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The Right Case Fan | Size And Other Data

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Have you ever opened your case shortly after working on it for a long period or playing a particularly powerful game? Then you have probably noticed that a large amount of heat has accumulated in the interior . Suitable case fans are required so that this does not damage your hardware or your computer even crashes because it overheats. You can find out from us what they really have to be able to do, how many you need and what else you should pay attention to!

The Right Case Fan

Case fan: the basics

Before we go into more detail about the actual specifications that your case fan should meet, we first want to build up a basic knowledge. Because while you probably realize that the little helper’s job is to keep your computer nice and cool, there is a lot more interesting to learn.

The structure of a PC fan is actually very simple: It consists of a small fan that is clamped into a frame. As a rule, you will find standardized sizes here, so that the perfect model is available for every case. Once used, they then suck in the warm air from the interior and release it to the outside world. The whole thing is controlled by an electric motor, which is usually supplied with power directly via the power supply unit.

This can lower the operating temperature of your hardware . This not only protects them from overheating or even a possible total failure. Effective case ventilation can also help increase the overall performance of your PC. Because no matter how high-end your graphics card and processor are: If the cooling is not right, you will never be able to exploit the full potential.

Your New Pc Gaming Setup | What Shouldn’t Be Missing?

PC fan types – or: what you really need

While case fans are always the same in structure, they differ in a few other ways. Above all, the size should be mentioned here. Because this is crucial to ensure that your dream model really fits into your computer later on. You should also pay attention to the parameters of the airflow and the connector. It is more like a gimmick, but it is hard to imagine a modern gaming PC without LEDs – you will now find out what you need to pay attention to with all these points!

The fan size: the bigger the better?

The size of case fans is usually specified in millimeters and ranges between 80 and 230 mm . So you can see: the range is huge, so it is not always easy to find the right one. Basically, your choice is initially limited by your case. Because if you don’t want to tinker with it yourself, you can use the devices provided here as a guide. By the way: Are you interested in case modding? Then take a look at our post on the topic , there you will find helpful information!

Most computer cases allow fans between 120 and 140 mm – so these are also the most popular models . For a mini PC, on the other hand, 80 mm is preferred and 230 mm for the large tower. If you are not sure which size is possible for you, it is best to look at the manual or simply put the ruler in the appropriate place yourself.

Do you have the choice between different sizes, or do you want to buy a new case anyway, then we recommend a variant with a larger diameter. Because the longer the fan blades , the more air they can transport away and the more efficient they are. However, you should be aware that the better performance often goes hand in hand with a higher noise level – but more on that below.

The air throughput: how much does the fan do now?

The performance of a PC fan can of course not only be determined by its size. Rather, this is just one of the indicators alongside the engine power and the condition of the blades. However, to give you a good impression of the efficiency, an indication of the airflow rate is given. This describes the amount of air that is carried into and out of the computer per second.

In Germany and most other European countries, this information is given in cubic meters per hour (m3 / h). For a powerful gaming PC, values between 150 and 200 m3 / h are ideal. However, if you want to order your case fan in the USA, you will likely encounter the unit cfm – this stands for cubic feet per minute. You can roughly convert that with the factor 0.589 (i.e. 1 m3 / h = 0.589 cfm). A comparable fan should move between 90 and 120 cfm.

The plug: how much control do you need?

Of course, your fan must not only your body but also to the motherboard compatible to be. Because this is how it is ultimately controlled. There are different connections that give you different degrees of control over your model. Especially in gaming PCs, you should make sure to use at least a 3-pin model.

While the first and second pins are essential for the fan to work at all, the third, optional pin allows you to adjust the rotation speed . So if the whole thing is too loud for you, you can simply turn it down. If you then need more power again, you turn it up again. You can do the whole thing either directly via the BIOS or via special software.

While this acceleration or deceleration is done with a 3-pin case fan via the voltage (i.e.: the less voltage, the slower the rotation), this is different with the 4-pin model. The fourth connector sends small impulses that ultimately ensure that a fan turns faster or slower. The voltage remains the same all the time. This has the advantage that the fans don’t ever go out due to a lack of voltage.

