Which PC configuration should you choose to play in 4K?

geforce rtx graphics card in case

4K is the ultimate resolution for demanding gamers who want to enjoy exceptional image quality. But to play in 4K, you need a powerful and well-balanced Gaming PC, capable of handling the most demanding games without slowdowns or compromises.

In this article, we will present to you the essential components to build a high-performance 4K Gaming PC with the best value for money in 2024.

How to compare PC components?

If you want to compare the PC components that we have presented to you, or if you are looking for other options more suited to your budget or your needs, we advise you to use an online PC component comparator .

It will allow you to easily find the best PC components at the best value for money, based on your selection criteria. You will also be able to consult user reviews, expert tests, and merchant offers.

Our choice: DropReference . This PC component comparator is simple and effective. It allows you to compare the features, performance, and prices of thousands of PC components, from the biggest brands on the market.

It also offers buying guides, advice, and ready-to-use PC configurations.

The processor

calculation of a processor

The processor is the brain of the PC Gamer. It handles the calculations and instructions needed to run games and applications. Gaming at 4K requires a fast, robust processor that can keep up with the graphics card and not create a bottleneck.

We advise you to opt for a latest generation processor, with at least 6 cores and 12 threads , and a high frequency.

Our choice: the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X . This processor offers impressive performance thanks to its 5nm engraving, its 6 cores and 12 threads, its base frequency of 3.8 GHz and its boost mode up to 4.8 GHz.

It is compatible with DDR5 memory and PCI-Express 4.0, and has a 32 MB cache. It is sold with a quality cooler, the Wraith Spire, which ensures efficient and quiet cooling. It is available for around €300.

If you prefer Intel processors, we invite you to read our I7 and I9 .

The motherboard

mini motherboard

The motherboard is the base of the Gaming PC. It houses the main components of the PC, such as the processor, memory, graphics card, storage, etc. It provides communication between these components and offers additional features, such as sound, network, USB ports, etc.

To run your PC in 4K, you need a quality motherboard, compatible with the chosen processor, DDR5 memory, PCI-Express 4.0 and M.2 NVMe SSDs. We also advise you to choose a motherboard with a recent chipset, a good cooling system, and overclocking options.

Our choice: the Gigabyte B650 GAMING X AX . This motherboard is designed for 6th generation AMD Ryzen processors, with an AM5 socket and B650 chipset. It supports DDR5 memory up to 128 GB and 6000 MHz, graphics cards with the PCI-Express 4.0 standard and SSDs with the 4.0 standard.

It has a powerful cooling system, with heat sinks on the VRMs, chipset and SSDs. It also offers gaming features, such as 7.1 sound, 2.5 GbE Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports, and RGB Fusion 2.0. It is available for around €200.

RAM memory

ram pc asus
ram pc asus

RAM memory is the RAM of the PC Gamer. It temporarily stores data used by the processor and applications. It influences the fluidity and responsiveness of the PC. Here you need sufficient and fast RAM memory, capable of handling the most demanding games and background applications.

DDR5 memory , which offers higher performance than DDR4 , with higher frequency and bandwidth, and lower consumption and latency.

We also recommend that you choose a capacity of 32 GB, divided into two 16 GB strips, to take advantage of dual channel mode.

Our choice: the Corsair Vengeance DDR5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) 6000 MHz C30 . This RAM memory offers exceptional performance thanks to its frequency of 6000 MHz, its latency of 30-36-36-72, and its bandwidth of 48 GB/s.

It is compatible with 6th generation AMD Ryzen processors and B650 or X670 chipset motherboards. It has an elegant design and customizable RGB lighting. It is available for around €400.

The cooler

CPU cooler fan mounting

The cooler is the processor's cooling system. It consists of a fan and a radiator, which dissipate the heat produced by the processor. It ensures the proper functioning and longevity of the processor, and influences the sound level of the PC.

To avoid problems, you need an efficient and quiet cooler, capable of maintaining the processor at an optimal temperature, even under heavy load. We advise you to opt for a quality cooler, with a 120 mm fan or more, and a radiator with aluminum or copper fins.

Our choice: the ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO . This cooler offers an excellent performance/price ratio thanks to its two 120 mm fans, its radiator with 54 aluminum fins, and its MX-4 thermal paste included.

It is compatible with AMD Ryzen processors up to 200 W TDP, and mounts easily on the AM5 socket. It provides efficient and quiet cooling, with a noise level of up to 22.5 dB(A). It is available for around €40.

The graphics card

graphics card with watercooling

The graphics card is the key element for gaming in 4K. It manages the display and graphic effects of games. It directly influences the visual quality and fluidity of the game in 4K.

The most important component, you will need a very powerful graphics card with significant video memory, capable of handling the most demanding games in 4K Ultra, with or without ray tracing.

