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5 Top Considerations When Customizing Your Gaming PC
Kirstyn Amanda
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March 27, 2024
Which is better, a prebuilt gaming PC vs. a custom gaming PC? With prebuilt PCs, you get an assembled machine, which makes them the hassle-free option. However, they have limitations in that the predetermined components and build may align differently from what you want in a gaming PC.
Conversely, with a custom-built gaming PC, you have unparalleled freedom to handpick components to make your gaming rig without compromising on what matters to you most. For example, you can pair a DDR5 RAM with a premium NVIDIA® or AMD graphics card within an expansive or midsized tower. Another significant advantage of building your PC is that you can upgrade any part you want without being limited to upgrading specific components.
In this article, we’ll look at what you need to know when customizing your gaming PC, including performance, speed, cooling, and personalization. Then, we’ll explore our best customizable gaming PCs.
Processor and graphics card: The heart of gaming performance
Choosing the right processor is crucial for a smooth gaming experience, content creation, and efficient multitasking. Consider the number of threads, cores, and clock speed when selecting a processor. A higher number indicates a more powerful processor.
Which processor should I choose, Intel® or AMD? If you have a processor from the same class, the difference may not be noticeable, as both pack enough power to run your system efficiently with minimal lag. The choice comes down to your brand preference and needs.
For Intel CPUs, we recommend the latest 13th-generation Intel Core™ processors. They optimize performance compared to previous generations while being more energy efficient. The i7 processors offer top-notch performance, while the i5 processors provide value by striking a balance between performance and cost.
If you opt for AMD CPUs, we recommend picking the AMD Ryzen™ 7000 series processors or going for AMD Ryzen 5 processors if you’re on a budget.
The graphics card (GPU) is responsible for rendering visuals so that your games look great. Integrated GPUs are suitable for basic tasks like browsing, while dedicated GPUs are necessary for more demanding tasks like streaming gaming sessions on platforms like Twitch.
Well-known GPU brands include NVIDIA and AMD, with Intel entering the scene with their Intel Arc™ GPUs.
For most gamers, a mid-range graphics card like the AMD Radeon™ RX 6600 XT with ray tracing capabilities strikes the sweet spot between affordability and performance as it delivers stunning visuals at 1080p.
However, if you want to play at ultra-high settings and larger resolutions such as 4K, go for high-end GPUs with deep learning super sampling (DLSS) capabilities like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 3080 Ti.
Below are a few tips to get the most out of your CPU and GPU:
- Check benchmark scores for a particular CPU or GPU to determine which suits your needs best.
- Enhance their performance by overclocking them.
- You need a high refresh rate and resolution monitor to use your high-end graphics card at max capacity.
Memory and storage: Speed and space
Random access memory (RAM) plays a massive role in determining the overall responsiveness of your custom gaming PC. RAM allows your rig to store and quickly access data that is actively in use, including art assets in games. The faster the RAM can retrieve game data, the faster the game loads. Plus, the higher its capacity, the more temporary game data it can store.
A minimum RAM capacity of 8GB is recommended for playing most triple-A (AAA) titles. However, this value may vary because games have different minimum requirements. Upgrading to a 16GB or higher capacity gives you more freedom to multitask with less lag.
How about storage? Modern games with lots of detailed graphics demand more storage space. For example, Ark: Survival Evolved has a staggering install size of 400GB. Thus, if you have more games like this, you might need a primary drive with at least 1TB of space.
Solid-state drives (SSDs) are noticeably faster than hard disk drives (HDDs). SSDs use flash memory, giving them superior read/write speeds and lower latency. SSDs enable PCs to boot up, load applications and games, and transfer data faster.
Pro Tip: Consider using an HDD for cheaper secondary storage and an SSD as the faster primary storage in your gaming desktop.
Cooling system: Keeping it cool under pressure
A PC may overheat during extended gaming sessions or when running demanding video editing applications. Overheating triggers built-in safety mechanisms that lead to throttled performance to protect components like the processor from damage.
