Gaming Desktops
Here is what you need to know about gaming desktops. This page emphasizes on the general factors that term the word “gaming,” with desktop. Selecting a gaming desktop can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be, but as long as you understand the basics, then you should be fine when it comes to selecting your own gaming system.
To begin this list, the three most important components, in order, would be the motherboard, processor, and video card. The rest of this list still holds significant value when configured with the proper performance based components. You can find many fantastic deals on all these components at TigerDirect.com, especially if your looking to save some money or are looking for fast and free shipping.
| -Motherboard -Processor -Video Card -Memory -Power Supply - Secondary Storage -Optical Drives -Case / Chassis -Keyboard / Mouse |
Gaming Desktops - The Motherboard
This device is what controls all functions for a gaming desktop. From start to finish, the motherboard is behind all operation in a gaming desktop. But what factors benefit gaming, specifically for all the performance based components connected in your system? Here is what you need to know. You cn find a great selection of gaming motherboards at here.
- Processor type and Socket relationship – Compatibility is crucial
- System memory: type (format), frequency (bandwidth), and supported capacity
- Expansion slots (Lets talk graphic capabilities) – Interface type and amount of slots
- Chipset – Reference to the model and associated technologies
- Form factor – To determine the dimensions and relationship with the chassis, but also how much potential your board can harness, in terms of space allocation
- Avoid using “integrated” components – Typically speaking, integrated features on the motherboard usually are not efficient or effective enough to benefit gaming.
Gaming Desktops - The Processor
This component is responsible for loading, monitoring, and maintaing all the programs you interact with. This not only includes games, but the operating system itself and every other active program. Choosing one that benefits gaming particularly is important, though with the amount available on the market, what should you look for?
This information will be helpful.
- Processor type – Two major manufactures to choose from. Intel or AMD. Both have superb microprocessors, though Intel has a dominant hold on the market.
- Amount of processor “Core” - Modern processor chips are not just being produced with a single processor, but a system of processors for multi-tasking solutions.
- Processor clock speed – How fast a processor operates. Higher rated clock speeds are recommended for gaming, but they are sold with a heavy price.
- Dedicated memory – For gaming the “L2,” cache will hold the most value, so aim for a large amount.
- FSB / Front Side Bus – This bus transports data to and from the system memory (RAM) and the processor. A higher frequency is always better. This means games can be loaded faster in real time.
Gaming Desktops - The Video Card
This component is what brings games to life. Without it, there would be no stunning 3D scenes, advanced rendering effects, or prestigious graphics. So, what should you need to understand to ensure you select a video card that meets your style of game play and won't go overboard with features? Here are the basics.
- ATI or Nvidia Chipsets– Choose a reputable manufacturer. ATI and Nvidia are the best.
- Interface connection and bus type – Go with PCIe for the interface level connection and x16 bus for the best transfer speed. Also check the version.
- GPU or Graphic Processing Unit – Ensure the core clock speed will operate at a decent rating for better graphic production.
- Dedicated memory – Check the capacity, type, frequency, and bandwidth
- SLI or CrossFire setup - When one video card can't handle the graphic processing required, you can compose a system of video cards to handle such a dilema. These two technologies enable you to connect 1, 2, 3, or 4 video cards to work in tandem.
- Video output connection – Are you going to use a single display, multiple displays or a TV? Check the output source to ensure the proper connections have been established on both appliances.
- Rendering effects – Even though not all games use advance technologies, some of the best utilize rendering features to produce the best possible graphics, which is something you need to check, depending on your style of game. (We would name them all, but there are numerous available)
- API or Application Program Interface – This allows gaming software to generate graphics with the available hardware. Check to see what your game preference requires.
- Power consumption – Though a gaming desktop requires a lot of power, the video card in particular requires its own dedicated source with a significant usage.
- Heat Dissipation – The video card along with all of its dedicated components and circuits operate at high temperatures for optimum performance, which results in a high amount of thermal energy production, which will usually require a heat sync with or without the help of a fan to dissipate the heat, depending on how this important this quality is to you. I suggest using the one that is included with the video card or purchasing a third party add-on.
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