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About Cores, Clock & Brands | Find The Right Gaming CPU

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The processor is essential for the functioning of a computer. And while you will probably find relatively cheap versions for a pure office PC, almost every gaming CPU is in the three-digit range. But is that really necessary? Which performance do you actually need and which values ​​need to be considered? We will address these and other questions in this article. Find out how to find your perfect gaming CPU here!

The processor – but: what is it actually?

The processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit) is basically the central control unit of every computer. This means that it controls all inputs, inquiries, processes and outputs that are made on it. First of all, it is a relatively small (about 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm) component, but it can contain a lot of power, which is not only necessary for gaming. But what exactly are its tasks?

Broken down, the CPU constantly carries out new calculations. You may know that a computer’s programs are basically a binary code of 0 and 1. So in order to implement them, the different numbers must be brought together. A simple command is to add two numbers. This also means that every input you make – regardless of whether you are saving a document or just activating the trigger – must first be converted into this language that the processor can understand before it can be processed.

The better the clock speed of a gaming CPU, the more commands per second it can implement. For example, a 3.5 GHz processor should be able to execute 336,000 instructions per second. Such a high rate can be very important for gaming because the input and output are particularly large. By the way, you can check the load in the Task Manager. Here you can also see which programs are particularly demanding.

Cyberpunk 2077: System Requirements & Everything You Need To Know!

The gaming CPU: what is important?

Now that we have clarified the basic task of the processor in the computer, let’s take a look at which values ​​are decisive for a purchase. Because, as with most components, you are literally showered with a flood of information. Looking through here is not always easy. We want to help you choose your gaming CPU!

A machine with Her (t) z

Have you ever heard the statement: “The processor is the heart of the computer”? Of course, this relates to its essential task in the overall system, but it can also be related to its clock rate and thus its performance . Because this is given in Hertz (Hz) or Megahertz (MHZ) or Gigahertz (GHz).

In addition to the cores, which we will discuss in more detail in a moment, the Hertz specification is decisive for ensuring that inputs are carried out quickly. So if you want to play action-packed games , you will probably prefer a very powerful processor. To illustrate this: A CPU with 1 GHz performance can process around 1 billion current pulses per second. Different tasks require a different number of these. Particularly complex tasks, such as playing AAA titles, can easily consume several thousand.

The following applies to your gaming CPU: It should have at least 3 GHz , better 4 GHz. Because with these frequencies you can be sure that you can really play every game smoothly and that you don’t have to compromise on the graphics, for example.

Overclock the gaming CPU

If you’ve dealt with your gaming PC, you’ve probably heard of overclocking or overclocking . This allows you to get even more out of your processor. We already explained earlier that the frequency specification in Hertz is decisive for the performance of a computer. Wouldn’t it be great if you can always get exactly what you need from your CPU?

Many models from well-known manufacturers allow you to overclock in this case. This means that even more performance can be extracted from these under the right circumstances . Correct cooling is particularly important for this. Because the higher the clock rate, the more the gaming CPU works and the warmer it also gets.

Are you interested in such a model? Then be sure to take a look at the description of your CPU. Incidentally, Intel marks such models with a “K” at the end of the name. The manufacturer’s Extreme Editions can also be overclocked. The same applies to the Ryzen series from AMD.

Left, right, up, down: speed through cores

Current game titles usually rely on incredible graphics . It is then just annoying for you when you cannot draw on the full and – in extreme terms – only recognize pixels. Just as exhausting: You are playing a fast shooter or are in a duel in battle royale, which lets your adrenaline flow, and suddenly your picture tears. While memory and graphics card are also critical to these phenomena , a good gaming CPU is just as important in fixing them.

So that your game runs smoothly and the processor can process your information at an appropriate speed, it needs cores . The control unit and the arithmetic-logic unit (ALU) are located in these real components. These ensure that he can execute more commands per second. Nowadays, octa-core processors are the preferred choice for gaming PCs. However, there is still room at the top. For example, AMD has a 32-core CPU on the market.

How useful this really is depends entirely on the games you want to play. However, most of them still get by with a quad to a maximum of octa-core. By the way: So-called multicore or multi-core processors always distribute the tasks evenly across all available cores.

