A desktop gaming computer isn't just a onetime purchase, but more a labor of love. With many upcoming games requiring higher specifications from your PC, you will need to regularly upgrade various components of your computer just to be able to continue to play them at graphics levels you can still appreciate. Although many games can be played on lowered visual and hardware settings, this doesn't allow you to experience the game at its fullest and you'll probably find the next game too taxing for a low grade machine. Which is why it is essential for a desktop gaming computer to be equipped with high-end components that will take a while before they become obsolete by gaming standards. The key is quite simply upgradability.

Whether you plan to buy a pre-built desktop gaming computer or have plans of building your own from scratch, the key to its longevity is its motherboard. Although some will prioritize getting a higher end graphics card and CPU combinations, it is the motherboard that dictates what components you can upgrade to in the future, as well as how soon you will need to actually buy a whole new rig. For example, most budget motherboards these days only have 2 slots to accommodate DDR3 RAM. Ideally there should be at least 4 slots which effectively doubles the amount that you can plug into your PC. Both Nvidia and ATI which are known as today's leading graphics card manufacturers have technology that allows two or more of their cards run on the same machine to boost graphics performance. This feature is available on only a select number of motherboards and can drive the price up. However it does make upgrading a simpler matter whenever you get extra money to get a second video card to enable multi-GPU features. Also, make sure that your motherboard can support the latest architecture for high end CPUs to further future-proof your rig.

There are several desktop gaming computer brands that have etched a name for themselves in the gaming scene. Alienware by Dell, HP's VooDoo PC lineup, and Gateway's FX series cost more than the average desktop but are equipped with high end components that are essential to an improved gaming experience. However if you plan to build your own entry into the gaming desktops scene, keep in mind that in addition to regular workhorse components such as hard drives and RAM modules, there are gaming versions that are specifically designed for better performance. For example, a 1 terabyte hard drive with a measly 5,400 rated RPM may store the same amount as a 1 terabyte, 10,000 RPM high performance drive. However, the higher spindle speeds results in faster search times that can speed up the overall performance of your PC.