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GAMING FEATURE

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PC GAMING

SO, YOU WANT TO GET INTO PC GAMING ?

All ports No matter what sort of PC you opt for, make sure that it has all the ports you need. As many USB as possible, preferably with 3.2 support, and HDMI to send video to an external screen are musts, while a LAN port for wired internet is preferable for dependable online play.

Not sure where to start in getting into PC gaming? Don’t worry, from the rig itself to the accessories you may need, we’re here to help you with this handy beginner’s guide. Words Bec Summer B uying a games console is easy; you just plug it in, turn it on, and away you play. But getting into PC gaming introduces a world of options. Which processor? What graphics card? How much memory? What sort of storage, and what size? Then, do you go for the versatility of a desktop system, the flexibility of a laptop, or the full-on portability of a handheld?

PROCESSOR This is the heart of your gaming PC, that

DESKTOP The most physical space-hungry option, a desktop gaming rig also allows the most flexibility for upgrading components down the track. Plus, some of them look amazing with RGB lighting and space age designs. Here are two great options: Lenovo Legion T5/T7 Gaming Desktops With several models offering setups ranging from Intel Core i5/16GB/1TB/GeForce RTX 3030

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 Strix G17 Gaming Laptop Feature packed, this dynamo brings a large, almost bezel-free 17.3-inch screen with WQHD resolution,

determines the ultimate performance of your rig. There are two big competitors in this 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 all the latest AAA games, you’ll want to aim high here. GRAPHICS Rarely a consideration for those after productivity PCs, dedicated graphics are a must for those wanting to play the latest and greatest. NVIDIA tend to lead the way with dedicated graphics chips, providing regular updates to ensure that all the new games will play nice with your system. MEMORY This is where the code for your game sits and runs, and most games nowadays tend towards being quite memory hungry. Look at a minimum of 16GB here, and if 32GB is an option – or you have the potential to expand – it’s well worth considering. STORAGE How many games do you want 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 hard drives – is common, we’d go for at least 1TB, or know that we have the option to go bigger down the track.

graphics through to a mega Intel Core i7/32GB/2TB/GeForce RTX 4070, there’s sure to be a Legion that sits right in the sweet spot for any budding gamer. There’s even a glass side panel so that you can see inside!

AMD Ryzen 9 processing, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. Add NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics and a five-hour battery life and it’s a super gaming laptop option.

MSI Trident Gaming Desktops If you’re after a gaming rig that’s going to stand

Dell G15 Gaming Laptops There’s a lot of choice of models in Dell’s gaming optimised, Full-HD, 15-inch G15 series – there are

out, MSI’s Trident range may be for you. Featuring futuristic, angular designs, they also come in a range of specifications that veers from powerful beginner to absolute gaming titan, all featuring Intel processors, GeForce graphics cards, and a variety of memory and storage options.

even purple and white options! Processor choices include the gamut of Intel from i5 to i7 and i9, all with various levels of GeForce RTX graphics onboard and assorted RAM and SSD combos. And all in a cool, retro-inspired case!

38 JULY 2023

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