Buying a pre-built gaming computer is one of the most convenient ways to obtain a top-of-the-line rig and ensure a smooth gaming experience. Since it ships out already fully assembled, all you’ll need to do is plug the system in and fire it up. When you buy a pre-built gaming computer from a trusted system integrator like CLX, you won’t even have to install the operating system or even most of the free-to-play games that are popular nowadays yourself.
However, just because it’s the option that presents the least amount of trouble on your part doesn’t mean that you don’t have to do a little legwork. Here’s what you need to do before and immediately after you receive your new system:
BEFORE
Ready your space for the rig
The first thing you need to do before your system arrives is to make sure that there’s enough space on your desk to put it. Whether you ordered a small form factor PC or a mid- or full-tower machine, you’ll want to keep it off the floor and make sure that there’s enough room around the machine for proper air flow.
It’s also a good idea to clean your desk before the PC arrives, and to continue doing so after you’ve received it. Doing so will help keep dust from accumulating inside the PC case, which can cause your components to overheat and affect its overall performance.
Purchase any organizational tools necessary
Whether you plan on only gaming on your PC or will be doing other things with it, such as streaming or editing videos, you’ll want to make sure that you have everything you need to keep the space around it neat and organized.
Cable management for your PC and all of the peripherals you plan on connecting to it should be one of your top priorities. It’s not just about looks; it’s a safety precaution as well. Making sure that any cords or cables connected to your PC are tucked neatly away helps prevent certain risks, such as you tripping on them or your pet chewing on them. You may want to purchase additional cable ties, as well as small bins or drawers for storage.
Consider upgrading your peripherals
Gaming with a low-quality keyboard and an office mouse isn’t fun at all, and likely will affect your competitive performance. Sitting on an uncomfortable chair for hours on end also won’t be very good for your comfort and overall health. Before your rig arrives, consider purchasing peripherals that can help you make the most out of your top-of-the-line components. This may include getting a new monitor with a higher refresh rate, a better mouse that’s especially designed for gaming, and so on.
AFTER
Remove the packaging materials
In your excitement to start gaming on your new machine, you may neglect to remove the packaging materials that kept your components safe and in place while it was on its way to you. Responsible system integrators take great pains to ensure that your system comes to you in one piece and in working order. To make sure of that, they often stuff the inside of the case with materials like expanding foam bags to fill all the little gaps and provide cushioning and stability to the parts of your gaming PC. These will need to be removed from the system before you plug it in. It’s also a good idea to remove any plastic peels that are still attached to the system before using it.
Double-check the motherboard connections
System integrators also make an effort to make the process of receiving your rig as smooth as possible. Often, your PC will arrive with all the components already properly connected to the motherboard.
Still, it doesn’t hurt to check those connections and make sure that everything is plugged into where they’re supposed to be. It’s also important to make sure that the connections are seated correctly.
Perform a Windows Update
Fresh installs of Windows sometimes do not contain the latest updates to the operating system. To keep your computer running smoothly and protect it from the latest threats, one of the first things you should do when you receive your new gaming rig is to perform a Windows Update. This process may require a restart, but it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to complete.
