Gaming has always been one of the most popular recreational activities that almost all generations have enjoyed. However, as time has progressed, so has the way generations engage with gaming, moving from physical games such as tag or hide-and-seek to video gaming methods like console and PC gaming.
The seeds of PC gaming were planted during the boom of the video game industry in the 1970s and 1980s when personal computer games became available to the general public. This laid the foundation for PC gaming to gradually evolve into one of the most preferred forms of entertainment and a part of modern culture in most parts of the world.
Today, PC games outsell console games, with 53% of PC games selling compared to 47% of console games, thanks to technological advancements that continued to revolutionize the PC gaming industry, adding the element of convenience and accessibility for PC gamers across the globe.
Now, with just a high-speed internet connection and the right hardware and tools, PC gamers can create a highly immersive gaming setup and enjoy their favorite games from the comfort of their homes.
In this article, I will share some advice, from one gamer to another, on how you can create a killer PC gaming setup at home. Now, let the games begin!
Ensuring Connectivity
A high-speed internet connection is the backbone of a high-quality gaming experience. You will want to ensure that your internet connection is up to par on the aspects mentioned below:
- Speed: Internet speed anywhere between 10 to 25 Mbps can provide a quality experience with most games. However, leveling up to 50 Mbps wouldn’t hurt and would go a long way in enhancing your experience.
- Latency: Latency or ping refers to the time required for signal transfers between your game and the server. The lower the better since higher latencies could delay actions, cause lag, and have you on the verge of a breakdown.
- Reliability: An unreliable internet connection is one where sudden disconnections, lost signals, and latency spikes could occur, resulting in a poor gaming experience.
Investing in the right internet provider can spare you a great deal of frustration when playing your favorite PC games. If you’re looking for a suggestion, I would recommend checking out the wide range of high-speed and reliable Spectrum Internet plans.
Choosing the Right Hardware
For a great gaming experience, you will have to make sure you have the right hardware. This includes monitors, gaming desktops, headphones, and microphones to enable high-quality visuals, seamless communication, and fast processing speeds. Let’s explore each of the best options available for each of these essential hardware:
- Gaming Desktops: When choosing a gaming desktop, you want one with a large graphic processing unit (GPU) or graphic card, RAM (16 to 32 GB), and a solid-state drive. Two solid options include the OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop PC and the OMEN 40L Desktop PC.
- Gaming Monitors: The ideal gaming monitor provides a high refresh rate and fast response time, along with multiple adjustable features and a high resolution for a visually appealing experience without being too heavy on your eyes. I would recommend checking out the HP OMEN 24 and HP OMEN 27q gaming monitors.
- Gaming Headsets: Clear audio is a major determinant of an immersive gaming experience. Your headset must focus on sound quality. A decent option is the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 gaming headset.
- Gaming Microphones: These are particularly essential for seamless communication during multiplayer games. Any noise, interruptions, or sound barriers may result in a lack of coordination which makes choosing the right microphone all the more essential. With the added feature of RGB lighting, the HyperX QuadCast S USB Microphone is a decent option.
Adding Comfort
Your setup is not complete with comfortable chairs and desks that prevent you from quitting the game due to fatigue. Let’s explore what qualities you should be looking for in both these items and what options are available:
- Gaming Chairs: The qualities you should look for in a gaming chair include aesthetics, comfort, and adjustability. The chair must accompany your gaming setup visually, provide proper lumbar and cervical support to ensure constant comfort during and after your gaming marathons, and also offer a range of adjustments to suit your specific needs. Some of the best options available include Gaming Chair PCCH-310 Turquoise and Secretlab Titan Evo Nanogen.
- Gaming Desks: When choosing a desk, consider the size of your gaming setup, how long you will be gaming, the adjustability of the desk, and your budget. If your gaming setup is small, a regular desk will do the trick, if it is large going for an L-shaped desk is a good option. Standing desks are another great option allowing you to switch between standing and sitting. Some good options include the Eureka EGD 60 (L-shaped), and the Secretlab Magnus Pro (standing).
Setup: Done! Let the Games Begin!
The ideal PC gaming setup can enhance your gaming experience by a mile, immersing you entirely and allowing you to enjoy the experience comfortably and uninterrupted.
As a lifelong gamer myself, I want to see other gamers make the most of the limited time that life allows us to game. With the tips I shared in this article, I hope to simplify your journey of creating a PC gaming setup that allows you a memorable experience.
Whatever decisions you make, assess your needs, budget, and gaming style. On that note, I wish you the best of luck! Happy gaming!
