What Games Will My Computer Run? 2024 Guide

Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of PC gaming but unsure what games will my computer run? For smooth gameplay, System Requirements Lab, a website with a vast database, allows users to check if their PC specifications meet the minimum or recommended requirements of a particular game. The performance of a gaming PC depends on its core components; the Graphics Card, often produced by companies like NVIDIA, handles the visual rendering, directly impacting the quality and frame rate. Furthermore, even the most powerful setups might struggle if the CPU isn’t up to par, creating bottlenecks that limit the gaming experience.

So, you’re looking to dive into the world of PC gaming, or maybe you’re already in but want to understand things a little better? You’ve come to the right place! PC gaming can seem daunting at first, with all the talk of CPUs, GPUs, and RAM, but trust us, it doesn’t have to be rocket science.

This guide is all about demystifying the tech behind your gaming experience. We’re going to break down the essential components and concepts in a way that’s easy to grasp, even if you’re not a tech whiz.

Why Bother Understanding Your PC?

You might be thinking, "Why do I need to know all this? Can’t I just buy a PC and start playing?" While that’s certainly an option, taking a little time to understand what makes your PC tick can make a huge difference.

The Benefits of PC Gaming Knowledge

• Better Gaming Experience: Imagine being able to tweak your game settings just right, achieving that perfect balance between visual fidelity and smooth performance. Understanding your hardware empowers you to do just that.
• Cost Savings: No more blindly throwing money at upgrades! Knowing which component is holding you back allows you to make targeted, cost-effective improvements.
• Informed Upgrade Decisions: Building or upgrading a PC becomes less of a gamble when you understand how each component contributes to the overall gaming experience. You’ll be able to make smarter choices and get the most bang for your buck.

Core Components: A Quick Preview

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s briefly introduce the key players in your PC gaming setup. These are the components we’ll be diving into in more detail later:

• CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain of your PC, responsible for processing game instructions and calculations.
• GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): The artist, rendering the visuals you see on screen.
• RAM (Random Access Memory): Your PC’s short-term memory, storing data for quick access.
• Storage (SSD/HDD): Where your games live, affecting loading times and overall system responsiveness.

Keeping it Approachable

This guide is designed to be your friendly companion, not a lecture from a tech guru. We’ll avoid overly technical jargon and focus on explaining things in a clear, concise, and accessible way.

Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your PC gaming setup, without feeling overwhelmed. So, let’s get started and unlock the full potential of your gaming rig!

The Engine Room: Core Components Explained

Now that we’ve set the stage, it’s time to peek under the hood and explore the heart of your gaming PC. These are the components that truly dictate your performance, so understanding them is key to unlocking a smoother, more enjoyable gaming experience.

Think of these components as the engine room of a powerful machine – each part plays a specific and vital role.

CPU (Central Processing Unit): The Brain

The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is often called the brain of your computer, and for good reason. It’s responsible for processing the game’s instructions, handling complex calculations, and managing all the different tasks that keep your game running.

Basically, without a decent CPU, your game would be a sluggish, unresponsive mess. It’s where the magic happens.

The Power of CPU Cores

You’ll often hear about CPUs with multiple “cores,” like a quad-core or hexa-core processor. What does this mean? Think of cores as individual processing units within the CPU.

More cores allow your CPU to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, improving overall multitasking and performance in modern games that are designed to take advantage of multiple cores.

This becomes especially important when you’re streaming, recording, or running other applications in the background while gaming. More cores mean smoother gameplay.

Clock Speed: The Pace of Progress

Another key specification is the CPU’s clock speed, measured in GHz (gigahertz). The clock speed essentially dictates how quickly the CPU can process instructions.

A higher clock speed generally means a faster, more responsive system. However, clock speed isn’t everything.

The architecture and design of the CPU also play a crucial role in its overall performance.

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): The Artist

The GPU, or Graphics Processing Unit, is your PC’s artist. It’s dedicated to rendering visuals, handling complex graphics processing, and creating the stunning images you see on your screen.

Without a powerful GPU, even the most beautifully designed game would look like a blurry, pixelated mess.

VRAM (Video RAM): The Artist’s Palette

VRAM, or Video RAM, is memory specifically dedicated to the GPU. It stores textures, frame buffers, and other visual data that the GPU needs to render images.

