When you have more time to talk about games, than actually play them.
Every true gamer ends up with a collection of PC gaming hardware. Each PC gamer starts out with the basics: CPU, motherboard, RAM, SSD, PC tower, video card, power supply, keyboard, mouse, desk, chair, monitor and a headset or speakers. Those make up the PC Gamer starter pack. It’s a lot of equipment that can get really expensive, but those are just the start.
Obviously all those parts can be upgraded from the low end to enthusiast/take my money level, but the next level of gamers get other hardware. Now I’m talking PC gaming hardware like HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick), racing wheels (with pedals and h-gate shifter), webcam or TrackIR for head tracking, game synced lighting and VR headset with motion controls.
That’s not even the top level, because there’s crazy stuff that is just becoming consumer ready PC gaming hardware like: sim cockpits, VR treadmills, tactile vest (feel the gunshots), AR controls, etc.. The basic hardware is always improving with the latest and greatest priced in the thousands for months or years before it becomes affordable.
Console players have to wait for the next generation to buy the next version of the console, but PC gaming hardware can be upgraded every year or even after a few months. It’s a costly hobby for anyone that feels the need to always have the latest and greatest. PC tech consumer tech usually catches up to new consoles before they even release.
PC gaming hardware can be a lot more complicated than a simple plug and play console, but the amount of customization it allows make it worth learning how to install and maintain it.
For example, it took a lot tweaking, but I was able to play GTA V with racing wheel for cars, HOTAS for airplanes/helicopters, then keyboard/mouse for on foot. There really is nothing like having one hand on the wheel in GTA and the other on the mouse, controlling the aim of a gun.
The screen of my Steam Deck reminded me how old my Gaming PC monitor was. I’ve upgraded so much of my system, except my old monitor. After a ton of comparison shopping, I pulled the trigger on the Alienware 34 Inch OLED AW3423DW. The upgrade is impressive, maybe not $1400 impressive, but I definitely won’t … Read moreAlienware 34 Inch OLED Monitor Abduction
In between playing God of War and finishing Vox Machinae, I upgraded my Logitech G920 racing wheel stand. Forza Horizon is fun to play in between longer games, but my old wheel stand was not stable with my gaming chair. Not only did I find a new wheel stand with a much more stable chair … Read moreRacing Wheel Stand with Office Chair Fixture
After my long wait to receive the coveted purchase email, I received shipping info and was pleasantly surprised that delivery occurred 2 days early. I can finally share my Steam Deck impressions and spoiler alert, it’s fantastic. Yes, there is plenty of room for improvement, but I have zero buyers remorse. Rushing the FedEx Guy … Read moreFinally My Steam Deck Impressions are Here
Almost one year ago, I placed my Steam Deck Preorder. It’s great to know my Steam Deck wait is over soon. After delays processing my payment and supply chain troubles, my order pushed back to Q3. Watching two quarters of happy Deck owners go by was rough, but I’m happy to announce my tracking info … Read moreThe Steam Deck Wait is Almost Over
Back when I was buying fans for my new bequiet! tower, I decided to finally buy a Valve Index USB Fan. I figured while cooling my PC, why not cool my face and screens when playing VR. Valve Index screens fog up for me often so any help was welcome. Glad to report I was … Read moreMy Valve Index USB Fan Fog Fix
I recently started playing the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s Dawn of Ragnarok DLC and my Nvidia Geforce RTX 3090 is loud. The noise prompted me to upgrade to the be quiet! Pure Base 500DX PC case so my 3090 could breath quietly. I spent hours searching, then hours on the upgrade, but now I’m happy. Nvidia … Read morebe quiet! Pure Base 500DX Case for 3090