The Gamer's Bible

How to choose a gaming PC in 2023?

A gaming computer is a combination of its constituent parts: central processor, RAM, video card, hard disk and so on... The gaming system is assembled by selecting these components. in 2023.

central processor

In 2023, a gaming computer should have:

12th or 13th generation INTEL processor

5th or 7th generation AMD processor

If we want to understand the generation of the AMD processor, the first digit of the indexation (for example AMD Ryzen 9 7950X) indicates the 7th generation.

In the case of INTEL, the first two digits are the generation indicator (for example, Intel Core i5-13500) means the 13th generation.

The main feature of processors that are suitable for gaming is the number of cores, the more cores we have, the more stable the frame refresh rate will be in the game.

What do the letters F and K mean in Intel processors?

F - the processor does not have built-in video graphics (we will need a video card to display the image)

K - processor has a high frequency rate and we can accelerate it in turbo mode.

What do the letters G and X mean in AMD processors?
G - the processor has built-in graphics

X - the processor has the ability to work at high frequencies

4-core processors

Many people believe that 4-core processors are already obsolete, however, in the tests Intel Core i3-12100(F) shows better results than the i7-9700K released in 2018, therefore it is not worth writing off 4-core processors, they are still successful in gaming today.

It should also be noted that now the only 4-core processor that is suitable for gaming is the Intel Core i3-12100(F), its closest counterpart is the AMD Ryzen 3 4100, which is far behind in performance, so if you are considering buying these two options, our advice is inlel make a choice on the processor.

6-core processors

Today, they are considered the best options in terms of price and performance, and their popularity is growing every year because they can handle all kinds of tasks, regardless of what kind of graphics we need to play.

Current processors from intel

• Intel Core i5-12400;
• Intel Core i5-12500;
• Intel Core i5-13400;
• Intel Core i5-13500.

Current processors from AMD

• AMD Ryzen 5 5600;
• AMD Ryzen 5 5600X;
• AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

The newer the version of the processor, the greater its performance. The version is expressed by the numbers that follow the generation number (for example, Intel Core i5-12400 - in this case it is the version of the 400 processor), AMD processors have a similar principle.

Note: If you want to build a computer with maximum graphics, you need at least a 6-core processor.

Processors with 8 cores or more

Frame refresh rates for computers with 6, 8, 10, 12 cores do not differ much, but this does not mean that we will not get better results by increasing the cores. In some games, the conditions are such that installing expensive processors is a direct necessity to get good graphics.

To consider one example, let's say you have a quad-core processor Core i3-12100(F) and a video card NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090... most likely we will get a picture where the processor will be loaded at 100% and the video card at 30-40 and in order to , to get the maximum refresh rate of frames, these data should be exactly the opposite, therefore it makes sense to install a multi-core processor.

video cards

This component is the most important for a gaming computer. Other components ... the processor, RAM certainly play a big role, however, it depends on the video card at what graphic level you run this or that game.

The main feature here is performance, we can learn about it from the numbers in the name, as in the case of processors, the first numbers here also indicate the generation, and the following numbers indicate the power.

Let's explain it with an example (NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080) - 40 means generation, and 80 means performance. AMD has it a little differently, the first number here is generation and the other 3 are performance. If we take AMD Radeon RX 6800, 6 is generation, and 800 is performance.

In a modern gaming computer, our advice is to install:

• NVIDIA 30 or 40 generation
• AMD 6th or 7th generation
  

Video cards that will be useful at the initial stage

Here we mainly list the series that are intended for playing at medium and high graphics at 60 fps and Full HD.

A modern computer should use (Intel):

• GeForce RTX 3050
• GeForce RTX 3060 [8GB]

AMD in this case

• RX 6400
• RX 6500XT

One nuance that concerns these cards is that they have a reduced number of PCI-Express channels. Usually this number is 16, although in these cases it is less. Why is it important to know this? If we install this video card on a motherboard that cannot accept PCI-Express version 4, the power of the video card will drop. Therefore, always specify which version of PCI-E is supported by the motherboard.

 Mid-range video cards

Cards designed for ultra graphics, Full HD and 2K expansion are included in this category.

They are: (Intel)

• RTX 3060 [12GB];
• RTX 3060 Ti;
• RTX 3060 Ti [8GB GDDR6X];
• RTX 3070;
• RTX 3070 Ti.

 AMD :

• RX 6600;
• RX 6600XT;
• RX 6650XT;
• RX 6700;
• RX 6700XT;
• RX 6750XT

 "Top" video cards

In this category, we have combined the cards that are intended for playing on 4K or 2K expansion, attention should be paid to the fact that it is very good if you have a monitor with a frequency of 144-240 hertz.

