PC gaming is a casual hobby for some and an obsession for others. Skilled gamers can even turn their passion into a profitable career by competing in eSports tournaments and streaming their gameplay on sites like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming. Some computer games, like solitaire, casino games, and educational games for kids, are based on simple programs and don’t require much processing power. More complex games, like those favored by hardcore gamers and eSports contestants, place much higher demands on a PC and can push a system to its limits.
What Makes a Computer Run Hot
When gamers ask computers to process more information than they can handle, they run the risk of the machine overheating. That risk increases if the unit is operating for long continuous stretches, which can happen when you get caught up in a gaming session. To keep your PC from overheating, it is essential to know the system requirements for the games you like to play, ensure your PC fits those specifications, and keep it where it is least likely to overheat.
Standard vs. Gaming PCs
The average desktop PC is designed to be steady and dependable while performing standard, everyday tasks. You can surf the web, run office programs, stream video content, and store your important files without worrying about the device overheating under normal conditions. Serious gamers need their computers to be able to handle much more than that. Games with high-quality graphics and constant action require a higher degree of processing power. With that in mind, many gamers purchase or build high-end PCs specifically designed to handle these greater demands placed on the system and avoid overheating. Differences between the two include:
- ProcessorsWhile specifications vary between models, gaming PCs are built with faster and more powerful processors than standard desktop PCs. These allow the unit to accommodate the high amount of data involved in gaming for long periods with no lag.
- MemoryGaming PCs offer greater memory capacity, both in the short-term RAM that keeps the game flowing smoothly and in the size of the hard drive for permanent storage of the massive game files.
- Graphics cardsModern video games feature impressively lifelike, high-definition graphics. To best display these graphics without slowing down the game’s flow, gaming PCs come with higher-quality graphics cards than are found in standard PCs.
Ventilation and Cooling
Those components all work to allow a PC to function under heavy load without running too hot. Maybe the most important factor in keeping a computer from overheating is making sure your components stay at acceptable temperatures. Another difference between standard and gaming PCs is the type of ventilation system used in each. Basic PCs are designed to be functional and compact. The internal components are packed close together within the unit, and a basic fan system provides cooling. Gaming PCs provide a major upgrade in comparison, often utilizing liquid cooling systems dedicated to preventing overheating. These keep the PC running efficiently even during the long gaming sessions that tax your components the most.
Physical Placement
Whether you have a standard or gaming PC, another thing you can do to prevent overheating is to ensure the desktop unit has ample room to “breathe.” Avoid keeping it in small spaces like between the edge of your desk and the wall. Also, don’t stack anything next to your PC that keeps air from getting to the ventilation openings. Finally, remember to keep it away from any heating vents in the room.
Casino Gaming
If you want to let your computer cool down a bit while still having some fun, consider some games that won’t overload your system. Many people enjoy online casino gaming from the comfort of their homes. For a comprehensive review of the many online casinos and casino games found on the web, check out www.goodluckmate.com and let the games begin!
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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