Buying a Pre-Built System
Know Your Work or Gaming Preference
Before you start looking for a pre-built PC, you should know the purpose for which you need it. In gaming, determine your preferred game genres. What games excite you? Do you relish competition, such as in 'winner-takes-all' scenarios? Are you drawn to role-playing games, where adventures unfold in distant worlds? Do you seek a lifelike experience when racing on tracks or soaring through the skies in virtual aircraft? Whether it's for work or pleasure, each of these preferences demands specific system configurations and, of course, varying costs.
For work-related tasks, graphics usually play a secondary role compared to the computing power of the processor—unless certain applications demand a substantial amount of video RAM to ensure efficiency and time-saving, and as we know, time is money.
How Much Are You Willing to Spend
What's the cost of a good work/gaming PC? This question concerns most people, as we all have budgets, right? Some might think that if they're only casual gamers or spend a mere 30 minutes gaming each day, they shouldn't invest much in a gaming PC. This is a common misconception. Every game comes with specific 'system requirements' to run it on minimal settings, or to push it to the maximum or ultra settings with the highest frame rate and screen resolution. To determine this, always check the minimum system requirements for the game or app and start from there. In competitive games like multiplayer first-person shooters, higher framerates and rapid response times are crucial for gaining an edge over other players. In these games, high framerates lead to victory!
Get to Know Your Components
Researching your components and their capabilities is crucial for two main reasons: cost (unless budget is not a concern and you're aiming for top-tier performance), and the age-old question: 'Will it run Crysis?' When it comes to branded prebuilt gaming PCs, customization options are often severely limited due to proprietary designs, affecting performance and motherboard selection. Despite this, certain core components demand your attention when choosing a prebuilt system.

1. Processor: In today's gaming market, a smooth gaming experience requires a minimum of a 6-core, 12-thread processor. For Intel, this translates to a Core i5, while on the AMD side, it's akin to a Ryzen 5. For work-related tasks, the processing power you need largely depends on the time required for application tasks. For critical workloads, top-of-the-line processors like the Ryzen 9 or Intel Core i9 might even be necessary.

2. RAM: This component is responsible for storing temporary data while running applications. Higher speed RAM enables quicker data transmission to the processor, and greater capacity allows for running more applications or displaying more elements in your apps/games.

3. Graphics Card: Arguably the most critical (and often most expensive) component, the graphics card dictates what you see on screen and the frame rate it can achieve. Remember, high frame rates are crucial for gaming success. However, you must also consider the power draw and recommended power supply capacity to unlock the card's full potential and ensure system boot-up.

4. Disk Storage: This encompasses 3.5-inch HDDs, 2.5-inch SSDs, or M.2 SSDs. Each type has its speed for data transmission and 'loading' into RAM, with M.2 SSDs being the fastest.
Performance Comparison and User Reviews
Now that you have examined all your PC options, you should already have a good idea of their performance capabilities. Comparing them side by side is crucial for making the right purchase decision, finding the balance between performance and price.
Additionally, check user reviews, as these provide real-world data on aspects like performance, build quality, aesthetics, compatibility, and durability, among others.
Reputable Dealer
This is arguably the most crucial aspect of all. Choosing a reputable dealer like Geekay stands as one of the pivotal considerations when buying a PC. Imagine investing your hard-earned money with high expectations for a satisfying purchase, only to later discover that the parts differ from your order. Or worse yet, receiving subpar components from questionable manufacturers that inevitably malfunction within a matter of days or weeks.
At Geekay, all our prebuilt PCs and components come with a 1-year warranty, covering meticulously curated parts sourced from trusted manufacturers of PC components and accessories. This ensures that you receive top-notch brands and optimal performance for your investment.
Customization and Upgrades
Customization is an essential factor, especially if you're the kind of person who enjoys crafting a unique and personalized system that stands apart from other builds. While it's not mandatory for assembling a gaming PC, it holds immense significance for consumers who relish the freedom of personalization. The realm of limitless customization is attainable through a custom-built gaming PC or a prebuilt PC based on individually selected components. After all, who can deny that RGB adds life to it all?
Consideration should also be given to upgrade capabilities. Let's face it, you won't be playing the same game for the next six years. Eventually, you'll likely find yourself enamored with a game that demands more performance power than your current setup or your upcoming purchase. With any custom prebuilt PC, you have the freedom to change or upgrade any installed component. However, it's essential to factor in the relationship and compatibility of the new components with your existing setup. For instance, upgrading to a more powerful graphics card might necessitate a higher capacity power supply. Similarly, upgrading your motherboard could lead to changing your processor due to an incompatible socket, not to mention considerations for RAM types like DDR4 or DDR5—you get the idea.
Gaming Peripherals and Accessories
Balance is key when it comes to PC components, and that extends to its accessories and peripherals, designed to complement your high-performance PC. From surround sound headsets and low-latency mice to mechanical keyboards with RGB lighting, everything should harmonize seamlessly. Stores like Geekay offer gaming peripherals as gifts to initiate your PC gaming journey, so don't miss out on these kinds of offers whenever and wherever you encounter them.
When selecting a screen, certain qualities take precedence. The most crucial among these is the refresh rate, often denoted as 144Hz, 165Hz, and so on. The higher the number, the smoother the display—a lag-free, buttery image flow. This ensures that in intense moments, you won't lag behind in the race for victory. Additionally, consider how many screens you intend to connect, as this affects your graphics card's performance—whether it's one, two, three, or even twelve screens. Who knows?
Another consideration is the monitor's GTG (Gray-to-Gray) or MPRT (Motion Picture Response Time), indicating how quickly the monitor's pixels change colors in a given time. Smaller values signify superior performance, resulting in smoother color transitions, sharper edges on moving images, and clearer character models. These response times are often described as 4ms, 2ms, 1.0ms, or 0.5ms GTG/MPRT.
Manufacturer Support and Updates
It's also important to factor in the customer after-sales support provided by component manufacturers. The best brands are known for offering top-tier customer service. Reputable retailers like Geekay excel in providing exceptional after-sales support, complete with in-house technicians available whenever you need assistance related to manufacturing defects. This alone provides unparalleled value for money, especially if you encounter a defective component that requires a warranty claim.
Firmware and software updates are equally important for security, compatibility, and, of course, performance enhancements for all your components. However, it's the customer's responsibility to check and apply these updates through the software's 'check for updates' section. Some games even demand updated drivers to be installed before you can run or continue playing the game without any issues.
Game Room Setup
Investing in a well-designed game room setup is essential for enhancing your gaming atmosphere. A thoughtfully curated setup immerses you in a competitive mood, setting the stage for an enjoyable gaming experience. Imagine lighting panels, RGB lamps, stands, and more.
Gaming desks and chairs are paramount considerations as well. After all, you'll spend long hours sitting at your desk with your gaming PC. Prolonged gaming sessions can lead to discomfort or even back injuries if you're not using a chair specifically designed for gaming behaviours. When selecting a gaming chair, prioritize comfort, ergonomic design, and build quality. This is where physical stores like Geekay play a pivotal role. Their presence allows you to physically test chairs and accessories, gauging comfort and build quality firsthand. Also, explore online user reviews to assess long-term durability and quality based on constant usage.
Final Thoughts
And that's it! You now have a fundamental understanding of how to purchase your prebuilt PC. PC gaming offers limitless possibilities in terms of gaming capabilities and upgrades. Just remember to keep an eye on software and firmware updates to stay current.
So, have fun and enjoy gaming!
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