PC gaming is soaring in popularity. In 2024 so far, there are 1.86 billion PC gamers! Once upon a time, PC gaming was the preserve of hardcore gamers only, the type of gamer happy to spend a weekend dismantling their desktop. But with the rise of online gaming and the availability of powerful components, more and more gamers are going PC. Why? Here are 8 great reasons, and if you’re new to PC gaming we’ll help you join them with a PC gaming desktop or laptop…

Why is PC gaming going mainstream?

A pre-assembled gaming PC is becoming more affordable – with more models boasting powerful processing tech and better graphics. Add to that the rise of online gaming platforms Steam and Discord, which have tens of millions of users, makes the latest games more accessible and offers a platform to share tips and chat.

Latest developments with Windows 11 mean there’s even the opportunity to play with friends who are on console thanks to crossplay. PC gaming also leads the way in free-to-play games, like iconic eSports title League of Legends.

What is a gaming PC?

A gaming PC is a computer that is specifically designed to run video games smoothly and efficiently. It typically includes a powerful graphics card, fast processor, ample RAM, and high-capacity storage to support demanding games. A gaming PC may also have additional features, such as RGB lighting, advanced cooling systems, and customisable components. With a gaming PC, gamers can get high-quality graphics, fast load times, and smooth gameplay, making it the ideal choice for gamers who want serious gaming upgrade.

What makes a good gaming PC?

Here are some qualities to look for in a great gaming PC:

Processor

A powerful processor is essential for a smooth gaming experience. Look for a CPU with high clock speeds and multiple cores. Intel Core i7 and i9, and AMD Ryzen 5 and 7 are great choices.

Graphics card

The graphics card is the heart of a gaming PC. It's what renders all the amazing graphics you see on your screen. Look for a graphics card with high clock speeds, ample onboard memory and dedicated cooling. Nvidia and AMD make great graphics cards.

RAM

You'll need plenty of RAM to ensure your games run smoothly. Look for at least 16GB of DDR4 RAM. More RAM is always better, especially if you plan on streaming your games or running other applications in the background.

Storage

A fast, spacious SSD is the ideal storage solution for a gaming PC. SSDs offer faster load times and faster boot times than traditional hard drives. However, they're also more expensive. If you're on a budget, you can opt for a smaller SSD for your operating system and a larger HDD for your games and other files.

Cooling

All that high-performance hardware generates a lot of heat. Look for a gaming PC with ample cooling, whether it's liquid cooling or a high-quality air cooler.

Customisation

A great gaming PC should be easy to upgrade and customise. Look for a PC with plenty of room for expansion, accessible components, and upgrade-friendly features.

If you’re looking to buy a pre-built gaming PC, here’s our PC gaming buying guide which is loaded with helpful tips. But there’s another option. Unlike a gaming console, you can build your own.

Building a gaming PC: what you need

If you're thinking about building a gaming PC, there are a few key components you'll need to put it all together. We’ve talked about the main things to think about: CPU, GPU, RAM, storage and cooling. Here are some more things to add to your shopping list:

Power supply

The power supply provides the energy your components need to function. For a gaming PC, you'll want to aim for a power supply with at least 600 watts of power, and with an 80+ certification to ensure high efficiency.

Motherboard

The motherboard is the backbone of your gaming PC, connecting all the various components together. Make sure to choose a motherboard that is compatible with your CPU and with enough expansion slots to accommodate additional components.

Case

Finally, you'll need a case to house all your components. Choose a case that has enough room for your components, good ventilation for cooling, and that fits your aesthetic preferences.

You’ll find what you need in our gaming PCs and accessories. And if you’re ready to take the plunge but need more help here’s our Beginner’s guide to building a gaming PC.

8 reasons to choose a gaming PC

1. The gaming experience is unbeatable

While consoles offer accessible plug-in-and play fun, for a hands-down incredible gaming experience loads of us swear by a great gaming PC. The potential for playing the latest FPS blockbusters at 60-90 frames per second or higher is really something.

For the very best experience play games in 4K. You’ll need a 4K TV or monitor, while only the best graphics cards will do. (One of the most powerful around right now is the GeForce RTX 4090.) CyberPunk 2077 and the classic Red Dead Redemption 2 are among the great 4K games available.

2. Future-proof your gaming system

As long as you have enough space in the tower you can upgrade the different components throughout the year – keeping you constantly at the cutting-edge.

You can always add more memory or a new graphics card further down the line. This can seem like a challenge, but it’s easier than you think. We’ve even created a handy guide to help you upgrade your gaming PC when the time comes.

3. They’re Virtual Reality ready

Virtual Reality is big in today's games, and there are plenty of powerful VR headsets that use the processing power of a gaming PC to deliver incredible new gaming worlds. Big publisher Steam is also creating games in VR. And while there are headsets (like the Meta Quest 2) that are totally standalone, the serious power of a PC should help deliver amazing performance in the longterm.

4. You can play modded versions of your favourite games

For as long as games have been played on PCs, enthusiasts have created mods to make them better. With console games, you generally have to wait for a develop to fix bugs or add more content. But on PC, there’s a huge community of fans who are doing it themselves.

From new costumes and new missions to updated graphics, mods can make you fall back in love with older games while new ones become more exciting. What’s more, they’re often free!

5. Not just for gaming

The same features that make your PC great for gaming, such as power and speed, also make it the perfect computer for day-to-day use and more. If you do a lot of photo editing or work with expansive worksheets in Excel, your gaming PC can help you get productive and creative too. Throw in a top-of-the-range 4K monitor, and you can kick back and watch Netflix too.

6. They have Steam

Steam is an online PC gaming service with 132 million users worldwide! And you won’t run out of things to play, since there are currently 70,000 games in the Steam library! You can always pick up plenty of titles on sale, play demos of new games and see what everybody else is playing. Once installed on your PC, you can download and buy games that are saved in your own online library.

7. And play nicely with Xbox Series X|S

Windows is committed to narrowing the gap between console and PC gamers. Games bought digitally can be played on both PC and Xbox with the Windows’ Play Anywhere feature. You can start a game on your PC then pick up on your Xbox later – and play against friends online who are using Xbox while you’re playing on your Windows 10 PC.

8. Better aim and more control

When transitioning from console to gaming on a PC you can still use your Xbox controller for playing games. But if you want better precision, especially with first-person shooters, you can’t beat the mouse and keyboard.

And, depending on the game (and the keyboard you're playing on), you can set up your favourite hotkeys all over your keyboard for game play. Real-time strategy games benefit the most from a mouse/keyboard setup.

Be sure to check out our PC gaming buying guide and keep up-to-date with everything with our PC gaming news.