STACK #242 December 2024

GAMING FEATURE

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PICK YOUR PC GAMING RIG!

PORTS! No matter what type of PC you go for, ensure that it has all the ports that you’ll need. As many USB as possible, and HDMI to send video to an external screen, are musts, while a LAN port for wired internet will deliver more reliable online play than Wi-Fi.

Wanting to get a PC gaming setup, but you’re not sure which way to go? We’re here to help! Over the next two pages we look at the three main options - and offer some suggestions for great rigs to get you off and gaming. Words Bec Summer W ith a games console, you just plug it in and away you go, but PC gaming space, Intel, and AMD. Like many things, usually the higher the number, the better the performance – an i9 is greater than an i5, for example. If you’re looking at running

LAPTOP

Easy to take pretty much anywhere you wish to go, gaming laptops nowadays pack impressive specs on a par with many high-end desktop systems.While usually less user-upgradeable, you can get set up with a powerhouse from day one. Check out these great options: Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 Gaming Laptops Available in several speedy Intel processor, RAM to spare, and plenty of SSD storage. Add NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics and ports galore and any ROG Zephyrus is a super gaming laptop option. MSI Stealth AI Studio With models offering 14”, 16”, and even a huge 18” screen, plus an Intel Core Ultra processing heart, you’ll be playing with real power. Meanwhile, there’s AI and a minimum 32GB of RAM, while NVIDIA GeForce RTX options abound, making sure that you have the latest and greatest for both work and play. configurations, no matter which you opt for this dynamic laptop brings a large, 16-inch OLED screen, a

MEMORY In order to run at their best, the majority of games tend towards being quite memory hungry. So, look at a minimum of 16GB here, and if 32GB is an option – or you have the potential to expand – then it’s really worth considering. STORAGE How many games do you want to have installed at the same time? While a 512GB SSD – that’s short for ‘Solid State Drive’, a moving parts-free, speedier option than old school mechanical hard drives – is common, 1TB is the sweet spot. Otherwise, check that you have the option to go bigger down the track.

introduces more variables. Which processor? What graphics card? How much memory? What sort of storage, and how much of it? Then, do you go for the expandability of a desktop system, the flexibility of a laptop, or the full on portability of a handheld? Firstly, let’s look at these four key features… PROCESSOR The heart of your gaming PC, this determines the ultimate performance of your setup. There are two big competitors in this

all the latest AAA games, you’ll really want to aim high here. GRAPHICS Not usually a consideration for those after productivity PCs, dedicated graphics are a must for those who aim to play the latest and greatest games. NVIDIA tend to lead the way here, with dedicated graphics chips, and providing regular updates to ensure that all the new games will play nice with your system.

DESKTOP

The least portable, most space-hungry option, a desktop gaming rig also allows the most flexibility for future upgrades. Plus, some of them look super-slick with RGB lighting and space age designs! Here are two great options:

MSI MPG Trident AS Gaming Desktops

Asus ROG Strix G13CH Gaming Desktop

With several configuration options available, there’s an MPG Trident to suit any gamer’s needs. Each packs a zippy 14th generation Intel Core

Two power-packed options offer a choice of 14th generation Intel Core i5/16GB/512GB/GeForce RTX 3050 graphics, or a mega 14th generation Intel Core i7/16GB/512GB/GeForce RTX 4060.

processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics, and RGB lighting in a wild windowed tower case that’s also compact, so it takes up minimal desk space.

Either way, you’re on a readily expandable winner. There’s even a glass side panel so that you can see inside!

58 DECEMBER 2024

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