(Intel)

• RTX 3080 [10GB];
• RTX 3080 [12GB];
• RTX 3080 Ti;
• RTX 3090;
• RTX 3090 Ti;
• RTX 4070 Ti;
• RTX 4080;
• RTX 4090

      AMD:

• RX 6800;
• RX 6800XT;
• RX 6850XT;
• RX 6900XT;
• RX 6950XT;
• RX 7900XT.

Built-in graphics
Some manufacturers of gaming computers do not install a video card, which is why the ability to play is very limited.                              

RAM

The performance of the central processor directly depends on the RAM. More precisely, on its volume and frequency. We will review this important issue in detail.

16GB RAM

In 2023, this is the minimum amount that the game needs. This does not mean that you cannot play with 8GB of RAM, but you will definitely encounter problems such as:

Drop out of the game
"Lag" delays in gameplay
Very low FPS

 Lags in the game is a process when the frame rate drops a lot for a short time. In general, the change in FPS is a normal thing, but it is bad if its value drops too often and by large values.

For example, if you have a stable 70-90 FPS while playing, it is very good, if it regularly drops to 40, then suddenly jumps to 90... this is a typical "lag". makes the game.

 32GB RAM

This is the optimal capacity that you need to play in 2023. Yes, most games require 16GB, however, the same Hogwarts Legacy and Forspoken already require 32GB. When having less RAM in these games, frequent FPS drops are fixed and become stronger when interacting with the open world. Also It is a fact to consider, every year the number of such games will increase, so set 32GB from the beginning.

64GB RAM

You build a gaming computer 5-7 years ago
In addition to the game, you also work in some graphics program, even in 3d max.

Type of RAM

Today there are two types of operational DDR4 and DDR5. At first glance, it may seem that DDR5 is better because it is new, but this is not true. The advantage is felt only when working in certain programs, and there is practically no difference in games.

why Because we have "lazy" game developers, optimizing games for DDR5 practically does not happen or at a very minimal level. Therefore, it will be several years before we can use the potential of DDR5 in the game.

Therefore, it is up to you whether you will install DDR4 or DDR5 in 2023, if finances allow, then why not, if not, you will not lose anything.

RAM frequency

In gaming computers, the frequency of the DDR4 operating system should not be less than 3200 hertz, because at a lower frequency the processor loses performance. This is especially relevant for AMD processors, because their performance largely depends on the operating frequency.

It's a little easier for us with DDR5, its performance does not depend on the frequency, so you can safely install a standard 5200 percent module.

Radiators/cooling

The radiator is an iron shell in which the RAM module is installed. What is it used for? If the system gets hot, then it relatively cools the module and also just for beauty.

Is it necessary to have it? No. However, it is desirable.

Firstly, the radiator prolongs the life of RAM chips, the cooler they are, the longer they will work. Secondly, if the radiator has lighting, our computer will look more attractive in different colors and please the eye. That's all.

Hard drives SSD and HDD

Let's say that the time of HDD has passed, although we can use it perfectly as a storage, to store pictures, documents, programs and so on. Modern games are so loaded with details that they need SSD M2 disks. In case of HDD, we will have such problems as:

Levels take a long time to load
Objects appear incorrectly
The textures will load in front of you.
That's why installing games on SSD and storage on HDD is a very good combination. Do not forget that if the SSD is damaged, it is either impossible or very difficult to restore information, but the HDD can be restored.

case and cooling

  This issue is such a big topic that we will dedicate a separate blog to these components, and this time we will review only the main parameters.

  In general, any component deteriorates, this applies to processors, motherboards and all parts of the computer, one of the mechanisms to slow down this process is good cooling and a good case.

   The easiest way to solve the problem is to buy a case in which the air moves freely, that is, the hot air coming from the components should pass easily on one side, and the cold air should flow freely on the other side. To achieve such air circulation, I will need a case:

with special perforation
The power supply compartment should be below
Several coolers should be provided on both sides for air intake and exhaust.
In short, these parameters should characterize the gaming computer in 2023. This will allow all components to work longer, so we will not have any problems with the game for a long time.

Power block

   This component should be treated very carefully, because modern computer parts are very demanding with power consumption, especially video cards, which often fail due to insufficient voltage supply.

  As a rule, the quality of the power supply unit is indicated by the certificate 80 PLUS, their classification is:

• 80 PLUS;
• 80 PLUS BRONZE;
• 80 PLUS SILVER;
• 80 PLUS GOLD;
• 80 PLUS PLATINUM;
• 80 PLUS TITANIUM.

  In general, this parameter indicates the difference between the input current from the socket and the output power provided by the power supply unit, however, based on low-quality elements, the certificate 80 PLUS GOLD and higher cannot be obtained. For example, we may have 1 (NO NAME) brand 80 PLUS GOLD power supply unit and another with the same certificate. There will be a big difference in the price of a good brand because of the quality and poor quality base.

Therefore, our advice is to pay a lot of attention to this factor when assembling a gaming system.

We will continue this blog with the topic of price categories of gaming computers and their adaptation for gaming, so wait until the next blog ????