Looking to buy your first gaming PC? Please have a read of the below and make sure that you don't fall into the same trap that many do.
If you're considering your first gaming PC but know very little about them, you might be tempted by a budget-friendly option you find on eBay or Amazon. For instance, you might come across a "Gaming PC Bundle" priced just over £300, advertised with an i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and a GT710 2GB graphics card, all housed in a flashy case with a keyboard, mouse, and monitor included. You might think you've struck gold, but when you finally set it up and start playing your favorite game, you may be disappointed by its performance. Here are some key points to consider before making your purchase.
CPU (Processor)
The CPU (Central Processing Unit), often referred to as the brain of the computer, is a critical component to consider when purchasing a gaming PC. You may frequently see i5 and i7 CPUs listed in budget gaming PCs, but be cautious—they are often older 2nd generation models from around 2011, which lack the performance of modern CPUs.
GPU (Graphics Card)
The graphics card is a crucial component of any gaming PC. If you see models like the GT710 or GT730, be aware that these will struggle to run modern games effectively. A GT1030 might manage to play some older titles and eSports games, but it won't provide the performance needed for a satisfying gaming experience with newer titles.
RAM (Memory)
I strongly recommend having at least 16GB of RAM in your gaming PC. Many of the budget gaming PCs you find often come equipped with DDR3 RAM, which is significantly slower than the more modern DDR4 and DDR5 RAM options.
Drive (HDD, SSD,NVMe)
If your older PC uses a traditional hard drive, you’re likely familiar with the frustratingly long boot times. In today’s computing environment, having an SSD as your boot drive is essential, with NVMe drives being the optimal choice for speed and performance.
Case
PC cases are available in various sizes and price ranges, some featuring lights while others do not. One critical aspect to consider when selecting a case for a gaming PC is ensuring it has adequate airflow to keep the components cool and functioning optimally.
Warranty
I've noticed that many inexpensive refurbished PCs only come with a warranty of as little as 90 days, and some offer a year. In contrast, all of Elite PC's refurbished PCs come with a one-year parts and labor warranty, while all new PCs come with a minimum of two years of parts and labor warranty.
Conclusion & Next steps
Thank you for considering the important factors outlined above when purchasing your first PC, as it’s a significant investment that shouldn’t be taken lightly. At Elite PCs, we are here to assist and guide you in finding the best new or refurbished PC tailored to your needs—whether it’s for gaming, office work, or something more specialized. I likely have experience building something similar for another client, and for unique requirements, I’m more than willing to conduct the necessary research.
To help guide you effectively, here are some points to consider when looking for a new or refurbished PC:
- What will the PC be used for (gaming, streaming, music production, home storage, business use, etc.)?
- If it’s for gaming, which games do you intend to play? (The requirements for Minecraft differ greatly from those for Starfield.)
- What’s your budget? (This is crucial for helping you find the right options.)
- Do you prefer a flashy case with lights or a more understated design?
- Will you need a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, or is it just the tower you’re interested in?
- What’s your timeline? (Are you looking to purchase soon or in a few months?)
Please note:
- All PCs built by Elite PCs come with a one-year warranty for refurbished models and at least a two-year warranty for new PCs.
- Each PC will come with either Windows 10 or Windows 11 Professional pre-installed.
- Even if you're only purchasing a tower, it will include a power lead and HDMI cable for connecting to a monitor or TV.
- I am fully VAT registered and insured.
- On-site installation services are available for an additional cost; please inquire if interested.
- If you find a PC online that you like but aren’t sure if it meets your needs, feel free to send me a link along with your requirements for my opinion. I would rather lose a sale than have a customer end up disappointed.
Please use the contact form on our website to get in touch, or feel free to email me at clivewadey@elitepc.co.uk.
©Copyright. Elite PC's Registered Company 15936654
Follow me on Facebook for Exclusive deals and offers
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.