How to get the most from a high-end gaming PC
A high-end gaming PC can let you run the latest games with all the bells and whistles, but once you've kitted out your tower, make sure your equipment is up to the task. Here's what to consider when setting up your gaming PC to get the most from it.
What sort of monitor do I need?
The monitor is the most important component of your gaming PC setup. You’ll need one that supports 4K resolution or above and HDR (high dynamic range), plus a refresh rate of 144Hz or above for smooth movement in fast-paced games like Call of Duty.
For picture quality, it's hard to go past an OLED monitor. OLED is renowned for its contrast and black levels, giving the image a real sense of depth and clarity.
OLED monitors can be expensive (but are becoming more affordable), and can suffer from burn-in if you leave them running constantly, so you need to be careful. Really, any 4K or above monitor will look good: if you're still rocking a 1080p display, though, it's time to upgrade.
Size matters, too, and generally 4K/1440p monitors start at 27 inches – you can go bigger, but ensure you measure your space and plan ahead first.
An ultra-wide monitor – with a ratio of 21:9 or above – is great for modern AAA immersive games, but if you want to play a lot of older games (and some smaller independent titles), they may not support these resolutions, so it's good to keep a smaller monitor too.
Do I need a new HDMI cable?
If games aren't looking as sharp as expected on your new monitor, check the cable you're using.
For a 4K display, you'll need an HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 cable to properly display the images at full 4K clarity and with the maximum frame rate – especially if you want games with uncapped frame rates to look smooth.
If you've really splurged on an 8K monitor, look for a HDMI 2.1b cable designed specifically for 8K displays, and it's a safe bet for 6K displays, too.
Should I go wired or wireless for accessories?
There's a key question you need to answer when deciding how many wired devices you're going to use with your new PC – where should you prioritise convenience and where should you prioritise performance? The answer will be a little different for everyone.
As a general rule, wired devices will give you lower latency, and these tend to be the preferences in professional gaming.
A wired ethernet connection is more stable, for instance, and a wired mouse and keyboard will have slightly lower input lag.
But we're dealing in milliseconds here, and most wireless keyboards, mice, and controllers perform extremely well under pressure.
A wired connection provides a certain level of assurance, and the lack of reliance on batteries is a big plus too. However, wireless devices can reduce cable clutter and are often more comfortable.
If you choose wired in one area, we recommend focusing on your speakers. Wireless speaker batteries drain faster, and there's generally a more noticeable quality difference when it comes to sound.
There's less of an obvious gap with headsets, though, and wireless can be good if you want to get up and fetch a snack without needing to take them off.
What do I need from my keyboard, mouse, and controller?
Never mind the debate about keyboard and mouse versus controller – really, you need both.
An ideal gaming keyboard is one with hall effect switches, which can be customised to suit the level of sensitivity you need and how hard you need to press a key to activate it.
If you're using your PC for multiple different tasks, being able to switch between different sensitivities is useful. A mechanical keyboard is satisfying to use, but beware of using a keyboard with extremely loud, clacking keys if your PC is in a shared space.
Ergonomics is the most important factor to consider in a mouse.
If you're looking at a dedicated gaming mouse (and you should be), you can trust it'll have a high DPI (dots per inch, a measurement for the mouse's sensitivity) and polling rate (how many times the mouse reports its position back to the computer per second).
The difference between a polling rate of 1K and 4K might be noticeable at a professional level, but most players won't feel the difference.
What really matters is whether the mouse is a good fit for your hand, and whether the games you play require a lot of macros – a mouse with lots of extra buttons is useful to high-level RTS players, for instance.
PS5 and Xbox controllers are compatible with PCs via Bluetooth or a wired connection, and which one you should use is a matter of personal preference.
The pricier Xbox Elite series offers the best controller on the market if you don't mind spending more, with adjustable tension thumb-sticks, swappable components, programmable paddles for extra functionality, and a lovely rubberised grip on the side.
Should I use Windows 11 Game Mode?
Game Mode is a Windows 11 feature that optimises your PC when you run a game, disabling background activities and funnelling all of your GPU and CPU resources into the game.
It'll stop Windows from installing new drivers while you're playing, and pause all notifications. It's a straightforward feature with no real downsides, so we recommend turning it on when you game.
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