For average gamers, off-the-shelf computers are good enough to get through a game. But for the serious player, it’s a different story. Hardened gamers often build a custom setup of their entire computer system – everything from the hard drive to their chair is geared toward their gaming.
Statista reports that competitive gamers spent an average of $425 annually on downloadable content and game accessories in 2019. It isn’t just first-person shooter games or sports simulator players who do this; even online poker players also go bespoke when building a PC.
IGaming is on the rise across the U.S. The industry was valued at $2,178.29 million back in 2020. Online poker is a vital part of the market growth, along with continuous revenue streams due to popular demand. The critical question now is, what components are essential for the perfect PC setup for online poker?
Here are our suggestions for this question;
Table of Contents
1. Powerful Processor (CPU)
A central processing unit, or CPU, is the brain of your computer. It carries out all the essential functions, like running programs, sending and receiving instructions, performing calculations, and executing the commands it’s given.
A fast processor is crucial for playing online poker, especially if you’re on multiple tables, as it consumes a large amount of the CPU’s total capacity. Intel produces some of the best CPU chips and currently dominates the market in terms of performance. To ensure you have the best online poker experience without lag, you should use an Intel Core2Duo E8200 2.66 GHz processor at a minimum.
2. Plenty of Memory (RAM)
After securing a powerful processor, your computer’s random access memory, or RAM, is the next most crucial component. Having enough RAM ensures your online poker experience is fast, and the computer can respond quickly.
If you don’t have enough RAM, your computer will not perform adequately, and it may even cause the unit to freeze completely at random moments, affecting your gaming experience. To avoid this, your computer’s minimum RAM is 4GB, and we recommend the OCZ 4GB (2x2GBMB) Dual Channel Memory Kit DDR2.
If you have the extra budget, install 8GB RAM; if you want to future-proof your PC, go for 16GB RAM, and you can play multiple tables all day/night.
3. Use Dual Monitors
Poker is a fast-paced game, and using a two-monitor setup offers many advantages. For example, you can efficiently multitask and have poker strategies laid out on one screen and the poker game on the other. This way, you won’t have to switch between full-screen windows whenever you need guidance.
If you want to play multi-table tournaments, or MTTs, a dual monitor setup makes it easy! You could sit at multiple tables at the same time, play more hands per hour, and you’d be able to view everything from the two monitors in front of you. A dual monitor setup allows poker players to quickly play as many hands as possible.
4. Programmable Mouse
Playing games, like online poker, requires repetitive movements and clicking the same buttons over and over. This action can become very tiring to the hands and, over long periods, even lead to pain in the wrist and numb fingers, commonly known as carpal tunnel syndrome. To combat this, we suggest investing in a programmable mouse that can lessen repetitive movements, thus reducing the chance of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
The Logitech MX Master 3 Wireless Mouse is good because it’s versatile for all games, has an ergonomic shape and is designed with a handy thumb-scroll wheel that sets it apart from other devices. With this mouse, you’ll be able to play comfortably for hours!
Conclusion
If you’re ready to improve your gaming experience, try our suggestions for arming yourself with a PC designed for online poker battles! We hope these suggestions help you, and please also check out our recommendations for the best online poker PCs for your budget. Happy gaming.