pc gaming
IN PHOTO. Visitors play ‘Diablo’ at an exhibition stand during the Gamescom 2011 fair. Reuters/ Ina Fassbender

You do not need to purchase a brand new system to upgrade your home PC into a gaming rig. You will discover how a few components can significantly improve the performance and power of your computer, allowing you to play the latest games available. Here are the steps on how to upgrade your home PC into a gaming powerhouse.

1. Check your motherboard. A home PC’s motherboard may not be big and powerful enough to house all the essential components needed for a gaming computer. If you have an adequate motherboard, you can move on to step two.

2. Check your graphics card. PCGamer notes that you can either overclock your existing gaming graphics card or swap your existing one with a more powerful unit. Opting for multi-GPU is a cost-effective way of making the most out of your existing unit. You will find that you can squeeze more power out of your current graphics card to play modern games.

3. Add RAM. You can conveniently add more RAM to your home computer to provide it with more memory that allows you to play more modern games. Your gaming PC should have at least 4GB of RAM, although others tend to upgrade up to 8GB or 16GB. You can also multitask better and run memory-intensive programs with the additional memory capacity.

4. Check your CPU. Next, You can add more cores or use an unlocked clock multiplier to get more power out of your current processor. You can also swap your old CPU with a more powerful version, with four or eight cores. The CPU will provide the needed speed to your gaming PC, allowing you to play games with high requirements.

5. A wider screen. Finally, swap your old CRT monitor or 15-inch screen with a 20 to 24-inch LED flat display. LED is less strenuous on your eyes so you can play games longer. The wider screen will also be great in showing the details and excellent quality of modern game graphics.

Over time, you can add more minor upgrades such as getting a gaming sound system, gaming mouse and keyboard. Having internet or Wi-Fi connection is also important if you intend to engage in multiplayer games.

To contact the writer of this story, send an email to v.doctor@ibtimes.com.au