Computers for Computer Gaming

I have recently been asked: "What is the best computer to buy for computer gaming?"

I had a very simple answer: Buy the computer with the largest hard disk, the fastest processor, the best graphics card, the most ram possible, the best possible sound card and the best screen you can afford.

The largest and fastest Hard Disk possible.

The recent developments in the computer gaming industry requires the biggest hard disk with the fastest data link possible. The reason for this is that a lot of the games have to be installed on the Hard Disk and require high data transfer rates. In this case look for something with bigger onboard cache memory and prefer to use Serial ATA or SCSI disks rather than parallel ATA.

The Fastest processor you can afford.

Here you can not really compromise: The requirements of the latest games is that the processor really will work very hard and to prevent the game from running smooth and not in a stop - go - stop - go fashion you need to have a real strong processor. At least a 3.0 GHZ processor and if you can afford a multi-processor system with 2 x 2,4 GHZ processors go for it.

The Graphics card of your Gaming computer is real important.

The reason is that most of the newer games run in 3D mode and therefore requires the best possible graphics card for the computer. I personally suggest a 3D graphics card with at least 256 MB to 512 MB of onboard ram. The computer will only operate well when the processor and the graphics card operate optimally.

The most RAM available.

Very few games will run with less than at least 256 MB of ram. I would say that it will probably be better to use between 512 MB and 1024 MB of ram as it will definitely assist you to play the games you really want.

The best sound card possible.

The sound card should at least be ASIO 2.0 compatible with a sampling rate of at least 96 kHz that ensure that the system will always offer you the optimum performance. If you have the funds and you can afford a 7.1 surround sound system it will definitely be worthwhile for the best gaming experience.

Best screen resolution possible.

The screen should preferably have at least 1600X1280 pixels with a very high refresh rate to really enjoy the latest game technology to it true capacity.

Enjoy your computer gaming computer.

Written by JD
21 December 2006
South Africa