Our CPU comparison: which is now the best?

Of course, there is no general answer to the question of which processor is the best for you . That depends largely on your own preferences. Because depending on the performance your games need, a model with more or fewer cores and a higher or lower clock rate can be useful.

Most current games require a multi-core processor. However, it differs how many there really have to be and which clock rate makes sense. While you can of course always turn down the graphics settings, that’s certainly not the dream. We have therefore put together a brief overview of some popular games that shows which specifications are given by the manufacturer as optimal:

  • APEX Legends: 4 cores, 3.40 GHz
  • ARK: Survival Evolved: 4 cores, 3.40 GHz
  • Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: 4 cores, 3.50 GHz
  • Battlefield 1: 8 cores, 4.00 GHz
  • Battlefield 3: 4 cores, 3.50 GHz
  • Battlefield 5: 8 cores, 4.00 GHz
  • Call od Duty: Modern Warfare: 4 cores, 3.50 GHz
  • Call of Duty: Warzone: 4 cores, 3.40 GHz
  • Counter Strike: Global Offensive: 2 cores, 2 GHz
  • Death Stranding: 8 cores, 4 GHz
  • Escape from Tarkov: 4 cores, 3.20 GHz
  • Far Cry 5: 8 cores, 3.40 GHz
  • Fortnite: 2 cores, 2.80 GHz
  • GTA V: 6 cores, 4 GHz
  • League of Legends: 2 cores, 3.00 GHz
  • Metro Exodus: 8 cores, 4.00 GHz
  • Minecraft: 4 cores, 3.50 GHz
  • Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds: 4 cores, 3.50 GHz
  • Red Dead Redemption 2: 8 cores, 4 GHz
  • Rust: 8 cores, 4.00 GHz
  • The Witcher III: 8 cores, 3.40 GHz
  • Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege: 4 cores, 3.3 GHz
  • Valorant: 2 cores, 3 GHz

Some of this information may seem daunting at first. However, you should always make sure that these are almost the optimal settings . This means that a game is definitely still playable even with less powerful processors. You may then only have to make some compromises in terms of graphics.

The eternal question: AMD vs. Intel

Finally, we want to take a quick look at the two market leaders. Because the question of whether one should choose a processor from Intel or AMD seems to be a fundamental discussion . Some swear by Intel’s high-end technology, while others prefer AMD because of the lower-priced models.

Basically, we want to state that AMD actually has the edge in terms of price in actually all CPU categories. However, the Intel models have higher clock rates and thus convince with better overall performance. So if you are looking for an absolute high-end processor, you will probably find it at Intel.

On the other hand, you will more likely find an inexpensive, yet absolutely sufficient variant for most games at AMD. Above all, the Ryzen Threadripper can definitely keep up with the top models from Intel . So it is important to know what your gaming CPU must be able to do. And that is derived individually from your favorite games.

Cyberpunk 2077: System Requirements & Everything You Need To Know!

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Anyone who deals with PC games in 2020 will hardly be able to avoid Cyberpunk 2077. The futuristic world, a dark story and one of our favorite Reddit stars – this is how you could roughly summarize the new game from the Polish development studio CD Project RED. We’ll tell you what exactly to expect and what the Cyberpunk 2077 system requirements look like here!

Cyberpunk 2077:

Cyberpunk 2077: The Hype Explained

You may have already noticed that the game communities have simply not been able to sit still since 2018 at the latest. Everything now revolves around one game: Cyberpunk 2077. But why? What makes this title so special? And what is the RPG actually about? We clarify!

Under Power | Find The Right Pc Power Supply

A true classic in a new format

Did you know that the story of the new computer game actually began over 30 years ago ? This is based on the Neuromancer trilogy, a book series by the author William Gibson. Based on this, the pen and paper “Cyberpunk 2013” ​​appeared in 1988. The story is considered to be the basis of today’s cyberpunk genre and is now finally being brought to the PC.

But let’s stay a few moments in the past for now. Because in order to understand the hype surrounding the PC game, we should deal with the original story . Even then you could really feel the dark mood while reading. The main characters were all figures from the underworld: a hacker who can no longer dive into the online world, a hit man and an ex-special forces officer to be precise.

