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!
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.
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