LithGeek Custom Gaming Computers

When it comes to gaming, a strong internet connection can make or break your experience. Whether you’re queuing up for a high-stakes match in Valorant, exploring vast open worlds in World of Warcraft, or competing in the ranked ladders of Call of Duty: Warzone, lag or a dropped connection is the last thing you need. Here at Lithgeek, located at 53 Main Street Lithgow, we’re passionate about helping gamers optimize their rigs for peak performance. Let’s dive into three key ways to ensure your internet connection keeps up with your gaming needs.

1. Go Wired with Ethernet

Wireless connections are convenient, but they can be unpredictable, especially when gaming. For the most stable connection:

• Use an Ethernet Cable: Plugging directly into your router provides the fastest and most reliable connection.
• Upgrade to Cat6 or Cat7 Cables: These cables support higher speeds and reduce latency.
• Minimize Distance: Keep your PC as close to the router as possible to avoid signal loss.

If your gaming station isn’t near your router, consider using Powerline adapters. These devices use your home’s electrical wiring to transmit data and can mimic the stability of a direct Ethernet connection.

2. Optimize Your Wi-Fi Setup

Sometimes, going wired isn’t an option. In that case, optimizing your Wi-Fi can make all the difference:

• Upgrade Your Router: A dual-band or tri-band router can handle high gaming traffic without sacrificing speed.
• Prioritize Gaming Traffic: Look for routers with Quality of Service (QoS) settings to allocate more bandwidth to gaming devices.
• Eliminate Dead Zones: Place your router in a central, elevated location. Adding a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system can further expand coverage.

For example, pairing your gaming PC with a Wi-Fi 6-enabled router can provide the speed and reliability necessary for competitive games like Fortnite.

3. Monitor and Manage Your Network

Sometimes the problem isn’t hardware but how your network is being used. Try these tips:

• Close Background Applications: Ensure that programs like cloud backups, streaming services, or downloads don’t hog bandwidth during your gaming sessions.
• Use a Network Monitoring Tool: Applications like NetLimiter or GlassWire can help identify which programs are consuming the most data.
• Contact Your ISP: If your speeds are consistently below what you’re paying for, it might be time to upgrade your plan or switch providers.

We also recommend setting up a separate 5GHz Wi-Fi network for your gaming devices to avoid interference from other devices in your household.

Custom Gaming PCs with Network Optimization

At Lithgeek, we don’t just build custom gaming PCs tailored to your favorite games—we can also help you optimize your system for online gaming. From overclocking to installing high-performance network cards, our team ensures every component of your rig is ready for the ultimate gaming experience. Visit us at 53 Main Street Lithgow or check out our online store here.

Suggested System Requirements for Popular Games

1. Valorant
   • Minimum: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400, Intel HD 3000, 4GB RAM
   • Recommended: Intel i3-4150, GeForce GT 730, 4GB RAM
   • Developer: Riot Games
2. World of Warcraft
   • Minimum: Intel Core i5-3450, GeForce GTX 760, 4GB RAM
   • Recommended: Intel Core i7-6700K, GeForce GTX 1080, 8GB RAM
   • Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
3. Call of Duty: Warzone
   • Minimum: Intel Core i3-6100, GeForce GTX 960, 8GB RAM
   • Recommended: Intel Core i5-2500K, GeForce GTX 970, 12GB RAM
   • Developer: Infinity Ward