If you combine that with various body modifications, cyborgs and technology that will be centuries away, you get a story that is absolutely gripping. But what makes it all more exciting? Immerse yourself in this fascinating world and become part of it! The author initially achieved this with the pen & paper role-playing games “Cyberpunk 2013” ​​and “Cyberpunk 2020”. It can only get more realistic with a computer game and it will finally be released – hopefully – on November 19, 2020.

A ticket to the future, please: Cyberpunk 2077

But let’s now turn to the story of the new game. “Cyberpunk 2077” takes place 57 years after the last pen and paper. As in the expansion of the game at the time, we dive into Night City, a futuristic, fictional city in California. There is constant unrest in the metropolis, because the law has long ceased to be in power here.

Instead, it’s big collaborations and gangs that control life and the streets. No wonder that the residents hardly ever leave the house unarmed – after all , danger lurks around every corner. You yourself will slip into the role of mercenary V. Once you’ve chosen your backstory and customized your character the way you want them, your adventure begins.

In the course of the game you embark on different missions, explore the black markets and take on the military. The gangs are not safe from you either – your mission is only one: immortality. Because this promises a special implant that you are looking for. Various modifications, accessories and items will help you achieve your goal. But in the end it is up to you as a player whether V achieves his goal!

A closer look at the gameplay

While the story is undoubtedly an important part of the game and contributes significantly to its success, there is a lot more behind Cyberpunk 2077. Because PC Project RED seems to have understood the success concept and has designed a game that shines with a truly unique gameplay .

Basically, this is first of all an RPG that you can play in single-player as well as online in multiplayer. All doors of the Night City open world are open to you. You can explore a total of six different regions and constantly meet new characters. According to The Witcher 3 principle, you can even enter into relationships with the NPCs and write your own stories.

Speaking of The Witcher: The ultra-popular video game series actually comes from the same company. You may already know the unbeatable graphics , the detailed textures and the unique overall gaming experience – the new game should be based on it and improve it even further. So it’s no wonder that the community can hardly wait for the release, but at the same time fears the Cyberpunk 2077 system requirements!

Cyberpunk 2077 system requirements

The way the game is programmed, you can certainly imagine that it will not make low demands on the computer. The worst fears that circulated in the room after E3 2019 have now been refuted. So you can take a deep breath before we want to take a closer look at the Cyberpunk 2077 system requirements together. Then we will also tell you which hardware you really need.

The non-plus-ultra of the demo version

The new game was shown for the first time as a demo version at E3 2019. While many players’ hearts beat faster at the pure sight, other dreams seem to burst. Because this version of the game ran on an absolutely high-end computer , as was later leaked by an employee of the project. Specifically, this means:

  • Mainboard: ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-I Gaming
  • CPU: Intel i7-8700 K (3.7 GHz)
  • RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws V, 2x 16 GB (3,000 MHz)
  • GPU: Nvidia TITAN RTX
  • Hard drive: Samsung SSD 960 Pro (512 GB)
  • Power supply: Corsair SF600 (600W)

This setup would cost a good 3,600 euros according to current standards (as of September 2020) . The graphics card alone accounts for around two thirds of the price. There is no question that the average Otto can or will hardly afford this. It’s good that the actual Cyberpunk 2077 system requirements have now been announced. You will see that thanks to the staggering, the parts can be quite affordable.

HD to Ultra HD: The budget variant

Of course, it’s hard to give you recommendations for your actual build before the game is even available on the market. But according to the specs that we have so far and what the manufacturer has already announced, we can at least give you any guideline values . The Cyberpunk 2077 system requirements for 1080p to 1440p are around:

  • Processor: at least 3.3 GHz – e.g. Intel Core i5-97400 to i5-9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 2600X to 5 3600X
  • RAM: at least 8 GB, better 16 GB
  • Graphics card: at least 2 GB RAM – between NVIDIA GTX 1660 and AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT

With these specs you should easily get under 1000, – € for a new computer . But if you have the budget, we would always recommend future-proofing. This also means choosing the newer generations, especially for these three components. So you can safely play the successor to Cyberpunk 2077 without any problems.

