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About Cores, Clock & Brands | Find The Right Gaming CPU

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The processor is essential for the functioning of a computer. And while you will probably find relatively cheap versions for a pure office PC, almost every gaming CPU is in the three-digit range. But is that really necessary? Which performance do you actually need and which values ​​need to be considered? We will address these and other questions in this article. Find out how to find your perfect gaming CPU here!

The processor – but: what is it actually?

The processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit) is basically the central control unit of every computer. This means that it controls all inputs, inquiries, processes and outputs that are made on it. First of all, it is a relatively small (about 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm) component, but it can contain a lot of power, which is not only necessary for gaming. But what exactly are its tasks?

Broken down, the CPU constantly carries out new calculations. You may know that a computer’s programs are basically a binary code of 0 and 1. So in order to implement them, the different numbers must be brought together. A simple command is to add two numbers. This also means that every input you make – regardless of whether you are saving a document or just activating the trigger – must first be converted into this language that the processor can understand before it can be processed.

The better the clock speed of a gaming CPU, the more commands per second it can implement. For example, a 3.5 GHz processor should be able to execute 336,000 instructions per second. Such a high rate can be very important for gaming because the input and output are particularly large. By the way, you can check the load in the Task Manager. Here you can also see which programs are particularly demanding.

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The gaming CPU: what is important?

Now that we have clarified the basic task of the processor in the computer, let’s take a look at which values ​​are decisive for a purchase. Because, as with most components, you are literally showered with a flood of information. Looking through here is not always easy. We want to help you choose your gaming CPU!

A machine with Her (t) z

Have you ever heard the statement: “The processor is the heart of the computer”? Of course, this relates to its essential task in the overall system, but it can also be related to its clock rate and thus its performance . Because this is given in Hertz (Hz) or Megahertz (MHZ) or Gigahertz (GHz).

In addition to the cores, which we will discuss in more detail in a moment, the Hertz specification is decisive for ensuring that inputs are carried out quickly. So if you want to play action-packed games , you will probably prefer a very powerful processor. To illustrate this: A CPU with 1 GHz performance can process around 1 billion current pulses per second. Different tasks require a different number of these. Particularly complex tasks, such as playing AAA titles, can easily consume several thousand.

The following applies to your gaming CPU: It should have at least 3 GHz , better 4 GHz. Because with these frequencies you can be sure that you can really play every game smoothly and that you don’t have to compromise on the graphics, for example.

Overclock the gaming CPU

If you’ve dealt with your gaming PC, you’ve probably heard of overclocking or overclocking . This allows you to get even more out of your processor. We already explained earlier that the frequency specification in Hertz is decisive for the performance of a computer. Wouldn’t it be great if you can always get exactly what you need from your CPU?

Many models from well-known manufacturers allow you to overclock in this case. This means that even more performance can be extracted from these under the right circumstances . Correct cooling is particularly important for this. Because the higher the clock rate, the more the gaming CPU works and the warmer it also gets.

Are you interested in such a model? Then be sure to take a look at the description of your CPU. Incidentally, Intel marks such models with a “K” at the end of the name. The manufacturer’s Extreme Editions can also be overclocked. The same applies to the Ryzen series from AMD.

Left, right, up, down: speed through cores

Current game titles usually rely on incredible graphics . It is then just annoying for you when you cannot draw on the full and – in extreme terms – only recognize pixels. Just as exhausting: You are playing a fast shooter or are in a duel in battle royale, which lets your adrenaline flow, and suddenly your picture tears. While memory and graphics card are also critical to these phenomena , a good gaming CPU is just as important in fixing them.

So that your game runs smoothly and the processor can process your information at an appropriate speed, it needs cores . The control unit and the arithmetic-logic unit (ALU) are located in these real components. These ensure that he can execute more commands per second. Nowadays, octa-core processors are the preferred choice for gaming PCs. However, there is still room at the top. For example, AMD has a 32-core CPU on the market.

How useful this really is depends entirely on the games you want to play. However, most of them still get by with a quad to a maximum of octa-core. By the way: So-called multicore or multi-core processors always distribute the tasks evenly across all available cores.

Our CPU comparison: which is now the best?

Of course, there is no general answer to the question of which processor is the best for you . That depends largely on your own preferences. Because depending on the performance your games need, a model with more or fewer cores and a higher or lower clock rate can be useful.

