Why PC Gaming Is The Best

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Gaming is a huge institution and a hobby which brings tougher people from all over the world from many different walks of life. Playing games is a great way to escape from real life for a short amount of time, make new friends and increase memory retention and spacial awareness. When gaming there is always a debate over whether PC or console is best, and today we are going to prove why PC gaming is the best of all.

You control the hardware

The first thing that a lot of PC gamers will say when asked why they love playing on their computer rather than a console is the control you gain over the hardware which you use for the games. When you have a computer for your gaming you can play around with the RAM, circuits and the processor to ensure you have the best possible machine to keep up with the graphics of the game and to stay responsive in game. With a console there is nothing you can do to improve the hardware and you get updates sent to you by the manufacturer.

You can make your own setup

The fun part of having a computer to play your games with rather than just a small console is the showmanship you can bring to it all. You can decorate your PC tower, play around with your setup and create a whole station in your home or gaming den which will make the whole experience of gaming feel that much more exciting and more real right from the start. It is way more fun than simply plugging in your console and pressing play!

There are so many amazing games out there

The beauty of gaming and its popularity all over the world is the fact that there are thousands of games out there which will suit any type of gamer you can imagine. When on the PC you have less regulations and therefore there is more scope for inventive and fun ideas than on the console. You can use more information to download games to your PC and it will open up a whole world of gaming opportunity for you.

You can enjoy the community

The sense of community between gamers is one which cannot be beaten when you play on a PC. It you have ever used Discord or Twitch alongside your gaming you will know that you can create really close knit friendships and communities out of your shared love for the gaming world. Just look at Pewdiepie: he is the most subscribed to YouTuber in the world and he started out playing games alongside his friends. He now has over 65 million people who watch his videos every day and follow along when he plays a game on his PC.Gaming has an ability to bring people together and feel as if they are taking part in something which is exclusive to them and the gamer. It can be wonderful and it is certainly worth getting into.

LANventure: Where Will You Play?

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From mountain tops to deep caverns and caves, there are very few place around the world where people haven’t played video games. In world record attempts, charity fundraisers, and simply for the fun of it, this sort of event has been gaining popularity for a long time, but there has been a big drawback; hardware. Being big and bulky, even gaming laptops were too heavy for a lot of people take on a journey like this. This isn’t the case anymore, though, and this post is going to be exploring some of the best ways to take advantage of this.

First, though, you’re going to have to think about the hardware you’ll be taking with you. For this sort of job, a laptop is ideal, as it will have a built in battery, along with components which will be able to charge from battery banks. If you want to have a desktop, it will probably cost quite a bit more when it comes to portable power and peripherals to help you play. There are loads of thin and light examples on the market, nowadays, and this makes it nice and easy to find a laptop which will suit your gaming needs.

For those with deep pockets, the Razer Blade series has long been one of the most popular out there for high-quality gaming. Their 2018 editions of these machines haven’t changed much compared to the older models, but this hasn’t stopped the brand from filling the small computer with respectable hardware. Pairing an 8th Generation Intel Core i7 CPU with either a GTX 1060 or a GTX 1070, you can get some serious gaming on with a laptop like this one.

This next option is for those on a slightly smaller budget. The HP Omen hasn’t been chosen because it is the best value machine in the world. Instead, to make this more useful, it is one of the most affordable light gaming laptops on the market, and this is what makes it shine. Sporting a 7th Generation Core i7 CPU and a GTX 1050 ti, you won’t get quite as much power out of this machine. Coming in at less than half the price of the Blade, though, this will appeal to a lot of people.

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Planning Your LAN

Once you have a machine which is capable of this sort of travel, it will be time to start thinking about the location you’re going to choose. There are loads of options of this, and some of them will give you the chance to see the world like never before. To help you to find the perfect place for you, you can find some examples below, and there are loads more around the web if you’re willing to search for it.

On A Boat:

While water may not seem like a good idea around computers, having your LAN part on the ocean could be a great idea. Boats are often equipped with power, along with facilities like toilets and kitchens, giving you the chance to spend a few days out playing games. This sort of option will give you the power to travel the world, too. Of course, you will have to plan a boat trip of this nature with a lot of care.

One of the biggest challenges you’ll be facing will be power. A lot of your guests won’t have their own batteries with them, and this means that the boat will have to do. If you run the batteries down, you could be completely stranded, and this makes it worth doing some research. The top most reliable boat batteries can be found in reviews across the web. Using this sort of information, you should be able to plan for a long trip out on the water.

