Joybuy Insights

Buying a gaming PC: how to choose a desktop that suits the way you use it

At first glance, comparing gaming PCs seems straightforward: look at the graphics card, check the amount of RAM and choose an attractive case. However, buyers sometimes pay for components that make little difference to their games, while overlooking features that matter more.

The following pitfalls are common:

  • Paying too much attention to RGB lighting: lighting does not affect frame rates, cooling or storage capacity.
  • A powerful graphics card with too little supporting hardware: a system also needs sufficient processor capacity, RAM and cooling.
  • Uncertainty about the operating system: not every gaming desktop comes with Windows 11. A barebone system does not include RAM, storage and sometimes the operating system either.
  • Too little storage space: modern games can take up a lot of disk space. A gaming PC with a 480GB SSD may therefore need an upgrade sooner than a gaming PC with a 1TB SSD.

The key specifications of a gaming computer

1. Graphics card: match it to your resolution

The graphics card largely determines how well a gaming PC displays modern games. For Full HD gaming, an RTX 5060 gaming PC is a practical choice from the current range. If you play at 1440p or use a monitor with a higher refresh rate, you may want to consider an RTX 5060 Ti gaming PC.

For more demanding 1440p applications and many 4K games, an RTX 5070 gaming PC is a more attractive option. Actual performance does depend on the game settings, display resolution, processor and features used, such as ray tracing or DLSS. Claims made by brands about frame rates should therefore be treated as indicative. According to the manufacturer's product description, these systems are aimed at specific resolutions; check the specifications of your favourite games before ordering.

2. Processor and RAM: important for multitasking

Both a Ryzen gaming PC and an Intel gaming PC can be suitable for gaming. Do not just look at the processor family; also consider the number of cores and threads. A Ryzen 5 5500 with 6 cores and 12 threads, for example, is designed for gaming and everyday multitasking. A Ryzen 7 7800X3D with 8 cores and 16 threads is intended for more demanding gaming and productivity tasks.

For a new gaming PC, 16GB RAM is a useful starting point for gaming, streaming and general use. If you stream at the same time, edit video, open large projects or use virtual machines, you may benefit from more memory. Also check whether there are any free memory slots. According to the product specifications, the MSI MAG Infinite S3 models support up to 64GB RAM and have two free memory slots.

3. SSD, connections and upgradeability

An NVMe SSD generally reduces start-up and loading times compared with a traditional hard drive. A gaming PC with a 1TB SSD offers more space for games, programmes and media files than a model with 480GB or 500GB.

Also check:

  • the number of USB ports and whether USB-C is available;
  • HDMI and DisplayPort connections for your monitor;
  • the Wi-Fi version, Bluetooth and a wired LAN port;
  • the power and efficiency rating of the power supply;
  • available M.2, 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch bays;
  • the case dimensions and available ventilation.

A compact case saves space, but may offer less room for upgrades. Place every desktop on a stable, well-ventilated surface and do not block any air vents.

Which gaming PC suits your needs?

The recommendations below are based on verifiable product specifications. A model that is suitable for a gamer is not necessarily the right choice for an office, study area or creative workspace.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Shark Max Bite R501 Gaming PC RTX5060 R5 16GB 1TB

Shark Max Bite R501 Gaming PC RTX5060/R5/16GB/1TB - Powered by MSI

Why it suits this profile: The combination of a Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5060, 16GB DDR4 and 1TB NVMe provides a solid foundation for Full HD gaming, without you having to select and assemble the components yourself.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications list both the RTX 5060 and 16GB RAM, as well as 1TB of storage. This makes the configuration easier to understand than a PC that highlights only the graphics card.

Key benefit & highlights

RTX 5060 with 8GB memory, 16GB DDR4, 1TB NVMe and Windows 11 Home. The case measures 388 x 200 x 423 mm.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
Shark Ultimator R700 Gaming PC RTX5070 R7 16GB 1TB

Shark Ultimator R700 Gaming PC RTX5070/R7/16GB/1TB - Powered by MSI

Why it suits this profile: This system is aimed at users who combine 1440p gaming and high refresh rates with creative applications such as rendering or video editing.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Alongside the RTX 5070, the configuration lists a Ryzen 7 7800X3D, 16GB DDR5, 1TB NVMe and a 360mm liquid cooler. This makes it easy to assess the components side by side.

Key benefit & highlights

RTX 5070 with 12GB, Ryzen 7 7800X3D, 1TB NVMe, Wi-Fi 6E and Windows 11 Home. The case measures 420 x 225 x 485 mm.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
MSI MAG Infinite S3 Intel Core i7 RTX 5060 Ti Gaming PC

MSI MAG Infinite S3 14NVM7-3002EU Intel Core i7 RTX 5060 Ti Gaming PC

Why it suits this profile: The Intel Core i7-14700F with 20 cores and 28 threads is aimed at users who combine gaming with streaming, CAD, rendering or video editing.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The RTX 5060 Ti is paired with a specified processor, 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD. Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 and multiple DisplayPort connections make the connectivity options clear.

Key benefit & highlights

Intel Core i7-14700F, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, 16GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Home and up to 64GB RAM.

Suitable for: Home workers, students and small workspaces
Acer Aspire C24-A All-in-One PC

Acer Aspire C24-A WI5418 NL All-in-One PC

Why it suits this profile: This is not a gaming desktop, but a space-saving all-in-one PC for office work, studying, video calls and multimedia.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The integrated Intel Graphics is intended for everyday computing tasks, not demanding games. This makes it clearer what this PC is and is not designed for.

Key benefit & highlights

23.8-inch Full HD IPS display, 16GB DDR5, 1TB NVMe SSD, 5MP webcam, Wi-Fi 6 and Windows 11 Home.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about gaming PCs

Is 16GB RAM enough for a gaming PC?

For many games and everyday use, 16GB RAM is a practical starting point. Streaming, video editing, CAD and other demanding programmes may use more memory. So check whether the motherboard has free memory slots and how much RAM it supports at most.

How long does a gaming computer last?

Its lifespan depends on usage, dust, ventilation, component quality and future software requirements. A PC with free expansion slots, a sufficiently powerful power supply and an NVMe slot can be upgraded more easily later on. Clean the ventilation openings regularly to remove dust and do not place the computer in an enclosed cabinet.

How much electricity does a gaming PC use?

Consumption depends on the graphics card, processor, workload and number of hours of use. A gaming PC generally uses more electricity during intensive gaming than an office PC, mini PC or all-in-one PC. Look at the power supply's wattage, but bear in mind that this is the maximum power and does not automatically represent constant consumption. Using an energy meter at the plug socket gives you a more practical picture of your own usage.