This article was created for eBay via Fractl in fall 2014.
If you’re not the most current on PC gaming equipment and games, here’s a guide to get you (and your computer) up to speed. You’ll be as cool as the other kids in no time—even if you’re their parents.
Here’s what you’ll need to handle today’s most powerful games.
Your PC:
Desktops reign over laptops because they offer the best balance of performance and price.
You can build one yourself for the lowest price; buy one online; or buy one in a store where you can get additional advice but likely pay the highest price.
If you build one yourself you’ll earn the respect of fellow computer do-it-yourselfers and gain the benefits of:
- Understanding how it works.
- Choosing your own parts.
- Being able to upgrade components yourself, as needed.
If you’d rather buy, you’ll gain the benefit of:
A. Skipping straight to the gaming.
Here’s where to start. Whether you build or buy, you’ll be seeing these terms when you compare components.
CPU: The “central processing unit” is the hardware known as the brain of the computer. You can find CPUs that will provide good gaming performance in the range of $180 to $240, like Intel’s Core i5 processors.
Processor: This term is often used to refer to the CPU, though there are additional types of processors as well.
RAM: The “random access memory” is the computer’s main memory, which it uses to run its programs. You’ll probably be covered with 4GB of RAM, though many gamers recommend 8GB which you can get for $40 to $80, like the Corsair Vengeance Blue 8GB 1600MHz memory kit.
Graphics card: Also known as a video card, this device uses data from the CPU to render images on the monitor. Get the best graphics card in your budget because it drives your computer’s gaming performance.
An example is the Nvidia GeForce GTX 970. At $330 it’s widely considered an excellent card for its price and is able to run the majority of the most demanding games at a high level of performance.
GPU: The “graphics processing unit” is the graphics card’s processor.
Hard drive: This can also be called a hard disk drive and it serves as the main storage area of a computer for the operating system and other applications. An example is the WD Blue 1 TB Desktop Hard Drive, which will provide enough space for gaming and comes in under $55.
Sound card: These are optional but can provide a more immersive experience through improved audio and the effect of surround sound. They begin at $27.99, like the ASUS Xonar DG 5.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card.
Monitor: The size, resolution, and response time of your monitor will be a major factor in your gaming experience, because if it doesn’t keep up, neither will you. The most popular size range is 24 to 30 inches. You want full HD, though you can also go up to Quad HD, UHD (Ultra High Definition) and 4K Ultra HD—if your GPU will support it and you can pay accordingly.
One highly rated HD monitor is the AOC i2757fh, with a regular price of $299.99
You can also use your TV as a monitor, though some people find it clunky to use as their primary display and to view text.
Mouse:Look for responsiveness. For as little as $16.99 you can get a gaming mouse like the E-3Lue Cobra Type-M. If you like frills, you can also find features such as programmable buttons and multiple user profiles for prices up to $136.
Keyboard: If you’re using your keyboard as your game controller, you want one that uses mechanical switches as opposed to silicone membrane switches, which feel softer and can slow you down. Useful features can include backlighting and special color or texture to highlight the gaming keys.
There are a variety of good keyboards that fall in the range of $79.99 to $149, such as the Rosewill Helios RK-9200.
Controller/gamepad: These are optional. You can purchase one specifically for PC gaming or use one from a game console such as Xbox 360. There are a variety of options in the $20-$70 range, as well as joysticks, steering wheels and flight controllers.
Headset with microphone: These provide the ability to talk to others during online gaming—completely necessary for trash-talk and strategic coordination.
If you only play single-player games you can skip the headset, though they can also provide a richer sound experience and help you shut out the real world. Prices can range from $20 to $300.
Computers to Buy
There are many options for ready-made gaming PCs. One brand with good reviews is iBuyPower, with its high-end Gamer Paladin F875 for $2159, and its more economical NE713i for half the price at $1029.99. Additional highly rated brands include Lenovo, Alienware, Origin, CyberpowerPC, and Maingear.
You may also run into the term Steam Machine or Steam Box. These are expected to come out soon from various manufacturers using specifications provided by Valve Corportion, which operates the Steam platform for downloading games, social networking, and multi-player gaming. They are seen as machines that will offer a compromise between PC gaming and console gaming.
Wired vs. Wireless
Hardcore gamers recommend wired internet to assure your best download speeds and responsiveness (and therefore, your survival.)
Some gamers recommend wired peripherals for responsiveness as well, though both wired and wireless are popular.
Game Guide
If you’re new to gaming or haven’t played much in the last few years (or decades), get ready to be blown away, in a few senses of the phrase.
Sources for downloading games include Steam, Amazon, GameFly, GamersGate, and Green Man Gaming, and it can pay to compare prices. Many consider it passé these days to buy a physical game disk.
If you’re looking for something new, one highly-rated recent release is Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, which features a new story based on the world of Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
If you’re looking to join the ranks in a long established, massive online game world, here are some of the most famous. The big games offer new player’s guides online, so check those out to catch up quickly.
StarCraft
StarCraft originally came out in 1998 and a sequel followed in 2010. The game has been praised for its compelling story, in which it pits three races against one another as they fight for dominance in a distant part of the galaxy.
The game has been called one of the most importantvideo games of all time and is credited with raising the bar for real-time strategy games.
World of Warcraft (WoW)
This game, originally released in 2004, is ranked as the world’s most-subscribed to MMORPG–massively multiplayer online role-playing game–as well as the highest grossing video game of all time. Expansions have been released four times since and a fifth is scheduled for November. Players take on the roles of fantasy characters in an online world where there are two opposing factions.
League of Legends (LoL)
This game, released in 2009, has grown in popularity since to become one of the most popular PC games by share of the hours played.
Players take on the role of a character called a “champion,” and battle on one of two teams.
Game Lingo
There will be no end to the evolution of language in online gaming, and for language specific to each online world. Don’t sweat it—some is simple enough to figure out on the fly. 2EZ.
As for the rest, just get playing and Google any confusing lingo as you need it. If you’re playing with friends, they’ll forgive you for being a noob. If anyone is rude, just tell them: Wei (whatever idiot), TTYL (talk to you later)!
Now get out there. GLHF (good luck and have fun).