One way to be more effective at your favorite video games is to have a professional setup. Here are tips on building home gaming setups for beginners.

Even if you are playing the most exciting video game, poor gaming setups can take away from an otherwise great experience. Just like while watching a movie, you want to feel immersed. If you’re into gaming, you know the difference a proper gaming setup can make. But what exactly can you do to get a more professional setup?

Keep reading for seven tips that will take your gaming experience to the next level. Then start dreaming of building your Ultimate Gaming Computer.

Use the Right Computer

It goes without saying that to maximize your gaming experience, you need to have a powerful gaming computer. Your family’s 6-year-old laptop probably won’t be able to handle the newest games.

Look for computers with powerful processors that can handle high-end games, and video cards, that will make everything look pretty. Both of these components will give you a smooth frame rate and less graphical lag.

While PCs have traditionally been the preferred choice for gamers, Macs have recently made bigger strides into the gaming world. Many now come equipped with powerful hardware capable of handling the latest games.

Regardless of which type of computer you have, make sure that it’s fully optimized to prevent lag. If you do have a Mac, check out this guide on how to clean up a Mac.

Invest in a Quality Chair

If you’re going to be gaming for any length of time, you’ll need to invest in a comfortable chair.

Let’s be real: if you’re an avid gamer, you know how easy it is to spend time playing. Time easily slips away, and next thing you know, it’s been 3 hours since you’ve gotten up. Think of the damage you can do to your back if you’re sitting in a rickety plastic chair.

When choosing gaming chairs, look at options with support. These will allow blood to flow more effectively to your lower body. At the very least, you should put a pillow behind your back to help your body stay in the same position. 

Just because you’re a gamer doesn’t mean you should slouch.

Find a Gaming Monitor

Would you rather watch an action movie on an IMAX screen or on your smartphone? For that same reason, it’s essential that you have an excellent gaming monitor.

Gaming monitors will have higher refresh rates, which makes the image displayed look nice and smooth. Likewise, they will also come with the options for higher resolutions, which will give you sharper image quality. 

If you are a true gamer, you can also think about purchasing a second monitor. Playing a game on one monitor while live-streaming on the other? It doesn’t get any better than that. Imagine what else you can do with two screens!

Make sure your graphics card is capable of handling your monitor(s) for a fully enjoyable experience.

Make Sure You Have a Good Gaming Mouse and Keyboard

A large screen and fast hardware aren’t the only requirements for the ultimate gaming computer. Make sure that you aren’t skimping on your mouse and keyboard.

A good wireless keyboard will give you zero lag, while also having all the keys you need to access quickly. It will also be comfortable to use for long periods of time, offering wrist support. 

While mouses don’t differ too much from one another (all you really need to do is click, right?), it can still be worth it to have a gaming mouse. These often contain optical laser sensors, contain useful extra buttons, and allow some customization.

Audio, Audio, Audio

If you’re a fan of scary movies, you know how essential clear and crisp audio is. In fact, a scary movie without sound isn’t scary at all. A gaming setup is no different and requires either speakers or headphones.

Speakers are not as commonly associated with gaming, but they can still be used to give a cinematic experience. They also offer some flexibility, letting you or others hear your computer’s audio from farther away.

Headphones are another option for excellent audio and can be particularly enjoyable with scary or intense games.

If you haven’t played Outlast with a pair of headphones before, you’re in for a treat.

Use a Headset

A gaming headset will take your audio to the next level, providing you with the sound quality you need to get the most enjoyment out of your games.

Some serious gamers may even want to purchase closed headphones, preventing you from hearing outside noises. These allow total immersion. 

The other benefit of headsets is that they also come with microphones. With the prevalence of team-based gaming, a headset will allow you to easily communicate with your teammates. 

Headsets come in both wireless and wired varieties.

Consider a Projector 

Using a projector for gaming will allow you to greatly increase your screen size, while also creating a more cinematic feeling.

When looking at different projector models, make sure you get one that has a suitable lumen count for your gaming setup. You should also get one with both low response time, and image quality that’s suitable for your needs.

If you are playing in a regularly well-lit room, you may need a projector with around 3,000 lm or higher. 

A proper projector can turn your living room into an IMAX theater. But instead of just watching the movie, you’re in the middle of it!

 

One Size Does Not Fit All Gaming Setups

While there are a variety of components you can upgrade to improve gaming setups, in the end it’s up to you.

While a huge monitor may be important to some people, it may be less important than a headset for others. 

Before splurging on your gaming setup, take into account what you can afford and what you really need. If the mouse you have is fine for now, consider holding off. But if you’re ready to invest in that new graphics card, then do it!

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Betty Bugle
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