufacturer and/or seller.

Whether you opt for a prebuilt gaming computer or choose to build your own, there are some things to consider before making your purchase or beginning your building.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is considered the computer's brain, and a decent CPU from AMD or Intel will allow you to experience a good gaming performance. For a gaming computer, you do not need a powerful CPU, and instead, it is recommended that a 4 core/4 thread CPU is the minimum for any entry-level gaming. But, if you are looking for a decent gaming computer, you will need one with medium-level graphics and a good FPS of around 600.

As for the processor, Intel is considered the best option for gaming because of its single-core performance. Most games do not require multiple cores; instead, the single-core performance of the CPU is what is important.

Graphics Card / Graphics Processing Unit / Graphics Memory

After you have decided on your CPU, you must now choose your Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). The Graphics Card is an important part of your gaming PC because you cannot load and run games without it. You could use Integrated GPU that is already installed with some Intel and AMD processors. Still, these GPUs are often not as good in performance, and you would have to run your game on the lowest resolution and graphics settings. As of lately, Nvidia GPUs are the most popular.

Random Access Memory

The Random Access Memory (RAM) is an important part of how your computer runs your games without lagging. Most video games do not need a lot of RAM, and you can often get away with 8GB RAM if you have a decent graphics card. It is recommended that anything over 16GB RAM be considered excessive unless you are running something that requires extra RAM.

Storage Drive

Besides RAM and CPU, another thing to consider that plays a role in the speed of your gaming computer is storage. There are two types of storage – Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and Solid State Drive (SSD).

HHD is the oldest storage in technology and was introduced by IMB in the 1950s. Having an HDD is a larger storage capacity at a lower cost than other storage types. The downfall is HDDs use more power, take up more space, and are essentially less durable than other options.

SDD has no moving parts – this means that you can write and read data quicker, up to 550 MBps. An SSD will allow you to gain data at the same time – this results in faster load times and boot-up times for many games and operating systems. Over the years, SSDs are becoming more affordable, and you can find 1 TB SSD from respected brands for about $100 or less.

Monitor Size and Resolution

Most gamers prefer bigger and brighter. The minimum size for a gaming PC is 21.5 inches for someone who likes to sit less than 3 feet from the computer screen. Typically, most gamers prefer a screen size of 24-inches or 27-inches for close-range gaming. When thinking of resolution, most videos are dropping from 720p to High Definition (HD). Higher resolutions need more graphics – which requires a more powerful graphics card.

Monitor Refresh Rate

The monitor’s refresh rate is the number of times the screen updates the display every second. The unit for measuring this rate is hertz (Hz). So, the higher the refresh rate, the better, but this also comes with a higher cost. For most games, a refresh rate of 120 Hz is needed, which is twice the standard refresh rate of 60 Hz. But it would help if you also kept in mind that the higher the refresh rate, the higher the graphics card you will need – with essentially will be more out of pocket.

Shop Conn’s HomePlus

Are you interested in a new powerful, ready-to-use gaming computer? Conn’s HomePlus offers a range of gaming PCs from the following manufacturers, Acer, CyberPowerPC, Hewlett-Packard, iBUYPOWER, Lenovo, MSI, and Logitech. Conn’s HomePlus has the computer for you; stop by a local Conn’s HomePlus store today or visit us online.