PC Gaming Hardware

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.