How to Set Up Your Gaming PC for Optimal Performance

jayacom357

Whether you’re buying a new gaming PC or you simply want to boost performance in an older gaming desktop or laptop, hardcore gamers can get it done with a little bit of effort — and the right solutions. 

Improving your gaming PC’s performance is a critical component in staying ahead of the pack. With new technologies emerging on the gaming PC landscape each year, if you’re running an outdated gaming laptop or gaming desktop, you might find yourself on the wrong side of a battle with other players.  

Below, we’ve outlined the core components in setting up a gaming computer for optimal performance. The following recommendations apply both to those who are buying a new gaming PC, as well as those who already have a gaming laptop or gaming desktop and simply want to improve its performance. 

If you’re serious about boosting your gameplay and you want to see just how good you can be, read on for a look at the best ways to improve your gaming PC performance. 

Up your RAM 

RAM has long been one of the easiest — and most affordable — ways to improve your computer’s performance. 

In today’s rapidly changing gaming space, you’ll want to ensure you have at least 16GB of RAM, though power players would tell you that substantially more — 32GB, 64GB, or even more would be desirable. 

Budget also matters here. If you already have an Acer gaming PC, you may find that the best RAM for your machine could be quite costly, even in smaller capacities. If you’re buying a gaming desktop or gaming laptop, you should be able to save a bit (and future proof) by getting more RAM with your purchase.  

With more RAM, you’ll find your gaming PC just works better. Expect apps to open more quickly and games to perform better. Along the way, expect your competitiveness to improve. 

Check for malware 

It’s a tale as old as time: you could be running the most powerful gaming PC on the market, but if it’s riddled with malware, you’ll find its performance sluggish and your experience of actually using it less than ideal. 

That's why it’s important to invest in solid anti-malware software to limit the chances of Windows exploits wreaking havoc on your computer. While there are plenty of options available to your gaming PC, finding the right anti-malware software will take some research and testing to find the right solution for you. 

Also be sure to invest in gaming PCs that come with must-have security features like Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security and BIOS protection. And as always, don’t open unfamiliar links or emails from people you don’t know.  

A little focus on security goes a long way. 

Go with SSD 

As hard disk drives (HDDs) slowly find their way out of the gaming PC market, it’s important to invest in the faster and overall better storage technology available in solid state drives (SSDs).  

Regardless of the amount of storage you need, spending a bit more on a gaming computer with an SSD will go a long way in improving your PC. Not only will you find faster access to the data you want most, but an SSD will also improve your computer’s broader performance. 

Disk cleanup 

No, it’s not 1998. Even though today’s gaming PCs have become more streamlined and generally work better than older models, they still require regular upkeep. 

To ensure your gaming laptop or gaming desktop is running in tip-top shape, use a disk cleanup solution to clean up ancillary or unnecessary files, ensure your drive is running well, and all other useless software is removed to unclog your machine. 

There are plenty of solid disk cleanup solutions available on Windows PCs, but like anti-malware software, be sure to do your due diligence and find the option that will do the best job of keeping your gaming PC running smoothly. 

Amp up your video card 

No conversation about gaming computers is complete without talking about your video card. Indeed, one of the biggest differentiators from top-performing PCs and gaming computers is the video card you employ. 

Whether you’re buying new or upgrading your gaming PC, be sure to splurge on a high-quality video card. Both AMD and Nvidia make outstanding video cards that come with high-performance memory, GPU boost performance, and other key features. 

To get the most value from your video card, consider opting for a gaming GPU that has more dedicated RAM instead of less. You’ll also want to ensure your video card has boost capabilities to give you a little extra oomph in the moments that matter most. And pairing it with an outstanding gaming monitor is another great way to get more out of your card. 

If nothing else, don’t skimp on a video card. The better your GPU, the more powerful your gaming PC.  

Billsey

Good points, though my preference is always to do the HDD->SSD migration before memory upgrades. Costs are similar, but performance boost is significantly higher with the migration vs. a memory upgrade.