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A Parents Guide To Gaming PCs

A Parents Guide To Gaming PCs

How to Pick the Right Gaming PC for Your Kids

Buying a gaming PC for your child, whether they're 11 years old or a teenager, can feel like a daunting task, especially if you're not familiar with tech terminology. But fear not—this guide will break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision, ensuring your child gets a gaming PC that meets their needs and your budget.

Who Is This Guide For?

This guide is designed for parents or guardians looking to buy a gaming PC for a young gamer. Whether you're looking for their first gaming PC or an upgrade, this guide simplifies the process, so no technical knowledge is required. By following the steps below, you'll have a clear understanding of what to look for and how to get the best value for your money.

Key Things to Consider When Buying a Gaming PC

Before diving into the details, here are some key factors to keep in mind:

  • Set a Budget: The price of a gaming PC can range from around £500 for entry-level models to over £2,000 for high-end setups. Decide how much you want to spend upfront, but remember that spending a little more on a better GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or CPU (Central Processing Unit) can lead to a significantly better gaming experience.
  • Understand What Games They'll Play: Different games have different system requirements. Some casual or indie games will run smoothly on lower-end systems, but more demanding AAA titles like Fortnite, Call of Duty, or Minecraft on high settings will need more power. Knowing which games your child wants to play is crucial to choosing the right PC.
  • PC Performance Priorities: The performance of a gaming PC largely depends on its GPU, CPU, and RAM:
    • GPU (Graphics Card): This is the most important component for gaming. The more powerful the GPU, the smoother and more visually stunning the gaming experience.
    • CPU (Processor): This is the "brain" of the computer, responsible for running the game smoothly. A mid-tier CPU like an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 is sufficient for most games.
    • RAM (Memory): RAM allows the PC to handle multiple tasks at once. 16GB of RAM is the sweet spot for gaming, though 8GB can suffice for less demanding games.

Where to Start?

Before diving into PC specs, the key question to ask is: Which games will they be playing? A simple list of games can help determine what kind of PC you’ll need. Gaming preferences, from Fortnite to FIFA, will impact the PC requirements. Let's go step-by-step to simplify things.

Step 1: Which Games Do They Want to Play?

Different games have different requirements. For example, casual games like Minecraft or Roblox will run well on budget systems, while fast-paced multiplayer games like Apex Legends or Call of Duty: Warzone will need more powerful hardware for a smooth experience.

To make this easy, here are some popular game categories:

  • Casual Games: Minecraft, Roblox, The Sims
  • Esports Titles: Fortnite, Rocket League, Valorant, CS
  • AAA Titles: Call of Duty, Battlefield, Cyberpunk 2077
  • Sandbox/Open World Games: Grand Theft Auto V, Red Dead Redemption 2

Each category varies in terms of power and performance needs, so matching the games with the right system is key. Tip: Aim for slightly above the minimum requirements for smoother gaming performance.

Step 2: Choose Your Budget Tier

Now that you have an idea of which games they'll be playing, let’s match that with a suitable PC. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Budget Gaming PCs (£399.99-£699.99)

Perfect for casual gaming or lighter titles like Minecraft and Roblox. Great for younger gamers just starting out.

Our Recommendation:

Mid-Tier Gaming PCs (£699.99 - £1199.99)

Ideal for more demanding games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and open-world adventures like Minecraft with mods. These systems balance performance and price.

Our Recommendation:

High-End Gaming PCs

These are for serious gamers, playing AAA games at the highest settings or those streaming content. If your teenager is passionate about gaming, this will future-proof their setup for years to come.

Our Recommendation: (£1199.99 >)

Step 3: Monitor and Peripheral Considerations

Your gaming PC is only as good as the peripherals that go with it. Here's what to consider:

  • Monitor: For a budget or mid-tier PC, a 23" - 27" monitor with 60Hz - 120Hz refresh rate is ideal. For high-end PCs, aim for a 120Hz - 165Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. Monitors
  • Keyboard & Mouse: Gaming accessories like mechanical keyboards and high-DPI gaming mice can make a noticeable difference in performance, especially for competitive games. Mouse & Keyboards

Customization and Aesthetic Preferences

Customizing the look and feel of the gaming PC is part of the fun:

  • Size and Case Design: Ensure the PC fits in the space you have and consider whether your child prefers an open or closed PC case.
  • RGB Lighting: Many gamers love the aesthetic appeal of customizable lighting inside their PCs. While it doesn't improve performance, it can enhance the experience.
  • Water Cooling vs. Air Cooling: High-end gaming rigs often use water cooling to keep temperatures lower, but air cooling is perfectly sufficient for most setups.

Other Considerations

  • Wireless and Connectivity: Double-check if the PC has built-in Wi-Fi, especially if your child’s setup isn't close to the router. Many gaming PCs come with Ethernet ports for a faster, more stable internet connection.
  • Storage: At least 500GB of SSD storage is recommended, though 1TB or more is ideal for a large game library. SSDs are much faster than traditional hard drives and significantly improve loading times.
  • Warranty and Support: If you’re not tech-savvy, get a good warranty. Having the option for tech support is useful if anything goes wrong.

Online Safety Tips for Parents

If your child will be playing online, it's essential to understand online safety:

  • Parental Controls: Set up parental controls to limit game time or block certain websites.
  • Communication: Teach your child about online safety, like not sharing personal information or communicating with strangers.
  • Monitoring Tools: Use tools to monitor gaming activity and ensure your child is playing age-appropriate games.

By following this guide, you can feel confident in selecting a gaming PC that meets your child’s needs while staying within your budget. Whether you opt for a budget system for casual gaming or a high-end rig for more serious gameplay, investing in the right components will ensure your child has a fantastic gaming experience for years to come.

Let Direct Computers Help!

Feeling unsure? Don’t worry, we’re here to help!

Bonus Tip: Have the games list ready, or simply let us know which titles your child wants to play. We’ll help you find the perfect gaming PC based on their preferences and your budget!

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