Is your child asking you for a gaming PC? Are you worried about needing a second computer for your schoolwork? A gaming system is just an ordinary computer beefed up, so can you do schoolwork on it as well?

This includes everyday tasks like office work or school work and tasks that require more processing power, such as crypto mining and music production.

Someone is doing schoolwork on a gaming PC.

Reasons to buy a gaming PC

The differences between a gaming PC and a regular PC are equivalent to those between a Ferrari and a Chevy: they will get you where you need to go, but one will be much faster.

Standard PCs are designed for light use, such as internet browsing, writing documents, and streaming movies. You can even do some light gaming on a regular PC. However, standard computers struggle with tasks requiring much processing power.

For example, graphic design, music production, crypto mining, and serious gaming require better processors.

These are some reasons why people buy gaming PCs in the first place. Of course, these machines are far more powerful than your average desktop.

However, although gaming PCs are often explicitly bought for gaming, you can still do mundane tasks such as schoolwork or office work.

It is a computer, after all, with internet access, graphics, and processing power, so it can do everything a regular computer can do. It just does those things better.

Let’s examine how a gaming PC is better than a regular desktop.

Better graphics

Modern games are highly realistic, and some almost look like movies. These games require good graphics, which only gaming PCs can deliver.

The most remarkable difference between gaming and regular PCs is the graphic processing unit (GPU) accelerates computer graphics processing.

This unit makes it easier to render realistic video games and improves the quality of photos, animations, and videos you look at on your computer.

So, how does this help a non-gamer? As mentioned, the photos and videos you watch on your computer will be of higher quality. This is more of a luxury than a need, but it is still nice.

Maybe the average student or employee won’t need this feature for their work. Still, professionals such as graphic designers, animators, and photo or video editors will benefit from having a great GPU.

The GPUs in gaming PCs allow these professionals to see their work in more detail than ordinary computers.

So if you are either a professional or dabble in these fields, you will want to buy a gaming PC with a great GPU.

A good quality monitor will be a must when purchasing a gaming computer.

More powerful processors

Ever notice how your computer significantly slows down when you have too many programs open? Or are certain tasks that instantly slow things or don’t work properly? That means your computer doesn’t have a powerful processor to meet your needs.

A powerful central processing unit (CPU) is crucial if you use your computer for demanding tasks. A CPU executes every task you ask, opens programs, shows photos, plays video games, etc. So, your CPU is in charge of it all.

Modern gaming has become incredibly taxing for computers, which is why gaming PCs exist. They are built with the best CPUs, guaranteeing they can handle any program or task you throw at them.

If nothing else in this article convinces you to buy a gaming PC, this point will. If your computer runs slow when asked to do everyday tasks, you must upgrade your PC.

A gaming PC’s CPU will rarely let you down. It is built to run games with realistic graphics and execute hundreds of commands simultaneously. Therefore, it can efficiently run routine tasks and operations at a greater speed than an ordinary computer.

RAM

Another reason your computer may be slowing down while you’re working is because it doesn’t have enough Random Access Memory (RAM). RAM is a short-term memory storage space that a system uses to place data it is currently working on.

You can think of RAM as a workbench: the bigger the bench, the more work you can do at one time.

If your computer struggles with multitasking, then you need more RAM. RAM is essential if your profession requires you to use multiple programs simultaneously. Graphic design and video editing are two professions requiring a large amount of RAM.

Most standard PCs only have enough RAM for simple tasks and internet browsing. However, if your work or hobbies are more intensive and require more applications open simultaneously, you will want to get a gaming PC with a lot of RAM.

Standard computers have an average of 8GB of RAM, but gaming PCs can contain up to 32GB of RAM.

Premium sound

Gaming PCs come with premium sound quality, designed to immerse you in the game you are playing. However, you don’t need to be an avid gamer to enjoy this benefit.

As mentioned, the sound quality of your Spotify sessions or YouTube binges will increase significantly. If you love listening to music while you work, you will love the audio that comes with a gaming PC. But, as with graphics, this may also be a luxury more than a need.

However, if you need to listen to audio files or videos for your work or schoolwork, the premium audio of a gaming PC will come in handy. Furthermore, better audio greatly benefits those who produce music or edit videos.

Cons of a gaming PC: Price

With more power comes higher prices. This is the only downside of buying a gaming PC: They are far more expensive than regular desktops.

A standard desktop computer (excluding the costs of monitor and accessories) can cost anywhere from $300 to $1000, with the average computer costing only about $500-$700.