Most current games require a multi-core processor. However, it differs how many there really have to be and which clock rate makes sense. While you can of course always turn down the graphics settings, that’s certainly not the dream. We have therefore put together a brief overview of some popular games that shows which specifications are given by the manufacturer as optimal:

  • APEX Legends: 4 cores, 3.40 GHz
  • ARK: Survival Evolved: 4 cores, 3.40 GHz
  • Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: 4 cores, 3.50 GHz
  • Battlefield 1: 8 cores, 4.00 GHz
  • Battlefield 3: 4 cores, 3.50 GHz
  • Battlefield 5: 8 cores, 4.00 GHz
  • Call od Duty: Modern Warfare: 4 cores, 3.50 GHz
  • Call of Duty: Warzone: 4 cores, 3.40 GHz
  • Counter Strike: Global Offensive: 2 cores, 2 GHz
  • Death Stranding: 8 cores, 4 GHz
  • Escape from Tarkov: 4 cores, 3.20 GHz
  • Far Cry 5: 8 cores, 3.40 GHz
  • Fortnite: 2 cores, 2.80 GHz
  • GTA V: 6 cores, 4 GHz
  • League of Legends: 2 cores, 3.00 GHz
  • Metro Exodus: 8 cores, 4.00 GHz
  • Minecraft: 4 cores, 3.50 GHz
  • Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds: 4 cores, 3.50 GHz
  • Red Dead Redemption 2: 8 cores, 4 GHz
  • Rust: 8 cores, 4.00 GHz
  • The Witcher III: 8 cores, 3.40 GHz
  • Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege: 4 cores, 3.3 GHz
  • Valorant: 2 cores, 3 GHz

Some of this information may seem daunting at first. However, you should always make sure that these are almost the optimal settings . This means that a game is definitely still playable even with less powerful processors. You may then only have to make some compromises in terms of graphics.

The eternal question: AMD vs. Intel

Finally, we want to take a quick look at the two market leaders. Because the question of whether one should choose a processor from Intel or AMD seems to be a fundamental discussion . Some swear by Intel’s high-end technology, while others prefer AMD because of the lower-priced models.

Basically, we want to state that AMD actually has the edge in terms of price in actually all CPU categories. However, the Intel models have higher clock rates and thus convince with better overall performance. So if you are looking for an absolute high-end processor, you will probably find it at Intel.

On the other hand, you will more likely find an inexpensive, yet absolutely sufficient variant for most games at AMD. Above all, the Ryzen Threadripper can definitely keep up with the top models from Intel . So it is important to know what your gaming CPU must be able to do. And that is derived individually from your favorite games.

Under Power | Find The Right Pc Power Supply

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Whether you want to assemble your PC yourself or just want to give the old one a little more power: sooner or later you will need a new PC power supply unit. But which one is actually suitable for you? Does it really need 1200 watts to gamble? And what data can be used to determine this value? We address these and many other questions here. So read our little guide carefully and choose a power source that really fits your computer!

How does a PC power supply actually work?

In order to know which power supply you actually need for your PC, it is crucial to understand its function in the overall system . Basically, this component is one of the most essential. Because it supplies all other components – such as the mainboard, the graphics card and the CPU – with enough power so that they work at all.

But to do this, the PC power supply must first make the power from the conventional socket processable for the computer. Because originally this is direct current . But your components need alternating current. Accordingly, the power supply unit is actually a transformer. The same principle is also used for laptop power supplies.

But let’s get back to the computer itself. Because in order to supply the graphics card and Co. with power , you still need the appropriate cables. You may have noticed that the connections are designed completely differently depending on the component. That’s a good thing, because each of them requires a different amount of electricity. Accordingly, only the necessary power flows through the associated cables of the power supply unit.

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But: which PC power supply do I need now?

Which is the best PC power supply for you depends on a wide variety of factors . Because depending on what you use your PC for and which components are installed, you will have different demands on your power supply. In order to make a decision here, we have put together a small guide to the most important properties for you.

The performance: How many watts does my PC need?

The most important point when choosing your PC power supply should without question be the performance behind it. Now of course you can just buy the most powerful model you can find. You’re basically not doing anything wrong with this because it will provide enough power to all of your components. However, it is an investment that in most cases, even for a high-end gaming machine, is simply not necessary.

