Our site uses cookies to give you the best experience. Manage your cookies here or continue shopping if you're happy.

Accept & close
Skip to main content
Basket

    Gaming Desktops Buying Guide

    Check out the top 5 things you need to know when buying a new gaming PC with our helpful guide

    Built with high performance in mind, gaming PCs are the cream of the computing crop. Whether you’re taking your first steps into the gaming world or upgrading an existing machine, we’ve outlined the key features you should be looking out for. Discover everything you need to know about awesome graphics cards, powerful processors and much more.

    Things to know

    Input

    Input is a techy name for the ports on your computer. There’re a few different types for sharing data, sending audio-visual info, or even charging up your phone. It’s always worth checking which ports your devices have, so you’ll have no trouble connecting them.

    Learn more

    Processor

    The processor is your computer’s brain – it’s what makes apps and hardware tick.

    It does all the clever stuff to make your computer work, and tells things like your RAM and storage what they need to do when you use them. You’ll need a powerful processor if you want to run lots of things at once. But for email and web browsing, a less powerful one will do the trick.

    Learn more

    Storage

    Storage is where your computer saves apps, files, and all the data it needs to work, including the operating system. There are a few kinds of storage to choose from, and they all come in different sizes. Some start up and load apps really fast, while others have lots of space for saving big files.

    Learn more

    RAM

    Your computer's short-term memory is also known as RAM. It stores all the info that your apps need to work properly when you launch them. If you just want to send emails or do some shopping online, you won’t need as much – 4GB of RAM is enough to handle the basics, while 8GB is ideal for multitasking. But for more demanding apps and games you’ll want 16GB or 32GB of RAM, while 64GB and up is usually only needed for professional video editing and 3D modelling work. Apple also has their own type of RAM called Unified Memory that lets the processor and graphics card access the same resources for a more streamlined experience.

    Learn more

    Graphics Cards

    A graphics card or chip is how your computer turns data into the images you see on your screen. It’s usually part of the processor on regular desktops and laptops, while gaming and professional workstations have a separate bit of kit that handles more intensive tasks.

    Learn more

    Guides and advice

    Tips and tricks

    PC Game Pass for Windows 11

    This guide covers all you need to know about PC Game Pass for Windows 11

    Learn more

    Are Online Gamers At Risk?

    Follow our tips and advice on keeping online gamers safe and secure!

    Learn more

    Tech Advice

    We've got expert advice and tips on how to best use all your technology

    Learn more

    Tips & Tricks

    Check out our top tips and hacks to get the most out of all your devices

    Learn more

    FAQs

    What can I upgrade on my PC?
    What to upgrade in my PC?
    What is a gaming PC?
    How much are gaming PCs?
    What makes a good gaming PC?
    What you need for a gaming PC?
    What does GHz processing rate mean?
    What does Hz refresh rate mean?