The amount of VRAM your GPU has directly impacts the texture quality and resolution you can use in games.

More VRAM allows you to crank up the graphics settings without experiencing performance drops or visual glitches. Consider VRAM when maximizing visual fidelity.

The Importance of GPU Drivers

GPU drivers are software that allows your operating system and games to communicate with your GPU. Keeping your GPU drivers up-to-date is absolutely essential for optimal performance and compatibility.

New drivers often include performance optimizations, bug fixes, and support for the latest games. Always download the latest and greatest drivers.

RAM (Random Access Memory): Short-Term Memory

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is your PC’s short-term memory. It stores data that the CPU and GPU need to access quickly, allowing for faster loading times and smoother multitasking.

Think of it as the desk where your CPU and GPU keep the things they are immediately working on.

DDR4 vs. DDR5: The Memory Evolution

DDR4 and DDR5 are two different standards for RAM. DDR5 is the newer standard, offering significantly faster speeds and increased bandwidth compared to DDR4.

However, DDR5 is also more expensive, and requires a compatible motherboard. DDR5 is faster, but make sure all of your components are compatible.

DDR4 is still a viable option for many gamers, especially those on a budget.

Storage: Where Your Games Live

Your storage drive is where your games live. It’s where all the game files, textures, and assets are stored.

The type of storage you use can significantly impact game loading times, system responsiveness, and overall gaming experience.

SSD (Solid State Drive): The Speed Demon

SSDs (Solid State Drives) are the preferred storage option for gamers due to their lightning-fast speeds. SSDs use flash memory to store data, allowing for significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional HDDs.

This results in dramatically reduced loading times, snappier system performance, and a more responsive gaming experience.

NVMe SSD: The Next Level

NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs take things to the next level. NVMe SSDs use a different interface that allows for even faster data transfer speeds than standard SSDs, resulting in even quicker loading times and improved performance.

NVMe is a great choice for high-end gaming rigs.

HDD (Hard Disk Drive): The Budget-Friendly Option

HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) are a more traditional storage option that uses spinning platters to store data. HDDs are slower than SSDs, but they are also much cheaper, making them a viable option for storing large amounts of data, such as less frequently played games or media files.

While HDDs are still useful for bulk storage, they should not be your primary drive for gaming.

Software Symphony: Operating Systems and APIs

Your operating system and graphics APIs are the unsung heroes behind the scenes, orchestrating the complex interaction between your hardware and the games you love. They’re the conductors of your PC’s performance orchestra, and understanding their roles can help you fine-tune your gaming experience.

Let’s dive into how these software elements contribute to a smoother, more visually stunning gaming experience.

Windows 10 vs. Windows 11: A Gamer’s Dilemma

Choosing the right operating system is the first step in setting the stage for optimal gaming. For PC gamers, the choice often boils down to Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and the “best” choice can depend on your specific hardware and gaming preferences.

Windows 10: The Established Veteran

Windows 10 has been a stalwart in the gaming world for years. It boasts excellent game compatibility, a mature driver ecosystem, and a generally stable performance profile.

Many gamers stick with Windows 10 because it’s a known quantity. They know which games work well, and they’re comfortable with the operating system’s quirks.

Windows 11: The Modern Contender

Windows 11 brings a fresh, modern look and a handful of under-the-hood improvements. One notable feature for gamers is DirectStorage, which promises to dramatically reduce game loading times by allowing the GPU to directly access the SSD, bypassing the CPU.

However, Windows 11 has also faced some initial criticisms regarding game compatibility and performance on certain hardware configurations.

It’s essential to research specific game titles and hardware setups to see if Windows 11 offers a tangible benefit or introduces unexpected issues.

Compatibility and Performance: Key Considerations

Ultimately, the best way to decide between Windows 10 and 11 is to consider the games you play most often. Check forums and online communities to see if other gamers have reported any compatibility or performance issues with specific titles on either operating system.

If you’re running older hardware, Windows 10 may be the safer bet due to its more mature driver support. However, if you have a newer system and want to take advantage of features like DirectStorage, Windows 11 might be worth exploring.

DirectX: The Windows Graphics Powerhouse

DirectX is a collection of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) developed by Microsoft that are essential for graphics rendering, sound, and input in Windows games.

