When it comes to choosing the gaming PC of your dreams, there are a considerable number of details and factors that you need to take into account.
You may have questions such as; what will you be using your PC for? Do you want a budget-friendly PC? Are you interested in taking advantage of the latest generation of hardware? As such, creating your dream PC can become quite a daunting task. But fear not! Our team of experts at Overclockers UK has answered your calls and compiled this handy guide on how to choose a gaming PC.
So, sit back, grab a brew, and keep on reading.
What Am I Going to Use my PC for?
Your choice of hardware is defined by what you are going to be using your PC for.
If you are using your PC for content creation or streaming, it’s critical you have a high-end CPU that can handle multitasking as well as heavy-duty video and photo editing programs. Along with a hefty amount of RAM and storage space for all your creative projects. For more information on how to get into PC streaming and what hardware you need – why not check out our dedicated blog post?
On the other hand, if you are primarily going to be using your PC for gaming, you may want to consider investing in the latest series of graphics cards. The NVIDIA 30 series, for example, comes equipped with a plethora of cutting-edge technology, designed to enhance your performance. Experience your favourite AAA titles in stunning cinematic quality, with near-zero latency, even on ultra-high game settings.
For casual use, multimedia consumption, internet browsing, or work, you will need a large amount of storage space or to even look for a PC that includes a secondary SSD. Compared to an HDD, an SSD lacks any moving parts and instead utilises integrated memory circuits to access your data at lightning-fast speeds. Taking the stress out of working from home!
Budget or Elite PC?
Purchasing your dream gaming PC doesn’t need to break your wallet. From budget or gaming to elite tier, OcUK has a plethora of PCs on offer. We’ve included an example of a computer from each tier to showcase what’s available in different price ranges.
Refract Gaming Crimson PC (Budget Gaming):
- Pre-built PC designed for casual and entry-level gaming
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600G APU with integrated RX Vega Graphics
- 16GB DDR5 RAM
- 250GB SSD and 1TB HDD
- Windows 11 Home
OcUK Gaming Kestrel PC (Budget Gaming):
- Configurable gaming PC
- Customisable base hardware specification
- As standard includes AMD Ryzen 5 5500 CPU and AMD Radeon RX 6600 GPU
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
Refract Gaming Jade PC (Intermediate Gaming):
- Pre-built PC for mid-tier gaming and budding streamers
- AMD Ryzen 7 7700 CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4060 Ti GPU
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- 1TB M.2 SSD
- Windows 11 Home
OcUK Gaming Katana PC (Intermediate Gaming):
- Customise and configure the base hardware specification
- Intel Core i7 14700KF Hyperthreaded CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti Super
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- Optional secondary SSD
OcUK Gaming Germanium Z7 Gaming PC (Elite Tier Gaming):
- Customisable base hardware specification
- Intel Core i7 14700KF CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- 500GB and 1TB M.2 SSDs
- 1000W 80 Plus Gold PSU
OcUK PC Configurator:
If you are struggling to choose the system of your dreams, OcUK has designed our very own PC Configurator.
With a vast range of customisation options available, you can craft your PC to meet your individual needs and requirements. Once you’ve decided, our team of dedicated, skilled technicians will assemble and test your computer to ensure the delivery of high-quality, reliable performance.
OcUK Tech Labs Intel 12th/13th Gen Pro Gaming PC Configurator
- Intel 12th and 13th Gen PC Configurator
- Configure the hardware to suit your needs, favourite games, and playstyle
OcUK Tech Labs AMD Ryzen AM5 Gaming PC Configurator
- AMD Ryzen 7000 Series PC Configurator
- Customise and configure the hardware spec to suit your needs and favourite games
Upgrade to the Latest Generation of PC Hardware
If you want to become the envy of all your friends on the battlefield or take the stress out of creating content and streaming – it’s worth considering investing in the latest generation of PC tech.
The added price is worth it when you can sit back and enjoy your favourite game in jaw-dropping photorealistic quality, or have a distinct advantage over your teammates thanks to integrated AI technology. Better yet, take the fuss out of trying to handle multiple tasks at once, when your PC comes equipped with intelligent workload management, at lightning-fast speeds.
Intel 14th Gen CPUs:
This brand-new generation of CPU comes fully equipped with Intel’s hyprid core architecture. An intelligent combination of hybrid P (performance) and E (efficiency) cores, designed to streamline workloads. Intel’s Thread Director algorithm takes control and assigns tasks to the correct core to ensure the best quality of performance, every time.
If you want to find out more about Intel Raptor Lake CPUs – why not check out our dedicated blog post?