We advise you to opt for a latest generation graphics card, with modern architecture, video memory of 16 GB or more, and compatibility with PCI-Express 4.0.

Our choice: the Sapphire Nitro+ Radeon RX 7900 XT . This graphics card offers breathtaking performance thanks to its 5nm engraving, its 80 calculation units, its base frequency of 2.1 GHz and its boost mode up to 2.7 GHz. It has 16 GB of GDDR6X video memory, with a bandwidth of 512 GB/s.

It is compatible with PCI-Express 4.0, ray tracing, and AMD technologies such as FidelityFX Super Resolution, Smart Access Memory, and Radeon Anti-Lag. It has a powerful cooling system, with three fans, a radiator with copper heat pipes, and RGB lighting. It is available for around €1000.

Good to know : Here is a comparison of the best graphics cards for playing in 4k on PC !

M.2 SSD storage

m.2 ssd on motherboard

M.2 SSD storage is the PC Gamer's hard drive. It stores operating system, game and application data. It affects the speed and responsiveness of the PC. Gaming in 4K requires fast and spacious M.2 SSD storage, which can reduce game loading and launch times.

We advise you to opt for an NVMe type M.2 SSD, which offers superior performance to SATA SSDs, with higher read and write speed, and lower consumption and footprint. We also recommend choosing a capacity of 1TB or more, to be able to install multiple games in 4K.

Our choice: the Samsung 980 Pro 1TB M.2 PCIe Gen4 NVMe . This M.2 SSD offers exceptional performance thanks to its PCIe Gen4 x4 standard, which allows it to reach read and write speeds of 7000 MB/s and 5000 MB/s respectively. It has a capacity of 1 TB, enough to store many games in 4K. It also features V-NAND flash memory technology, which provides increased durability and reliability. It is available for around €200.

The power supply

When to change a power supply block

The power supply is the heart of the PC Gamer. It provides the energy necessary for the operation of the PC components. It affects the stability and security of the PC. You need a powerful and reliable power supply , capable of delivering sufficient power to the most demanding components, such as the graphics card and the processor.

We advise you to opt for a quality power supply , with 80 Plus Gold certification or higher, which guarantees high efficiency and reduced consumption. We also recommend that you choose a power of 750 W or more, to have a margin of safety and possibility of evolution.

Our choice: the Corsair RM750x 80 Plus Gold . This power supply offers a power of 750 W, with 80 Plus Gold certification, which ensures an efficiency of 90% at 50% load. It has a 135mm fan, which shuts off when the load is low, for quiet operation.

It is completely modular, which allows you to use only the necessary cables, for better storage and better air circulation. It is available for around €120.

The monitor

Screen refresh rate

No 4k without a good screen! To play in 4K, you need a quality monitor, with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, a high refresh rate, a low response time, and compatibility with adaptive sync technologies.

We advise you to opt for a monitor of 27 inches or more, to take full advantage of 4K, with an IPS or VA panel, which offers faithful colors and wide viewing angles.

Our choice: the LG 27GN950-B . This monitor offers exceptional image quality thanks to its 4K resolution, its refresh rate of 144 Hz, its response time of 1 ms, and its compatibility with HDR 600. It has an IPS Nano panel, which offers vibrant colors and 178° viewing angles.

It is compatible with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-Sync technologies, which help eliminate image tearing and stuttering. It also has a gamer design, with an ergonomic stand, a thin frame, and RGB lighting on the back. It is available for around €800.

If this 4k screen does not suit you, we invite you to read our article: The best 4k PC screens for gaming !

The box

best size pc case

The case is the chassis of the PC Gamer. It houses the PC components, such as the power supply , motherboard, graphics card, storage, etc. It influences the aesthetics and cooling of the PC.

To run your war machine, you need a spacious and well-ventilated case, capable of accommodating the largest components and cooling them efficiently. Opt for a quality case, with a sober or flashy design depending on your tastes, a tempered glass side window to admire your components, and locations for additional fans or radiators.

Our choice: the NZXT H510 . This case offers a sleek, minimalist design, with a tempered glass side window, a smooth front panel, and simplified cable management.

It has two 120mm fans pre-installed at the rear and top, and two slots for 120/140mm fans or radiators at the front.

It is compatible with ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, and graphics cards up to 381mm in length. It is available for around €80.

Previous article The iPhone 14 Pro, the best smartphone for photos and videos?
Next article The 5 Fastest, Reliable and Affordable VPNs in 2024
Hello me, it's François :) Editor in my spare time who loves sharing his passion: TT High tech! 😍 Whether it's hardware, software, video games, social media and many other areas on the site. I share with you my analyses, my tests, tutorials and my favorites on various media. I am a knowledgeable and demanding technophile, who does not just follow fashion, but who seeks to guide you towards the best solutions. So stay tuned!