Thinking about becoming a PC gamer

[Azhrarn-101]

Well my xbox and t.v. got stolen and all I have left is my computer and I was wondering if it would be worth throwing down the $300 dollars to upgrade my graphics card so I can game on my PC


There's a couple reasons that I came up with by myself to do this but it just isn't enough for me to actually do it. So I was wondering if there isn't any other reasons why I should switch.


My reasons -

1. Get all my games for free (Don't ask me how I'm sure you all know)
2. Games seem to be better on the PC, I'm not sure if this is true because I am a console gamer and every time i would talk to one of my PC gamer friends they would brag about how they played xxxxxx game and it was so awesome that they came every time they did xxxxx thing.
3. Graphics are better.

That's about all I have, If anyone would like to add tell me something else that makes computer gaming better than console gaming than please do.

Sorry for the long post.

It is rather subjective to say one gaming medium is superior to another, granted PC games can potentially look better than consoles (providing the game has the option to do so, otherwise graphics will be roughly equal). Consoles will generally use bigger screens though (TV rather than monitor, although the resolution of the monitor is potentially superior).

Controls can be better on PC, there are situations where a mouse and keyboard are certainly a lot better than a controller (think FPS games or RTS), however there are certainly games/situations where a controller is far superior (racing games especially), but luckily getting an Xbox controller for PC is nice and easy.

As for the games themselves, most games coming out on PC also have a console port (or the other way around, the PC game is a port of the console version). In essence the games should be the same, but the experience on either platform may vary depending on the quality of the game. A lazy port of a console game to PC can be rather frustrating, lacking customisation options or adjustable settings for the graphics or controls, a good port can give a superior experience because you can set up the game just the way you like it, allowing for the best experience possible. Don't count on seeing that on all games though. More often than not the PC version of a game will be a fairly lazy port, although the situation is improving these days with developers atleast bothering to implement customisable controls and graphics options.

 

[Delusibeta]

I should point out that pursuing reason 1 may lead to you getting banned for promoting piracy. We can do "really cheap", however, with digital distribution sales (e.g. the Steam sale that's on right now).

 

[SL33TBL1ND]

If you have the cash for a good computer it's worth it.

 

[Sebenko]

I really would change that bit where you say "Get all your games for free" because advocating piracy here can get you moderated.

It's also behaving like a dick. Sure, we can all try to claim moral superiority for pirating AssCred 2, but you really should pay for your games. Don't be a dick, pay money.

 

[DigitaIpirate]

I should point out that pursuing reason 1 may lead to you getting banned for promoting piracy. We can do "really cheap", however, with digital distribution sales (e.g. the Steam sale that's on right now).

Did I say anything about piracy? No.

 

[TheComedown]

And remember to wear anti-static wristbands when putting it together.

If you put in the power supply first and plug it in (don't have to turn it on) and just tap the case it will discharge any static for you safely so you're free to be putting the parts in.

OP: Its an excellent choice, although i think the reasons you gave where some of the weakest for PC gaming I've heard, no offense.

We don't get games for free, well some indie ones, but we can get them at huge discounts (eg. the steam sales.)

the fact that the card will only cost you $300 compared to a new xbox AND tv is another good reason... wait.. what about insurance, shouldn't that be covered?

 

[DigitaIpirate]

And remember to wear anti-static wristbands when putting it together.

If you put in the power supply first and plug it in (don't have to turn it on) and just tap the case it will discharge any static for you safely so you're free to be putting the parts in.

OP: Its an excellent choice, although i think the reasons you gave where some of the weakest for PC gaming I've heard, no offense.

We don't get games for free, well some indie ones, but we can get them at huge discounts (eg. the steam sales.)

the fact that the card will only cost you $300 compared to a new xbox AND tv is another good reason... wait.. what about insurance, shouldn't that be covered?

I wish :/

 

[Woodsey]

1. Get all my games for free (Don't ask me how I'm sure you all know)

Nope, piss off. We don't want you.

 

[TheComedown]

-snip-

I wish :/

Dang that sucks, BTW what are your computers current stats? cause its no good updating you or graphics card if its just going to get bogged down at the processor or ram (ram is dirt cheap tho so this it not much of a worry)

 

[BboyTeddyBear]

give him the benefit of the doubt and say his roommate/girlfriend/boyfriend/family will gift him for this birthday that is coming up. anyway

I'm all for PC gaming. Bred on console (snes,ps1) but i moved to PC around when i was 12. I haven't gone back fully. Sure I play console games here and there such as SSBM when it was hot and I went undefeated locally, but what it really comes down to it for me is first off as azharn said. controls. FPS is by far so much better on wasd and mouse. (opinion) I simply cannot snipe with a joystick. Now racing games go to consoles hands down. PC can't touch it without buying a wheel in which case PC takes that then haha. to spare you the time

Consoles
~Racing
~fighters
~adventure

PC
~FPS
~RTS

The rest of the genres of games I find are dependable on how good they are as themselves. I play D2 esque games on PC, but I can also see myself playing fable on the 360. As a recap it depends on what genres you are into. If genre isn't the issue then I'd say go with PC. steam is by far the king of cheap games. holiday seasons are loaded with great games. I got L4D2 only a few months after release for 33 bucks (when consoles were still 50-60(?) and I got L4D one year after release for 22 where the game was still rocking 40 bucks at some places. Another incentive to go PC is indie devs tend to build first for PC.

those are my 2 cents and a nickel.