Going out to see for a few days is going to call for some provisions, like food and water. You should get all of this on board before you set out, bring extra in case you have any emergencies or people eat too much. Along with this, you’ll also need to think about the Internet. Even out at sea, you can usually find a mobile internet signal. Using a mobile WiFi router, you can provide everyone with a LAN connection to play on, alongside a link to the outside world to keep DRM running.

In The Sky:

Water isn’t the only place a game can find themselves, with the sky presenting an excellent option for anyone who isn’t scared of heights. Hot air balloon rides aren't too expensive, and can be booked throughout the year. This gives you a couple of hours of air time to get your gaming done, while also enabling you to have large groups spread between multiple balloons. Not many people have had this experience.

With an trip like this, it is unlikely that you will be left to pilot the hot air balloon, and someone will be joining you to keep everything safe. This means that you can focus on the things you want to bring with you, rather than tools to keep things going smoothly. You won’t have power on a craft like this, and this makes it important that everyone brings a spare battery or two if you want to stay in the air for a while.

Each company will have different rules which you have to follow when you want to use their flying machines. To make sure that you will be allowed to use your laptops, it will be worth asking ahead of time, as this will give you the chance to choose a company with the best terms. Along with this, it will be with reading some reviews, as this can be very helpful.

Hopefully, this post will inspire you to get out and start planning your next LAN party. For any gamer, this sort of event is a right of passage, and everyone has to experience it at some point. Of course, along with these options, you could also take yourself to one or two larger LANs which are arranged by other people.

Taking Your PC Gaming Visuals to the Next Level

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Gaming graphics are constantly getting sharper and more photo-realistic. Without the right software and hardware, you may be missing out on the visual capabilities that new games have to offer. Whether you simply want to see each game in stunning high resolution or simply want a smoother frame rate so that you can react more sharply, here are some of the modifications worth making to your PC.

Upgrade your monitor

A decent monitor can help you to see opponents more sharply and clearly as well as truly testing out the graphic capability of each game you play. HD monitors were once the pinnacle of technology, but these have since been replaced by Ultra HD monitors – some reaching a staggering 8K pixel resolution. These latter screens are obviously very expensive and most HD monitors can do the job just as well. Sites such as Armchair Empire offer some great reviews on gaming monitors. These may help you choose the best monitor for you.

On top of size and resolution, many gamers are exploring options using multiple screens. One monitor can be used for gaming, whilst another can be used for showing leaderboards or options. Alternative setups allow you to play with an almost panoramic view made up multiple monitors.

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Improve your graphics card

By replacing your ordinary PC graphics card with a more high-end specialized one, you can obtain a greater frame rate as well making your resolution sharper. Graphics cards can vary in price with some selling under a hundred dollars and others such as the GTX Titan Z reaching over three grand. Your more expensive and finely tuned versions are better suited to those using screens with a resolution of 4k and above, or multiple monitors.

A cheaper option to buying a new graphics card is ‘overclocking’ it. This involves taking off limiters set by the manufacturer, enabling the graphics card to deliver higher visual frame rates. The risk of this is that it can cause overheating or damage to your hardware if you keep pushing the card beyond its capability. Only those with the technical know-how should attempt to do this to prevent breaking anything.

Optimize your settings with software

Many background processes may be using up memory and CPU processing power that could be better used for boosting your graphics. You may be able to manually manage these processes, although it may be easier to download optimization software such as Razer Cortex that can automatically handle such background processes whilst you game. Regularly de-fragging your computer can also help improve visual performance as well as updating drivers on your graphics card. On top of this make sure that your in-game setting are tweaked in order to get the highest performance possible.

Bits and Bytes: Why You Should Build a Gaming Rig

If you want to build a gaming PC, there's never been a better time. In fact, if you want to game - it's never better to do it than right now!

So it begs the question - why should you build your own gaming rig if there are plenty of options to purchase in the form of a pre-made PC or console? You can get into your gaming right away!

Well - prebuilt gaming rigs are subject to huge markups. Usually double, in fact. Check the components of the best gaming rigs you can buy right now and there's a stone cold guarantee that you could put the parts for cheaper and put the thing together yourself. In no uncertain terms - you'll pay less and get the same - especially if you were looking to buy a PC from a brand name.

Prebuilt PC's do have their benefits though, as not everyone has the time to build a computer from scratch. It can be quite scary on paper - but it is very similar to playing with building blocks. All the components slot into the motherboard and just need to be hooked up. Of course you'll need a screwdriver here and there but it sounds a lot scarier than it is. Just make sure you know what components work on your system.

