Is buying a gaming motherboard worth it if you're not a gamer?

If you’re not a gamer, you might wonder why there are so many gaming motherboards available in the market today, when they seem to have similar specs to their non-gaming counterparts. You might also wonder why some gaming motherboards cost an arm and a leg more than their non-gaming counterparts. Is it really worth buying? Let’s find out!

Yes, because it can be used in the future

If you aren’t going to use your hardware to its full potential now, then it makes sense to buy a cheaper model and invest in something more powerful in the future. Building your own PC gives you more control over how much cash gets spent. You don’t have to get caught up in what comes pre-packaged. That said, if all you are doing is running Microsoft Office programs or browsing Reddit on your PC, there is no reason to spend any extra money on computer parts like processors or motherboards.

No, because high-end products cost too much

When deciding whether or not to purchase an expensive product, ask yourself how much benefit it will provide. If you plan on over-clocking your CPU or GPU, that's one thing; otherwise, chances are it isn't worth shelling out for premium parts. After all, high-end items often cost as much as—or more than—their mid-tier counterparts and aren't likely to help everyday tasks (i.e., they’re unnecessary). The same logic applies to building your own PC from scratch: Do you really need all of those bells and whistles when a mid-range PC is going to get the job done just fine? Chances are, no.

What's better: brands or specifications?

We do give an edge to brands when it comes to PCs. Manufacturers like HP, Dell, and Lenovo have earned their customers' trust over time, which means people are more likely to feel secure about investing in hardware from these companies. If you opt for a PC from a no-name manufacturer that's selling hardware at super low prices (say, around $200), be prepared for some potentially serious issues down the road. People who spend money on higher-quality components tend to be happier in the long run than those who buy cheap stuff without thinking through whether or not they really need it.

How to choose a good PC case and power supply

When selecting components for your PC, choosing between a budget case and an enthusiast-level one can be difficult. Because PC cases are so inexpensive, there’s no reason to sacrifice performance for cost. But how do you know what makes one case better than another without spending hours reading reviews and comparing features? First off, look at who made it. It’s best to go with established companies like Corsair or NZXT over new brands that could be fly-by-night operations. For maximum performance per dollar, look for cases that have ample cooling while keeping noise levels down.

Which games should I play on my new PC?

There are so many options when it comes to computer games, but which ones are right for your new PC? Before you start hunting down deals and tracking down your favorite titles, check out our guide to choosing games based on what kind of hardware you have. After all, your shiny new graphics card isn't going to do much good with a clunky game. And if you don't have any idea where to get started, here's our list of 5 great free PC games that should keep you busy until you decide which titles are worth dropping cash on.

What else should I know before buying a gaming PC?

There are many great reasons to buy a PC designed for gaming, but just as many reasons to skip over that section of your local electronics store. Before jumping in and purchasing a desktop or laptop computer with specialized hardware, make sure you know what separates a dedicated gaming PC from other laptops and desktops. If you don't have any interest in playing games or simply don't have time for that type of hobby, then there's little reason to spend extra money on top-of-the-line graphics cards or processors. However, you may still be able to find value in a laptop that has some similar components built into its design.