Building a gaming grade computer nowadays is relatively easy. There’s plenty of detailed guides and video reviews on the Internet that you can easily tap into to make informed decisions. Parts purchasing is as easy as ordering them online over specialized retailers.
Since you’re in the market for a gaming rig, it’s pretty clear that you’ll mostly be getting high-end hardware. As for how powerful your PC can be, it all depends on how much money you sink into it.
Aside from individual part selections, there are other factors to consider when custom-building a gaming rig. Let’s discuss some of these important aspects below.
Custom pre-built or self-built?
First off, you’ll have to decide whether you want to enlist the services of a custom PC builder company or wing it yourself.
Generally, the former will cost more, since you’ll be paying for additional labor. However, you get to take advantage of the company’s expertise. You won’t have to bother with part-hunting, as well as the hassle of computer assembly.
The other option, naturally, will require you to purchase parts individually and manually assemble them on your own. If you’re great at deal scrounging, you’ll get more mileage that way.
Desktop gaming or laptop gaming?
Typically, laptops cost more than desktops. Given the same tier of hardware, a gaming tier laptop will cost significantly more than a gaming desktop. Manufacturing costs, as well as additional parts, are generally the reasons why.
Additionally, laptops come pre-built and ready for use. Computers, unless you buy a pre-built one, you’ll have to assemble part by part.
Look into your lifestyle and discern which platform is more suitable for your needs. If you fancy gaming “on-the-go”, then the laptop route is the more logical choice. Otherwise, a desktop will get you more bang for your buck.
Full HD or 4K gaming?
In terms of display resolutions, Full HD – or 1080p – gaming is still the most widely-supported standard in the industry. Almost all games nowadays can support 1080p. 4K, on the other hand, is the next step, the future evolution of the standard.
More and more game developers are adopting this new standard and for a good reason. A 4K display is effectively twice sharper than a 1080p display. Imagine how crisp and vivid your games would look like with a 4K-capable rig.
Unfortunately, at least for now, a 4K-capable gaming PC is typically more expensive than a 1080p-only counterpart. You’ll need better hardware to run your games at 4K resolution and that will come at a higher price. If you’re looking to future-proof your purchase, then by all means, shell out for a 4K-capable system.
Single monitor or multiple displays?
You’ll want plenty of display for your ultimate gaming rig. The most logical options are multiple displays, or one, larger-than-usual monitor. No, you don’t want to be gaming on a projector. They’re more hassle than they’re worth.
The choice here generally boils down to preference. Some users prefer multiple displays that they can mount all over their gaming space. A large, ultra-wide monitor is enough for others. Note that specialized gaming monitors are more expensive than their normal brethren, as they
boast faster refresh rates and other nifty features for the ultimate gaming experience.
