TECHNOLOGY
11 Quick Tips to Supercharge Your PC Build for Better Performance
How can you quickly boost your computer’s performance? Although improving your build can be complex, these tips can make supercharging your build much more straightforward.
1. Get a High-End CPU
A good central processing unit (CPU) can dramatically boost your frame rate while video editing or playing games with high-quality graphics. Even upgrading your current part can help significantly. Be mindful that you need to consider your motherboard when choosing one.
Think about getting a CPU with many cores and threads. Since they can significantly impact computer functions, having extra would be ideal. Basically, they make it easier to keep multiple things running simultaneously — essentially letting you do more at once with no drop in performance.
If you’re on a budget, look for a CPU with more threads. Multithreading allows for parallel processing, meaning your computer utilses system resources better. It makes the entire experience much smoother. Some apps even have multithreaded rendering optimisation for a better visual experience.
2. Improve Your Cable Management
Although many consider cable management a purely aesthetic choice, it can affect your computer’s functions. Too many cords can limit airflow, quickly heating the internal components. Since thermal throttling lowers performance to cool things down, you could end up with a slow computer even if you have the best parts.
While you could just use zip ties to hold everything together, the bundles of cords could still affect the flow of air. If you want a manageable — and more visually appealing — approach, you should try a ribbon cable. It’s a flat, wide multi-conductor cable with parallel strands that connects the motherboard to other internal components.
Since ribbon cables are somewhat delicate, they need meticulous tension control during the manufacturing process. Make sure yours are from a reputable seller with strict quality control because superior connections result in better builds.
3. Choose a Good Graphics Card
A quality graphics card can make a huge difference in your build. Essentially, it can help the CPU process visuals. The result is a clearer image with higher resolution — with no drop in performance.
4. Install a Liquid Cooling System
Keeping your computer cool can significantly boost its performance. The combination of dusty fan blades and graphic-intense games practically creates a space heater. An all-in-one cooler is an excellent choice if you want to lower the temp. It’s a pre-built system that moves liquid around your internal components to lower the temperature. Distilled water has a high thermal conductivity, meaning it’s great at carrying heat away.
Initial setup can be involved, but maintenance is super simple. Since everything functions in a contained environment, you don’t need to worry about dust buildup. Plus, you rarely need to change out the liquid.
A liquid cooling tube might not be flashy, but it’s a worthwhile tradeoff to significantly boost your computer’s performance. You can install colourful peripherals to compensate for the lack of RGB lighting.
5. Get More RAM
Random-access memory (RAM) is one of the most important parts to consider when increasing your computer’s functions. It’ll run much faster if you install extra RAM. It’s essentially temporary storage, so having more can decrease loading time and increase processing speeds.
Although many games say 8 GB meets their minimum requirements, you should aim higher. Typically, a mid-tier gaming computer needs at least 16 GB for smooth computing and quality graphics. You should shoot for 32 if you play a lot of first-person shooters or use visually demanding applications.
It’s a simple addition to your build that can drastically improve its performance. Plus, RAM is relatively affordable — especially if you wait for a sale. Although the actual cost varies depending on brand and size, you can often snag a good deal.
6. Set Updates to Automatic
Automatic updates can drastically boost your computer’s speed over time. They offer performance improvements and often come with new features or resource utilisation changes. These minor fixes help your hardware function better.
It’s far too easy to click the “Remind Me Later” option when a pop-up appears begging you to update — and then forget about it. Enabling automated updates as soon as you get your PC in order will help you stay on track.
7. Use an SSD
A solid-state drive (SSD) is typically more expensive than a hard-disk drive (HDD), but using it for at least some of your storage is worth it. It helps reduce your loading times and increases processing speeds.
If you’re on a budget and don’t want to splurge on storage, consider getting a smaller SSD. While having multiple terabytes would be ideal, you only need enough space to hold your essentials. You can boost your computer’s performance by installing your operating system and primary applications there — everything else goes on your HDD.
8. Get ESD Protection
Have you ever sat down to game only to find out your computer suddenly isn’t working correctly? Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the most likely culprit. It’s every gamer’s enemy — one minor shock can quickly fry internal components.
It sometimes only causes slight damage, resulting in long-term operational issues and a reduced life span. You can increase your room’s humidity, get a rubber floor mat and use specific power strips to prevent ESD from affecting your computer.
While protecting your computer won’t directly increase its performance, it helps maintain each part’s capabilities. Your RAM and CPU are especially sensitive to ESD — which are critical for smooth gameplay and fast processing. Keeping them safe makes them more reliable and lets you get more use out of them.
9. Enable a Hardware-Accelerated GPU
Hardware-accelerated graphics processing unit (GPU) scheduling is a setting that dedicates certain CPU tasks to the GPU’s processor. It optimises a computer’s performance because it evens out the operational load on each part. You can enable it for individual apps if you have a recent graphics card and run Windows 10 or 11.
It’s great if your CPU consistently reaches 100% utilisation or is lower-end. It can make gameplay much more smooth and even dramatically lower latency. Consider enabling the setting after you have everything set up.
10. Choose the Right PSU
Your power supply unit (PSU) indirectly affects your computer functions if it doesn’t have enough wattage. Essentially, our parts need enough power to function properly and will work worse when they don’t have enough.
You can drastically boost processing speeds and improve visuals with a quality PSU. Ensure the part you choose exceeds the minimum power requirements of each component before installation. It’s a simple way to ensure you get the maximum performance out of each part.
11. Enable G-Sync
Turn on Nvidia G-sync if you have compatible hardware. It’s an option in your settings that ensures your monitor’s refresh rate aligns with the frame rate your graphics card gets. It makes gameplay look sleek and keeps visuals crisp.
Improve Your Computer
Usually, you’ll have to install new components to get the most out of your build. You can enable particular settings or change your internal layout to make it function better — you don’t need to splurge on the latest hardware to improve your computer.