Persistent overheating issues can shorten the lifespan of vital components, hence the need for an efficient cooling system.
Opt for parts optimized for temperature regulation, such as RAM, motherboards, and CPUs with heatsinks. As for graphics processors, they are often enclosed with fans to maintain cool temperatures.
There are various cooling options, including air and liquid cooling solutions. Air cooling involves using fans that circulate air through heatsinks to dissipate heat.
On the other hand, liquid cooling uses a closed-loop system with a liquid coolant that absorbs heat from components and transfers it to a radiator, where it is expelled through fans. Liquid cooling often provides superior temperature regulation, especially in high-performance setups with overclocked parts.
Aesthetics and personalization: The visual impact
One of the benefits of having a custom gaming PC over a prebuilt gaming PC is that you also get to design your setup to match your unique gaming persona and elevate your room’s ambience.
RGB lighting provides a spectrum of colours and lighting effects to choose from as you transform your PC into a dynamic visual masterpiece. You can personalize your setup by selecting components like fans, RAM modules, and motherboards with LED strips. What’s more, don’t just use the default RGB settings. Instead, leverage various RGB control applications for advanced features like syncing lighting with in-game events or music.
When selecting a PC case, consider its unique design and practicality concerning your desk space. Be bold and pick exceptional cases with intricate designs or tempered glass that show off your RGB lighting. Plus, you can even express your creativity by painting them.
You can also enhance the overall aesthetics through good cable management. Use Velcro straps or stylish cable sleeves to organize cables efficiently to achieve a polished and clutter-free appearance.
Future-proofing and expandability
Build a future-proof PC by focusing on components that will allow you to keep playing upcoming releases and adapt to your changing needs over time.
The motherboard is arguably the most critical piece for customizing PCs. It dictates the type of storage, RAM, and processor that goes into the PC. Choose wisely and pick a motherboard with the right chipset, additional expansion slots, and versatile socket compatibility. This way, you can effortlessly upgrade specific components without replacing the entire motherboard.
Customizable HP Gaming PCs
At HP, we have a unique solution for gamers wondering how to customize their gaming PC without the complexities of DIY PC building. You pick your preferred components, and we handle the assembly and delivery. Plus, you don’t have to worry about compatibility; our system automatically tells which parts work together.
Now, let's explore some standout customizable gaming PCs from HP.
OMEN 45L GAMING DESKTOP (GT22-1470SE)
If you’re looking for a high-performance gaming PC that can easily handle demanding workloads and still be the centerpiece of the room, look no further than our premium OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop (GT22-1470se). We’ve equipped it with a remarkable NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti graphics card (upgradeable to RTX 4090), so you can enjoy playing your favorite AAA titles in 4K resolution at an astonishing 140 FPS.
OMEN 40L GAMING DESKTOP (GT21-1355ST)
Our OMEN 40L Gaming Desktop (GT21-1355st) shares features with the 45L model, albeit in a slightly more compact chassis with a lower initial configuration. Nevertheless, it packs a punch with 16GB DDR5 Kingston FURY RAM, boasting overclocking capabilities and a blazing speed of 5200 MHz for enhanced multitasking and faster game load times.
VICTUS 15L GAMING DESKTOP (TG02-1000)
Our Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop (TG02-1000) is ideal for most casual gamers who want a powerful, customizable gaming PC without squeezing their pockets. We’ve equipped it with a powerful 13th Generation Intel Core i5 processor with 10 cores and 16 threads, making it suitable for gaming at medium settings.
OMEN 25L GAMING DESKTOP (GT15-1000)
Our OMEN 25L Gaming Desktop (GT15-1000) is another prime gaming desktop. Our team has crafted it with components optimized for superior cooling efficiency. Experience the power of a Core i5 processor with a heat pipe RGB cooler and RAM equipped with a heatsink for effective heat dissipation.
Summary
When customizing your gaming PC, it's crucial to factor in expected performance, application loading speed, internal cooling strategies, and the overall design aesthetic. Remember to select components that strike an optimal balance between cost and performance from the myriad available components.