Think of DirectX as the language that games use to communicate with your graphics card and other hardware components.

Without DirectX, games wouldn’t be able to render those stunning visuals or deliver immersive sound effects.

Newer versions of DirectX, such as DirectX 12, offer significant performance improvements by allowing developers to more efficiently utilize the resources of modern GPUs.

This can result in higher frame rates, better visual fidelity, and a smoother overall gaming experience.

OpenGL: The Cross-Platform Alternative

While DirectX dominates the Windows gaming scene, OpenGL is another important graphics API, particularly for cross-platform games and applications.

OpenGL is an open-source API that can be used on a variety of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

While it’s not as widely used as DirectX for AAA game development on Windows, OpenGL remains relevant for indie games, emulators, and other graphics-intensive applications.

Decoding the Matrix: Understanding Key Performance Factors

Now that we’ve explored the core components of your gaming PC, it’s time to translate that knowledge into actionable insights. Understanding key performance factors is crucial for optimizing your gaming experience and ensuring your system runs smoothly. This section will demystify concepts like system requirements, frame rates, resolution, and graphics settings, giving you the power to fine-tune your gameplay.

Think of this as learning to read the matrix – seeing beyond the surface to understand the underlying code that governs your gaming world.

System Requirements: Know What Your Game Needs

Before you even download a game, it’s essential to check its system requirements. These requirements, typically listed on the game’s store page, provide a guideline for the hardware needed to run the game adequately.

Pay close attention to the difference between minimum and recommended specifications.

Minimum vs. Recommended Specs

The minimum specifications represent the bare minimum hardware needed to launch and play the game. However, expect to play at low settings with potentially choppy frame rates. It’s the “limp in the door” spec.

Recommended specifications, on the other hand, indicate the hardware that will allow you to enjoy the game at higher settings with a smoother frame rate. Think of it as the “sweet spot” for a good balance of visuals and performance.

Meeting or exceeding the recommended specs usually results in a much more enjoyable experience.

Checking Compatibility

Unsure if your system meets the requirements? Several online tools can help. Sites like Can You Run It? and Game-Debate analyze your hardware and compare it against game specifications.

While not always perfectly accurate, these tools can provide a valuable estimate of your system’s compatibility, avoiding potential disappointment.

Frame Rate (FPS): The Smoothness Factor

Frame rate, measured in frames per second (FPS), is a critical factor in the perceived smoothness of gameplay. It essentially represents how many individual images your graphics card is rendering per second.

The higher the FPS, the smoother and more responsive the game will feel.

FPS Thresholds

Different FPS ranges offer different levels of smoothness.

Below 30 FPS, the game will likely feel choppy and laggy, making it difficult to react quickly. 30 FPS is generally considered the minimum playable frame rate by most people.

60 FPS is often considered ideal for a smooth and enjoyable single-player gaming experience. This target allows for fluid animations and responsive controls.

144+ FPS is commonly targeted by competitive gamers, where split-second reactions are crucial. High refresh rate monitors are required to benefit from these very high frame rates.

Resolution: Sharpness and Detail

Resolution determines the sharpness and level of detail in your game’s visuals. It refers to the number of pixels displayed on your screen, typically expressed as width x height (e.g., 1920×1080).

Higher resolutions result in sharper images and more detail, but also require more processing power from your GPU.

Common Resolutions

Some common gaming resolutions include:

1080p (1920×1080): Also known as Full HD, this is a popular resolution that provides a good balance of visual quality and performance.

1440p (2560×1440): Also known as QHD or 2K, this resolution offers a noticeable step up in sharpness and detail compared to 1080p.

4K (3840×2160): This resolution provides the highest level of visual fidelity, but it requires significant processing power to run smoothly.

Graphics Settings: Balancing Visuals and Performance

Most PC games offer a wide range of graphics settings that allow you to customize the visual quality of the game. These settings control various aspects of the game’s visuals, such as texture quality, shadow detail, anti-aliasing, and draw distance.

Tweaking these settings is crucial for achieving the desired balance between visual quality and performance.

Finding the Sweet Spot

Experiment with different settings to find what works best for your system. Start by adjusting the overall graphics preset (e.g., Low, Medium, High, Ultra) and then fine-tune individual settings to optimize performance.

