I have a PC with a Core i5 10400 and 16GB of RAM, but I'm currently using integrated graphics and don't own a dedicated graphics card. I've read online that my setup is decent for gaming. Should I invest in a graphics card, and if so, which one would you recommend? Also, does my monitor's refresh rate, which is below 120Hz, affect my gaming experience or the display quality?
4 Answers
Yes, getting a GPU is crucial for gaming beyond simple titles. A GeForce 3060 would be a solid choice, but check your power supply to ensure it can handle it. A PSU between 750-1000W is ideal, but 550W might work if necessary. Also, your monitor's refresh rate limits the frames per second (FPS); so if your monitor can only go up to 120Hz, it will cap your FPS at that rate, even if your hardware could do more.
The built-in graphics of your i5 10400 are only suitable for very light gaming. I recommend looking for a GPU that supports ray tracing, like the NVidia RTX series or AMD's RX 6000 series, as new games are increasingly requiring that capability.
You definitely need a graphics card if you want to game at decent settings. Integrated graphics won't cut it for most modern games.
Consider starting with a second-hand GPU if you're on a budget. You can often find good deals around $100. Just make sure it meets the requirements of the games you want to play!
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