Can anyone talk to me about gaming PC’s?

[SpringSunshineandTulips]

My eldest really wants one. I am not very tech minded so does anyone know what I’d be looking for? He gets frustrated with our family pc because it lags. They all seem so expensive but don’t want to get the cheaper version if it’s not up to what he’s hoping for. Any tips.

Theres a computer place online called..... sorry I have mind blank so not much help, hopefully someone else knows the name. Build your own. Custom made. Works out cheaper than buying a piece of crap one that goes really slow.

overclockers.co.uk, you can buy from them and the forums are full of helpful people

Have you asked him?

Following with a great deal of interest!

If your eldest really wants one, has he done any research? Or just said "MOAR FASTER NOOAW" in a kid sort of way? Is he technically inclined, could he build a PC?

You can pay as much as you like for a gaming PC, starting at about £400 and sky's the limit. The lower bound is decided by the games to be played and would be a desktop. You can go up to about £6000 for a gaming laptop, let alone monster desktop.

So. Define some parameters. What games? What budget? What screen are you using - higher resolution means more expensive graphics cards needed.

Novotech build any spec and you can chat online, very decent company.

No need to go for a “gaming PC” as such, any fast desktop pc is fine (with an upgraded graphics card)

My DS built his own gaming PC for about £350 as he researched which components would get him optimum speed and spec. He’s very tech minded though. His first gaming PC was a desktop from Novotech where we discussed with them what games he wants to be able to play/requirements

Think the graphics card is where you end up spending a bit more

Depending on what he plays and how good he needs it to be - my OH builds PCs and even a basic but decent gaming PC comes in at roughly £1000 for new parts, he's just built one for a friend's son. On the other hand, I had a second hand MSI gaming desktop that cost £300, but it could barely handle the Sims. It was technically a gaming PC but it was useless.

The two-generations old graphics card that'll need replacing soon and offers not great performance that I have is still selling now for £250 alone!

It's not a cheap interest and our household spends far too much on components 😂

I'd be wary as PP said of buying a basic desktop and adding a good graphics card - it might work for some games but if he's actually into gaming that requires a decent spec, you could be wasting your money as he'll be disappointed!

A lot of games require high refresh rate monitors to be playable (as well as plus a good solid state hard drive, good graphics card and a decent amount of RAM).

It really depends what kind of games he plays!

Buy a pc that can be expanded. 12gb is minimum memory and needs a decent processor, separate graphics card is important, the spec depends on what he plays. My dd plays competitively on a normal laptop though so it could also be the internet connection (she has fibre 100min)

He doesn’t know as much as we thought he did. He likes to play Minecraft and fortnite at the moment but I’m sure he’ll add more at some point. We were looking at this one in curry’s. Any good?

Definitely recommend overclockers, we bought ours from them 3 years ago and have had amazing customer service.

I just asked my OH, OP and he said it's okay but won't play newer titles very well - but would be alright!

I'd agree with other people though - speaking to Overclockers and asking what they recommend for your budget. You'll nearly always get better builds by choosing components individually rather than buying a pre-made from Currys etc. They can build it too!

Have a look at gladiator PC if you want a custom build. Tends to be cheaper if your son knows what he wants

We’ve ordered from Gladiator. They’re on Quidco too 👍🏻