How to choose a gaming monitor in 2025: professional tips

Since the release of World of Warcraft, each new add-on has been a landmark event, changing the mechanics of the game, adding new locations and offering players new challenges. However, none of them have sparked as much debate as the Lich King add-on. Fans continue to argue which of the additions has become a true benchmark MMORPG. What criteria should it meet, and why exactly is Wrath of the Lich King at the top of the ratings?

The history of the game shows that with each update the opinions of players were divided. Some considered the changes useful, while others criticised the innovations. When it comes to the best World of Warcraft add-on, it is Wrath of the Lich King that is most often mentioned as the undisputed leader.

World of Warcraft: the variety of add-ons

For almost 20 years, World of Warcraft has received many updates. Each of them brought new mechanics, improved systems and fresh game zones to the game. However, not all additions became the best in the history of World of Warcraft. To determine the leaders, you need to consider several key factors:

1. Gameplay. The balance of classes, the convenience of pumping, the elaboration of mechanics – all this is critical to assess the quality of the addon. In some addons appeared unbalanced classes and unsuccessful innovations appeared, which later had to be corrected. Successful addons brought changes that became standards of the genre.
2. Storyline. Each update develops the history of Azeroth, immersing players in new conflicts, revealing the fates of iconic characters. A good storyline enhances engagement, turning ordinary quests into epic adventures.
3. Endgame content. The longevity of an addon is determined by its ability to retain players after reaching the maximum level. Raids, dungeons, PvP activities – all this affects the popularity of the addon. If the content turns out to be boring or insufficiently complex, interest in it fades faster.
4. Atmosphere. World design, music, visual design of locations should match the spirit of the game. The gaming community notes that it is the entourage that makes some addons memorable and favourite.

According to these criteria, a rating of addons was compiled, where Wrath of the Lich King took the first place. Its success is due to its balance. It combines an exciting story, well-thought-out mechanics and quality content for high-level players. The Lich King and his tragic story have made the addon a true legend.

Wrath of the Lich King is an icon among add-ons

The question of which WoW expansion is the best most often leads to one answer: Wrath of the Lich King. It greatly changed the gameplay and set a new standard for future World of Warcraft expansions.

The main factor of success was the atmosphere. Nordskål is a vast expanse of snow. The citadel of the Ice Crown looks majestic. The ice throne of the Lich King complements the gloomy but mesmerising atmosphere. All this decoration is complemented by a soundtrack that emphasises the dramatic nature of what is happening.

Aesthetics made Wrath of the Lich King the best addition to World of Warcraft. A lot of attention was paid to game mechanics. Heroic dungeons, an improved talent system and a new achievement system were introduced. In addition, for the first time p,layers saw the Death Knight, which became the first heroic class. This made the gameplay even more diverse.

How did players choose the best World of Warcraft add-on?

The question of which WoW add-on is the best has long been a topic of debate among the gaming community. Over the years, players have actively discussed, compared and analysed each one. They have looked at them from different perspectives: level of difficulty, innovation, impact on gameplay and the balance between PvE and PvP.

How the polls were conducted

To determine the best World of Warcraft addon, numerous polls were conducted on Reddit, Blizzard Forums, gaming websites and YouTube channels. Based on tens of thousands of player votes, it was revealed that Wrath of the Lich King was most often mentioned as the most successful expansion

Why Wrath of the Lich King

Fans name several key reasons why the addon took the leading position:

• perfect balance between PvE and PvP – arena system, open battles, challenging raids;
• innovative mechanics – the introduction of the death knight, improved pumping system;
• legendary plot – the dramatic story of Arthas, who became the King-Person;
• quality atmosphere – elaborate design of locations, memorable soundtrack.

Game critics note that it was the 3.3.5 addon that became the benchmark for future addons, setting a high bar of quality for the entire series.

Conclusion

More than a decade after Wrath of the Lich King’s release, its impact on World of Warcraft and the MMORPG genre as a whole remains undeniable. The atmosphere, story and innovations of the add-on set a high bar that subsequent addons have never been able to surpass. WotLK is deservedly considered the best addon in the history of WoW, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of millions of players.

Choosing a gaming computer in 2025 requires a clear understanding not only of tasks but also of current standards. Competition between GPU architectures, transition to DDR5, the rise of 2.5K and 4K gaming, the introduction of ray tracing in mid-range games — all of this has changed the approach. How to choose a gaming computer and prioritize correctly? This is a task that requires analysis, calculation, and clear logic. To ensure that the system does not become outdated after a couple of Steam updates, it is important to consider the balance of components, cooling, power supply, noise level, and upgradeability.

How to Choose a Gaming Computer Considering Workload

A gaming PC in 2025 should not just run games — it must handle them at high settings with power to spare. The main goal is to create a system that will not require replacing key components when new releases come out. Choosing a gaming computer means understanding that each detail works not in isolation but in a chain, and a weak link can drag down the entire assembly.

Central Processor: Core of Performance

In 2025, the lower limit is 6 physical cores and 12 threads. The optimal architecture is considered to be one with 8 cores and a high boost frequency of 4.5 GHz. Games no longer ignore multi-threading: engines use up to 10 threads in parallel — especially in simulators, open worlds, and strategies.

Differences:

1. Mid-range segment: 6–8 cores, frequency 4.2–4.8 GHz, TDP ~95–125 W.

2. Top segment: 12–16 cores, frequency from 4.8 GHz, cache from 30 MB.

Argument: even an RTX 4080 will experience frame drops on a weak CPU.

