Christmas PC Buying Guide
No Tech Knowledge Required
We explain everything in simple terms, so you can shop with confidence.
Budget-Friendly Options
Find the perfect gaming PC that fits your budget without compromising quality.
Expert Recommendations
Get trusted advice on specs, performance, and what really matters for gaming.
Who Is This Guide For?
This guide is for anyone shopping for a computer gift this season! We’ll cover everything from budget-friendly gaming PCs for casual players to powerful workstations for professionals in fields like graphic design, video editing, and engineering. This guide is also perfect if you're seeking a versatile computer that handles work, gaming, or both.
Key Things to Consider When Buying a Gaming PC
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 or CPU 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. Understanding these three components will help you make an informed decision about which PC is right for your needs and budget.
Understanding PC Components
This is the most important component for gaming. The more powerful the GPU, the smoother and more visually stunning the gaming experience. Look for dedicated graphics cards from NVIDIA or AMD for the best performance.
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 and provides excellent value for money.
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. More RAM means better multitasking and smoother performance.
Monitors, Peripherals and other Considerations
Monitor and Peripherals
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.
Keyboard & Mouse: Gaming accessories like mechanical keyboards and high-DPI gaming mice can make a noticeable difference in performance, especially for competitive games.
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.
