Your Affordable Gaming PC with DropReference
Welcome to DropReference, the #1 hardware comparison site for getting an affordable gaming PC! Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned player, our platform is the ultimate tool for crafting a custom gaming PC, no matter your level of expertise.
Our services include a high-powered gaming comparison tool that helps you uncover components across the web. With DropReference, you can easily find the best prices from all the top gaming retailers like Top Achat, Amazon, LDLC, and more. We also offer an adaptive configurator that lets you build your own laptop or desktop gaming PC, based on your preferences and budget.
Gaming Components
When building your own gaming PC, every component matters and contributes to a smooth, immersive gaming experience! It's essential to understand the role of each part so you can choose the components that best suit your needs.
The processor, or CPU, is the brain of your gaming PC. It handles all computing tasks, including the calculations needed to run your games. The latest and most powerful processors are Intel Core i7 and i9 CPUs and AMD Ryzen processors. Here's our processor list.
The graphics card, or GPU, is responsible for displaying images on your screen. It's essential for 3D games and high-resolution visuals. The most powerful GPUs for gaming are NVIDIA GeForce RTX and AMD Radeon RX cards. Check out our graphics card list.
The memory, or RAM, temporarily stores the data the processor needs quick access to. Having enough RAM is essential to run games without any slowdowns. Modern gaming PCs come with at least 8 GB of RAM, but 16 GB is recommended for an optimal gaming experience. Check out our RAM list.
Storage is also important for PC gamers. Traditional hard drives are slower than SSDs, which are faster and more reliable. SSDs are particularly useful for gaming, as they provide faster load times. Check out our SSD drives.
The computer case is also important as it protects internal components and ensures good airflow to prevent overheating. Gaming cases often come with extra fans to keep temperatures down. Check out our PC cases.
Finally, for gamers seeking a portable gaming experience, gaming laptops are increasingly popular. Their internal components are similar to desktop PCs but designed to be more compact and lightweight for on-the-go use. Check out our gaming laptops.
In conclusion, each component plays its own crucial role in creating an optimal gaming experience. By using the DropReference hardware comparison tool, you can find the best prices on all the components you need to build your perfect gaming PC and get the best value for money.

In-game settings
When it comes to playing video games on your PC, it's important to pay attention to certain essential settings for an optimal gaming experience. Graphics quality, image smoothness, FPS (frames per second), latency, and resolution are all criteria to monitor to ensure an immersive and enjoyable gaming session!
A game's graphics quality largely depends on the quality of your computer's graphics card. For the most graphically demanding titles, it's recommended to choose a high-end GPU to ensure crisp, detailed visuals. The most powerful graphics cards also feature technologies like ray tracing, which generates more realistic lighting by simulating how light reflects off surfaces.

Image smoothness is also crucial for an optimal gaming experience. To achieve this, you need a CPU that's powerful enough to process frames at high speed. It's equally important to ensure your GPU can keep up with the CPU to avoid stutters and frame drops.
The FPS (frames per second) count is another key factor for smooth gameplay. FPS indicates how many frames are displayed on-screen each second: the higher the number, the smoother the game. To boost your FPS, opt for a high-performance graphics card and adjust the in-game graphics settings accordingly.
Latency, or response time, is also vital for smooth gaming. This is the time it takes for your input to travel to the computer, then to the game server, and for the response to be sent back and displayed. To minimize latency, use a fast, stable internet connection and a PC equipped with a high-quality network card.
Finally, resolution is an important criterion for optimal image quality. We recommend choosing a monitor with a high resolution for crisp, detailed visuals. The most common resolutions for PC gaming are 1080p, 1440p, and 4K.
In summary, to guarantee an optimal gaming experience, it's important to closely monitor parameters like graphics quality, image smoothness, FPS, latency, and resolution. By selecting the right components and adjusting your graphics settings accordingly, you can enjoy an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience on an affordable gaming PC.
You can build your configuration by entering your preferred game settings in our builder, Quick Mode or with guidance in Assisted Mode!
And to find the best components at the best prices, there's nothing better than using a hardware price comparison tool like DropReference, which lists all gaming retailers in one place, including Top Achat, Amazon, and LDLC.
Why build your own PC?
These days, building a gaming PC is no longer reserved for IT experts. With advances in technology, the process has become more accessible to everyone. With the help of online guides, video tutorials, and professional advice, putting together your own gaming rig has become a relatively simple !
The main advantage of building your own PC is that it lets you customize the setup to your needs and budget. Gamers can choose the components that best suit their requirements, without paying for unnecessary features or pricey brands.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that even though the building process is easy, it can be time-consuming and requires some basic hardware knowledge. You need to choose components carefully and ensure they’re all compatible with each other. This can be tricky, but sites like DropReference can help you find the best hardware combinations for your budget.
As for how often you’ll need to replace parts, it depends on how you use your computer. Hardcore gamers may need to upgrade every two years to maintain top performance. However, most users can expect a good gaming PC to last three to five years before needing major upgrades. Building your own PC also lets you replace individual parts rather than swapping out the entire system at once.
In conclusion, building a gaming PC is an excellent option for anyone looking to tailor their machine to their needs, save money in the long run, and replace individual components instead of the whole system. If you’re new to hardware, you can always find helpful guides online or consult professionals for assistance. And don’t forget, sites like DropReference can help you find the best deals on your components.
Must-Have Accessories
Accessories are a key part of the PC gaming experience. Whether it’s improving your movement precision, sound quality, or visual fidelity, the right accessories can make all the difference. Here are some must-have accessories for a gaming PC:
Mice: for PC gamers, the mouse is one of the most crucial tools for online play. Gaming mice feature special specs like high-precision sensors, high polling rates, and adjustable sensitivity, all of which can help enhance your gameplay. Check out our mice.
Keyboards: keyboards are another vital component for PC gamers. Gaming keyboards offer responsive, programmable keys, customizable LED backlighting, and macro-enabled keys. They’re also often equipped with gaming-specific controls like volume, pause, and play buttons for easy access. Check out our list of keyboards.
Headsets: for gamers who want to immerse themselves in their favorite titles, a gaming headset is essential. Gaming headsets deliver premium speakers, noise isolation, and a built-in microphone for communicating with teammates. Wireless headsets are especially popular, providing total freedom of movement.
Mouse Pads: gaming mouse pads are specially designed for PC gamers, offering a smooth, soft surface for precise tracking and a non-slip base for maximum stability.
Monitors: gaming monitors offer high refresh rates, high resolutions, and low input lag for smooth, tear-free gameplay. Curved gaming monitors are also popular for their immersive experience. Check out our list of PC monitors.
At DropReference, we’ve handpicked the best gaming accessories on the market—from mice and mouse pads to monitors. We’ve also compared prices across retailers like Top Achat, Amazon, and LDLC to bring you the best deals and help you save money. We’re the #1 hardware comparison site for budget gaming PCs, gaming desktops, and gaming laptops. Browse our selection and upgrade your gaming experience today!

Optimize Your In-Game Performance
For PC gamers, performance is essential for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. However, over time, your gaming PC’s performance can decline due to factors such as intensive use, malware, or simply aging components.
Fortunately, there are several tips and tricks to optimize your gaming PC’s performance and get the most out of your hardware. Here are some recommendations to improve your gaming PC’s performance:

In conclusion, by following these tips and tricks to optimize your gaming PC’s performance, you’ll get the most out of your hardware and enjoy a smooth, immersive gaming experience. With DropReference, find your affordable gaming PC—far more feature-packed than what you’d find on Top Achat or Amazon!