Intel Core i7 14700KF CPU
- Intel 14th Gen
- Hybrid core architecture
- 20 cores and 28 threads
- 5.6GHz single core boost speed
- 125W TDP
DDR5 RAM:
The latest generation of PC memory, DDR5 improves on the standard set by DDR4. The brand new two-channel architecture allows for improvements in memory both in density and bandwidth, along with a notable reduction in power consumption. Plus, with a notable increase in clock speeds, DDR5 holds nearly double the memory clock of previous generations!
If you want more information on DDR5 RAM and how it compares to DDR4, take a look at our blog post where we explain the differences!
Corsair Dominator Platinum 32GB Dual Channel DDR5 RAM:
- 2 x 16GB modules
- DDR5 standard
- 5600MHz
- Customisable with Corsair iCUE software
- Synchronise with other compatible iCUE hardware
NVIDIA 40 Series GPU:
The future of gaming is bright with NVIDIA’s 40 series of GPUs. Designed to give you ultimate performance, thanks to intelligent Ada Lovelace RTX architecture and dedicated RT cores. With Real-Time Ray Tracing, AI DLSS 3.5, and even all-new streaming multiprocessors, you can experience the latest AAA titles in stunning cinematic quality, and even enjoy the additional boost to your FPS.
For a more in-depth look at the jaw-dropping features of the NVIDIA 40 Series, check out our dedicated blog post.
ASUS GeForce RTX 4080 TUF 16GB GDDR6X GPU:
- NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture
- 9728 CUDA Cores
- 16GB GDDR6X memory
- 2240MHz boost clock speed
- VR Ready
- Real Time Ray Tracing Enabled
AMD Radeon RX 7000 Series GPUs:
Expertly crafted for enthusiasts, AMD’s Radeon RX 7000 series of graphics cards, utilises powerful AMD RDNA 3 architecture to deliver you noteworthy performance. With support for AMD Infinity Cache along with DirectX 12 Ultimate and AMD FidelityFX, you can experience truly immersive gaming action. Plus, with dedicated performance enhancing technology, such as AMD Radeon Anti-Lag, take advantage of this competitive edge and enable ultra-fast response times.
Sapphire Radeon RX 7900 XT Gaming Trio GPU:
- Powered by AMD RDNA 3 architecture
- 20GB GRDDR6 memory
- 2450MHz boost clock speed
- AMD FidelityFX enabled
Power Supplies (PSU):
A critical component of any gaming PC, the power supply (PSU) supplies power to all your hardware.
- Selection of form factors available
- Choose from Bronze – Platinum 80 Plus Ratings
- Available from manufacturers such as; Seasonic, Corsair, and Kolink
For an in-depth look at power supplies check out our ultimate guide.
Cooling:
Whether you choose air or water, you need a comprehensive cooling system to keep your gaming PC cool and quiet.
- Selection of fans and AiO coolers available
- Available from manufacturers such as; Lian Li, Corsair, and Cooler Master
Storage:
You will need to invest in some high-quality storage for all your favourite AAA titles, music, videos, or creative projects.
If you want more information on whether you should choose an SSD or HDD, check our blog post?
- Selection of SSD or HDD available
- Choose from M.2 NVMe PCIe or SATA port compatibility
- Available from manufacturers such as; WD Blue, Seagate, and Samsung
Cases:
To show off all your amazing gaming tech, you need an equally stylish case to match.
- Choose from mini up to full tower cases
- Variety of stylish and futuristic designs that include integrated RGB lighting
- Available from manufacturers such as; Lian Li, Phanteks, and Kolink
Get Your Battle Station Ready
Your dream PC is incomplete without the set-up to match it.
But fear not! Once you’ve chosen the perfect system, OcUK has a vast range of peripherals, monitors, chairs, and much more, to complete your battle station. I’ve included some of my favourites down below, just to tempt you further…
ASUS K1 Keyboard and M3 Mouse Gaming Bundle:
- Includes ASUS K1 Keyboard and M3 Gaming Mouse
- Comes with a detachable wrist rest
- Integrated RGB lighting
Gigabyte M28U 28” Widescreen LED Gaming Monitor:
- 28’’ 144Hz IPS display
- Adaptive-Sync technology
- Ergonomic stand for the perfect viewing angle
- Height adjustable
noblechairs ICON Black Gaming Chair:
- Game on in comfort and style
- Constructed from PU leather with breathable micro-pores and cold foam upholstery
- 4D cushioned armrests
The Overclockers UK Academy
Got a burning question about gaming PCs? Take a look at our Overclockers UK Academy for plenty of helpful guides and video tutorials about your PC. We’ve covered everything from the BIOS to your GPU.
What PC Did You Choose?
Did you make your decision? What gaming PC did you go for? Tell us in the comments.
*Prices correct at time of writing and PC specs are subject to change.
- 9 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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