Gaming PCs can be quite expensive, and you will want to get the best out of them as an owner. But for the smooth performance to last a long time, you must learn how to maintain your unit. By doing so, you will be sure that your gaming PC will run at its peak performance. Let’s look at these ten tips to help you maintain gaming PC to perform smoothly for a long time.
1 – Find the right place to set up.
Unlike a laptop, you can’t quickly move your gaming PC from one place to another. So it’s important to pick an ideal location where you can set it up.
The best place to set up your gaming PC is without direct contact with any heat source. What does this mean? Your PC should be placed in an area away from other possible heat sources, such as walls or windows. It is important to remember that its case vents should not be blocked to ensure that cold air is circulated correctly. Good airflow is needed to prevent your PC from overheating.
2 – Update your antivirus.
Install antivirus software on your gaming PC to prevent it from being infected by viruses or malware that can steal your private information or damage your system over time.
Antivirus programs are free, while premium versions of these security programs can cost you around $50 to $100 annually. A premium antivirus program can give you extra protection from harmful programs.
3 – Regularly perform software updates.
You need to download software updates regularly to keep your gaming PC running smoothly. These updates come with new features that can optimize your system. Most also come with fixes for bugs and glitches with previous versions.
By updating your software, you will be sure that all your systems are running optimally.
4 – Update hardware drivers.
Aside from software programs, drivers are also critical to ensure that your hardware runs at its best. These drivers are released by manufacturers to deliver enhancements and fix any issues from their previous versions.
Drive updates can also improve the performance of your hardware, thus optimizing your gaming PC.
5 – Perform Disk Cleanup.
Whether you spend most of your time playing video games or just browsing the internet, these activities will take up space on your hard disk. Even after you close your video games or browser, small bits of information are left behind. These bits of information can accumulate over time and slow down your computer.
You can fix this issue with a quick disk cleanup. Disk Cleanup is a built-in program in Windows operating system that can clear and delete temporary files or unnecessary digital junks from your daily PC activities. It is recommended to perform a disk cleanup once every week.
6 – Back up your files.
A hard disk is where all your programs and files are stored, and it’s pretty expensive. If it breaks down, there’s a chance that you can lose all these files, so it’s crucial to back up your files once in a while.
We now have a cloud system where you can store important backup files online. You can use free cloud backup systems like Google Drive, One Drive, Dropbox, and many more.
If you don’t want to use a cloud system, you can opt to buy an external hard disk where you can copy all important files.
7 – Organize cables.
Octopus cables are not just frustrating to look at. Leaving them can bring dangers such as electrical and fire hazards. Poor cable management inside your PC can cause overheating, and cleaning is difficult as you may have trouble figuring out which cable goes where.
Find time to organize both your cables inside your PC and outside. Purchase cable organizers and cable ties, and adequately fix your cables. Your cables will not only look aesthetically pleasing, but you will also have an easier time cleaning your PC.
8 – Schedule a regular PC cleanup.
A gaming PC will perform at its optimum performance when it is regularly cleaned. Cleaning your PC can prevent dust or dirt build-up from affecting airflow, leading to overheating.
And when your gaming PC overheats, it can cause issues such as sluggish performance. In worst cases, your PC may shut down on its own or even show a fatal system error, such as the blue screen of death. So it is highly important to regularly schedule a gaming PC cleanup to prevent these problems.
9 – Keep your keyboard clean.
It is common to eat over your keyboard. However, it is something that you shouldn’t be doing. Eating over your keyboard will cause food crumbs to end up in your keyboard, damaging its internal parts.
If you can’t avoid eating while playing video games or browsing the internet on your PC, you can protect the keyboard instead. Buy a silicone keyboard protector online or at your local computer dealer to prevent crumbs from entering the little crevices.
10 – Use a surge protector.
A sudden power surge can cause several issues in your gaming PC. One of the worst problems it can cause is if it fries your cable while your PC is plugged in. You can protect your gaming PC by buying a surge protector. These devices are affordable, and you can easily buy them online or in electronic stores near you.