The Best Computer Specs for Gaming

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The best CPU for gaming in 2024 is the Intel Core i9-14900K. It has 8 performance cores and 16 efficiency cores. The L2 cache is 32 MB, and the L3 cache is 36 MB. The maximum frequency of the performance cores is 6 GHz, while the efficiency cores can reach up to 4.4 GHz. No CPU currently has better specifications.

In all modern games, the Intel Core i9-14900K provides the highest possible performance. Even in poorly optimized projects, you will get a high FPS. This processor will not bottleneck your graphics card in any game.

Motherboard

The Intel Core i9-14900K consumes about 300 watts of power. Not every motherboard power system can handle such a TDP. To ensure the processor runs without throttling, you need a motherboard with a "Z" chipset. The power system of these boards is designed to work with the most powerful processors, ensuring VRM protection from throttling.

Additionally, the motherboard should have numerous metal heatsinks. They provide extra cooling for the electronic components and extend their maximum lifespan. It is also crucial that the motherboard has heatsinks for SSDs, as many solid-state drives do not come with them in the package.

Graphics Card

The best graphics card for gaming in 2024 is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090. However, it is very expensive and has 24 GB of VRAM, which is important for heavy programs and applications, but not for games. Alternatively, you might consider the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super, which is about half the price.

It has 8 GB less VRAM, but this is not an issue, as 16 GB of VRAM is sufficient for all modern games on ultra-settings with ray tracing and in 4K resolution. The GPU performance is about 15% lower, but this is also not a significant problem. The RTX 4080 Super is still powerful enough for any game.

If you want to achieve the highest possible performance, choose a computer with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card. But if you are willing to sacrifice a little power to save money, you can confidently consider a PC with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super.

RAM

Intel Core 14th generation processors can work with two types of memory: DDR4 and DDR5. With the outdated DDR4 memory, the CPU's performance is slightly lower than with the modern DDR5. Therefore, the best gaming computer specs should include DDR5 RAM.

Almost all modern games can run on 16 GB of RAM, but the most demanding projects, like Starfield, require 32 GB of memory on ultra-graphics settings. If you want to enable ray tracing technology, the RAM requirements will increase, and 16 GB will no longer be sufficient. To ensure maximum gaming performance, a PC should have at least 32 GB of RAM

The higher the RAM frequency, the faster the CPU and memory exchange information. This directly increases the CPU's performance. To ensure maximum performance, the RAM frequency should be at least 5600 MHz for DDR5.

The speed of information exchange between the CPU and RAM also depends on the number of memory modules. Using a single stick can significantly reduce CPU performance in games. To avoid this, the computer should have two RAM sticks. This activates dual-channel mode, which greatly increases memory bandwidth, boosting FPS and game stability.

SSD Drive

Hard drives are too slow. Their speed is not enough for the stable operation of modern video games. Load times are very long, and constant freezes during open-world exploration prevent you from enjoying the gaming experience. The gaming pc requirements for the best setup should include SSD drives. They are tens of times faster than hard drives and provide quick loading of games, programs, and applications.

The best SSD drives with PCI-E 4.0 interface are produced by Samsung. Their 980 PRO and 990 PRO drives are considered the best. They have the highest speed characteristics, including write speed after the SLC cache is filled. Additionally, Samsung SSDs are made from the highest quality and most expensive components, ensuring their long and stable operation.

Cooling System

To cool the Intel Core i9-14900K, you need a three-section or custom liquid cooling system, as it is a very hot processor. Its TDP is about 300 watts, meaning no tower cooler can handle such a CPU.

Top-level graphics cards like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super and 4090 are also very hot. However, all vendors provide excellent cooling systems for them, with three fans and large metal heatsinks.

To ensure that the CPU, graphics card, and all other components are well-cooled, the case should have multiple intake and exhaust fans. This will ensure efficient air circulation inside the system unit, protecting the components from throttling and extending their maximum lifespan.

Power Supply

For a top-end gaming computer with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super graphics card, a power supply unit (PSU) with a minimum of 750 watts is required. If the PC is equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090, a PSU with a minimum of 850 watts is needed.

At the same time, the PSU should be of high quality and include:

• Active PFC;
• Japanese capacitors;
• An 80 PLUS Gold certificate or higher.

Low-quality power supplies suffer from high voltage drops. They also lack all the necessary protections. If you don't want expensive components to break, choose computers with only high-quality PSUs.