Buying a "Gaming PC" for Your Child
It's incredibly easy to spend a lot of money on a "gaming PC" that still struggles to run the games your child actually plays. This guide is for parents who want a simple way to buy something that will last a few years — without paying for "marketing fluff."
Quick version
If you only read one section, read this:
- The graphics card (GPU) is the make-or-break part.
- 16GB RAM is the sensible minimum. (Even Fortnite's recommended spec is now 16GB).
- A 1TB SSD will save you massive storage headaches later.
- Beware the "Gaming" label. Some are basically old office PCs with a light-up case.
Step 1: Ask two questions first
What games do they play, and what screen are they using?
- Entry level (Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, The Sims): You don't need a monster PC.
- Demanding games (Call of Duty, Forza, Cyberpunk, new AAA releases): You'll need a proper dedicated GPU and a balanced system.
The Monitor Check
- 1080p (most common): You can spend less.
- 1440p / Ultrawide / 4K: You need significantly more GPU power to keep the game smooth.
Step 2: The 5 parts that actually matter
1. Graphics card (GPU) — The Engine
If the GPU is weak, the whole PC is weak. The listing should clearly name the GPU model.
- Current Generations: As of 2026, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50-series and AMD Radeon RX 9000-series are the current standards.
- Red Flags: Watch out for "Integrated graphics," "Intel UHD," "Vega," or just "Graphics" with no model number.
2. Processor (CPU) — Don't get fooled by "i7"
A name like "i7" doesn't guarantee it's good. A 10-year-old i7 is significantly slower than a brand-new i3 or i5. Look for a modern generation (e.g., Intel 14th/15th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7000/9000).
3. RAM — 16GB minimum
8GB is where things start to feel "choppy" once you add Discord, browser tabs, and game updates running in the background. Aim for 16GB. (32GB is great if they plan to record or stream their gameplay).
4. Storage — SSD only (1TB preferred)
Modern games are huge. A 512GB drive fills up almost instantly once you install three or four big games.
- Look for: SSD or NVMe SSD.
- Avoid: Anything listing an "HDD" as the main drive.
5. Power supply (PSU) + Cooling — The hidden quality
This is where cheap "pre-built" bargains cut corners.
- The Risk: A weak PSU causes random crashes; poor cooling makes the PC loud and slows it down under heat.
- If the listing doesn't mention the PSU wattage or brand, treat it as a risk.
Step 3: Common "Gaming PC" Traps
Trap A: The RGB Tax
Lights don't increase performance. A plain black box with a better GPU is always the better buy.
Trap B: The "Free Bundle"
Cheap keyboard/mouse/headset bundles are usually worth less than £30 total. Buy the PC for the hardware inside, not the plastic extras.
Trap C: The £400 "Refurbished" Special
These are often 10-year-old office PCs with a new case. They are fine for schoolwork, but will fail at modern gaming.
Trap D: Vague Listings
If they won't clearly state the exact CPU and GPU model—move on.
Step 4: Quick comparison table
Here's a simple way to think about gaming PC tiers:
| Feature | Budget Build | The Sweet Spot | The Headroom Build |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal For | 1080p (Roblox, Fortnite) | 1080p High / 1440p Med | 1440p High / "Future Proof" |
| GPU | Dedicated (named model) | Current-gen Midrange | Current-gen Upper-mid |
| RAM | 16GB | 16GB | 32GB |
| Storage | 512GB - 1TB SSD | 1TB SSD | 1TB+ NVMe SSD |
| Benefit | Great value starter | Plays almost everything well | Won't need upgrades soon |
Step 5: A simple checklist before you buy
Before you hit "Buy," make sure the listing clearly confirms:
- GPU model (e.g., RTX 5060)
- CPU model (e.g., Ryzen 5 9600)
- 16GB RAM (minimum)
- SSD (ideally 1TB)
- Windows 11 included
- Warranty (at least 1 year)
I can sanity-check a PC for you
If you have a link or a screenshot of the specs, send it over. I'll tell you in plain English:
- Whether it's good value.
- What it will run well (and what it will struggle with).
- Whether there's a better option for the same money.
It's better to ask first than to spend £1,000 and find out it can't run the one game they actually care about.