Graphics Card: Visual Core

The graphics card is the main element for any games. Choosing a gaming computer without considering it is not an option. In 2025, games in 2.5K and 4K become the norm, which means that video memory less than 12 GB is a compromise.

Specifications:

1. FullHD on ultra: 12 GB, 192-bit bus, 2880–3200 CUDA or similar cores.

2. 2K: 16 GB, bus from 256 bits, memory frequency 18–20 GHz.

3. 4K: 20–24 GB, ray tracing, DLSS or FSR 3.0, core frequency from 2.6 GHz.

Factor: the graphics card must maintain stable 60+ FPS without upscaling.

RAM: Capacity and Frequency

In 2025, DDR5 has firmly established itself as the standard. The minimum capacity is 16 GB, but for stable operation with streams, Discord, background tasks, and a browser, it is reasonable to install 32 GB.

Parameters:

1. DDR4 is no longer relevant — a bottleneck at frequencies up to 3200 MHz.

2. DDR5: from 5600 MHz, with minimal CL32 or lower latency.

3. Formula: 2×16 GB, dual-channel, XMP/EXPO profile support.

SSD: Instant Start and Fast Loading

Solid-state drives have completely replaced HDDs. Choosing a gaming computer means including at least a 1 TB NVMe SSD with PCIe 4.0.

Requirements:

1. Minimum: 1 TB PCIe 4.0, read speed from 5000 MB/s.

2. Recommended: additional SATA SSD or second NVMe for the system.

3. Outcome: abandoning HDD = reduced noise and improved responsiveness.

Thermal Mode and Cooling: Silence vs. Stability

A gaming system generates 400–600 W of heat at peak. Failing to consider this parameter is a mistake. Air cooling is suitable for TDP up to 125 W. Above that, only liquid cooling.

Differences:

1. 240 mm AIO is suitable for CPUs up to 150 W.

2. 360 mm AIO cools higher-end overclocked processors.

A tower cooler remains relevant if the case height is not limited.

Case and Power Supply: Reliability, Silence, Safety

The case is not just a box but an engineering solution. Choosing a gaming computer that will be quiet, cool, and clean depends on airflow and access to components.

Parameters:

1. ATX form factor is versatile and easily upgradable.

2. Airflow — a minimum of 3 fans: 2 intake, 1 exhaust.

3. Dust filters — for each fan.

4. Power supply — 80+ Gold, 750–850 W, with modular cables.

Impact of Resolution and Refresh Rate

Resolution and screen refresh rate determine the load on the graphics card.

Specifications:

1. 1080p @ 144 Hz — comfortable for mid-range GPUs.

2. 1440p @ 165 Hz — requires a balanced system.

3. 4K @ 120 Hz — achievable only with high-end solutions supporting DLSS/FSR.

Building a powerful system for a 60 Hz monitor is not advisable — the graphics card remains underutilized. Conversely, weak hardware will not unleash the potential of a 240 Hz panel.

Choosing a Gaming Computer with Future in Mind

A gaming PC should not be built to the limit. The platform must withstand GPU replacement, RAM expansion, addition of a second SSD.

Parameters:

1. Power connectors — 12VHPWR, prepared for next-gen GPUs.

2. BIOS — upgradable, supports new CPUs.

3. Drive bays — minimum of 2×M.2 and 2×SATA.

Upgradability is insurance against becoming outdated. A PC without upgrade options loses relevance twice as fast.

Tips on Choosing a Gaming Computer in 2025

The final stage of selection begins not at the moment of purchase, but even earlier — with understanding real tasks and smart budget allocation. Choosing a gaming computer means first and foremost assessing the usage scenario, not chasing numbers. The PC should match the games that will actually be played, not abstract “future-proof” metrics.

Building for FullHD requires one architecture, while for 4K, a completely different one. Chasing a top-tier graphics card for 1080p gaming is a budget overspend without real benefit. Instead, it’s wiser to allocate some funds to a high-speed access SSD or to upgrading the cooling system, which will ensure stability under load.

One of the most common mistakes is mismatched components. Incompatible socket, limited case space, GPU power supply incompatibility — all these are consequences of insufficient verification of form factors and specifications. That’s why it’s important to plan the build in advance, check supported interfaces, and ensure that each system element works in synergy with the others.

If the goal is streaming, multi-screen mode, or gaming with mods, then choosing components for a gaming PC should consider additional threads and background processes. A standard build may handle a single session but may start to struggle when running OBS, Chrome, and Discord simultaneously.

Budgeting should always include a buffer: leave at least 10–15% for future upgrades. This allows installing additional memory, upgrading to a newer graphics card, or simply adding an SSD for a new system a year later. The reserve provides flexibility and eliminates the need for a complete rebuild.

Last but not least is the final testing after assembly. A common rookie mistake is to start the system and immediately jump into gaming. A proper approach includes stress tests for the CPU and GPU, temperature analysis under load, assessment of noise level and stability. Testing reveals issues before starting to use the system and allows timely adjustments — from replacing thermal paste to readjusting internal airflow in the case.

Conclusion

Choosing a gaming computer in 2025 means selecting an architecture not overloaded with marketing but capable of handling the impact of modern games. A rational approach, understanding tasks, and smart component selection create not just a “system unit” but a tool. Flexible, upgradeable, resistant to trends.