Acquiring your first gaming PC, whether it’s newly assembled or pre-assembled, is an exhilarating prospect. When considering specifications relative to price, they are hard to surpass as gaming machines; the performance level will enhance your gaming adventure, and whether you have the top budget gaming PC or simply the best gaming PC overall, it will likely become challenging to revert to laptops or consoles after investing in a desktop.
Once you’ve purchased or been gifted that gaming PC, there are numerous steps you must undertake to correctly establish and relish your new setup. By adhering to the procedures detailed here, you’ll be well on your way to seamlessly playing the finest PC games.
Inspect for and eliminate packaging materials
This initial action may seem self-evident, yet it is a crucial one that numerous individuals who purchase a pre-assembled gaming PC tend to overlook.
Many pre-assembled gaming PCs arrive with packaging components such as air cushions and foam, designed to safeguard delicate parts of the PC that might suffer damage during shipping.
Powering on your gaming setup without removing these materials could lead to overheating, with melted plastic and styrofoam on fragile components likely resulting in catastrophic outcomes. Therefore, the very first task you should perform after unboxing your new PC is to meticulously examine the interior of the chassis and fans to ensure that all remnants of packaging have been cleared away.
Install and refresh your graphics drivers
If you possess an Nvidia graphics card, begin by downloading the GeForce Experience tool, where you can update to the latest gaming drivers. Alternatively, visit Nvidia’s official site and download the drivers directly. There’s also the Windows Device Manager approach, which involves pressing the Windows + X keys, selecting Device Manager or tapping the M key, going to Display adapters from the menu, then right-clicking on your GPU and choosing Update driver.
AMD Drivers + Download Center, download the software, and then execute the Radeon program. This will automatically identify and download necessary drivers. Alternatively, you can manually use the AMD Product Selector to find your GPU, and then download the appropriate drivers.Enhance security and additional settings
Additionally, there are various settings you’ll want to review, including privacy options so that companies cannot target you with advertisements. Simply access the Start Menu and search for Privacy Settings.
Also, installing a monitoring tool that allows you to keep track of your PC’s thermal readings, frame rates, and other critical stats for a well-functioning PC will also be beneficial. While you’re at it, examine your monitor settings to ensure it is operating at refresh rates compatible with your graphics card.
You should also navigate to the Windows settings menu, access Windows Update, and click Check for updates, as who knows how long your new system has been stored in a box on a shelf.