It’s a big problem to design a new gaming PC because of the persistent graphical processing unit (GPU) supply shortages caused by numerous variables up and down the supply chain. Today, purchasing a GPU requires either being extremely lucky to get one at an affordable price or paying more for less performance.
Does it, however, mean you can’t construct a gaming PC? No, not always. Suppose you require a new PC in general and are unable to wait for GPU supplies to return to normal (if they ever do). Perhaps your old computer is too slow, and your new one will handle all of your computing needs while also acting as your gaming computer.
In any event, it’s possible to create a brand-new PC by combining some of today’s quickest CPUs, RAM, and storage. Since we’re discussing a desktop PC, adding the GPU is actually as easy as placing it in the proper PCIe slot. You can build your PC whenever you like and then purchase the first fantastic GPU deal you come across.
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Integrated Graphics
You will want a graphics adapter of some sort in order for your PC to operate at all. The integrated graphics versions of today’s CPUs can display standard Windows material as well as provide some basic gaming functionality. The only thing you need to do while building your PC is pick the correct CPU. The available CPU models are limited since not all of them feature integrated graphics.
You need to look for a “F” designator at the end of the product name for Intel Core CPUs. The CPU does not have integrated graphics if that is present. Some amount of Intel UHD graphics is offered by Intel desktop CPUs. The most recent generation of Intel CPUs is the 11th generation for the Core i3 line and the 12th generation for the Core i5, i7, and i9 lines. Every Core i3 has an integrated graphics option, while every other CPU model also offers an option without integrated graphics.
For recent games, Intel and AMD’s integrated graphics will be quick enough to run them at lesser resolutions (no higher than 1080p) and with fewer graphical details enabled. Even then, you won’t get much more than 30 frames per second (fps), and frequently much less. Older games and eSports games will operate at 1080p with the graphical detail somewhat increased.
Although it’s not the ideal method, constructing your gaming PC in this manner will enable you to play some casual games while looking for a better GPU. The PC will be more than fast enough for your needs in terms of productivity and media consumption.
Streaming Services
First, there are a number of streaming gaming platforms where the labor-intensive process of rendering a game takes place on enormous servers. The game is then streamed to your computer over the internet so that all it needs to do to play it is display the stream like it would any other file type and send keyboard and gaming accessory inputs back to the server. That means the most demanding games of today can be played without a strong GPU. There are a number of streaming services that are offered, each with a different price and selection of games. To name a few:
More than 100 games are included in the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($14.99/month), which is available for Windows 10.
While still in beta, Amazon Luna offers a variety of games for $5.99/month for the Amazon Luna+ channel and $17.99/month for the Ubisoft+ channel.
The unique feature of Nvidia GeForce Now, $4.99/month, is that it enables you to stream games that you already own from the Steam, Epic Game Store, and Uplay platforms.
With new games introduced each month, Sony PlayStation Now, which costs $9.99/month, streams PS2, PS3, and PS4 games.
Although there are a few additional game streaming services, those are the main contenders. By taking that approach, you’ll be able to play contemporary games with respectable performance while you wait for your brand-new, current GPU.