Gaming Desktop Computer Essentials - What to Look For
You want the biggest, baddest gaming desktop computer out there, right? A computer where the graphics are lifelike, smooth and fluid and one that never locks up even during action sequences. If you are shopping for a gaming desktop computer it is important to note that some parts are more important than others. Because a gaming computer can be a substantial investment, let's take a look at what is most important under the case of one of these specialty PC's.
CPU / Processor
The term CPU stands for central processing unit and is the "brain" behind any computer. A faster processor is more efficient at performing calculations and this speed is directly reflected in the performance of your computer. For gaming, you want the best processor that you can afford. Some of the best processors for gaming in particular are the Intel Core 2 Duo, the Core 2 Quad and the Core 2 Extreme.
Graphics Card
Today's games demand a good graphics card and processor in order to get the most out of your gameplay. Investing in a high performance graphics card (VRAM) will ensure that video and graphics render smoothly even in action packed play. Nvidia makes excellent graphics cards for gamers (the Nvidia GeForce) as does ATI with their Radeon.
Memory / RAM
The speed of a computer is dependent on two things - the processor and the amount and speed of the memory. Without adequate memory you will experience a variety of issues from crashes to sluggish performance and other undesirables. Gaming is a memory hog so you will want to be sure that your gaming desktop computer has plenty of RAM. These days you want at least 2GB (but ideally 4GB) of DDR2 memory for maximum performance.
Sound
Today's games are an ultra rich sensory experience so you want to enjoy all of this with good sound as well as visuals. Getting good sound on your gaming desktop is a combination of a decent quality sound card and good speakers.
Monitor
Last but not least, your monitor is responsible (at least in part) for the visual aspects of the ultimate gaming experience. Crisp and clear graphics are possible thanks to today's LCD monitors. With prices dropping rapidly, you can get your hands on a nice monitor that is large enough for even the most realistic game play for less than you might think.