Installing the case fan: no rocket science

Basically, installing the case fan is quite easy . Because here you have – at least if you buy a finished case – prefabricated cutouts into which the component must be inserted. There should also be small bases on which the fan can then be screwed. Of course, the whole thing is even less complicated if there are flaps instead into which it is simply clamped.

Now it’s a matter of getting the airflow right. For optimal circulation , the fans on the opposite side should work in the same direction. This means, for example, that the one at the front draws in air and the one at the rear releases it back outside. The same applies to fans on the top and bottom.

So that you don’t have to try out in which direction the fans actually turn, there is a label on the frame of almost all models. A small arrow here shows the direction of the airflow . According to this you screw your fan in the right place and plug the pin on the mainboard. The connection should be written out with the designation FAN. If you are unsure, it is best to take a look at the manual.

A coherent overall system

Are you now wondering how many fans you really need? That depends entirely on your components and the use of your PC. Because an office computer can usually get by with two fans that form an airflow. A gaming computer, on the other hand, easily relies on up to ten. While this is a bit overkill for most, your best bet is to use a good median of five to six.

The system is supplemented by special cooling systems for the graphics card and the CPU – these are particularly predestined for overheating. Here you can also rely on water cooling instead of an air variant. We have explained to you what the advantages of this area in a separate blog post .

By the way: Is your PC fan too loud for you? Then, as already mentioned, the best way to solve this is via the speed setting (if you have chosen a 3 or 4-pin model). If the PC then gets too hot, it can be helpful to divide the power over several fans, i.e. to upgrade here and let all run at a slower speed. Alternatively, you can also install smaller versions, because these are also quieter overall. Whatever you choose, always make sure that all of your components are well cooled. You can also check the temperature in the Task Manager.

Your New Pc Gaming Setup | What Shouldn’t Be Missing?

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Whether you are just starting out or have been immersed in the world of games for years: The right PC gaming setup is essential for an intense gaming experience . But what does it actually include? Which hardware do you need for your computer and which accessories should you not miss? We have put together a checklist for you and explain which components should definitely not be missing!

Your New Pc Gaming Setup

This is part of your PC gaming setup

Before we go into depth with the individual components of your PC gaming setup, we would like to tell you what you need. We want to differentiate between the basics and those accessories that you only need if you want to stream or plan to play in the ESL.

Gaming setup for beginners

If you have just recently discovered your passion for gaming, you will hardly start with the high-end games. And even if The Witcher 3 or Cyberpunk 2077 have cast a spell over you, you don’t have to start playing with the highest, best, most blatant settings right from the start. So here is our recommendation for your setup :

  • Gaming PC up to approx. 500 € (possibly already assembled)
  • Standard monitor up to approx. € 150
  • Standard keyboard up to approx. € 50
  • Standard mouse up to approx. € 30
  • Mouse pad up to approx. € 10
  • Headset / headphones / speakers up to approx. 50 €

You can purchase a cheap gaming PC complete set for just over 500 €. Here is everything you need to get started. Sometimes you can even play the sound through the integrated speakers in the monitor. However, we would still like to recommend a headset as standard equipment – at least if you plan to occasionally play with friends.

External Graphics Card | Clever Marketing Strategy Or Useful Addition?

And a high-end gaming setup?

Have you been around for a long time, maybe even streaming or just want to get more out of the games? Then it’s time for an upgrade – not only for the computer itself, but also for the entire setup! It should now look something like this:

  • High-end gaming PC from around € 800
  • Gaming monitor from around € 300
  • Gaming keyboard from around € 80
  • Gaming mouse from around € 50
  • Gaming mouse pad from around € 30
  • Gaming headset from around € 80
  • If applicable, gaming microphone from approx. 50 €
  • If applicable, gaming controllers from around € 50

Of course, you can always expand your PC gaming setup. For example, VR glasses are an absolute wanna-have for most gamers and bring even more variety. But a gaming projector can also enhance the gaming experience and take it to a new level . Simply implement what suits you, your gaming behavior and your living conditions. Because you shouldn’t lack space for these two additions.

