Have a gaming PC and are looking to upgrade? — This is the list for you. Simple upgrades like these are sure to improve your gaming experience whether it be technically or aesthetically.
Video card/Graphics Card
The graphics card has a large impact on the performance of your computer. If your graphics card is years old, you should consider upgrading yours with a higher GPU. You may notice significantly better performance in games you play with better graphics processing and multitasking.
Our suggestions are:
RAM
It’s better to have more than the minimum RAM that you need, so we recommend 16GB and up if you’re not already there. Here are some notable RAM options. Again, remember to check if the RAM is supported by your motherboard.
And if you prefer your RAM to have lights:
Power Supply (PSU)
It is best to stick with a semi or fully modular power supply over 750 watts. Having a semi or fully modular power supply allows for more airflow, better case temperature, and easier cable management. They also can be more energy-efficient especially if they are 80 PLUS Certified.
- Corsair RM850x — 850 Watt, 80 PLUS Gold Certified Fully Modular PSU
- Cooler Master – MWE GOLD 750 FULL MODULAR, if you can afford it, the Titanium and platinum series also exist but we are keeping in mind the more budget-friendly alternatives.
Keyboard & Mouse
Mechanical keyboards are the keyboards of choice for gamers nowadays since they are durable, easier to clean and have little resistance when pressing them because of the mechanical switches underneath each key. Keyboards we like also have advanced lighting control that has the ability to react to in-game events or receive notifications from apps like Discord.
- Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 RAPIDFIRE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Steelseries APEX 7 TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
If you’re still using that free mouse that came from one of your 10-year-old prebuilt computers you may want to upgrade to a mouse with a better optical sensor for accurate tracking.
- Logitech – G502 Hero mouse has 11 fully programmable buttons, adjustable weights and ability to sync lighting effects.
- Razer – Deathadder Elite mouse has 7 programmable buttons, Razer Chroma lighting with customizable color options as well.
Monitor
There are way too many monitor options that can do the job, but to do the job well, make sure to look for a monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz or higher. The size of the monitor is really your own preference.
- ASUS-ROG Strix XG32VQR Curved HDR Gaming Monitor – 32-inch WQHD (2560×1440), 144Hz, FreeSync 2 HDR, DisplayHDR 400, DCI-P3 94%, Shadow Boost
This monitor has a Shadow Boost that enhances image details in dark areas, brightening scenes without over-exposing bright areas. There are also multiple HDR modes allowing users to adjust settings based on usages such as gaming, content creation, or video display. You can also swivel, tilt and adjust the height. It also has ambient lighting that can sync with other Asus Aura Sync components.
- ASUS – ROG Strix XG258Q Gaming Monitor – 25-inch (24.5 inch viewable) FHD (1920×1080), Native 240Hz, 1ms, G-SYNC Compatible, Adaptive-Sync, Asus Aura RGB
This particular monitor can be tilted 90 degrees to a vertical position. It also has TÜV Rheinland-certified ASUS Blue Light Filters to protect your eyes from blue light.
BONUS! Lights
Because Why Not? If your setup is already above and beyond, the cherry-on-top is the lighting. Add a little razzle-dazzle and sync your lights to your gameplay. The added ambiance is sure to impress your friends or get you in the zone for your extended play sessions.
- NZXT HUE 2 RGB Lighting kit (tower) / Ambient Lighting kit (Backlighting) – The light kit has four separate channels, individually addressable RGB LEDs. It’s easy to change modes and sync lighting effects across all HUE 2 accessories.
- CORSAIR iCUE Commander PRO – Compatible with CORSAIR iCUE this lighting provides individually addressable RGB lighting. The RGB LED strips to have both mounting tape backings and magnets built into the strips to mount, making installation simple
Please let us know how you’ll be updating your PC in the future. We’d love to continue to form these lists based on our reader’s preferences.