High-end gaming: Cyberpunk 2077 in 4K

Do you want to play cyberpunk with the best graphics ever? Do you want to completely immerse yourself in the gaming experience and enjoy the new world to the fullest? Then it is time to upgrade. You don’t have to recreate the setup of the E3 to do this – although that’s always an option, of course – but it can be a little cheaper.

It is best to use a processor of the latest generation to meet the Cyberpunk 2077 system requirements for the ultra settings . Specifically, this means the Intel i9-9900K or the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X. 16 GB should still be absolutely sufficient as RAM, but you can of course also install four 8 GB bars or two 16 GB versions.

Instead of the graphics card, which costs more than € 2000, we would recommend the NVIDIA RTX 2080 Ti. This monster brings an absolute top performance and will surely be more than enough for the new game. With this you are without question future-proof.

What else do you need

Cyberpunk 2077 brings with it a new standard for the gaming industry, that much is already clear. The ultra-realistic graphics, the detailed artwork and the unique concept naturally also require the appropriate performance. While a large part of this is covered by the processor, graphics card and RAM, the other components must also be coordinated with them.

For example, the first fear was that the game would require 200 GB of storage space if it was reinstalled. This rumor has since been refuted by PC Project RED. Instead, you should calculate with around 70 GB . In addition, at least Windows 7 is required, but it is actually designed for the current Windows 10. The mainboard and power supply must of course also be coordinated with the remaining components. But as I said: If you don’t necessarily want to play the game in 4K, your current setup will definitely not be a problem!

Under Power | Find The Right Pc Power Supply

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Whether you want to assemble your PC yourself or just want to give the old one a little more power: sooner or later you will need a new PC power supply unit. But which one is actually suitable for you? Does it really need 1200 watts to gamble? And what data can be used to determine this value? We address these and many other questions here. So read our little guide carefully and choose a power source that really fits your computer!

How does a PC power supply actually work?

In order to know which power supply you actually need for your PC, it is crucial to understand its function in the overall system . Basically, this component is one of the most essential. Because it supplies all other components – such as the mainboard, the graphics card and the CPU – with enough power so that they work at all.

But to do this, the PC power supply must first make the power from the conventional socket processable for the computer. Because originally this is direct current . But your components need alternating current. Accordingly, the power supply unit is actually a transformer. The same principle is also used for laptop power supplies.

But let’s get back to the computer itself. Because in order to supply the graphics card and Co. with power , you still need the appropriate cables. You may have noticed that the connections are designed completely differently depending on the component. That’s a good thing, because each of them requires a different amount of electricity. Accordingly, only the necessary power flows through the associated cables of the power supply unit.

The Right Case Fan | Size And Other Data

But: which PC power supply do I need now?

Which is the best PC power supply for you depends on a wide variety of factors . Because depending on what you use your PC for and which components are installed, you will have different demands on your power supply. In order to make a decision here, we have put together a small guide to the most important properties for you.

The performance: How many watts does my PC need?

The most important point when choosing your PC power supply should without question be the performance behind it. Now of course you can just buy the most powerful model you can find. You’re basically not doing anything wrong with this because it will provide enough power to all of your components. However, it is an investment that in most cases, even for a high-end gaming machine, is simply not necessary.

A question of the overall system

Instead, you can make a calculated investment in your new power supply. The performance requirements depend on various aspects. We have roughly summarized these here:

  • Processor : Newer CPUs are usually more energy-efficient, but especially for a gaming computer you need one with the appropriate performance – the more power it has, the more power it needs.
  • Graphics card : Similar to the CPU, it is the case here that higher quality GPUs simply need more power. A high level of performance is required, especially for 3D representations.
  • RAM bar : The number of bars has a small influence on the required wattage.
  • Hard drives : In general, SSDs require less power than HDDs, but the amount still makes a difference here.
  • Fan : The more fans are operated, the more power you need.
  • Overclocking : If you intend to overclock your PC in the future, you should allow for a buffer when choosing your power supply.

On each of these components it should be noted individually how much power it requires. The best thing to do is to roughly add up these numbers. It is also important for you to know that a PC power supply works best with a load of 45 to 75% . The calculated value should therefore be in this range. It is best if you also allow for some additional buffer – so you can be sure that newer, possibly upgraded parts will also be adequately supplied with it.

