10 essential software you need for your gaming PC

(Image via  Joshua Kettle/Unsplash)
10 must-have software for any gaming PC (Image via Joshua Kettle/Unsplash)

A gaming PC's performance does not solely rely on powerful hardware; the software it utilizes plays a vital role in shaping your overall experience. Therefore installing the right software is essential whether you're a casual or a hardcore user. These programs optimize performance, facilitate smooth multiplayer interactions, and enhance gameplay recording and sharing.

This article delves into 10 software every gamer should have in their toolkit to ensure an optimized and immersive gaming experience.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's views.


Steam, Discord, Opera GX, and 7 other must-have software for your gaming PC

1) Steam

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Steam, featuring over 50,000 games, is the largest digital game-distribution platform. Its diverse library spans from AAA titles to indie gems, and frequent sales facilitate discovering discounted games. The vibrant community fosters game discussions, technical help, and multiplayer connections. With a workshop for user-generated content and Steam Broadcasting for game streaming, it ensures a comprehensive experience.

Some concerns persist regarding customer support and refund policies. However, Steam remains a must-have software for PC gamers, delivering a secure and feature-packed gaming experience.


2) Discord

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Discord, gamers' favored chat app, offers a seamless, user-friendly interface with useful features. Its secure encryption, excellent voice chat, high-quality video chat, and fast text chat enhance the gaming experience. And yet, Discord extends beyond gaming as it fosters connections, facilitates collaboration, and serves as a versatile communication hub.

Players can embrace the boundless potential of Discord. They can become a part of a vast global community that relies on it for unmatched communication and unparalleled opportunities in gaming and social interactions.


3) Opera GX

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Opera GX, tailored for gamers, offers various unique features to enhance gaming performance and minimize distractions. There is an option to limit CPU and RAM usage, making it ideal for multitasking gamers. Its built-in ad blocker optimizes system resources, boosting overall performance.

Furthermore, Opera GX integrates Twitch, provides a gaming news feed, and allows interface customization with various themes. While perfect for gamers seeking improved performance and focus, non-gamers searching for a lightweight browser may find alternative options more suitable.


4) MSI Afterburner

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MSI Afterburner is a quintessential software that unleashes your gaming PC's full potential. This free overclocking utility boasts an intuitive interface catering to beginners and experts. The customization options allow various overclocking methods and personalized game-specific profiles.

Additionally, it offers hardware monitoring, on-screen display, and benchmarking features, optimizing your graphics card's performance. With its user-friendly UI, flexibility, and rich features, MSI Afterburner is indispensable software to optimize your gaming experience.


5) OBS Studio

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OBS Studio, a robust free and open-source software, excels in recording and livestreaming. Its versatility caters to game streaming, video conferencing, and tutorial creation needs. Offering multiple source recordings, scene management, and various audio/video filters, it boasts a comprehensive feature set.

While it may require some learning, its active community and customizable interface appeal to novices and experts alike. OBS Studio provides its users with powerful recording and streaming capabilities.


6) Razer Cortex

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Razer Cortex is a software suite for PCs that improves the gaming experience with its features. The Game Booster optimizes performance by halting needless background processes and enabling CPU overclocking. Moreover, it offers system optimization tools, freeing up RAM and streamlining startup programs.

Its game library management feature simplifies organization and installation. With the advantage of discovering the best deals on titles, Razer Cortex is a must-have for gamers seeking enhanced performance and seamless game management.


7) GeForce Experience

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GeForce Experience holds significant importance for Nvidia graphics card users. This free software provides essential features like game optimization, automatic driver updates, recording, streaming, and the impressive Ansel photo mode.

Its user-friendly interface simplifies maximizing game performance, making it a fantastic application to optimize your gaming PC. From streamlining settings to capturing breathtaking screenshots, this tool enhances your experience with simple and valuable functions.


8) LogMeIn Hamachi

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LogMeIn Hamachi is an outstanding VPN (virtual private network) service designed for gamers and other users. Its effortless setup and user-friendly interface enable secure gaming or remote access networks with ease. Further, employing AES 256-bit encryption guarantees data security and privacy.

The software's versatility extends to file sharing, remote access, and dedicated gaming networks, making it integral for any gaming PC. LogMeIn Hamachi has become the go-to choice for gamers, remote workers, and anyone seeking a reliable VPN solution, as it establishes secure and private networks effortlessly.


9) CPU-Z

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CPU-Z is an essential tool for gaming PCs, offering detailed CPU, memory, motherboard, and graphics card information. Its user-friendly interface automatically scans and presents hardware details in a clear format through CPU, memory, mainboard, and graphics tabs, providing crucial component insights.

Moreover, CPU-Z offers benchmarking, sensor monitoring, and frequency analysis, enabling users to optimize their PC performance. With comprehensive hardware insights and convenient functionalities, this software proves invaluable for players seeking to enhance their gaming experience.


10) Malwarebytes

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Malwarebytes is an amazing software that offers robust malware detection and removal capabilities. Its power lies in identifying and eliminating malware threats effectively. With real-time protection, a browser extension for blocking malicious websites, a privacy-focused VPN, system vulnerability scanning, and efficient hard drive cleanup, it provides all-around defense.

Whether opting for the free or paid version, gamers find a practical and user-friendly solution in Malwarebytes. It will help them safeguard their gaming PCs for uninterrupted gameplay and peace of mind.


In conclusion, these 10 software are necessary for any gaming PC, enhancing performance, optimizing settings, and providing essential features for seamless experiences.

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Edited by Abu Amjad Khan
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