Guide
Your entry-level gaming PC could look like this
by Kevin Hofer
Gear guide: find the perfect hardware for your next gaming PC
31.10.2019
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Is it high time to assemble a shiny new PC? Let me tell you what to look out for and which components are best for beginner, experienced or hardcore gamers.
You won't learn how to assemble your PC here. What you will find is an extensive guide on which components best suit your needs when looking for that optimal piece of hardware. Each category will be broken down into my three recommendations for beginners, hardcore gamers and building enthusiasts. In each category, I sought to find a good balance between price, performance and positive user reviews.
Processors
In recent years, AMD's Ryzen CPUs have been quickly catching up to Intel, without losing that crucial price advantage.
ATX or MicroATX is the form factor. MicroATX is designed for compact rigs and the boards have fewer connectivity options than an ATX.
Still, Nvidia rules the roost when it comes to their High-End 2080 models. Raytracing, which provides even more realistic lighting effects and reflections in games, has also been reserved for Nvidia so far. VRAM requirements are strongly linked to your desired resolution. If you play in Full HD, 8 GB will do, but if you play in 4K, 11 GB are required.
RAM
RAM is the cache of your PC. All information not stored on the hard disk is housed there. RAM is especially advantageous at higher resolutions, if you want to avoid frame rate loss.
The minimum size is 8 GB, 16 GB are better. 32 GB are overkill in most cases, but can provide a bit more stability in certain games. 32 GB can also be used for processing very large images or for 3D modelling. As the price difference is so small, I'll even recommend 16 GB of RAM for the entry-level model.
SSDs are available in a 2.5-inch form factor via the SATA connector. There are usually more than enough of these on the motherboard. PCI-e SSDs that require an M.2 slot are faster. However, most boards have only one to two. The non-plus ultra are currently PCIe 4.0 SSDs. However, only the latest AMD-X570 boards have this interface.
The power supply
To ensure that your new components are supplied with enough energy, you'll need a suitable power supply unit. The most important factors are performance, efficiency and volume. The more efficient the power supply, the lower the output may be. A power supply with 80Plus Platinum certification still delivers 91 percent of its power at 100 percent utilization, while a bronze model only delivers 81 percent.
How many Watts you need depends on the components used. An RTX 2080Ti and an Intel i9 pull more power than an i3 in conjunction with an RTX 2060. Power supply manufacturers usually offer calculators on their websites where you can find out how much performance your setup consumes. However, they usually calculate very generously.
Cooling
Again, you'll have to choose between two types: water or air. Water cooling systems usually cost more, take more time to install and potentially offer better cooling performance. But as always, it depends on the components. Full cooling rigs especially, so-called AIO models are often worse at cooling CPUs than a good fan.
Still, water-cooling is the first choice if you want to push your PC to the limit with overclocking. In addition, moldable tubes offer more design possibilities.
As far as noise levels are concerned, water-cooling systems are not quieter per se. The water must also be cooled with a fan and the pump isn't quiet.
Always check before buying whether the cooler or the water pump fits into the housing or onto the board.
Header image: Image: Kevin Hofer
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chAs a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.
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