Gaming computer

Last updated
A gaming desktop setup from the 2010s Gaming PC-Setup - Astaroth- The Completed System.jpg
A gaming desktop setup from the 2010s

A gaming computer, also known as a gaming PC, is a specialized personal computer designed for playing PC games at high standards. They typically differ from mainstream personal computers by using high-performance graphics cards, a high core-count CPU with higher raw performance and higher-performance RAM. Gaming PCs are also used for other demanding tasks such as video editing. [1] While often in desktop form, gaming PCs may also be laptops or handhelds.

Contents

History

Early history

The Nimrod, designed by John Makepeace Bennett, built by Raymond Stuart-Williams and exhibited in the 1951 Festival of Britain, is regarded as the first gaming computer. Bennett did not intend for it to be a real gaming computer, however, as it was supposed to be an exercise in mathematics as well as to prove computers could "carry out very complex practical problems", not purely for enjoyment. [2]

Few years later, game consoles like the Magnavox Odyssey (released in 1972) and the Atari 2600 (released 1977) were the basis of the future of not just gaming consoles, but gaming computers as well with their increasing popularity with families everywhere. [3] The first "modern" computer was made in 1942, the Atanasoff–Berry Computer (ABC for short). Unlike modern desktops and laptops, the ABC was a gargantuan machine that occupied "1,800 square feet… weighing almost 50 tons",. [4] When the Apple II and the Commodore 64 were released in 1977 and 1982 respectively, personal computers became more appealing for general consumer use. [5] The Commodore 64 was an affordable and relatively powerful computer for its time in 1982, [6] featuring an MOS Technology 6510 CPU with 64 kb of RAM. It could display up to "40 columns and 25 lines of text" along with 16 colors on its 320x200 resolution screen. [7] The Apple II cost around US$1,298 in 1977 ($5,633 adjusted for inflation in 2021) and the Commodore 64 cost around US$595(equivalent to $1,879 in 2023), making it expensive for most consumers. [8] [9] However, their overall computing power, efficiency, and compact size was more advanced from even the most advanced computers at the time. [10] [11]

Since 1990s and current market

IBM PC-compatibles have been the dominant types of PCs globally, both mainstream and by extension in gaming, since the 1990s. During that decade a number of special PC product lines were created by OEMs that focused on pre-built gaming desktop computers, such as Alienware, formed in 1997 as the gaming division of Dell; and HP with their OMEN division, whose lineage dates back to 1991 under the defunct brand VoodooPC; and both of which continue to be marketed today.

From the mid-1990s as 3D gaming was taking off, companies like 3dfx (with their Voodoo) and Nvidia (with their RIVA 128) advanced the market with their new graphical processing units. [12]

More manufacturers started making gaming PC lines (or were started for this purpose) during the 2000s and 2010s, such as Toshiba's now-defunct Qosmio; Asus's ROG (Republic of Gamers) and TUG; Acer's Predator line; Lenovo's Legion; and Razer. During this time, gaming laptops started to gain popularity. [13] More recently in the 2020s, portable handheld gaming PCs have started to gain traction that run on full desktop x86 (the de facto standard) platforms. These began with GPD's Win and Alienware's UFO concept, inspired by the Nintendo Switch (which is not a PC), and have been popularized by Valve Corporation's Steam Deck. [14] [15] [16]

65.1 million gaming products have been sold overall as of 2021, of which 27.9 million are gaming notebooks, 19.7 million are gaming monitors, and 17.5 million are gaming desktops. [17]

Hardware

The inner workings of a desktop gaming PC Das Innenleben eines Gaming-PCs aus 2021 20211126 HOF08249 RAW-Export 20220714004140.png
The inner workings of a desktop gaming PC

Technically, any computer can be considered a "gaming computer"; however the most common ones are typically based around an x86 CPU with a graphics accelerator card, a sufficient amount of high-performance RAM, and fast storage drives.

In a desktop configuration, a case is also needed, and gaming cases are often modified or manufactured with extra LED lights or see-through panels for aesthetic reasons. [18] [19] Individual components are typically attached to a motherboard through different bus slots, including the CPU, RAM, and graphics card, or wired to it with SATA or IDE cabling (for hard disks or optical drives). [20] Laptops also share a similar format, but with smaller and less power hungry components.

Gamers and computer enthusiasts may choose to overclock their CPUs and GPUs in order to gain extra performance. The added power draw needed to overclock either processing unit often requires additional cooling, usually by air cooling or water cooling. [21]

These configurations mostly dates back to the 1990s when Intel and Microsoft first began to dominate the PC marketplace, and has not changed significantly since then. [22] Hardware specs continue to improve over time due to the graphical demands of games, especially with architectural and other changes within CPU and GPU designs.

