ComputerStore.joburg journal
Compare a game's requirements with the exact PC before you buy
Gaming PCs and laptops are often sold on a single headline part, usually the graphics card. Games, meanwhile, publish minimum and recommended specifications that cover more than that. Comparing the two properly, line by line, is the quickest way to avoid buying a machine that runs your main game worse than you expected.
By ComputerStore.joburg editorial · · 2 min read
Know the difference between minimum and recommended
Minimum specifications describe roughly what a game needs to start and run at basic settings. Recommended specifications describe a more comfortable experience. If the PC only just meets the minimum, expect to lower settings, resolution or frame rate.
Collect the PC's real details
On a Windows machine you can open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool by typing dxdiag in the taskbar search box and selecting it. The System tab shows information including the DirectX version. The tool also lets you choose Save All Information to export the details to a text file, which is handy for sharing with a seller or a support forum.
For a machine you are thinking of buying, ask the seller for the exact configuration in writing, including the graphics card model, its video memory, the processor, installed memory and storage type. A family name is not enough.
- Graphics card model and video memory.
- Processor model.
- Installed memory and whether it can be upgraded.
- Storage type and free space after installing the operating system.
- Operating system version and DirectX version.
Compare like for like
Line up each requirement against the PC's actual part. Check free storage too: modern games can need large amounts of space, and updates add more over time. For laptops, remember that the same graphics chip can perform differently depending on the laptop's power limits and cooling, so read reviews of the exact model rather than the chip alone.
Plan for the next game
If you buy for one game today, you will probably want to play something newer next year. Aim for the recommended specification of the most demanding game you know you want, not the minimum of your current favourite. Then confirm price, stock and warranty with the seller, since this site does not hold or confirm stock.