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Gaming PC Buying Guide

Gaming PC Buying Guide

With so many different gaming PCs on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That's where this easy-to-follow guide comes in! We'll walk you through the key factors to consider when buying a gaming PC, so you can make an informed decision and find the best PC for your budget and needs.

What is a gaming PC?

Think of a gaming PC as the ultimate entertainment engine. Unlike a standard computer, it’s built with high-performance muscle—like a dedicated graphics card and a lightning-fast processor—specifically designed to run video games. The result? You get stunning visuals, smoother movement, and a far more immersive experience than a console or standard PC could ever provide.

Gaming PCs vs Gaming Laptops

Gaming PCs vs Gaming Laptops

For pure power and easy upgrades, the desktop PC is still king. It stays cooler and lets you swap out parts for years to come. However, if you're tight on space or love gaming on the go, don't rule out a laptop. Modern gaming laptops are incredibly capable machines that rival desktops for performance, giving you an all-in-one powerhouse you can take anywhere.

Graphics Cards

The graphics card (GPU) is the heart of your gaming rig. It handles the visuals, ensuring your games look crisp and run smoothly without stuttering.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series Graphics Card

NVIDIA RTX 30 Series

The RTX 30 Series is the smart choice for value-focused gamers. It brought Ray Tracing to the mainstream and still delivers fantastic performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming. If you want great visuals without the latest-gen price tag, this is where to look. Just ensure your power supply (PSU) is up to the task!

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series Graphics Card

NVIDIA RTX 40 Series

Stepping up to the RTX 40 Series gives you the power of AI. Built on the Ada Lovelace architecture, these cards feature DLSS 3, which uses AI to generate extra frames for incredibly smooth gameplay. It’s a brilliant option for high-resolution gaming and creators who need speed for video editing.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Graphics Card

NVIDIA RTX 50 Series

Launched in 2025, the RTX 50 Series (Blackwell) is the bleeding edge of PC gaming. With faster GDDR7 memory and massive AI improvements via DLSS 4, this is for those who demand the absolute best. Note that these top-tier cards may require the updated 12V-2x6 power connectors.

RAM

RAM

Random access memory (RAM) is the short-term memory of the computer. It is used to store data that is currently being used by the CPU. For gaming, you will need at least 16GB of RAM to ensure that the game has enough memory to run smoothly.

Here is why RAM is important for gaming:

  • RAM stores the game's data: The game's code, textures, and models are all stored in RAM. This allows the CPU to access the data quickly and efficiently.
  • RAM helps to prevent stuttering: When the game runs out of RAM, it has to swap data to the hard drive. This can cause stuttering and frame drops.
  • RAM allows you to multitask: If you want to play a game while streaming or having other applications open, you will need more RAM
Processors

Processor

The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer. It is responsible for processing all of the data that the computer needs to run. For gaming, you will need a CPU that is fast and powerful. The number of cores in a CPU determines its overall performance. A CPU with more cores can process more data at the same time, which is essential for gaming.

Gaming PCs typically come with CPUs from the Intel Core i7 or i9 series, or the AMD Ryzen 5, 7, or 9 series. These CPUs are all powerful and have enough cores to handle even the most demanding games.

The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the top choice due to its 3D V-Cache technology, which minimises latency and boosts frame rates significantly in games. If you also need power for demanding creative tasks like video editing or live streaming, the higher core count of the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D or the hybrid efficiency of the Intel Core Ultra 9 processors offers a better all-round capability.

For those seeking a near-flagship experience without the absolute top price, the Intel Core Ultra 7 series provides a great balance of speed for both gaming and general high-end use.

[Image of CPU architecture diagram]
Gaming PC.

Cooling System

Gaming PC cooling systems keep components cool to prevent overheating and damage. The two main types are air cooling and liquid cooling. Air cooling is more common and less expensive, but liquid cooling is quieter and more effective for high-end components.

Gaming PC.

Motherboard

A gaming PC motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all of the other components in the PC. Gaming PC motherboards are designed to provide better performance and features than regular motherboards, such as more CPU power phases and PCIe slots.

Gaming PC.

Appearance

Gaming PC cases come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, with many featuring special effects to enhance their appearance, including RGB lighting, transparent sides and LCD displays. White gaming PCs are a popular choice among gamers for their sleek and modern look. They can also be a good way to make your gaming setup stand out from the crowd.

Gaming PC.

Storage

Storage is where your games, operating system, and other files are stored. For gaming, you will need a fast storage drive, such as an SSD. This will help to ensure that the games load quickly and that the gameplay is smooth.

Who needs a gaming PC?

Find the perfect PC to suit your gaming level from beginner to pro.

Beginner

Beginner

Getting started with PC gaming should be exciting, not complicated. For those new to the hardware or looking for a dependable machine for general tasks that can also handle modern games at good settings, our entry-level range is the ideal starting point.

These pre-built PCs skip the confusion of custom building, offering reliable setups that often feature processors from Intel's Core i3/i5 range or AMD's Ryzen 5 series, paired with entry-level dedicated graphics cards from NVIDIA.

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Intermediate

Intermediate

For the intermediate player looking to step up their performance without needing top-tier expenditure, a PC centred around an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processor is the sweet spot for speed and value.

Graphics power needs to be strong, ideally featuring an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 or similar current-generation card to maintain smooth frame rates, especially at 1080p resolution.

We want to see a minimum of 16GB of DDR5 RAM for multitasking and a swift NVMe SSD to guarantee rapid game loading times, bypassing slow mechanical drives completely. This specification range lets them tackle modern AAA titles well, offering a satisfying and lag-free experience for the majority of their gaming sessions.

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Pro

Pro

Serious gamers aiming for uncompromising 4K resolution and the lowest possible input lag need hardware at the very top of the specification list.

Look for systems featuring processors like the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D or the Intel Core Ultra 9 series, matched with the flagship NVIDIA RTX 5090 or its AMD equivalent. Performance stability is assured with a minimum of 32GB high-speed DDR5 RAM and the fastest PCIe Gen 4/Gen 5 NVMe SSDs for instant asset loading.

Premium cooling solutions, such as AIO liquid cooling, combined with a high-efficiency 80+ Gold/Platinum PSU, provide the quiet, sustained power required for competitive play.

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Getting the most out of your Gaming PC

When choosing your monitor you need to think about connections you may need. If you plan to watch films and TV or edit photos and video you’ll need a range of ports. You may also consider a monitor with multiple USB ports, enabling you to easily connect game controllers, memory sticks, smartphones and other devices.

Norton Gaming.

Norton Gaming

Norton 360 for gamers gives you powerful layers of security. Helps protect against cyberthreats like malware and webcam takeovers.

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Gaming Monitor.

Gaming Monitors

Complete your gaming set up with a high performance gaming monitor. Discover lighting fast refresh whilst enjoying stunning visuals.

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Gaming Peripherals.

Gaming Peripherals

Level up your gaming setup with high-quality gaming peripherals. Discover gaming headphones, keyboards and mice.

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Refurbished Gaming PC.

Refurbished Gaming PCs

Our refurbished gaming PCs are a great way to save money on a high-quality gaming computer. Refurbished PCs have been inspected, cleaned, and repaired to ensure that they meet all performance and quality standards.

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Shop by brand

Cyberpower.

CyberPower

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Medion.

Medion

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StormForce

StormForce

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Entity

Entity

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