Table of contents
Quick answer by resolution
| Resolution/Target | Recommended GPU class | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p 60–120 Hz | Entry–mid (e.g., xx60/xx70 class) | Great value; CPU i5/R5 is plenty. |
| 1440p 120–165 Hz | Mid–upper (xx70/xx80 class) | Balance CPU and cooling. |
| 4K 60–120 Hz | High‑end (xx80 class+) | Prioritize GPU & adequate PSU. |
Unsure which tier fits your games? Get a Quote.
Graphics card (GPU) tiers
Pick the GPU for your resolution and refresh rate. Entry cards handle esports titles at 1080p, while high‑end cards target 1440p high‑refresh or 4K. Check VRAM (8–12 GB+ for modern AAA at high settings).
VRAM matters for high‑res textures and mods. Running out of VRAM causes stutter and asset pop‑in.
CPU: avoid bottlenecks
For 1080p and high frame rates, the CPU can bottleneck if it’s too weak. A recent‑gen Core i5 / Ryzen 5 is the sweet spot; step up to i7/Ryzen 7 for streaming, heavy simulation, or creation.
- Look for 6–8 cores with strong single‑thread performance.
- Avoid mixing a low‑end CPU with a high‑end GPU.
- Ensure the motherboard supports the CPU out of the box (BIOS version).
RAM & storage
- RAM: 16 GB is the minimum sweet spot for gaming; 32 GB for creators/streamers.
- Storage: 1 TB NVMe SSD recommended; add HDD for large libraries.
- Keep 15–20% free space to avoid slowdowns.
To check your current specs: press Win + R → type dxdiag → Enter.
Monitor & refresh rate
Match GPU power with your monitor. A 144 Hz screen shines only if your GPU/CPU can push frames. For competitive games, consider 1080p 144–240 Hz; for cinematic titles, 1440p or 4K looks great.
Power supply, case & cooling
- PSU: Choose quality 80+ Gold with enough headroom for your GPU.
- Case airflow: Front/bottom intake, top/rear exhaust; prefer mesh fronts.
- Cooling: Tower air coolers are quiet and reliable; AIOs are optional.
Avoid low‑quality PSUs; they cause instability and can damage components.
Prebuilt vs custom build
Prebuilts are convenient and include a single warranty, but watch for weak PSUs or single‑stick RAM. Custom builds let you choose every part and upgrade easily.
We can build a balanced gaming PC or evaluate a prebuilt before you buy. Request Service.
Example builds
| Tier | CPU | GPU | RAM | Storage | Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p Esports | i5 / R5 | Mid entry tier | 16 GB | 1 TB NVMe | 1080p 144 Hz |
| 1440p Balanced | i5/i7 / R5/R7 | Upper mid tier | 16–32 GB | 1 TB NVMe + HDD | 1440p 144–165 Hz |
| 4K Enthusiast | i7 / R7 | High‑end tier | 32 GB | 2 TB NVMe | 4K 60–120 Hz |
Buying checklist
- Define your resolution and refresh target first.
- Balance CPU/GPU to avoid bottlenecks.
- Ensure adequate PSU wattage and quality.
- Prefer 2×8 GB or 2×16 GB RAM kits (dual‑channel).
- Case with good airflow and at least two intake + one exhaust fan.
- Windows and drivers updated after build (press Win + I → Windows Update).
FAQ
Do I need 32 GB RAM for gaming?
16 GB is fine for most games. Get 32 GB if you create content, mod heavily, or multitask while gaming.
Is NVMe much faster than SATA SSD for games?
Load times are similar for many titles, but NVMe helps with very large asset streams and future‑proofing.
Should I upgrade the GPU or CPU first?
Upgrade the component that’s at 100% usage in your games. Check with performance overlays or the game’s built‑in tools.