Lowering settings like shadow quality and anti-aliasing can often provide a significant performance boost without drastically impacting visual quality.

Bottlenecking: Identifying Performance Limiting Factors

Bottlenecking occurs when one component in your system is limiting the performance of other components. It’s like having a traffic jam on the highway – the overall flow is restricted by the slowest vehicle.

Identifying the bottleneck is crucial for understanding where to focus your upgrade efforts.

Identifying the Culprit

Common bottlenecks include the CPU, GPU, or even RAM. Monitoring your system’s resource usage during gameplay can help identify the bottleneck. For example, if your CPU is consistently at 100% utilization while your GPU is only at 60%, the CPU is likely the bottleneck.

Tools like MSI Afterburner or the Windows Performance Monitor can help track these metrics.

Thermal Throttling: Keeping Your Cool

Thermal throttling is a performance reduction mechanism that kicks in when your CPU or GPU gets too hot. To prevent damage, these components automatically reduce their clock speeds, resulting in lower performance.

This is your PC’s way of saying, “I’m getting too hot! Gotta slow down.”

Preventing Throttling

Ensure your system has adequate cooling to prevent thermal throttling. This may involve upgrading your CPU cooler, improving case airflow, or even reapplying thermal paste to your CPU and GPU.

Monitoring your component temperatures during gameplay is essential for identifying potential throttling issues. If temperatures are consistently high, it’s time to investigate your cooling solutions.

Tech to the Rescue: Performance-Enhancing Technologies

Gaming performance hitting a snag? Don’t despair! The tech world has been hard at work developing clever solutions to squeeze more frames out of your existing hardware.

One of the most exciting advancements in recent years has been the rise of upscaling technologies, which can significantly boost performance without sacrificing too much visual fidelity. Let’s dive into two of the biggest players: NVIDIA’s DLSS and AMD’s FSR.

DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling): NVIDIA’s AI Advantage

DLSS, short for Deep Learning Super Sampling, is NVIDIA’s proprietary upscaling technology that leverages the power of artificial intelligence to enhance gaming performance.

Here’s the gist: instead of rendering a game at your monitor’s native resolution (like 4K), DLSS renders it at a lower resolution (like 1080p or 1440p) and then uses a deep learning model to intelligently upscale the image.

How Does It Work? The AI Magic

The magic lies in the AI model. NVIDIA trains this model on high-resolution images, teaching it how to reconstruct details and create a sharper, more detailed image from the lower-resolution input.

Think of it like a skilled artist filling in the missing pieces of a puzzle.

This process allows your GPU to render fewer pixels, resulting in a significant performance boost, while the AI upscaling attempts to maintain a visually pleasing image that’s close to native resolution.

DLSS Generations: Iterative Improvements

It’s worth noting that DLSS isn’t a static technology. NVIDIA has released multiple generations of DLSS (DLSS 2, DLSS 3 and beyond), each offering improvements in image quality and performance.

Newer versions, like DLSS 3, even incorporate frame generation technology, which can further boost FPS by creating entirely new frames using AI.

This ongoing development means that DLSS continues to get better and better over time.

FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution): AMD’s Open Approach

FSR, or FidelityFX Super Resolution, is AMD’s answer to DLSS. The core goal is the same: boost gaming performance by upscaling lower-resolution images.

However, FSR takes a fundamentally different approach than DLSS. Instead of relying on AI, FSR uses a spatial upscaling algorithm that works by analyzing the surrounding pixels to reconstruct the image.

Cross-Platform Compatibility: A Key Benefit

One of the biggest advantages of FSR is its cross-platform compatibility. Because it doesn’t require dedicated AI hardware, FSR can run on a wide range of GPUs, including those from NVIDIA and even integrated graphics solutions.

This makes it a more accessible upscaling solution for gamers with older or less powerful hardware.

FSR Quality Modes: Balancing Performance and Fidelity

FSR typically offers multiple quality modes (e.g., Ultra Quality, Quality, Balanced, Performance) that allow you to adjust the level of upscaling and the resulting performance gain.

The "Quality" mode generally provides a good balance between visual quality and performance, while the "Performance" mode prioritizes maximum FPS.

FSR Versions: Evolving Upscaling

Like DLSS, FSR has also gone through multiple iterations. FSR 2 and FSR 3 offer significant improvements over the original version, with enhanced image quality and more advanced upscaling algorithms.