The basis: the gaming computer

Okay, of course, to play on the computer you first need a computer. This should be tailored to your requirements and match the games you want to play now and in the future. Here you have the choice whether you assemble the device yourself or buy it ready-made . Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Above all, a finished PC is simply comfortable – here you get everything in one fell swoop and you don’t have to worry about assembling it. On the other hand, if you order the individual components together with the housing, this gives you more freedom . You decide for yourself where you need more power and where less. The case modding – for which we wrote an extra article – will be so much easier!

But it doesn’t matter whether it’s the finished computer or the self-assembled one: In order to have fun with your PC gaming setup for a long time, you should consider which components should or are used. Your accessories will then also be tailored to this. We have already put together individual guides for you in separate blog posts – so if you have specific questions, just click through here. So here’s what you need for a full gaming computer:

  • Graphics card : ideally with its own cooling system
  • Processor : should match the graphics card and the mainboard
  • CPU cooler : suitable for the processor to get the most out of it
  • Power supply : must be able to supply the rest of the hardware with power
  • Mainboard: must be compatible with the rest of the components
  • Hard drive : at least one SSD should be installed for games
  • Housing: must offer enough space for the components (pay particular attention to the mainboard!)
  • Housing cooling : attach great importance to a sophisticated ventilation system
  • Software: think of an operating system (Windows is recommended for gaming)

Let there be light in the dark: the right monitor

No PC gaming setup is complete without a monitor (or projector). Because it is only thanks to this that you can ultimately see what you are actually doing and where you are going. In order to immerse themselves in a game, many gamers rely on relatively large screens with good resolution. We are talking about 2k to 4k variants with a screen diagonal of at least 27 inches.

But these are actually more good for those who want to fully enjoy the graphics of a game, i.e. RPG players. If, on the other hand, you are interested in competitive fast-paced games such as CS: GO, Fortnite or PUBG, you should pay more attention to a good response time. You can read exactly what that means and what you should consider when choosing in our separate article on gaming screens .

Jumping, running, aiming: input devices

In order to start playing now, you still need control devices. A classic PC gaming setup actually includes a mouse and keyboard. If you prefer, you can of course also connect a controller and go on adventures with it. But let’s start with the classics first – because you can also pay attention to a few things with the mouse and keyboard:

  • Mechanical keyboard> Rubber dome : Rubber dome keyboards are sold as standard, but mechanical variants are more precise and tactile for gaming.
  • Wired is safer: You just don’t want the connection to fail in the middle of the game, so we would always recommend a wired version of the mouse and keyboard.
  • Macros : Both the keyboard and the mouse can have so-called macro keys. You can freely assign these and can help you to react faster when playing.
  • Ergonomics : When buying, make sure that the mouse and keyboard are at a comfortable angle to your hand.

For many, the right lighting should not be missing for a professional-looking PC gaming setup . Many keyboards and mice are therefore equipped with colored LEDs that can be adapted. While this is basically just a gimmick, it can definitely enhance your setup visually. Do you want to know more? Then check out our post on gaming mice !

Left, right, up, down: precise acoustics

Have you ever gambled without sound? If it’s not The Sims or the Farming Simulator, you will quickly find that this can be doom for you. Because you don’t hear any steps, or when someone is aiming at you or another threat is nearby. So in order to be able to react more precisely, you need good headphones . But what should they be able to do?

It’s best to use a stereo headset . That may seem strange at first because it is much more precise to locate where which noises are coming from with surround sound. But the stereo versions are usually much more powerful and react faster. You should also invest in a noice cancellation if you are not just sitting alone in one place. That promotes concentration. On the other hand, we would not recommend wireless versions – this is where the well-known problem of connection errors and delayed response occurs.

