Buying a gaming PC as a Christmas present

A gaming PC makes a brilliant Christmas present. It is also a big purchase, so a little planning goes a long way. Here is what to find out first, what to check, and why it pays to buy in good time.

Find out three things first

1. Which games they play. This decides how powerful the PC needs to be. Minecraft and Roblox need much less than Warzone or Cyberpunk. See what PC you need for each game.
2. Which screen they have. Do they have a monitor already? A bigger, sharper screen needs a stronger PC. If they will use the family TV, that works too, but a monitor is better for most PC games.
3. Your budget. Decide what you want to spend before you look. Then put most of it into the graphics card, the part that draws the picture in games.

If you cannot ask without giving the game away, ask a friend or brother or sister. They often know exactly what someone plays.

Surprise, or choose it together?

A surprise on Christmas morning is lovely. But gamers, especially older ones, often have strong opinions about what they want. A good middle way is to give a card or a small box that says the PC is coming, and then choose it together. That way it is still a surprise, and you get it right.

For a younger child, a surprise is easier, because their games are lighter. Our parent's guide explains what to buy and how to set up family safety.

The PC only, or a complete setup?

A gaming PC is often sold as the box only. To play, they also need a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse. If this is their first gaming PC, a complete bundle means everything arrives together and works together. If they already have a good screen, the PC on its own may be better value. Our guide to PC only or a complete setup explains the difference.

Buy in good time

Many gaming PCs are built to order. That means they are put together and tested after you order, not taken off a shelf. Building and testing a PC properly takes time, and the weeks before Christmas are the busiest of the year. So do not leave it to the last minute. Ask us about timings before you order, and we will tell you honestly.

Check what is included

Before you buy, check the listing for each of these. It saves a disappointing Christmas morning.

• Windows: is it installed and ready to go?
• Keyboard and mouse: are they in the box?
• Monitor: is one included, or do they need their own?
• Wi-Fi: can it connect without a cable, if the router is in another room?

On the day

A new PC will want to download Windows updates, and games often have large downloads too. If you can, set it up the day before and install their favourite game, so they can start playing straight away. We build and test our PCs on our own bench in Worcester, and you can call us on 01905 673738 if you want help choosing.

Questions people ask