But why not count on 100%? The reason lies in the conversion process. Because here – depending on the material used – around 80% of the electricity is usually lost . When buying your power supply, make sure that it has an 80-plus certificate. Because this guarantees you that at least 80% of the actual performance actually reaches your components.

What does it mean exactly?

Do you no longer have the packaging or is it just too time-consuming and fragmented to add up? Then best make your power supply selection based on how you use your PC . Because, as you can probably already imagine, an office computer needs significantly less power than a hardcore gaming computer. Here are some guidelines:

  • Office computer : is mostly only used for documents, e-mail traffic and as a multimedia player – usually does not require more than 300 W
  • Mid-range gaming PC : relies on components in the stable mid-range (e.g. NVIDIA GTX 1060, Intel i5 processor) – gets by with 400 to 500 W.
  • A high-end gaming computer with powerful components (such as Intel i7 to i9, NVIDIA RTX 2080) needs around 600 to 750 W.
  • Overclocked gaming computer : with components that run overclocked (often indicated by an OC in their name) – uses up to 1000 W.

So you see: To be on the safe side with your gaming PC and benefit from your power supply for a long time, a power supply with 500 to 700 W is usually sufficient. If you are not planning huge upgrades, but rather always look at current, but roughly equivalent parts, your power supply should also be a loyal companion to you.

By the way: Are you wondering what happens if the PC power supply is too weak? In this case, your components simply cannot be supplied with enough power. This in turn means that the computer will simply shut down, maybe restart again and again or not start up at all. However, it can also happen that your graphics card simply slows down – i.e. not performing at its maximum . If you experience these errors, it may well be that it is time for a new power supply.

For maximum performance: the power supply fan

In order to fully utilize the power of your power supply, you also have to make sure that it does not overheat . For this purpose, high-performance cooling systems are built into good products. A basic distinction is made here between the active, semi-passive and passive variants. A heat conducting material is used with the active, which leads the waste heat to a fan.

The sleeve bearing is particularly inexpensive – and quiet . Oils should dissipate the excess heat. However, it only works if the operating temperature remains consistently low. Such an option is not recommended for high-performance and gaming PCs.

In the case of a completely passive design, on the other hand, the PC power supply unit is prevented by the materials used from producing too much heat in the first place. The whole thing is useful when it comes to background noise, but it quickly becomes very costly. If you are looking for a solution in the mid-price segment and value a quiet environment, you should take a look at our blog post about water cooling .

Modular vs. non-modular: connections & cable management

As we look at it in another post, the case modding is no longer a rarity among gamers. More and more computers are pimped up with cool LEDs behind a plexiglass pane. But for the end product to be right, one keyword is particularly crucial: cable management! And as you know by now, a large part of this comes from the power supply.

So wouldn’t it be great if you could just take off the cables that you don’t need right now? This works out! With a modular power supply . Here you can easily unplug and plug in cables. This makes tidying up the computer a lot easier, because you can always fit the appropriate lengths and only use the cables that you need. This not only makes the inside of your computer look nicer, it also favors the flow of air. After all, nothing hangs in the way unnecessarily.

Nonetheless, non-modular PC power supplies also have their right to exist. Above all, they are still significantly cheaper . In addition, you hardly need any previous knowledge to use it and you don’t have to do a lot of research to find out which cables you actually need to connect. In computers, the insides of which cannot be seen anyway, the cables do not interfere with any further. So the decision is always a matter of personal feeling.

Conclusion: Your PC power supply has to be able to do that

If you now want to specifically decide on a power supply unit, we would like to summarize the most important facts for you here . It is crucial that your power supply is matched to the components. The more your computer is supposed to do, the more watts it needs. In order to get the maximum out of your power supply, a sophisticated ventilation system is essential. Because if this component overheats, it often means that your PC crashes. In the middle of an online game, that’s probably not what you want.

Finally, you should think about whether you want to invest a few more euros in a modular PC power supply. If you only work with standard components and only use one graphics card, this is not absolutely necessary. For a clean cable management or an absolute high-end computer, on the other hand, this investment often makes perfect sense. No matter how you decide, we wish you a lot of fun while playing!

Your New Pc Gaming Setup | What Shouldn’t Be Missing?