This is how you complete your PC gaming setup

Have the basics been put together? Then it’s time to fine-tune it. Finally, we would like to give you a few tips on this. Let’s start where we left off: with the sound. Because if you often play with others or even want to stream, it’s not just the output that matters. In order for your own voice quality to fit, you need a good microphone. A headset is definitely sufficient to start with, but a floor-standing microphone can be a good investment if you want a professional setup. A webcam can also be useful for streaming and completes your computer.

You should also take a closer look at your mouse pad . For example, if you play with a low DPI, as is common with many shooters, you should choose a correspondingly large variant. You should also define for yourself whether you prefer more or less resistance. You slide relatively quickly over hard plastic variants, while fabric opposes the movements a little more pressure. Neither is fundamentally better or worse.

But the most important thing is: Always put your PC gaming setup together in such a way that it suits you . This means that you can also save here and there in order to choose the next better option for other components. It’s best to take a close look at the titles that interest you and think about what else you want to do on your computer. Based on this, you will then make optimal, well-founded decisions.

External Graphics Card | Clever Marketing Strategy Or Useful Addition?

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Do you have an older PC or do you want to use a particularly light laptop for university or work, but still like to gamble at home? Then the external graphics card sounds like an optimal solution . After all, this promises the same performance as the permanently installed cousins, but can easily be plugged in as required. But how does this idea work in practice? And what should you know before buying? We will help you!

How do external graphics cards work?

Let’s start with the basics: What is actually behind an external graphics card. Because the name itself is perhaps a bit misleading. This is actually an external docking station to which you can connect a conventional GPU. In the meantime, both components are of course also available as a complete package.

Using an eGPU dock allows you to easily add a full graphics card, even if your housing is not actually designed for it. To do this, you can simply connect the dock via USB or Thunderbolt and then use the full power – at least that’s the theory. The fact that this is not so easy to put into practice is often related to the technical requirements.

Cleaning Your Pc | Dust-free For Better Performance

Reality: more appearance than reality?

Let’s take a look at the current eGPU docks: These are usually connected via a Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C interface. Both have the advantage of a relatively high transmission rate of up to 40 Gigabit / s. But this is where the first problem arises, because not every PC can be upgraded that easily. Many older laptops as well as mainboards simply do not have the fast connection and can therefore never draw on the full potential when using an external graphics card.

In addition, the interfaces – albeit undisputedly fast – have so far not been able to keep up with the transfer rates that are established between a conventional GPU and a mainboard. So you should always expect a certain loss of performance. How big this really is depends largely on the other built-in components. Under ideal circumstances, this is about 80 percent usable power .

And that brings us to the last problem that can occur with external graphics cards: compatibility . While you can basically use any eGPU on any computer, its performance cannot be used everywhere. This depends largely on the processor and the mainboard. If your laptop is still running on an i3, investing in an RTX 3080 is hardly worth it.

When does an external graphics card make sense?

Now you know what you are getting yourself into when buying an eGPU. But what does that mean exactly? Are the external helpers completely useless? The answer is a clear no. Because even if you have to reckon with a certain loss of performance , the investment can make sense. This is especially true if you simply don’t have space for a desktop PC or if you always want to be mobile with your laptop.

The eGPU in everyday life

While we always focus on gaming here, you can of course also use the eGPU in other areas. We want to go into this briefly in more detail. Many graphic designers, for example, rely on the device that is easy to transport . Because anyone who wants to work on customer orders while on the move benefits from the additional power that an external graphics card brings. This makes rendering tasks much easier, but you also don’t lose the mobility that a notebook usually brings with it.

However, this is also a very specific area of ​​responsibility. An external graphics card is usually not useful for conventional office use and would be an absolute overkill. Because if you work mainly with the browser and writing programs, you will usually not even make full use of the internal graphics performance.

The external graphics card for gaming

Most often, however, eGPUs are advertised for gamers. After all, they should increase the performance of the PC very slightly and make the gaming experience even more intense . Even if we took a rather critical look at the external graphics card before, we want to emphasize here that there is a clever and thoroughly practical idea behind it.