FSR 3 also includes frame generation technology, similar to DLSS 3, to further boost performance.

Which Upscaling Tech is Right for You?

The best upscaling technology for you depends on several factors, including your GPU, the game you’re playing, and your personal preferences.

• If you have an NVIDIA RTX GPU, DLSS is generally the preferred option, especially with newer DLSS versions.
• If you have an older NVIDIA GPU, an AMD GPU, or even an integrated graphics card, FSR is a great choice.

Ultimately, the best way to determine which technology works best for you is to experiment and see which one provides the best balance of performance and visual quality in your favorite games.

Choosing Your Weapon: PC vs. Laptop

So, you’re ready to dive into the world of PC gaming, but you’re facing a critical decision: do you go for a gaming laptop or a desktop PC? Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and the "best" choice really depends on your individual needs and priorities. Let’s break down the key considerations to help you choose the right weapon for your gaming adventures.

Gaming Laptop: Portable Power

The biggest draw of a gaming laptop is, without a doubt, its portability. The ability to take your gaming rig with you wherever you go is a huge advantage for students, travelers, or anyone who simply wants to game in different rooms of the house.

Advantages of Gaming Laptops

• Convenience and Portability: This is the key selling point. You can game on the couch, at a friend’s house, or even on a long commute (if you’re not driving, of course!).

• All-in-One Package: Everything you need is built-in – screen, keyboard, trackpad, and speakers. No need to buy separate peripherals.

• Space Saving: Laptops take up significantly less space than a desktop setup, which is a major consideration for those living in smaller spaces.

Limitations of Gaming Laptops

• Thermal Constraints: Laptops struggle to dissipate heat as effectively as desktops, leading to potential thermal throttling, which can reduce performance.

• Limited Upgradeability: Upgrading components like the CPU or GPU is often impossible or extremely difficult on laptops. RAM and storage are typically the only components that can be easily upgraded.

• Higher Cost per Performance: You’ll generally pay more for a laptop with comparable performance to a desktop PC.

• Ergonomics Can Be a Challenge: Extended gaming sessions on a laptop can be uncomfortable due to the smaller keyboard and trackpad. Consider an external keyboard and mouse.

Gaming PC: The Powerhouse

A desktop gaming PC offers raw power, flexibility, and customization options that laptops simply can’t match. While it sacrifices portability, it excels in performance, cooling, and upgradeability.

Advantages of Gaming PCs

• Superior Performance: Desktop PCs generally offer better performance than laptops at the same price point, thanks to better cooling and less restrictive power limits.

• Extensive Customization: You have complete control over every aspect of your PC, from the CPU and GPU to the case and lighting.

• Excellent Cooling: Larger cases and more robust cooling solutions allow for better heat dissipation, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining consistent performance.

• Easy Upgradeability: Upgrading components is much easier on a desktop PC. You can easily swap out the CPU, GPU, RAM, or storage as needed.

• Better Ergonomics: You can choose your own keyboard, mouse, and monitor, allowing for a more comfortable and personalized gaming experience.

Considerations for Gaming PCs

• Lack of Portability: This is the obvious drawback. You’re tied to your desk.

• Requires Assembly (Potentially): While you can buy pre-built PCs, building your own offers more control and can often be cheaper. However, it requires some technical knowledge.

• Higher Initial Investment (Potentially): While components can be cheaper, you need to factor in the cost of a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, which are often included with laptops.

The Verdict

Ultimately, the decision between a gaming laptop and a desktop PC comes down to your individual needs and priorities. If portability is paramount, a gaming laptop is the way to go. However, if you prioritize performance, customization, and value, a desktop PC is the clear winner.

Consider what’s most important to you. Do you need to game on the go, or will your PC primarily stay at home? Do you value raw power and upgradeability, or convenience and ease of use? Answer these questions honestly, and you’ll be well on your way to choosing the perfect gaming weapon.

Monitoring and Benchmarking: Tracking Your Progress

Alright, you’ve got your PC built or bought, you understand the components, and you’re ready to game. But how do you know if everything’s running as it should? This is where monitoring and benchmarking come in. These tools are essential for keeping an eye on your system’s performance and ensuring you’re getting the most out of your hardware.