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Building a PC is also good as the PC is far more transparent than consoles. If a console breaks down, it needs to be sent off in order to be fixed. If your PC fails, you can simply fix the issue with a new component or work around. It's good to get your hands dirty. Shopping for parts that you need will ensure that you do your research. You'll be the expert and know the PSU that has the best lifespan or the graphics card unit that can run your favorite games. This knowledge is valuable and will allow you to solve your own issues with the computer instead of the quick fix presented by buying a computer that can't be opened up easily. Research from the ultimate guide to choosing the best and perfect monitor for gaming right through to finding out what RAM setup is best for your specification is a great way to learn more. There are plenty of issues that come with fixing your own PC, but because you have handled each part, you'll be the master of it and know exactly how it works.

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Of course, building your own computer allows you to build to your exact specifications. Maybe you don't want the brand name computer thats costs one thousand extra because of some lights or a unique case? Building your own PC allows you to spend on what you want and pay more for the components that you value more. You aren't restricted in scope.

Building your own gaming PC is also incredibly satisfying. Once you pile all your components into the case, start it up and play your games - just know that you, and you only, made it all possible.

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Excellent Equipment for The Perfect Gaming Setup

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Gaming is a fantastic hobby. Although there used to be a stigma of gaming being a big time-waster, it’s seen as much more productive and valuable today. You can connect with people all over the world, and dedicated players in some games can even make money for their skills. But it’s even productive for those who do it in their free time, as it’s been shown to reduce stress.

Whether you’re a casual gamer or have aspirations of being a pro eSports player, the right equipment can greatly enhance your experience. There are various USB devices you can plug into your computer or console to improve your gaming skills. You can even get equipment for extra comfort. Here are some must-have pieces of equipment for your gaming setup.

A Great Gaming Chair

An excellent chair is the first step to improving your gaming experience. You’ll want maximum comfort without sacrificing your reflexes or dexterity. A regular office or desk chair isn’t ideal for the job. Instead, you should invest in a proper gaming chair.

Many companies design chairs specifically for gaming. Whether you like to sit close to the TV or at your computer desk, there’s a chair for you. It’s worth looking for opinions from video gaming chair experts before you make your purchase.

It’s a fantastic buy for gamers. You may even want extra chairs for multiplayer console gaming.

Keyboard And Mouse

Gaming mice often have special settings and features for users. Many contain extra buttons you can bind to commands in-game. They also have software to find your perfect sensitivity and other customization options.

On a budget? That doesn't matter as you can get a quality gaming mouse without breaking the bank, just have a look at these reviews to see for yourself.

A mechanical keyboard is ideal for gaming. It allows for the most precise input. Key feedback is excellent on mechanical keyboards, so they feel much better for gaming than a regular keyboard.

Although these are more practical buys for PC gamers, they can also help laptop gamers. You can even get keyboards and mice for Xbox and Playstation consoles if you prefer them to controllers.

High-Quality Headphones And Microphone

No matter what kind of gaming you do, you’ll want some high-quality sound gear. Noise-cancelling headphones can help you feel immersed in the game while you play. You’ll want excellent sound quality to enjoy in-game music. Headphones with directional sound can even improve your gameplay. For instance, you’ll be able to identify where enemies are coming from in first person shooters.

Those who enjoy social gaming should also get a high-quality microphone. You’ll want to communicate clearly with teammates and trash-talk enemies when you’re in the heat of an online battle.

Many people buy headphones and microphones separately for great individual quality. But there are many gaming headsets which combine the two. Sennheiser and HyperX are particularly popular brands for gaming sound gear.

The Best Gaming Systems

Of course, the main thing you’ll need for gaming is a great system. Playstation 4 is currently the most popular home console, but the Xbox One is a viable alternative. Some people also prefer the Wii U as a very different gaming experience, but I know my personal preference is the PS4.

You may also want to try handheld gaming with a 3DS, PS Vita, or even just your smartphone. Remember that new consoles aren’t the only option either - you could get retro with a Sega Genesis or Gameboy.

Computer gamers will want the best components. Your processor, RAM, and graphics card model make a huge difference to your games. Dedicated PC gamers might want to buy these separately and build a gaming rig from scratch. There are a lot of great resources out there about this, so don't feel intimidated. It's a way to invest in your computer over time rather than continually having to buy enitrely new setups.

I've been a lifelong gamer (both PC and consoles at different points). The more you invest in this hobby, the more you'll get out of it. Hopefully these tips can help get you brainstorming to take your gaming (however you do it) to the next level!

Thanks for stopping by!