What Specifications Are Needed for a Gaming Computer?
There are thousands of computer games on the market for different areas of interest. While many simple and educational games can be played on most any home computer, the more complicated and graphic-intensive games require greater system requirements. The right computer setup will allow you to handle nearly any game you want to play.
CPU
Your processor, or central processing unit, is a crucial part of creating a computer system that will provide you with the gaming experience you desire, as well as manage all of your other computer needs with ease. A fast CPU will prevent lag time in your gaming, according to a review at Top Ten Review.com. Being able to respond to the in-game environment quickly can mean the difference between winning or losing a gaming fight or killing your opponent before you are killed.
Video Card
Your computer's video or graphics card will determine the quality of the images and graphics in your game. Many of the most popular massive multiplayer online role playing games and first person shooter games incorporate real-time game actions. You will need a video card that can keep up with the constant changes in your game. NVIDIA video cards made up about 65 percent of users graphic cards, with ATI cards in second place at slightly below 30 percent usage, according to a December 2009 Steam Hardware Survey. A good way to judge what video card is right for you is to look at the recommendations on your favorite games. You will want to meet the minimum requirements for your most intensive games to ensure all of your games will perform smoothly. Graphics cards can easily be upgraded or replaced for PC-based computers.
RAM
Your computer's Random Access Memory, or RAM, stores all of your game and program information without taking up space on your hard drive. The more RAM your computer has, the faster your computer will be able to respond to your game. The Build Gaming Computers website notes that the more RAM you can afford, the better. As of 2009, the three standard types of RAM are SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, and RDRAM. SDRAM is the oldest type of RAM available, and it can be quite affordable. DDR SDRAM is the most common type of RAM on the market. RDRAM is the most advanced, and therefore the most expensive type of RAM available. Most games will list the minimum RAM requirements with the system recommendations.
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