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Gaming: A guide on how to navigate buying a gaming PC

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I’ve always been a console gamer, from the Atari 2600 to Nintendo 64, my childhood was defined by these classic consoles.
As technology advances, so does mine games platforms – progress from Xbox to Game console 2 and across five generations of gaming consoles. Today, consoles boast unprecedented power, with lightning-fast loading screens and hyper-realistic graphics.

Yet many overlook the fact that PCs have been providing comparable experiences for years. In fact, computers have never been more affordable than they are today.

Data published last year by the IGEA revealed that in Australia, four out of five people play video games to some degree. So it’s no surprise that more people are getting into the PC and console gaming market.
When it comes to what gaming PC to buy, the best advice is to talk to an expert. (Allied Gaming)

Gaming PCs are specially designed with enhanced graphics capabilities and processing power to handle the demands of modern video games, which often require more resources than your typical everyday computing tasks.

While a regular PC or laptop may be more affordable, they may not have the necessary hardware to run the latest games smoothly – or at all.

I’ve dabbled with some pretty impressive gaming laptops, most recently the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16, but I’m admittedly beyond my limits when it comes to hardcore PC gaming.

Knowing the ins and outs of a computer can be overwhelming for the uninitiated with hundreds of technical terms and computer parts.

To shed some light on navigating the complexities of PC gaming, I spoke to Luke Fletcher from Allied Gaming, a company that has been at the forefront of the Australian gaming scene for two decades, stemming from renowned PC gaming brand Alienware.

What PC do I need to play the latest games?

There are endless customization options for modern gaming PCs, with dozens of different types of graphics cards, motherboards, RAM, fans, and power supplies (just to name a few). There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Nvidia is the market leader when it comes to computer graphics. (Nvidia)

The graphics card of the gaming PC is probably the most expensive component. Take the GeForce RTX 4090 for example, this is the top tier card and will set gamers back thousands of dollars.

But Fletcher says gamers don’t need the latest and greatest to have the best experience. The RTX 4060 range will do more than enough for a fraction of the price.

“It will play 1080p and 1440p PC games. It will play all these games at high frames and great quality, especially with the new technology coming into graphics cards these days,” he told 9news.com.au.

Fletcher says the team loves a challenge and is happy to help a new PC gamer find the right gear for them.

“What will get me the best result? What will probably get me the best bang for my buck? This is our bread and butter – it’s who we talk to and how we do it. It runs through our DNA,” he said.

Fletcher says gamers should expect to pay around $1,500 for a powerful gaming experience, a step up from the PlayStation 5, on PC.

What is an affordable gaming PC in Australia?

Accessibility is a key factor in the current PC gaming market, with Fletcher emphasizing his team’s commitment to making PC gaming accessible to everyone.

“We really want to make PC gaming accessible to everyone,” he said.

“There are definitely layers of information that are relevant, and there’s a lot of information that’s confusing or overwhelming,” he said, but he says it doesn’t have to be, and there are many ways to navigate your computer purchase.

The first step is to seek advice. However, there are countless off-the-shelf gaming PCs on the market, many of which start at around $1,000.

Four out of five Australians are gamers, according to data from the IGEA. (Allied Gaming)

How long will my new gaming PC last?

A common concern among prospective PC gamers is the longevity of their investment. Fletcher emphasizes the importance of transparency regarding a computer’s lifespan and capabilities, given the rapid pace of technological advancement in the computing environment.

“We have a lot of parents who buy personal computers for their kids, you know, the kid says, I want this computer. Parents go to the website, follow the flow. They can see the frame rate they’re going to get,” he said.

“They can see the life expectancy of the computer. And we’re pretty upfront about it because, hey, computing changes and things really do come out of life.”

Should I choose a PlayStation or a gaming PC?

It all comes down to what you want to play, although Fletcher says PC gaming has always been generations ahead of the console market.

“In terms of performance and machine specs, you know a high-end graphics card in a PC can outperform what you find in a console, but of course there’s a much higher price tag associated with it,” he said.

PlayStation Portal is a new handheld remote play device from PlayStation. (Game Console)

What else can I do with a gaming PC?

Unlike a game console, a PC has much more functionality.

Whether you work from home, study, are an aspiring streamer, video editor or content creator, the gaming PC will take care of you in all aspects.

Navigating the world of gaming PCs requires a combination of knowledge, guidance, and personal preference.

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By taking advantage of expert advice and understanding the options available, gamers can embark on their PC gaming journey with confidence.

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