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Whether you are just starting out or have been immersed in the world of games for years: The right PC gaming setup is essential for an intense gaming experience . But what does it actually include? Which hardware do you need for your computer and which accessories should you not miss? We have put together a checklist for you and explain which components should definitely not be missing!

Your New Pc Gaming Setup

This is part of your PC gaming setup

Before we go into depth with the individual components of your PC gaming setup, we would like to tell you what you need. We want to differentiate between the basics and those accessories that you only need if you want to stream or plan to play in the ESL.

Gaming setup for beginners

If you have just recently discovered your passion for gaming, you will hardly start with the high-end games. And even if The Witcher 3 or Cyberpunk 2077 have cast a spell over you, you don’t have to start playing with the highest, best, most blatant settings right from the start. So here is our recommendation for your setup :

  • Gaming PC up to approx. 500 € (possibly already assembled)
  • Standard monitor up to approx. € 150
  • Standard keyboard up to approx. € 50
  • Standard mouse up to approx. € 30
  • Mouse pad up to approx. € 10
  • Headset / headphones / speakers up to approx. 50 €

You can purchase a cheap gaming PC complete set for just over 500 €. Here is everything you need to get started. Sometimes you can even play the sound through the integrated speakers in the monitor. However, we would still like to recommend a headset as standard equipment – at least if you plan to occasionally play with friends.

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And a high-end gaming setup?

Have you been around for a long time, maybe even streaming or just want to get more out of the games? Then it’s time for an upgrade – not only for the computer itself, but also for the entire setup! It should now look something like this:

  • High-end gaming PC from around € 800
  • Gaming monitor from around € 300
  • Gaming keyboard from around € 80
  • Gaming mouse from around € 50
  • Gaming mouse pad from around € 30
  • Gaming headset from around € 80
  • If applicable, gaming microphone from approx. 50 €
  • If applicable, gaming controllers from around € 50

Of course, you can always expand your PC gaming setup. For example, VR glasses are an absolute wanna-have for most gamers and bring even more variety. But a gaming projector can also enhance the gaming experience and take it to a new level . Simply implement what suits you, your gaming behavior and your living conditions. Because you shouldn’t lack space for these two additions.

The basis: the gaming computer

Okay, of course, to play on the computer you first need a computer. This should be tailored to your requirements and match the games you want to play now and in the future. Here you have the choice whether you assemble the device yourself or buy it ready-made . Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Above all, a finished PC is simply comfortable – here you get everything in one fell swoop and you don’t have to worry about assembling it. On the other hand, if you order the individual components together with the housing, this gives you more freedom . You decide for yourself where you need more power and where less. The case modding – for which we wrote an extra article – will be so much easier!

But it doesn’t matter whether it’s the finished computer or the self-assembled one: In order to have fun with your PC gaming setup for a long time, you should consider which components should or are used. Your accessories will then also be tailored to this. We have already put together individual guides for you in separate blog posts – so if you have specific questions, just click through here. So here’s what you need for a full gaming computer:

  • Graphics card : ideally with its own cooling system
  • Processor : should match the graphics card and the mainboard
  • CPU cooler : suitable for the processor to get the most out of it
  • Power supply : must be able to supply the rest of the hardware with power
  • Mainboard: must be compatible with the rest of the components
  • Hard drive : at least one SSD should be installed for games
  • Housing: must offer enough space for the components (pay particular attention to the mainboard!)
  • Housing cooling : attach great importance to a sophisticated ventilation system
  • Software: think of an operating system (Windows is recommended for gaming)

Let there be light in the dark: the right monitor

No PC gaming setup is complete without a monitor (or projector). Because it is only thanks to this that you can ultimately see what you are actually doing and where you are going. In order to immerse themselves in a game, many gamers rely on relatively large screens with good resolution. We are talking about 2k to 4k variants with a screen diagonal of at least 27 inches.

But these are actually more good for those who want to fully enjoy the graphics of a game, i.e. RPG players. If, on the other hand, you are interested in competitive fast-paced games such as CS: GO, Fortnite or PUBG, you should pay more attention to a good response time. You can read exactly what that means and what you should consider when choosing in our separate article on gaming screens .