Gaming PCs typically range anywhere from $800 to $2000. Tech-savvy gamers often build PCs to save money, but most consumers are not interested in this option.

You may not want to invest in a gaming PC if you only use a computer for more routine tasks such as spreadsheets, word documents, and browsing the internet.

However, if you need more processing power, faster speeds, better graphics, and premium audio, you must invest in a high-end system.

Of course, a second-hand gaming computer is also an option, but I recommend buying one from a reputable store with a good warranty.

If you buy one privately, consider reading my other article about things to look over when buying a used system.

Gaming computers also use more power. Now, depending on how you use it, you may not notice much change in your monthly power bill. But if you want to know more, please read my other post explaining how much power a gaming computer uses.

10 Non-gaming uses

There are so many benefits to owning a gaming PC. Though all the advantages mentioned were designed for the ultimate experience, these benefits also enhance everything you can do on the computer.

Most people buy gaming PCs for games but find that the non-gaming tasks also benefit.

Below are some everyday tasks performed on gaming PCs by non-gamers. These tasks are broken down into routine computer tasks and tasks done in more technical professions.

Routine Tasks

1. Schoolwork

Yes, your child can do their homework on a gaming PC. You’re probably skeptical of buying a gaming PC, as it seems like a huge expense just for video games. But this computer possesses everything else your child needs in a computer.

Lessons through Zoom, researching the internet for a report, and reading an e-textbook for a class are all possible with a gaming PC.

As long as you have a good internet connection and your child is good at prioritizing school over gaming, they should have no issue doing their school work on a gaming PC.

2. Office work

Excel sheets, Word Documents, and PowerPoint are available on a gaming PC. But, of course, any software that works on a normal computer will work even better with a higher-end system.

Doing your work on a gaming PC will be even easier than on a normal computer. The increased RAM and CPU will greatly benefit your career if your job requires multitasking.

Also, if you’re like me and need over a dozen internet tabs open anytime but don’t want your computer to slow down and constantly overheat, a gaming PC will help immensely.

3. Browsing the internet

As mentioned, you will have a much easier time browsing the internet due to the increased RAM and better processors. You won’t have any issues if you need multiple tabs to research for schoolwork, perform multiple tasks at work, or just because you like having many tabs open.

4. Streaming

Streaming platforms and YouTube videos have become increasingly popular over the past few years. Gaming PCs enhance these experiences with better graphics and premium audio. With a gaming PC, you can watch your favorite shows and streams in incredible quality.

Technical professions: Can you use a gaming PC for work?

5. Graphic design

The incredible graphics on a gaming PC greatly benefit any graphic artist. These graphics enhance the rendering time of images and animations, making it easier for graphic artists to design and edit their work quickly.

Furthermore, graphic artists will get better color accuracy on a gaming PC than on a normal PC, usually due to better monitors.

6. Video editing

Video editors require great graphics, a high-quality processor, and lots of RAM. Video editing is a processor-heavy task, so editors need the best CPUs.

You will often see professional YouTubers (especially in the gaming genre) use their gaming PCs to edit their videos. Standard computers are rarely up to video editing, so professionals depend on them.

7. Crypto mining

Almost everyone has heard of cryptocurrency by now, but very few people realize what’s involved. Crypto miners use computers and cryptographic processes to solve complex functions and record data on a blockchain. Cryptocurrency is the reward for that process.

Crypto mining is a processor-heavy task that certainly isn’t for standard computers. Many people involved in crypto mining either build their own PCs to handle the workload or invest in high-end computers.

Gaming PCs come with top-of-the-line processors, making them a great crypto-mining option. So if you’re interested in getting involved in this process, a gaming PC will be a perfect option.

8. Programming

Professionals in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, and similar fields can greatly benefit from one. Unfortunately, programming tasks in these fields often require lots of RAM and processing power, and standard computers are rarely sufficient.

Programming complex tasks can easily overwhelm a normal computer, so professionals in these fields need a system they can depend on. In addition, one that crashes often can ruin a program that developers make, so these professionals need something to handle their workload.

9. Photo editing

Graphic artists, photographers, and image editors will benefit from the advanced GPUs found in gaming PCs. Their graphics enhance the editing performance capabilities of photos and make it easier to edit images professionally.

10. Music production

Since they are designed to be entertainment centers and built with premium sound. This is incredibly useful for anyone involved in the technical side of the music industry.

Music editors and producers must hear their music clearly to make the best edits and changes. Therefore, a standard computer does not suffice. Furthermore, the programs these professionals use often require a lot of processing power, making a gaming PC the perfect option for these tasks.