 

[Krantos]

1. Get all my games for free (Don't ask me how I'm sure you all know)

No, you should pay for your games like the rest of us.

Allow me to address everyone on the forums here:

"You know how annoying DRM is? Well it's because of people like this that we have them.

Don't pirate.

It's stupid, immature and it hurts the industry by causing publishers to use DRMs.


And don't say something like "Oh, it's because someone stole my TV/XBOX" because that does not entitle you to turn around and steal yourself.

 

[iLikeHippos]

First of, your first point is DANGEROUSLY close to appointing pirating. You might want to change that or the probation marker will swiftly follow.

Secondly, say good bye to racer games cause those aren't the PC's best quality in their gaming platform.
But the RTS games are a strong side of it, however. I suggest getting the upcoming SC II(Starcraft 2) (Once it is released) or if you can't wait, get WC III. (Warcraft 3)

Third and lastly, this depends. It always depends. It depends on which... I'm not going to bother with the technical parts as they are summed up perfectly in the above posts.

Welcome to the Escapist, and PS: That's not a long post compared to other threads/posts. Check the Review threads and you'll see what I mean.

 

[SonicWaffle]

I should point out that pursuing reason 1 may lead to you getting banned for promoting piracy. We can do "really cheap", however, with digital distribution sales (e.g. the Steam sale that's on right now).

Did I say anything about piracy? No.

Does anyone else see the irony of a poster called DigitalPirate claiming not to have mentioned piracy?

OP: I'd just buy a new console, because constantly upgrading a PC or changing the settings or fucking about with installers gets really annoying. At least with a console you can just put the disc in and play with no pissing about or "unexpected errors" or being told that you need a higher version of some program.

 

[Keava]

If all you are planning to do with PC is playing action oriented games.. stick to consoles for your own sake, you will probably have more fun either way and save up some cash on those overly expensive games.

300$ for graphic card.. it depends on what is the rest of your PC. GPU alone wont make it, you need to have decent CPU, at least 4GB RAM, power supply that can handle the CPU and GPU, and in some cases even new motherboard if things dont fit.

Now if you plan to take seriously on FPS/RTS genres or actually do something more than just playing games, then PC is the way to go. Modding communities, graphics design, coding etc, for all that you actually do need a capable rig that same time can run the newest games at least close to max settings.

And no. Games aint free. Want to play them - pay for them, unless its released as freeware.

 

[captain underpants]

I often hear console gamers complain that you have to constantly upgrade your PC. To me, the PC's scalability is it's main strength. If I want my games to run faster, I don't have to wait 'x' years for Big Corp to bring out a new console. I can just pop on to the Umart site and get whatever I want. I can spend as much or as little as I want and get the machine that suits me. I much prefer that to being told what I want by Sony or MS.

The controller thing is a bit of a furphey. You can get pretty much any controller style you want. That's true of consoles too I believe, I know my G27 wheel works on the PS3. And that brings me to...

"Secondly, say good bye to racer games cause those aren't the PC's best quality in their gaming platform."

I respectfully disagree. With the right controller, they're as good or better on the PC. With a wheel, they're unbeatable. I'm talking about the more simulation based racing games, mind you. Games like rFactor, which while a little old now, has a vast amount of mod content being churned out weekly. Even arcade racers like Need For Speed are a far superior experience with a wheel.

The talk about which games play better on console really come down to the controller, and really that's kind of moot for the reasons stated above. The advantage of consoles is their 'plug-and-playability', and that's about it as far as I can tell, except for maybe some of the exclusives. Everything else, a PC is more than capable of doing, plus a whole lot more. For me, fiddling about under the hood of the computer is fun, and my computer is very much my personal, unique baby. A console is just an appliance. The only bad thing about PC gaming is lazy console ports, and they're fairly rare.

All the above is personal opinion. I don't dislike consoles, quite the opposite. I just prefer my PC and think PC gaming cops a lot of unjustified flak these days.

 

[TheComedown]

And remember to wear anti-static wristbands when putting it together.

If you put in the power supply first and plug it in (don't have to turn it on) and just tap the case it will discharge any static for you safely so you're free to be putting the parts in.

Does that work? I heard it was kind of hit and miss.

The first time I did it I just kept touching the copper pipe on the radiator to earth myself, but when I repaired it, I used wristbands.

Yeah works quite well. Dad taught me it, he is a tech and does it all the time on the machines he works on never had a problem.

 

[Jewrean]

Did I say anything about piracy? No.

LOL hillarious given his name...

Anyway!

I have all the gaming solutions (except for handheld) so I'm hoping this is unbiased:

1) PC Games have a much better multiplayer. The reason is most games are server-based and allow the user more control rather than just match you up with someone around the world. If you don't live in the US then this one is crucial! The reason being is that if you get matched up with an American on your Xbox then you know he will get a good connection whilst you'll have a laggy game.

2) Controls. RTS and FPS are superior with keyboard and mouse. Third person shooters like Silent Hill, Gears of War, and Resident Evil are better on console however IMO.

3) Blizzard