She can do that

If you are considering an eGPU for gaming, it always makes sense if you use a laptop. If, on the other hand, you have a full desktop PC available, we would always advise you to have an internal graphics card – we will tell you why in a moment. But if you are dependent on the small laptop due to mobility or space constraints, an eGPU can be a good investment to upgrade it for gaming.

Because you will quickly benefit from additional computing power and – depending of course on the processor and RAM installed – you can play the latest games right away. It can happen that you may not be able to use the highest settings, but the gaming experience will undoubtedly benefit from their use.

And the best part about it? You don’t have to pay for a rather expensive modding, you don’t have to rely on the smaller, mobile GPU variants and you decide for yourself when you connect the (but rather heavy) component. Especially when you are on the move a lot, this can be an enormous help in holding your laptop lightly. After all, special gaming notebooks tend to be pretty bums.

This is where the eGPU reaches its limits

How much you can expect from your external graphics card depends largely on the features of your laptop. Sufficient RAM and a powerful processor should be available to get the maximum values ​​out. How these should turn out depends on the one hand on the games you want to play and on the other hand on the GPU you want to use. In addition, an interface with the highest possible transmission rate is essential.

But even under the most ideal conditions, an external variant will never win against an internal one . This is purely due to the design of the dock. Because this cannot be connected directly to the mainboard. The longer the connection cable is and the more stations (e.g. adapter) the connection has to run through, the lower the transmission.

Even more important: An external GPU can use a maximum of one PCI Express X4 port, as it relies on a connection via USB or Thunderbolt. This is clearly inferior to the internal PCI Express X16 and noticeably slower . So if you install the same graphics card once internally and once externally, the internal variant will always win in comparison. We therefore advise against buying an eGPU for the desktop PC. For the laptop, on the other hand, it can be a sensible investment to get more performance without losing mobility.

Use the eGPU

As a rule, the connection of an external graphics card should be designed quite simply according to the plug-and-play principle . In other words: You simply plug it into the USB or Thunderbolt interface and it is automatically recognized and used by your laptop or PC. From time to time, however, difficulties can arise.

So it is recommended that you use another, external screen. If you want to use the integrated notebook screen, an additional tool may be necessary. In addition, the eGPU is not recommended as a third graphics card . For example, if you have already integrated a graphics chip in the CPU or on the mainboard and installed an additional GPU, there could be external problems with the one. Because this is where hardware conflicts often arise.

In general, you should therefore look into your previous components before buying an external graphics card. Are these even designed for the additional performance? Are the appropriate connections available? And also: Is the purchase really worth it or is a fixed desktop PC that can really exploit the full performance, perhaps the better investment?

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Cleaning Your Pc | Dust-free For Better Performance

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Whether your own computer has become loud or just slow over time , both can just be annoying in everyday use. There is often a very simple solution to the problem: Simply clean the PC once. We’ll tell you now how it works, which tools you need and what you should pay attention to!

Cleaning Your Pc

Why, why, why – is cleaning important?

Even cleaning your own four walls can be really exhausting and annoying, believe us, we can understand that. However, it is important that you also include your computer from time to time. The dust and dirt that automatically develops over time not only look unsightly, but can also have serious consequences – even if you are not allergic.

If you never clean your computer, more and more microparticles will collect in the housing and on the components. These can stick and clog things . After a while, the fan no longer achieves optimum performance and the temperatures rise continuously. In the long run, these can even cause permanent damage to the expensive hardware. So grab the feather duster beforehand!

Gaming Mouse Pad: For More Precision And Better Aim

When and how often do I clean my PC?

First of all: It is not possible to give a general estimate of when and how often you should clean your PC. Rather, it depends on the frequency and duration of use . If you sit at your computer every day, you will have to clean your keyboard and mouse as well as the screen more often. The inside of the case, on the other hand, usually lasts longer due to the constant fan activity than if the computer is only used occasionally.

