PC only, or a complete gaming setup?

You can buy a gaming PC on its own, or as a complete setup with a monitor, keyboard and mouse. Neither is always better. It depends on what you already have. This guide helps you decide.

What is the difference?

• PC only: you get the computer itself. You need your own monitor, keyboard and mouse.
• A bundle (complete setup): the PC comes with a monitor, keyboard and mouse. Plug it all in and play.

Who a bundle suits

• Your first gaming PC. If you have never had one, you probably do not have a gaming monitor either. A bundle means you do not have to work out what to buy.
• A present. Everything arrives together, so nothing is missing on the day. Our guide to buying a gaming PC as a gift has more tips.
• No screen yet. If your only screen is an old laptop or the family TV, a bundle gives you a proper desk setup in one go.

You can see what we have on our list of complete gaming setups.

What to check in a bundle

A bundle is only as good as its weakest part. Look at these before you buy.

1. Monitor size. For a desk, 24 or 27 inch screens are common. Bigger is not always better if you sit close.
2. Resolution. This is how sharp the picture is. 1080p is standard, 1440p is sharper, and 4K is sharpest. A sharper screen needs a stronger PC. Read 1080p, 1440p or 4K for more.
3. Refresh rate. This is how many times a second the screen updates, measured in Hz. A higher number looks smoother in fast games, but only if the PC is strong enough to keep up. Our guide to frame rate and refresh rate explains it simply.
4. The match. The monitor should suit the PC. A powerful PC on a basic screen wastes some of its power. A basic PC on a very fast screen cannot use all of it.
5. Keyboard and mouse quality. These are what you touch every day. Basic ones work, but a comfortable gaming keyboard and mouse make a real difference. Check what is included.

When the PC on its own is better

• You already have a good screen. If your monitor is fairly new and suits the games you play, there is no need to buy another.
• You have a keyboard and mouse you like. Many gamers keep the same ones for years.
• You want to choose each part yourself. Some people like to pick a particular monitor or a favourite mouse.

Putting all your money into the PC itself can get you a stronger graphics card, which is the part that matters most for games.

Our advice

If you are starting from nothing, a bundle is the simple choice. If you already have a good screen, buy the PC on its own and put the money where it counts. Either way, make sure the screen and the PC suit each other. We build and test our PCs on our own bench in Worcester, and we sell them through sandboxcomputers.com. Call us on 01905 673738 if you would like help matching a screen to a PC.

Questions people ask