Common Misconceptions When Buying a Prebuilt Gaming Desktop PC

Misconception 1: An i5 CPU is not enough for gaming

The Truth:

The CPU generation matters more than the specific i5, i3, or i7 model. For instance, the 13th gen i5-13400F outperforms the older i9-10900F in the Cinebench R23 single-core benchmark (Source), indicating ample processing power for gaming demands in the next 5 years.

Misconception 2: DDR5 RAM is a must for gaming

The Truth:

DDR5 RAM is still more of a marketing feature than a necessity. Benchmark data shows minimal performance differences between DDR5 and DDR4 RAM for most games. According to TechSpot, the gaming performance gap is minor (https://www.techspot.com/review/2777-ddr5-vs-ddr4-gaming/). Similarly, Tom's Hardware reported only an 8% difference between the slowest DDR4-2133 and the fastest DDR5-6400 RAM for gaming (https://www.tomshardware.com/features/ddr5-vs-ddr4-is-it-time-to-upgrade-your-ram).

Misconception 3: You need to spend hundreds more for the 32GB RAM version

The Truth:

There's no need to pay a premium for the 32GB RAM configuration. RAM is inexpensive these days, and 16GB (2x8GB) costs around $40. It's much more cost-effective to buy aftermarket RAM and install it yourself. Most modern games run smoothly with 16GB, unless you plan to use the PC for demanding workloads like video editing or 3D rendering. To find compatible RAM for your prebuilt system, follow these simple steps:

Download and install the CPU-Z app.
Open CPU-Z and navigate to the SPD tab.
Note the Part Number listed for Slot #1 or Slot #2.
Search online for that specific part number to identify the RAM stick model installed.

By purchasing and installing affordable aftermarket RAM yourself, you can save a significant amount compared to the overpriced 32GB configuration from the manufacturer. The savings could be better spent on a more powerful GPU or other upgrades that will have a more substantial impact on gaming performance.

Misconception 4: You need a beefy CPU for 1440p/4k gaming

The Truth:

The CPU does not matter much at 1440p/4K maximum settings gaming because it is not more CPU intensive to play games at 1440p compared to lower resolutions like 1080p. The video card is the most important component when you’re gaming, especially when playing 1440p games. At 1440p/4k, the CPU is less important, and unless the CPU is hammering 100% utilization, even a Ryzen 5 3600 is still a good option for modern games. Upgrading the CPU might not result in a significant performance increase. For example, upgrading from a Ryzen 3600 to a 5600X for 1440p or 4K gaming might result in an increase of maybe 5fps in some games.