Jumping, running, aiming: input devices

In order to start playing now, you still need control devices. A classic PC gaming setup actually includes a mouse and keyboard. If you prefer, you can of course also connect a controller and go on adventures with it. But let’s start with the classics first – because you can also pay attention to a few things with the mouse and keyboard:

  • Mechanical keyboard> Rubber dome : Rubber dome keyboards are sold as standard, but mechanical variants are more precise and tactile for gaming.
  • Wired is safer: You just don’t want the connection to fail in the middle of the game, so we would always recommend a wired version of the mouse and keyboard.
  • Macros : Both the keyboard and the mouse can have so-called macro keys. You can freely assign these and can help you to react faster when playing.
  • Ergonomics : When buying, make sure that the mouse and keyboard are at a comfortable angle to your hand.

For many, the right lighting should not be missing for a professional-looking PC gaming setup . Many keyboards and mice are therefore equipped with colored LEDs that can be adapted. While this is basically just a gimmick, it can definitely enhance your setup visually. Do you want to know more? Then check out our post on gaming mice !

Left, right, up, down: precise acoustics

Have you ever gambled without sound? If it’s not The Sims or the Farming Simulator, you will quickly find that this can be doom for you. Because you don’t hear any steps, or when someone is aiming at you or another threat is nearby. So in order to be able to react more precisely, you need good headphones . But what should they be able to do?

It’s best to use a stereo headset . That may seem strange at first because it is much more precise to locate where which noises are coming from with surround sound. But the stereo versions are usually much more powerful and react faster. You should also invest in a noice cancellation if you are not just sitting alone in one place. That promotes concentration. On the other hand, we would not recommend wireless versions – this is where the well-known problem of connection errors and delayed response occurs.

This is how you complete your PC gaming setup

Have the basics been put together? Then it’s time to fine-tune it. Finally, we would like to give you a few tips on this. Let’s start where we left off: with the sound. Because if you often play with others or even want to stream, it’s not just the output that matters. In order for your own voice quality to fit, you need a good microphone. A headset is definitely sufficient to start with, but a floor-standing microphone can be a good investment if you want a professional setup. A webcam can also be useful for streaming and completes your computer.

You should also take a closer look at your mouse pad . For example, if you play with a low DPI, as is common with many shooters, you should choose a correspondingly large variant. You should also define for yourself whether you prefer more or less resistance. You slide relatively quickly over hard plastic variants, while fabric opposes the movements a little more pressure. Neither is fundamentally better or worse.

But the most important thing is: Always put your PC gaming setup together in such a way that it suits you . This means that you can also save here and there in order to choose the next better option for other components. It’s best to take a close look at the titles that interest you and think about what else you want to do on your computer. Based on this, you will then make optimal, well-founded decisions.

External Graphics Card | Clever Marketing Strategy Or Useful Addition?

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Do you have an older PC or do you want to use a particularly light laptop for university or work, but still like to gamble at home? Then the external graphics card sounds like an optimal solution . After all, this promises the same performance as the permanently installed cousins, but can easily be plugged in as required. But how does this idea work in practice? And what should you know before buying? We will help you!

How do external graphics cards work?

Let’s start with the basics: What is actually behind an external graphics card. Because the name itself is perhaps a bit misleading. This is actually an external docking station to which you can connect a conventional GPU. In the meantime, both components are of course also available as a complete package.

Using an eGPU dock allows you to easily add a full graphics card, even if your housing is not actually designed for it. To do this, you can simply connect the dock via USB or Thunderbolt and then use the full power – at least that’s the theory. The fact that this is not so easy to put into practice is often related to the technical requirements.

Cleaning Your Pc | Dust-free For Better Performance

Reality: more appearance than reality?

Let’s take a look at the current eGPU docks: These are usually connected via a Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C interface. Both have the advantage of a relatively high transmission rate of up to 40 Gigabit / s. But this is where the first problem arises, because not every PC can be upgraded that easily. Many older laptops as well as mainboards simply do not have the fast connection and can therefore never draw on the full potential when using an external graphics card.

In addition, the interfaces – albeit undisputedly fast – have so far not been able to keep up with the transfer rates that are established between a conventional GPU and a mainboard. So you should always expect a certain loss of performance. How big this really is depends largely on the other built-in components. Under ideal circumstances, this is about 80 percent usable power .

