Gaming is arguably one of the most computer-demanding fields, with today’s AAA titles requiring enormous computing power to seamlessly display complex 3D scenes with Hollywood-like effects. It is therefore not surprising that some high-end gaming PCs are as powerful as professional workstations such as those found in audio and video production studios! In fact, unlike a computer dedicated to office automation, a gamer’s PC must offer maximum power at all levels: processor (CPU), graphics card (GPU), RAM and storage (speed and capacity) but also power supply . And games are always more greedy, players are fond of latest generation components to improve performance. In short, the world of gaming is a bit like the world of Formula 1…
As a result, it is not easy to equip yourself when you want to stay in the race and many players prefer to assemble their PC themselves, by composing tailor-made configurations with the best components of the moment and by upgrading them. regularly. Because the three criteria to never lose sight of when you want a good computer for gaming are power, balance and scalability.
However, there are excellent ready-to-use Gamer PCs on the market. A practical formula when you don’t have confidence in your technical skills or, more simply, when you don’t have the time or the inclination to start assembling a machine. Many models are signed by specialized assemblers who compose PCs from elements selected from reputable manufacturers (Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, Corsair, etc.). But the big brands follow and also offer computers stamped gamer, sometimes making some compromises.
In all cases, whether custom-built PCs, assembler computers or big brand models, the prices are high. No question of finding a computer to start playing for less than 700 euros. The correct models often exceed the bar of 1500 euros – and the most powerful going well beyond 2000 euros. The least expensive machines are subject to various compromises which can be quickly penalizing, especially in terms of scalability. In addition, to the price of the central unit – often in tower format, for easier access to the components –, it is worth adding the price of a screen, a keyboard, a mouse or even a joystick. And again, by choosing peripherals designed specifically for gaming. Let it be said: a gaming PC is an investment!
We have made a selection of gaming PCs by choosing both from specialized assemblers and from major brands, taking into account the power, scalability and availability of certain components, as the market is constantly evolving.
On the CPU side, there is no question of using entry-level chips such as Intel Pentium or Celeron or AMD series A, E or Athlon. You need maximum power, so dig into the Intel i5, i7 or i9 and the AMD Ryzen 5, 7 or 9. The rule is simple: the higher the frequency, the better because the accumulation of cores is not not always very well supported by games, even the latest ones.
In our selection, we managed to find machines in both Intel and AMD, offering very good performance-equipment-price ratio in their respective price range. Very well placed in terms of power / price, the Ryzen range is expanding regularly and competes without problem with Intel solutions. The new Ryzen 5000 family – with Zen 3 architecture – does wonders for gaming when it wasn’t the strong point of other iterations. Intel’s Core 12 generation – the Alder Lake – is a big hit in gaming and regularly wins in numerous tests thanks to its new architecture and high operating frequencies. In this context, competition is good: prices smooth while power flies away. Perfect for PC gamers!
On the graphics side, immediately forget all the integrated solutions of the IGP type – for Integrated Graphics Process for full gaming. Even if there has been progress in this area and it is possible to play from time to time, do not expect to run a Call of ‘at full speed on an Intel Iris Xe or an AMD Radeon RDNA.
You need independent specialized circuits with dedicated video memory: in short, real graphics cards. While waiting for AMD to unveil a new range, Nvidia is keeping a good head start with its GeForce RTX range, which is to be preferred. But you have to deal with the availability of the products. Because if Nvidia has officially released its GeForce RTX 3000 Series range and strengthens it from time to time, it is in practice very difficult to obtain supplies on this reference. Manufacturers (Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo) have less difficulty but cannot produce as much as in the past. At AMD, the same observation: the new Radeon 6000 Series were launched at the end of 2020, entry and mid-range models were released in early 2022 but are struggling to find their way onto the shelves.
On the RAM side, even if you can start playing with 8 GB – by limiting the number of software open in parallel -, we recommend having a minimum of 16 GB to be comfortable and be able to stream games, for example . But also to be able to go to 32 GB to prepare for the future and therefore to always check the maximum capacity on a PC before purchasing, so as not to be blocked. Please note that Intel’s 12th generation Cores are now mostly associated with DDR5. Consequence: the prices of some machines have soared because this type of memory is brand new.
On the storage side, it is absolutely necessary to avoid configurations without SSD! At a minimum, the latter will host Windows and the basic software, which offers such an impressive speed gain that it is impossible to go back when you have tasted this type of storage. Prefer NVMe SSDs, which deliver impressive transfer rates, higher than SATA. It is not for nothing that the new generation of consoles (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X) adopts this technology. Aim for the maximum capacity that your budget allows without amputating the rest of the machine, because unfortunately modern games are getting overweight at a maddening speed. It sometimes takes more than 100 GB for some titles!
Finally, watch the power of the power supply, which must be sufficient to support the most greedy components, in particular the graphics cards, especially if you plan to change one day.
Last detail, even if the manufacturers do not hesitate to equip their Gamer PCs with various LED-based lighting systems, do not forget that it is only a question of decoration – tuning –, without any influence on the power. machines. Better a sober but well designed computer, therefore well balanced, rather than an anemic Christmas tree…