MeinMMO introduces you to 9 programs and app groups that should not be missing on any gaming PC. From gaming clients to analysis software, everything is included.
Are you setting up your gaming PC or just want to know which software you should definitely install? MeinMMO introduces you to apps and programs that should not be missing from any gaming system.
The Android emulator BlueStacks and the gaming tool “Playnite” are not in this list, as they offer more convenience features for us and are not necessary programs that everyone needs.
The recommendations are deliberately apps and programs aimed at gamers. If you are looking for generally helpful programs, then please take a look at the following list on MeinMMO:
8 free programs that you should definitely install on every computer
Steam and Epic Games
Type of tool: Gaming | Price: free | Download Steam and Download Epic Games
Steam and the Epic Game Launcher are the largest and most well-known launchers that you currently need for most games. As a rule, the two clients should be among the first programs you should install on a gaming system.
You only need “Ubisoft Connect” (uplay) or “EA Play” if you buy your games directly from these launchers. Otherwise, these launchers are mostly installed via Steam as soon as you want to install a corresponding game. Anyone who buys Anno 1800 via Steam always has Ubisoft Connect with them. Other games, like League of Legends, come with their own client.
GOG also offers a PC client with “GOG Galaxy”. This is optional but comes in handy if you want to update your games.
Why should I install this? Steam and Epic are more or less mandatory if you want to install games today. Because almost all major games come with one of the two.
HWMonitor and CPU-Z
Type of tool: Analysis of hardware | Price: free, paid pro version | Download
HWMonitor and CPU-Z are both small, free tools that you can use to keep an eye on all the components of your PC. While HWMonitor gives you an overview of the entire system, CPU-Z goes into detail with the processor and co.
This can be very handy if you want to check if your hardware might be getting too hot or overheating, or just want to know what hardware you have installed.
Why should I install this? HWMonitor is essential if you want to keep an eye on your hardware. On top of that, the tool is only a few MB in size and hardly needs any system reserves. CPU-Z offers you a number of details about your built-in processor. This is not a must, but is often very helpful.
7-Zip
Type of tool: Extract and Compress Files | Price: free | Download
Having a tool to extract and compress files is always useful and this is where 7-Zip comes in handy. And in most cases the better option than WinRAR too. 7-Zip can also be used as a clear file manager.
Some games like to deliver additional digital content such as soundtracks or wallpapers as an archive file. Here it is practical to have good software on the computer.
Why should I install this? 7-Zip is mandatory if you have to open special file formats that Windows’ in-house archive management cannot handle.
Vortex
Type of tool: Modifications for games | Price: free | Download
NexusMods is one of the largest communities when it comes to game mods. In the meantime, the Vortex program has replaced the old Nexus Mod Manager as the official mod manager of Nexus Mods.
With Vortex you can uninstall or install mods for your favorite games and see all mods in a clear list.
Why should I install this? Vortex is always helpful when games don’t support the Steam workshop, for example, or you want to install a lot of mods. Don’t install mods? Then you don’t need the tool.
MSI Afterburner
Type of tool: Streaming, video and audio recording | Price: free | Download
MSI Afterburner is a popular tool for overclocking graphics cards. You can overclock both AMD and Nvidia GPUs.
In addition, you can also display additional information, such as the temperature of the GPU, the load or the speed of the fan. With a certain overlay you can also display a number of data in the game.
Why should I install this? MSI Afterburner is the tool if you want to overclock your graphics card and don’t want to use the in-house programs from AMD, Nvidia or Intel. If you are not interested in overclocking, then you can at least use the extensive data or the helpful overlay.
OBS Studio
Type of tool: Streaming, video and audio recording | Price: free | Download
OBS Studio is the multi-function tool if you want to record games or audio and is therefore the first choice for many streamers. The software is free and offers a whole range of functions that can be overwhelming, especially at the beginning.
For those who want to get into streaming or just want to record games, OBS Studio is the right choice. In particular, the ability to easily record games and save them on your own hard drive is helpful.
Why should I install this? For many streamers, OBS Studio is their first tool of choice. But it can also be worth it for quick shots. If you don’t want to record sound or video, you can usually do without OBS Studio.
discord
Type of tool: Text, voice chat and community | Price: free, optional subscription | Download
Discord is now one of the most important communication tools for gamers and has long since replaced other software such as Teamspeak or Skype. In addition to text and voice chat, Discord also offers you other features such as extensive communities with chats that you can join.
Discord is free, but is funded with an optional subscription that unlocks a few additional features. You can also boost your favorite servers with a subscription. But this is also optional.
Why should I install this? Discord is used by almost every gamer today. Many developers also use the tool to communicate with the community. If you want to actively participate in games, there is hardly a way around Discord. If you only play alone and don’t have any gaming friends, then Discord is also optional.
Prime95, Furmark, Cinebench and 3DMark
Type of tool: benchmark and stress test | Price: free | Download Prime95, Download Furmark, Download Cinebench, Download 3DMark
These are benchmark tools and other programs that you can use to check the performance of your system. Such apps are ideal as a stress test for the mainboard, processor and RAM.
If you have installed new hardware or installed a used graphics card, you can see immediately whether your system is working properly even under high load.
Why should I install this? If you want to test your hardware or just want to know how fast your system is, then the small benchmark tools are worthwhile.
VLC media player
Type of tool: Media | Price: free | Download
VLC Media Player is a free program for playing music, movies and other media. The software is lean and offers a lot of functions. On top of that, you get features such as streaming or recording functions.
The VLC Media Player is especially recommended if you buy soundtracks in the form of mp3 or wav files.
Be careful when downloading: There are a lot of fake sites out there that supposedly also offer you VLC. The correct address is Videolan.org. All addresses ending in DE are fake.
Why should I install this? VLC Media Player is one of the most popular free media players on the market. If you want to play music or stream a playlist at the same time, then the VLC Media Player is ideal.
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