And that brings us to the last problem that can occur with external graphics cards: compatibility . While you can basically use any eGPU on any computer, its performance cannot be used everywhere. This depends largely on the processor and the mainboard. If your laptop is still running on an i3, investing in an RTX 3080 is hardly worth it.

When does an external graphics card make sense?

Now you know what you are getting yourself into when buying an eGPU. But what does that mean exactly? Are the external helpers completely useless? The answer is a clear no. Because even if you have to reckon with a certain loss of performance , the investment can make sense. This is especially true if you simply don’t have space for a desktop PC or if you always want to be mobile with your laptop.

The eGPU in everyday life

While we always focus on gaming here, you can of course also use the eGPU in other areas. We want to go into this briefly in more detail. Many graphic designers, for example, rely on the device that is easy to transport . Because anyone who wants to work on customer orders while on the move benefits from the additional power that an external graphics card brings. This makes rendering tasks much easier, but you also don’t lose the mobility that a notebook usually brings with it.

However, this is also a very specific area of ​​responsibility. An external graphics card is usually not useful for conventional office use and would be an absolute overkill. Because if you work mainly with the browser and writing programs, you will usually not even make full use of the internal graphics performance.

The external graphics card for gaming

Most often, however, eGPUs are advertised for gamers. After all, they should increase the performance of the PC very slightly and make the gaming experience even more intense . Even if we took a rather critical look at the external graphics card before, we want to emphasize here that there is a clever and thoroughly practical idea behind it.

She can do that

If you are considering an eGPU for gaming, it always makes sense if you use a laptop. If, on the other hand, you have a full desktop PC available, we would always advise you to have an internal graphics card – we will tell you why in a moment. But if you are dependent on the small laptop due to mobility or space constraints, an eGPU can be a good investment to upgrade it for gaming.

Because you will quickly benefit from additional computing power and – depending of course on the processor and RAM installed – you can play the latest games right away. It can happen that you may not be able to use the highest settings, but the gaming experience will undoubtedly benefit from their use.

And the best part about it? You don’t have to pay for a rather expensive modding, you don’t have to rely on the smaller, mobile GPU variants and you decide for yourself when you connect the (but rather heavy) component. Especially when you are on the move a lot, this can be an enormous help in holding your laptop lightly. After all, special gaming notebooks tend to be pretty bums.

This is where the eGPU reaches its limits

How much you can expect from your external graphics card depends largely on the features of your laptop. Sufficient RAM and a powerful processor should be available to get the maximum values ​​out. How these should turn out depends on the one hand on the games you want to play and on the other hand on the GPU you want to use. In addition, an interface with the highest possible transmission rate is essential.

But even under the most ideal conditions, an external variant will never win against an internal one . This is purely due to the design of the dock. Because this cannot be connected directly to the mainboard. The longer the connection cable is and the more stations (e.g. adapter) the connection has to run through, the lower the transmission.

Even more important: An external GPU can use a maximum of one PCI Express X4 port, as it relies on a connection via USB or Thunderbolt. This is clearly inferior to the internal PCI Express X16 and noticeably slower . So if you install the same graphics card once internally and once externally, the internal variant will always win in comparison. We therefore advise against buying an eGPU for the desktop PC. For the laptop, on the other hand, it can be a sensible investment to get more performance without losing mobility.

Use the eGPU

As a rule, the connection of an external graphics card should be designed quite simply according to the plug-and-play principle . In other words: You simply plug it into the USB or Thunderbolt interface and it is automatically recognized and used by your laptop or PC. From time to time, however, difficulties can arise.

So it is recommended that you use another, external screen. If you want to use the integrated notebook screen, an additional tool may be necessary. In addition, the eGPU is not recommended as a third graphics card . For example, if you have already integrated a graphics chip in the CPU or on the mainboard and installed an additional GPU, there could be external problems with the one. Because this is where hardware conflicts often arise.

In general, you should therefore look into your previous components before buying an external graphics card. Are these even designed for the additional performance? Are the appropriate connections available? And also: Is the purchase really worth it or is a fixed desktop PC that can really exploit the full performance, perhaps the better investment?

Filed Under: PC