A question of the overall system

Instead, you can make a calculated investment in your new power supply. The performance requirements depend on various aspects. We have roughly summarized these here:

  • Processor : Newer CPUs are usually more energy-efficient, but especially for a gaming computer you need one with the appropriate performance – the more power it has, the more power it needs.
  • Graphics card : Similar to the CPU, it is the case here that higher quality GPUs simply need more power. A high level of performance is required, especially for 3D representations.
  • RAM bar : The number of bars has a small influence on the required wattage.
  • Hard drives : In general, SSDs require less power than HDDs, but the amount still makes a difference here.
  • Fan : The more fans are operated, the more power you need.
  • Overclocking : If you intend to overclock your PC in the future, you should allow for a buffer when choosing your power supply.

On each of these components it should be noted individually how much power it requires. The best thing to do is to roughly add up these numbers. It is also important for you to know that a PC power supply works best with a load of 45 to 75% . The calculated value should therefore be in this range. It is best if you also allow for some additional buffer – so you can be sure that newer, possibly upgraded parts will also be adequately supplied with it.

But why not count on 100%? The reason lies in the conversion process. Because here – depending on the material used – around 80% of the electricity is usually lost . When buying your power supply, make sure that it has an 80-plus certificate. Because this guarantees you that at least 80% of the actual performance actually reaches your components.

What does it mean exactly?

Do you no longer have the packaging or is it just too time-consuming and fragmented to add up? Then best make your power supply selection based on how you use your PC . Because, as you can probably already imagine, an office computer needs significantly less power than a hardcore gaming computer. Here are some guidelines:

  • Office computer : is mostly only used for documents, e-mail traffic and as a multimedia player – usually does not require more than 300 W
  • Mid-range gaming PC : relies on components in the stable mid-range (e.g. NVIDIA GTX 1060, Intel i5 processor) – gets by with 400 to 500 W.
  • A high-end gaming computer with powerful components (such as Intel i7 to i9, NVIDIA RTX 2080) needs around 600 to 750 W.
  • Overclocked gaming computer : with components that run overclocked (often indicated by an OC in their name) – uses up to 1000 W.

So you see: To be on the safe side with your gaming PC and benefit from your power supply for a long time, a power supply with 500 to 700 W is usually sufficient. If you are not planning huge upgrades, but rather always look at current, but roughly equivalent parts, your power supply should also be a loyal companion to you.

By the way: Are you wondering what happens if the PC power supply is too weak? In this case, your components simply cannot be supplied with enough power. This in turn means that the computer will simply shut down, maybe restart again and again or not start up at all. However, it can also happen that your graphics card simply slows down – i.e. not performing at its maximum . If you experience these errors, it may well be that it is time for a new power supply.

For maximum performance: the power supply fan

In order to fully utilize the power of your power supply, you also have to make sure that it does not overheat . For this purpose, high-performance cooling systems are built into good products. A basic distinction is made here between the active, semi-passive and passive variants. A heat conducting material is used with the active, which leads the waste heat to a fan.

The sleeve bearing is particularly inexpensive – and quiet . Oils should dissipate the excess heat. However, it only works if the operating temperature remains consistently low. Such an option is not recommended for high-performance and gaming PCs.

In the case of a completely passive design, on the other hand, the PC power supply unit is prevented by the materials used from producing too much heat in the first place. The whole thing is useful when it comes to background noise, but it quickly becomes very costly. If you are looking for a solution in the mid-price segment and value a quiet environment, you should take a look at our blog post about water cooling .

Modular vs. non-modular: connections & cable management

As we look at it in another post, the case modding is no longer a rarity among gamers. More and more computers are pimped up with cool LEDs behind a plexiglass pane. But for the end product to be right, one keyword is particularly crucial: cable management! And as you know by now, a large part of this comes from the power supply.

So wouldn’t it be great if you could just take off the cables that you don’t need right now? This works out! With a modular power supply . Here you can easily unplug and plug in cables. This makes tidying up the computer a lot easier, because you can always fit the appropriate lengths and only use the cables that you need. This not only makes the inside of your computer look nicer, it also favors the flow of air. After all, nothing hangs in the way unnecessarily.

Nonetheless, non-modular PC power supplies also have their right to exist. Above all, they are still significantly cheaper . In addition, you hardly need any previous knowledge to use it and you don’t have to do a lot of research to find out which cables you actually need to connect. In computers, the insides of which cannot be seen anyway, the cables do not interfere with any further. So the decision is always a matter of personal feeling.