Cleaning Your Pc

But especially the office PC , which different users best use, should be thoroughly cleaned once a month. This includes the disinfecting cleaning of the keyboard, mouse and screen. Because germs and bacteria like to collect here, which are transferred to the surfaces by the fingers or, for example, by sneezing.

It may look different for a single-use gaming PC , but we recommend that you clean the components regularly for hygienic reasons. You should also take a look inside the case about once a month. If there is visible dust, it is time for cleaning. It is best not to make your computer noticeably slower or louder in the first place. If that is the case, however, the point for action has finally been reached.

Dust off the pc, but how?

Whether as a preventive measure or for an acute occasion – if you have decided that you want to clean your PC, there are a few things to consider. Because the inner workings of your computer are particularly sensitive and do not necessarily want to come into contact with moisture. We want to deal with precisely this problem first. We’ll talk about cleaning the keyboard, mouse and screen in another post.

Aids for dust control

If you want to get rid of the annoying dust inside the housing, you can use different aids. It is important that the electrical hardware components do not come into contact with moisture , as this can quickly damage them. Instead, you can use:

  • vacuum cleaner
  • Compressed air cleaning spray
  • Hand bellows

With these instruments, however, you should always pay attention to the air pressure or the suction force . These must not be so strong that they put the fans into turbo gear. Because if the fans are overloaded, this can in turn lead to damage and then the parts must first be replaced. So always keep an eye on the turning speed.

When it comes to detailed cleaning , a brush with soft bristles can also be helpful. A toothbrush can also be used if necessary. A slightly damp cloth is also suitable for the housing itself – but again, be careful not to come into contact with electronic parts!

The first step: the rough cleaning

If you want to clean your PC, you first have to remove the coarse dust . The easiest way to do this is with a vacuum cleaner. First of all, check that your computer is really switched off. It is best to also throw the circuit breaker or take it off the power completely.

It is best to use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner for vacuuming . This is gentler and you don’t run the risk of leaving scratches on the components. In addition, you should set the vacuum cleaner on the lowest level. Now gradually dedicate yourself to the individual parts:

  • Vacuum out the power supply unit : To do this, hold the vacuum cleaner against the housing from behind and vacuum the inside of the power supply unit.
  • Clean the housing interior : Open your PC case and suck gently (especially respect for loose screws and cable set) the bottom and side walls from.
  • The fan dust : At best, should the fan does not rotate while vacuuming. You can do this by installing a small barrier made of wire or a piece of wood.
  • Clean hardware : You can also go over your hardware (i.e. mainboard, graphics card and RAM) very carefully with very low suction power and a particularly fine brush attachment.

By the way: If some dust simply does not want to be released, the compressed air spray or the bellows are used. These stir up the stuck dust and make it easier for you to suck it in. If that’s not enough, in the next step we will explain how you can get rid of stubborn dirt.

An eye for detail: this is how PC cleaning works

Once you have removed the coarse dust, we now go into detail. Because the fine particles are often hidden in the small crevices of coolers and co. To get rid of them, it is best to remove the individual components and study them in detail.

To do this, you can use a very fine, high-quality (important so that the bristles do not fall out and remain behind) brush into the affected areas and sweep them out. It’s best to be patient, because this work can quickly become very tricky.

Did you find a particularly dusty fan or a piece of your case? Then you can also work with a soft toothbrush . You can also use some washing-up liquid and warm water to clean mechanical components. Make sure you let these parts dry out before you turn your computer back on.

What else is part of cleaning your PC

If you have cleaned your computer thoroughly, you can also take a few measures so that it does not have to be necessary again so quickly. A dust filter can help significantly here . This is usually mounted on the case fan and catches the fine dirt particles.

However, you should clean these filters regularly so that they can really serve their purpose and do not block the air supply . But since these are mechanical components, you can simply rinse them off with a little water, let them dry well and then reinstall them.