Think of it like this: you wouldn’t drive a car without looking at the speedometer and fuel gauge, right? Similarly, you shouldn’t game without monitoring your PC’s vitals. Let’s explore some key tools that will help you track your progress and optimize your gaming experience.

Benchmarking Your System

Benchmarking is the process of running a specific test to measure your system’s performance. This gives you a quantifiable score that you can use to compare your PC against others or track improvements after upgrades or tweaks. It’s like a fitness test for your computer!

3DMark: Your GPU’s Report Card

When it comes to graphics card benchmarking, 3DMark is the industry standard. It’s a comprehensive suite of tests designed to push your GPU to its limits and provide a score that represents its overall performance.

3DMark offers various tests tailored to different hardware configurations and DirectX versions. For example, Time Spy is a popular choice for modern DirectX 12 GPUs, while Fire Strike is suitable for older cards.

To use 3DMark, simply download and install the software. Choose a relevant benchmark test, run it, and let 3DMark do its thing. Once the test is complete, you’ll receive a score and detailed performance metrics.

You can then compare your score with other users online to see how your GPU stacks up. 3DMark is excellent for determining if your new graphics card is performing as expected or if driver updates have improved performance.

Interpreting your score: Remember that a higher score generally indicates better performance. 3DMark also breaks down the results into individual test scores, allowing you to pinpoint potential bottlenecks.

Monitoring Your System in Real-Time

While benchmarking provides a snapshot of your system’s performance, monitoring tools allow you to track your hardware’s behavior in real-time during gameplay. This is crucial for identifying performance issues like overheating or bottlenecks.

CPU-Z: Unveiling Your CPU’s Secrets

CPU-Z is a lightweight and free utility that provides detailed information about your CPU, motherboard, and RAM. It displays essential specs like clock speed, core count, voltage, and temperature.

This tool is invaluable for confirming that your CPU is running at its rated speed and that your cooling solution is working effectively. If you notice unusually high temperatures while gaming, CPU-Z can help you identify a potential cooling issue.

Beyond basic specs, CPU-Z also provides information about your CPU’s architecture, cache size, and supported instruction sets. This information can be useful for diagnosing compatibility issues or understanding why certain games might be performing poorly.

GPU-Z: Your Window into the Graphics Card

Similar to CPU-Z, GPU-Z provides detailed information about your graphics card. It displays specs like GPU model, memory type, clock speeds, and temperature.

GPU-Z is especially useful for monitoring your GPU’s temperature during gaming. If your GPU is overheating, it can lead to thermal throttling, which reduces performance to prevent damage. Monitoring your GPU’s temperature can help you identify if you need to improve your cooling solution.

In addition to temperature monitoring, GPU-Z also displays information about your GPU’s driver version, BIOS version, and supported features. This information can be useful for troubleshooting compatibility issues or ensuring that you have the latest drivers installed.

By keeping an eye on GPU load and memory usage, you can also see how hard your graphics card is working during gameplay, and identify if it’s the bottleneck in your system.

Combining the insights from CPU-Z and GPU-Z will provide a comprehensive view of your system’s performance under load and help you make informed decisions about upgrades and optimizations.

Entering the Arena: Gaming Platforms and Distribution

So, you’ve got your rig dialed in, you’re monitoring performance, and you’re ready to dive into some games. But where do you actually get those games? The world of PC gaming distribution has evolved, moving far beyond physical stores. Let’s take a look at the major digital storefronts that serve as gateways to your next gaming adventure.

Steam: The Undisputed King

Let’s be honest, when most people think of PC gaming, they think of Steam. It’s become synonymous with the platform itself. Valve’s brainchild has dominated the digital distribution landscape for years, and for good reason.

Steam boasts a massive library, a thriving community, and features that cater to every type of gamer. From indie darlings to AAA blockbusters, you can find practically anything your heart desires on Steam.

Steam frequently holds sales, offering substantial discounts on a wide range of titles. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.

Beyond just selling games, Steam offers a robust social platform. You can connect with friends, join groups, participate in discussions, and even stream your gameplay directly through the platform.

The Steam Workshop provides a space for community-created content, such as mods, maps, and skins, enhancing the replayability of many games. This user-generated content adds tremendous value and keeps games fresh for years.