Conclusion: Your PC power supply has to be able to do that

If you now want to specifically decide on a power supply unit, we would like to summarize the most important facts for you here . It is crucial that your power supply is matched to the components. The more your computer is supposed to do, the more watts it needs. In order to get the maximum out of your power supply, a sophisticated ventilation system is essential. Because if this component overheats, it often means that your PC crashes. In the middle of an online game, that’s probably not what you want.

Finally, you should think about whether you want to invest a few more euros in a modular PC power supply. If you only work with standard components and only use one graphics card, this is not absolutely necessary. For a clean cable management or an absolute high-end computer, on the other hand, this investment often makes perfect sense. No matter how you decide, we wish you a lot of fun while playing!

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.

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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.

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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.

Virtual Reality Glasses: A Vision Becomes Reality

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Virtual Reality is no longer a dream of the future: Many manufacturers have released or at least announced VR glasses – except for Apple. COMPUTER BILD shows the most interesting VR glasses – and has already tested some!

Virtual Reality Glasses

Virtual Reality (VR for short) was on everyone’s lips two years ago and was considered a big trend in 2016. But apart from demonstrations at major trade fairs such as CES and E3 , VR has so far remained quite quiet, and some spoke of a trend reversal . Power the PlayStation VR the technology is now suitable for the masses? The potential is enormous: Whether authentic racing simulations, bloody shooter action or the latest Hollywood blockbusters – while the almost perfect illusions of foreign worlds or distant times ended in front of the TV frame up to now, games and films get gamers and film buffs right in the middle thanks to VR technology into the action. A powerful computer, smartphone or a powerful console are required to create the interactive environments. In the following, you will get to know the most important virtual reality glasses and find out which models are on the rise!

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PlayStation VR – the player

After a few postponed market launch dates, Sony’s PlayStation appeared in stores in October 2016 for around 400 euros – the price has now fallen by half. Because Sony’s cyber glasses didn’t live up to the great expectations! This is mainly due to the inadequate display resolution, which throws an overly blurred image onto the lenses. The price for an affordable VR solution was simply too high for that! PS4 owners who can overlook this and want to dare to venture out into virtual reality for the first time will not go wrong with the PlayStation VR: The simple structure, the functional processing and the range of games are a good argument, especially for VR newcomers.

Oculus Rift – the classic

In 2013, Oculus VR kicked off the VR trend with the first developer version of the Oculus Rift. Even then, it made a good impression with compatible games. In 2014, Facebook bought Oculus VR for around 2.3 billion US dollars and announced that it would continue to invest in the project. A lot has actually happened in the past few years: if the first development version had a resolution of 1280×720 pixels, the finished glasses had 2160×1200 pixels (1080×1200 pixels per eye). In the practical test, the Oculus Rift underlined its high-quality workmanship and ran without delay. It has been available in stores in Germany since September 2016. If you don’t have a high-performance PC under your desk, you should take a closer look at the mobile Oculus Go. You can find the practical test here.

HTC Vive – the competitor

With the Steam operator Valve, HTC has a financially strong and game-savvy partner for the development of the Vive on board. In terms of technology, the shared VR glasses draw on par with the Oculus Rift. Both use an OLED display with 2160×1200 pixels that works at 90 Hertz. The field of view is also 110 degrees. The scales reveal a “big” difference: the Vive weighs 555 grams, which is almost 100 grams more than the Oculus Rift. But in the practice check, the additional weight was well distributed, and the weight is only really noticeable after playing for a long time. A revised model, the HTC Vive Pro , has been available since mid-2018 .

Google Daydream View – secret favorite?

In 2014, the company distributed a cardboard craft kit to all participants at the Google I / O developer conference. Those who folded everything up correctly received the Google Cardboard, VR glasses for smartphones. The content was available via app. Google’s modest VR start then went into the second round in November 2016 – with the serious Daydream View. These VR glasses make no secret of the fact that they cost little at 69 euros. The workmanship is not particularly high-quality, but functional: In the practical test, the soft material made it comfortable to wear, the smartphone was firmly in the holder. There is a controller for the device. However, the lens distance cannot be adjusted afterwards. The disadvantage is even more serious

Play better: games for VR glasses

Virtual Reality was one of the hottest topics in the game industry, but the hype has now cooled. But the movement is far from being dead. COMPUTER BILD shows in the gallery which games the manufacturers have brought onto the market in the meantime.