In part one of this post we talked about the GPU and the CPU, both critical components of a new gaming computer. In this post we’re going to cover two additional items that every gaming computer needs to have to run efficiently and smoothly: the RAM and the storage.
RAM means random access memory, and it’s the temporary storage that your computer uses while you are playing a game. It’s different from your hard drive (we’ll talk about that next) because it isn’t where you keep the files permanently. Instead, this part of the PC is in use during the gameplay. The computer uses RAM to keep all the files you are going to need so you can quickly pull them up and access them while you play the game without the need to access your permanent storage, which takes much longer. The more RAM you have, the more temporary storage space available for the game you are playing, and the faster the information from those files can load.
Many of today’s games require a lot of RAM so you don’t want to try and get by with too little RAM. There isn’t a hard and fast rule about exactly how much you have to have—a lot of it depends on the games you play and your budget—but get at least 16 GB and 32 GB or 64 GB if you can afford it.
The hard drive on your computer is where you store all your permanent files, and even with a lot of RAM you still need a good permanent storage. Today there are essentially two options: hard disk drives (HDDs), which are the traditional type of permanent storage that have been used for many years, or solid-state drives (SSDs), which are newer and faster. SSDs are also quieter and more durable because they don’t have all the moving parts that a traditional HDD has. So if you have a laptop that you might drop, there is a much lower risk of damage from shocks, vibration, or even extreme temperatures. You can check out a full comparison of the two types of drives from PC Mag here, but suffice it to say that you can’t go wrong with an SSD.
The only downside is that they do cost more than HDDs, so it’s important to keep some extra budget to get the SSD if you can.
Still have questions about building your gaming PC? The experts at Xidax are here to help. We can advise you on all the things you need for your PC and answer questions about individual components, benefits of each type, and more. Plus if you have a limited budget we can advise where to splurge and where you can save. Browse and shop today.
Choosing Between HDD and SSD for a New Computer | Xidax says:
[…] Solid-state drive (SSD): A solid-state storage device that utilizes integrated circuit assemblies as a form of memory, allowing for persistent data storage. […]