Cleaning your PC will also be easier if you minimize the areas on which dust can collect. Above all, this means getting the tangled cables under control, because the unsightly deposits tend to collect on the little helpers. Simply use zip ties to minimize the exposure to dust.

What to do if the computer stays slow

A thorough cleaning of your PC and its components can work wonders, as the settling dust can eventually lead to malfunction. It blocks the air supply, slows down components and can overheat. These are of course consequences that we want to prevent and, as described above, it is not difficult at all, it just requires a little tact and patience.

However, if you find that your PC remains slow, this can have other causes besides the pollution . At this point, thermal throttling, which we dealt with in another article, should be mentioned. This happens when the temperature transfer is no longer ideal. A feather duster doesn’t help here, but you can counteract that too.

Gaming Mouse Pad: For More Precision And Better Aim

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Most gamers probably know that milliseconds can really make all the difference in many games. But in order for you to be able to perform really precisely and, above all, consistently, you need the right conditions. This also includes the matching gaming mouse pad. Here you can find out what this must be able to do, why it is so important and how you can find the right model for your playing style!

Why a gaming mousepad is part of every setup

In theory, at least the laser mouse can work on any surface . But practice shows that a good and, above all, tailored mousepad can make a world of difference. And we’re not only talking – but also – about the fact that you can build your setup one-to-one in other places and still achieve the same results. Whether at the next LAN party or even at the tournament: that can be the decisive factor in the balance.

But a gaming mouse pad should also be used in everyday life and firmly anchored in place. Because this enables the laser or infrared sensors to perfectly scan the ground at any time and at the same time it is even. This minimizes possible delays and optimizes precession and handling.

In the first step, size and material are not yet decisive. It’s really about creating an even surface . However, when choosing your mouse pad correctly, the two factors mentioned should be matched to the games you play and be comfortable for you. We’ll explain exactly what that means in a moment.

Virtual Reality Glasses: A Vision Becomes Reality

The material is crucial

Even if you could theoretically use your mouse on the pure tabletop, this often has some disadvantages. The wear and tear on the mouse gliders is decisive here . Because uneven, dusty or crumbly surfaces can significantly accelerate such deterioration. A gaming mouse pad, on the other hand, is always designed in such a way that it creates as little frictional resistance as possible and thus optimizes the service life, but of course also the handling of your mouse. In order for this to work, you can choose from different materials.

Textile gaming mouse pad: the all-rounder

Everyone knows that: the classic mouse pad consists of a non-slip rubber coating at the bottom and a soft layer of fabric at the top. However, there are countless different fabric variants that have been tested over the years. For gaming, options made from microfiber fabrics have become established.

These have the advantage that, on the one hand, they are nice and soft and can easily adapt to different surfaces and level out unevenness. In addition, the friction here – for one type of fabric – is particularly low, which enables a precise reaction. Both optical and laser mice usually work perfectly on this mouse pad.

By the way, the cloth mouse pads are relatively easy to clean . The best way to do this is to put some warm to hot water in a closed sink and add a little detergent. Let the underlay soak briefly and then rub the two sides lightly against each other. You can also use a gentle sponge to get rid of coarser dirt. Now just let it dry and it should look like new again.

Fixed mouse pads: Faster on the move

In addition to the soft fabric mouse pads, you will also find some variants made of hard plastic or even metal (mostly aluminum) on the market . The plastic option was developed for laser mice in order to be able to use the full spectrum of the sampling rate. Because the smooth surface offers less frictional resistance than the microfibers, but thanks to the macrostructure it is created in such a way that it does not damage the mouse glider.

Occasionally you will also find aluminum mouse pads on the shelves. Although these look particularly elegant and promise an extra smooth surface and thus optimal responsiveness, they have some disadvantages. While they cost a pretty penny, their surface texture isn’t perfect for gaming either. Because they are often too smooth, which makes it impossible for the sensor to recognize small differences. We therefore generally advise against this option. The same applies to glass, by the way.