Epic Games Store: A Rising Challenger

While Steam reigns supreme, the Epic Games Store (EGS) has emerged as a serious contender in recent years. Backed by the creators of Fortnite, Epic has been aggressively pursuing market share with a different strategy.

One of the biggest draws of the EGS is its weekly free game offerings. Epic gives away free games every week, sometimes even high-profile titles, attracting a large user base. This is a great way to build your library without breaking the bank.

The EGS often secures exclusive releases, meaning certain games are only available on their platform, at least for a limited time. This can be a deciding factor for gamers eager to play specific titles.

Epic offers developers a more favorable revenue split than Steam, incentivizing them to publish their games on the EGS. This can lead to more diverse and innovative games finding their way to the platform.

The EGS is still evolving, with new features and improvements being added regularly. It may not have all the bells and whistles of Steam just yet, but it’s rapidly catching up.

Beyond the Giants: Other Platforms Worth Mentioning

While Steam and the Epic Games Store dominate the conversation, there are other platforms worth exploring depending on your gaming preferences.

GOG.com (formerly Good Old Games) focuses on DRM-free games, offering a curated selection of classic and modern titles that you can own and play without restrictions.

EA App (formerly Origin) is Electronic Arts’ platform for distributing their games, like the Battlefield and The Sims franchises. If you’re a fan of EA titles, this is a must-have.

Then there are services like Xbox Game Pass for PC, which gives you access to a large library of games for a monthly subscription fee. It’s a great way to try out new titles without committing to a full purchase.

Choosing the right platform ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the game selection, features, pricing, and community aspects before making your decision.

The Titans of Tech: Key Hardware Manufacturers

Before diving into the specifics of CPUs, GPUs, and everything else, it’s helpful to know the major players in the hardware game. These companies are the architects of your gaming experience, designing and manufacturing the components that power your virtual adventures. Knowing their strengths and specialties can inform your buying decisions and help you understand the landscape of PC gaming hardware.

Intel: The CPU Veteran

Intel is a household name, and for good reason. They’ve been a dominant force in the CPU market for decades. You’ll find Intel processors powering a vast majority of PCs, from everyday laptops to high-end gaming rigs.

Intel CPUs are known for their strong single-core performance, which is crucial for many games that don’t heavily utilize multiple cores. This has traditionally made them a popular choice for gamers. Intel offers a wide range of processors, from their budget-friendly i3 series to their high-performance i9 series, catering to different needs and budgets.

Keep an eye on their “K” series CPUs; these are unlocked and can be overclocked for even greater performance, provided you have adequate cooling.

AMD: The CPU and GPU Challenger

AMD has made a remarkable comeback in recent years, challenging Intel’s dominance in the CPU market and providing strong competition in the GPU arena. They offer a compelling alternative for gamers looking for both performance and value.

AMD’s Ryzen CPUs are known for their excellent multi-core performance, making them well-suited for modern games that can take advantage of multiple cores and threads. This also makes them a great choice for streamers and content creators who need to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

AMD’s integrated graphics is also a great choice, which removes the necessity to buy dedicated GPU if you don’t need it.

AMD also offers a range of Radeon GPUs that compete with NVIDIA’s offerings. These GPUs often provide excellent performance at competitive price points, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers.

NVIDIA: The GPU Innovator

NVIDIA is synonymous with high-performance graphics. They are the leaders in the GPU market, consistently pushing the boundaries of visual fidelity and gaming technology. If you’re looking for the ultimate gaming experience, an NVIDIA GeForce GPU is often the way to go.

NVIDIA GPUs are known for their cutting-edge features, such as ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), which enhance visual realism and improve performance. These technologies can significantly elevate your gaming experience.

NVIDIA offers a wide range of GPUs, from the entry-level GeForce RTX 3050 to the flagship GeForce RTX 4090, catering to different budgets and performance requirements. Their drivers are also generally well-regarded for their stability and performance optimizations.

Knowing these companies’ strengths and focus areas will significantly aid in your building or buying decisions. Each one continues to innovate, pushing the boundaries of PC gaming, and ultimately, bringing better experiences to gamers worldwide.

So, that’s the lowdown! Hopefully, this guide gives you a clearer picture of what games your trusty machine can handle. Now you can stop wondering "what games will my computer run?" and start downloading (or building!) to your heart’s content. Happy gaming!