Gaming PC relies on a collection of driver files that instruct each component on how to operate and interact with the operating system. Every computer requires multiple drivers to manage its hardware and software efficiently. These days, most essential drivers are automatically installed by the operating system itself. However, certain hardware parts may still need manual driver installation, which you can usually find on the motherboard or hardware manufacturer’s official website. It’s important to keep your drivers up to date — outdated ones can cause issues like blurry visuals or sluggish performance. We recommend updating your operating system right after installation to ensure you have the latest drivers and security patches. Once your operating system is ready, you can begin installing all the necessary programs and games. There are several ways to add your favorite titles to your gaming PC — through physical discs, direct downloads from publishers, or via digital platforms like Steam. Keep an eye on your storage capacity, as many modern games have large file sizes. It’s best to install games on a separate drive from your operating system; this helps maximize available space for both current and future games while also safeguarding your save data and progress if you ever need to reinstall the OS.
PC gaming offers the ultimate opportunity to elevate your gaming performance by building your own custom system. Creating a personalized setup not only ensures superior quality and speed but can also be more budget-friendly compared to buying a prebuilt PC. The hardware selection depends entirely on your budget and requirements, giving you full control to choose components that perfectly fit your needs. This customization guarantees that every part works seamlessly together and delivers dependable gaming power. Additionally, building your own PC can reduce costs without sacrificing performance, often resulting in a more efficient and high-quality system.
Build a gaming computer by first identifying your goal, then moving on to selecting the essential components. Choosing components involves thorough research, careful budgeting, and picking the parts that best fit your needs. Keep in mind that you can’t simply purchase random components and expect them to work together. For instance, as mentioned earlier, your motherboard must be compatible with all other hardware; otherwise, the system won’t function properly.
Once you’ve done your research and selected the ideal components for your gaming setup, the next step is to find a reliable place to purchase them. While online platforms like Amazon or eBay are convenient options, make sure the products come with a valid warranty. Still, it’s often better to visit a physical PC store, where you can get expert advice and recommendations before making your final purchase.
Best gaming computer setups don’t have to come with a huge price tag. If you’re wondering, “How can I make my gaming setup stand out?” – here’s a great idea: start by shopping your own storage. You might uncover some LED light strips, desk lamps, or even old holiday lights that can give your setup a cool and personalized glow. You could also repurpose an unused desk or table into a custom gaming station. Let your creativity lead the way!
Reusing what you already have is not only eco-friendly and budget-conscious but also helps you stay organized. Take some time to explore inventive ways to repurpose your gear for your gaming needs. There’s no need to invest heavily right away – experiment with your setup, see how you use it, and then refine it over time for the ultimate gaming experience.
Gaming desktop aesthetics largely depend on the case, as it’s the main component you’ll notice once your setup is complete. The real challenge lies in selecting the right one, given the vast array of white PC cases on the market. Here are three of our top picks. The Fractal North in white is truly stunning — its elegant wooden front panel makes it one of the most visually appealing cases available. With radiator support up to 360mm and GPU clearance of 355mm (or 300mm when a 360mm radiator is installed at the front), the Fractal North masterfully blends style and functionality. As Fractal puts it, you can “add some elegance to your setup” with the Fractal North in white.
Prebuilt gaming PCs are an excellent choice for those who’d rather skip the hassle and complexity of assembling a system from scratch. However, choosing a ready-made PC isn’t as straightforward as grabbing the first one you see — careful research is still essential to ensure you get the best value for your money.
A smart way to avoid overspending is by opting for a trusted manufacturer. This guarantees that the components used are reliable and high-quality, while also giving you a clear idea of what the parts would cost individually.
In this buyer’s guide, we’ll dive into ASUS’ lineup of prebuilt gaming PCs to determine whether they deliver strong performance, appealing design, and solid value. After comparing each system, we’ll highlight our top pick among ASUS’ prebuilt gaming PCs.
Custom gaming PC builders should also pay close attention to cable management. If you’re opting for a transparent case, messy cables can ruin the sleek look of your setup. Beyond aesthetics, poor cable organization can restrict airflow, which is crucial for maintaining optimal cooling performance. Good cable management also makes it easier to access and upgrade components when needed. As mentioned earlier, efficient cooling is essential and should be planned from the start. While some cases include built-in cooling systems, if you prefer to customize your own, consider using silent fans. Standard fans are usually 120mm, but silent ones are typically 140mm—so keep this in mind when selecting your case.
Cheap gaming computers put the graphics processing unit (GPU) front and center. This large component inside your PC case is responsible for rendering graphics. The more powerful your GPU, the smoother and more visually impressive your games will look, delivering higher resolutions, richer textures, and faster frame rates. The GPU’s role extends beyond gaming—it also enhances tasks like video editing and machine learning. Budget gaming PCs are typically capable of handling most titles at 1080p with decent performance, but features like ray tracing and true 4K gaming are usually out of reach in this price bracket. Leading the lower mid-range options, the GTX 1660 and AMD RX 5600 offer impressive performance that rivals more expensive cards.
Equally vital is the central processing unit (CPU). Composed of millions of transistors, the CPU manages all computing tasks and directs every component’s actions. Its processing speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz), indicating how many calculations it can perform per second. However, a higher GHz rating doesn’t always mean better performance—you also need to consider the CPU’s generation and number of cores. Most gaming computers run on Intel Core processors (currently at the 11th generation), while AMD’s Ryzen series is becoming increasingly popular for its efficiency and value. To simplify Ryzen’s lineup: Ryzen 3 suits everyday computing, Ryzen 5 is great for gaming, and Ryzen 7 is designed for demanding workloads and high-end gaming setups.
Gaming computer price now starts around $800, and it comes with the most affordable RTX 50-series graphics card, offering gamers a real option in this range. While this GPU has fewer cores than the RTX 4060, it does support Multi Frame Generation. Performance at low frame rates can suffer, so don’t push every setting to the max in modern games—but if you maintain frame rates above 60 FPS, you should be fine. For the price, it’s a solid entry into PC gaming, though don’t expect top-tier performance. On the plus side, it comes in a stylish fish tank-style chassis, which is a nice touch at this budget.
Gaming computer specs The Intel Core i9-14900K draws roughly 300 watts of power, so not all motherboard power designs can support it. To maintain stable performance without throttling, a motherboard with a “Z” series chipset is recommended. These boards are built with robust power delivery systems that prevent VRM overheating and ensure the CPU can run at full speed.
It’s also important for the motherboard to feature multiple metal heatsinks, which enhance cooling for critical components and help prolong their lifespan. Additionally, having dedicated heatsinks for SSDs is essential, as many drives are sold without built-in cooling solutions.