Bought a New Gaming PC? Don't Make These Infuriating Mistakes

Setting up a new gaming PC is thrilling, but even tech experts can make costly mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid for a smooth gaming experience.

1. Using the Motherboard's Display Output Instead of Your GPU

A frequent tech support question is poor gaming performance. Often, the issue is connecting the monitor to the motherboard's integrated graphics instead of the dedicated GPU. Motherboard graphics are fine for basic tasks, but inadequate for high-performance gaming. The motherboard's display port is usually near USB and network ports.

Always use the ports on your graphics card, typically located lower on the PC's rear, in a dedicated slot.

2. Outdated Drivers

While Windows Update keeps drivers current, there's often a lag. Always check for the latest graphics drivers, especially before playing new games, to ensure optimal performance and bug fixes.

3. Disabling Windows Updates and Antivirus

Never disable updates or antivirus for performance gains. Security is paramount. Modern PCs experience minimal performance impact from these, and the risk of malware far outweighs any perceived benefit. Regularly check for updates to avoid large, disruptive installations.

4. Poor PC and Monitor Placement

Protect your PC from spills. Avoid placing drinks near your tower. Ergonomics are key; consider a VESA mount for your monitor to prevent neck strain during extended gaming sessions.

5. Neglecting Data Backup

Always back up your data to an external drive (NAS or DAS) and the cloud. This minimizes downtime in case of hardware failure.

6. Installing Unnecessary Software and Over-Configuration

Avoid dubious optimization software. Windows' built-in tools are usually sufficient. Keep your system clean by sticking to official drivers and software from trusted sources like Steam and GOG. Ninite is a helpful tool for installing common software without bundled extras. When tweaking settings, meticulously document changes to easily revert any negative impacts. A Windows reset (after backing up!) is always an option.

7. Providing Unpaid IT Support

While building a gaming PC enhances IT skills, be cautious about offering free tech support. Set boundaries to avoid unexpected responsibilities. If you help friends or family, guide them towards good security practices.

The above is the detailed content of Bought a New Gaming PC? Don't Make These Infuriating Mistakes. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!