Hands holding controller in front of keyboard

How to Replace Your Video Game Console with a Gaming PC

Hands holding controller in front of keyboard
Hands holding the controller in front of the keyboard

Gaming is more popular than it’s ever been, and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. You know the times are a-changing when even Netflix is starting to sweat over the headway games are making in modern life. A lot of people are perfectly satisfied with the opportunities their current consoles offer them, but in our shifting cultural tide, some of you might be looking to take your game to the next level.

Is your Xbox or PlayStation model starting to give out on you more than you’d care for? Maybe you’re just looking for the highest possible bang for your buck when it comes to the audio and graphical fidelity of the games you love to play. Whatever the cause, there are a lot of good reasons to make the switch from a console to a high-performance gaming PC, and Gadget Rumors is here to help you figure out how to do exactly that, and what to look for while you do.

Why Go to PC?

There are some good reasons a lot of gamers choose to play on PC as opposed to consoles. While consoles are made with specific constraints as to what kinds of software they can and can’t run, in theory, there’s no upper limit to how much you can get out of a PC running at peak performance: a powerful gaming PC will be able to run pretty much anything under the sun. For a great example of this, check out how the critically acclaimed Metro: Exodus uses cutting edge computing technology to make the PC the ideal platform to play it on.

There’s also the fact that a gaming PC has uses outside of straightforward gaming, too. A powerful rig will also make watching movies and even working from home that much more efficient and enjoyable thanks to the juice your machine will be running on. In other words, a great gaming PC can be awesome as a regular computer, too!

Getting Carded

One of the most important things to look into when getting your computer up to spec is investing in a high-quality graphics card. The best graphics cards are made with longevity in mind: a powerful unit won’t just work with modern games and allow your older software to run at lightning speed, it’ll allow you to run the latest and greatest at high performance for years to come. Some newer cards even come with hidden benefits the average consumer might not be aware of.

The NUC Option

NUC stands for the “next unit of computing”. These are tiny, custom computers that pack a huge wallop when it comes to power and performance. They’re far beefier than the average small form factor systems when it comes to specs, and thanks to their portability and near-infinite potential for personal specialization—tons of different keyboards, optical drives, and more can be fitted into your given NUC—these little numbers make for a great alternative to a more conventional gaming PC. EWC is a consistent innovator in this tech field and has some great options available on their website now.

Powerful gaming hard drive
Powerful gaming hard drive

Right out of the Gate

Of course, there are a lot of great gaming PC options for people who want a full-featured device right out of the gate, as well. There are plenty of companies that are dedicated specifically to making high-powered gaming units, like Alienware and Digital Storm, that have been around for a long time and have excellent track records when it comes to quality and customer service. Even more conventional computer producers like Intel and Dell tend to have dedicated gaming divisions, so a little research can go a long way toward making sure you get a ready-built machine that’s suited just for your needs.

Saving vs. Skimping

Gaming PCs are more popular than they’ve ever been, and that means in order to compete, a lot of brands and outlets frequently run great deals on affordable laptops and gaming monitors. But not every computer is created equal. You don’t want to pat yourself on the back for scooping up a great bargain only to find the new device taking up your desk space is a hunk of junk. When scoping out affordable PC deals, always make sure to pay attention to:

  • Memory: Make sure you look at how much memory your prospective rig can hold. This will give your computer an easier time making sure all of those resource-intensive games run smoothly.
  •  Processor: Check to see that the computer you’re looking at is using the latest in their brand’s processor. If you’re unsure, check their website to see: sometimes different generations can be titled in confusingly similar ways.
  • Card Capabilities: It’s always obnoxious to invest in a so-called “gaming PC” only to find that its graphics card can’t handle the new hotness you’ve been itching to start playing. Avoid having to buy an expensive card down the line by making sure you get a machine with one that’s already up to date. A device with a great card already installed could be more expensive initially but trust us, you’ll save a lot of cash and frustration in the long run even if it is.

Taking the Leap

You don’t have to be a technical wunderkind to invest in or build a high-quality gaming PC that’ll give you years of enjoyment. PC gaming has reached a previously unheard-of level of accessibility, and there are lots of resources out there to help you find or assemble the rig that’s right for you. Whether you’re beefing up your current machine with a new card, investing in a stylish NUC, or finding the perfect pre-built device, there’s something out there that’s just right for scratching your gaming itch. Use our guide to find your dream gaming PC, and have fun doing it! (After all, isn’t that what games are all about?)

Author Bio: Chris Scalise is a technical writer and content strategist from Los Angeles, California. In addition to writing emerging trends in the tech sector and how they help companies communicate with evolving consumer bases worldwide, he also covers developments in health, wellness, science, and technology.

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