If you enjoy gaming, creating the best setup possible can only make your experience better. Whether you play a couple of times a week or you’re a pro who spends hours gaming, the right equipment will make sure you get the most out of your time. Here are a few key items you’ll need.
Computer
A gaming PC is probably one of the first things a gamer considers. Gaming PCs are designed to help you play at your best with power, performance and accuracy.
Buying a pre-built gaming PC is a good option if you’d rather not do it yourself. Building your own PC gives you the freedom to put your money into the specs that are important to you. Whichever option you choose, think about several factors before you shop:
-
Your budget
-
The type of games you’ll play (new games demand more power than older ones)
-
Whether you plan to use your PC for anything other than gaming
-
How much expandability you want for future use
Gaming PCs can be costly — you could end up spending as much as you would on a used car. To protect your investment, consider getting insurance quotes so you don’t have to worry if something happens to it.
Gaming Chair
Since you’ll be spending most of your gaming time sitting in your chair, you want it to be suited to your needs. It’s an item you won’t want to skimp on — a well-built chair will last a long time and provide comfort through hours of gaming.
Gaming chairs have some features in common with office chairs. Most are mounted on casters and have adjustable armrests. Chair height is also adjustable, and the back is flexible. Beyond the specs of an office chair, though, gaming chairs may have built-in speakers or massage options.
Choose a gaming chair with lumbar support to keep your back in good shape. Also, consider your size — child, teen, adult — so your feet can rest comfortably on the floor at the proper angle.
Table or Desk
Before buying a gaming desk or table, consider your available space. Take measurements so you can shop for the correct size. You will probably need a broad surface to keep your monitors at the proper distance from your eyes. You’ll also need space for your keyboard and mouse. You can choose from a rectangular-shaped desk or an L-shaped desk. Be sure the one you choose works well with your height. Some are adjustable, which is a nice feature for a growing gamer.
The more shelves and drawers your desk has, the better. You’ll need the space for your peripherals. A low shelf that can accommodate your hard drive is a good way to keep it off the floor or your desktop.
Monitors
To prevent eye strain, the top of your monitors should sit just above eye level. You may choose to mount them on the wall or use adjustable desk mounts to get them at the perfect height. LED monitors are your best bet for a clear picture. You might consider buying ones that are designed for gaming and have low input lag.
Controllers
You can choose wired or wireless controllers. Some wireless controllers tend to lag, and the length may affect your reaction speed. Wired controllers generally don’t experience lag during gaming. Wired controllers have wires, of course, which can be a nuisance if they get tangled or don’t reach as far as you want them to. Think about your needs and preferences as you shop for controllers.
Headset
A quality headset is a good investment. When you’re listening to team members or keeping an ear out for approaching enemies, you’ll appreciate high-quality sound capabilities and a snug fit. Avoid the temptation to buy a poorly made headset just because the price is lower.
Microphone
Many headsets contain built-in microphones, but gamers who want to improve their sound quality invest in a separate microphone. Built-in headset microphones often create sound distortion, which can distract you and your fellow gamers. Companies that focus on building microphones can put their efforts into high sound quality. A separate microphone will give you full, rich output, which is important whether you’re talking to your teammates or conducting a live stream.
Pairing your microphone with a boom arm lets you adjust it to the correct height and distance you need for the best sound quality.
Taking some time to plan out your gaming setup is worth it. When your layout is comfortable and you play your best, you’ll be glad you made an effort.