In general, these hard mouse pads are usually only suitable for laser mice . Here – provided you have a sophisticated structure – there are also some advantages that speak for the purchase. As described above, the smooth surface offers little resistance and is also very easy to clean – by simply wiping it over with a cloth.

Silicone mouse pads: the best of both worlds?

If you are looking for a gaming mouse pad these days, you can’t avoid this variant: pads with a silicone coating. Because the market leaders in gaming rely on the smooth, yet soft plastic . No wonder, since at first glance it seems to combine the best properties of the hard plastic and fabric variants. But what is it?

In fact, the silicone has many advantages. The surface structure is optimized for both infrared and laser mice , so you can expect the best handling. The scanning takes place here precisely so that you can also take full advantage of high DPI settings. At the same time, the pad still feels gentle on your palms for a long time – the friction is minimized here so that you can play intense shooters or MOBAs for several hours.

But that’s not all: silicone is one of the most durable substances . Investing in such a mouse pad, which is already not very expensive, is worthwhile. This is not least due to the fact that it is also very easy to clean again if you should have spilled something on it. A little water and soap are enough here. Some variants can even be put in the dishwasher or washing machine.

The gaming mouse pad: which size is the right one?

From variants that just fit your own mouse to entire mouse mats, you have countless options for a gaming mouse pad in front of you. That can be overwhelming. But actually choosing the right size is not that difficult and should largely be tied to the games that you play regularly.

For high-DPI games: mouse pads up to 30 cm

The rather small mouse pads move around 20 x 30 cm (+/- 5 cm). Many variants of this are mainly designed for office use. Because most people, whether consciously or not, work with a DPI around 1,000 . This means that the mouse pointer moves relatively quickly across the screen, even with small movements.

Such a setting can be very useful for some games. We are talking about the high-sense games here. And some players themselves find such an attitude simply better. If you are one of them, then the small mouse pads are definitely suitable for you. Are you still unsure? Then it can be said in general that (MMO) RPGs and some strategy games benefit from a high DPI.

For low-sense games: Between L and 3XL

Do you like to play FPS games, shooters or MOBAs ? Then you are more likely to belong to the groups that prefer a lower DPI. Because movements that are too fast can lead to a decrease in your accuracy. Rather, the reactions should be precise and on-target. This can also mean that you have to move your mouse several inches.

Of course, the question remains whether it has to be the XXXL mouse mat that covers the entire desk, or whether the 50 cm option is sufficient. However, you can only decide that yourself. For many gamers, a large mat brings not only comfort, but also aesthetics, as there is also space for a keyboard and headset.

Gaming mouse pad ergonomics: what to consider

It’s not uncommon for us to sit in front of our PC for several hours and gamble. During this period in particular, it is important that we take care of our joints, muscles and tendons . With the mouse pad, this means above all that you should pay attention to the height. Because in the best case, your forearm should be in a straight line with your wrist.

So the hand doesn’t have to be tensed just because you want to move the mouse. This means that the difference in height between the mouse pad and the table should not be too great. As a guide, you can remember 5 mm here. Everything below is usually harmless. Of course, much flatter versions are particularly gentle on the wrist.

Even more features: mouse calibration, LEDs and Co.

There are now some mice that have specific software attached to them. Here you can individually choose how your mouse pad is made – of course, this works best with a specially designed variant. The scanning technique of the mouse is then adapted and optimized accordingly. Such a precisely calibrated input device offers you more gaming comfort and maximum precision. Are you still looking for the right variant for you? Then read our guide to gaming mice .

The latest trend is also LEDs on the gaming mouse pad. If you are not playing permanently in the dark, however, these have no influence on the gaming experience and are more of a visual gimmick. Induction charging pads, on the other hand, are more practical . These are connected to the electricity themselves and thus provide an electromagnetic field. If you put on your wireless mouse that is suitable for such a charge, it charges automatically.

So you see: the possibilities are quite varied. So it is not a problem that you not only adapt your mouse pad to your style of play, your games and your comfort, but that it also has some (more or less) practical additional functions.