Form factors

Senior editor of Tom's Hardware Andrew Freedman says that "Gaming rigs aren't one-size fits all", and that there are certain instances where a gaming desktop will be more appropriate than a laptop and other circumstances where a laptop is more appropriate than a desktop. [23] Each platform has its pros and cons, which may change depending on a person's needs. For example, someone looking for maximum portability may choose a laptop over a desktop since it is all self-contained in one unit, whereas a desktop setup is split up into multiple components: a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and the desktop itself. Freedman states that laptops are ideal candidates for LAN parties, especially ones equipped with "Nvidia's Max-Q GPUs" which "can easily fit into a backpack and don't pack outrageously large chargers". [23]

Desktop

Gaming desktop computers are the most versatile types of gaming computers. People usually buy gaming PCs because they want the performance that is expected to them. The majority of this potential lies in the parts of desktops, which can be overclocked for more performance as well as being able to with stand abuse because of their higher durability. [23] The usual large chassis on a desktop also allows for more fans, for improved cooling and heat dissipation which would ultimately lead to improved gaming performance. [24]

Pre-built desktops, may use "proprietary motherboards that aren't standard sizes". These uniquely shaped motherboards can limit the owner's capability to upgrade components in the future, but they can still generally change out "the RAM, GPU and… CPU". [25] Razer Inc.'s project Christine (2014) proposes the use of modules to allow for fast replacement of computer parts. [26]

Notebook

Alienware M14x, a gaming laptop Alienware M14x (2).jpg
Alienware M14x, a gaming laptop

Laptop gaming computers give the ability for gaming on portable computers. The usable space inside a laptop is much more limited compared to a desktop. There are also fewer items that can be changed out on a laptop than a desktop, like RAM and storage, compared to a desktop where almost all the components, including motherboards and CPUs, can be swapped out with the latest technology available at the time. [23]

Handheld

Asus ROG Ally, a handheld gaming computer Tokyo-Game-Show-2023-Day3-2023-09-23 308.jpg
Asus ROG Ally, a handheld gaming computer

Handheld PCs built for gaming are a relatively recent form factor. Due to their mobile chassis, they are the most limited types of gaming computers as component generally can't be upgraded. Handheld gaming PCs may come with a physical keyboard or may discard it entirely to be styled like a handheld gaming console. [16]

Gaming peripherals and accessories

Gaming peripherals such as keyboards, mice, headsets, controllers, and monitors play a crucial role in enhancing the gaming experience. They offer improved control, comfort, and immersion, allowing users to feel fully engaged in the gaming environment. These specialized tools are specifically designed for gaming purposes, ensuring precision, speed, and durability. [27]

The following is a list of the most common accessories of a gaming PC:

In addition to these essential peripherals, gaming enthusiasts can enhance their setups with accessories like gaming chairs, mouse pads, desk mounts, and cable organizers, allowing them to customize their gaming environments according to their preferences. With a wide range of options available from different brands, gamers can personalize their setups to optimize their gaming experiences.

Build types

As stated before, there are options PC gamers take into account when deciding to build their own unit versus buying a pre-built one. There are not many options when it comes to the laptop configuration but they do exist. Jason Clarke, a contributor to Chillblast, mentioned that there are a number of builders that deal specifically with laptops, with some adding configurable features that were not originally there, such as being able to change CPUs and GPUs. [33] These PC builders build from scratch, and the possibility to change out CPUs and GPUs after they have been installed is unlikely. Clarke also advised that people should and cannot build their own laptops because of how complex and compact everything is. [34]

Many PC gamers and journalists, like Clarke and Freedman, advise people to start with gaming desktops as they are the way to go when seeking pure performance. Pre-built desktops like Alienware's Aurora R11 are ready-to-go systems with a history behind them, but some claim that their systems are over-priced. This is mainly due to the cost of building the PC and ease of access for components for the consumer. Marshall Honorof, a writer for Tom's Guide, explains that the steps on how to build a gaming PC from scratch "can be a daunting process, particularly for newcomers" but it could be one of the best technological decisions someone can make. According to his research, Honorof found that $1,500 is enough to buy a "powerful, but not quite top-of-the-line" computer and one can choose his or her own components. [35]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Desktop computer</span> Computer designed to be used at a fixed location

A desktop computer is a personal computer designed for regular use at a stationary location on or near a desk due to its size and power requirements. The most common configuration has a case that houses the power supply, motherboard, disk storage ; a keyboard and mouse for input; and a monitor, speakers, and, often, a printer for output. The case may be oriented horizontally or vertically and placed either underneath, beside, or on top of a desk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Workstation</span> High-end single-user computer

A workstation is a special computer designed for technical or scientific applications. Intended primarily to be used by a single user, they are commonly connected to a local area network and run multi-user operating systems. The term workstation has been used loosely to refer to everything from a mainframe computer terminal to a PC connected to a network, but the most common form refers to the class of hardware offered by several current and defunct companies such as Sun Microsystems, Silicon Graphics, Apollo Computer, DEC, HP, NeXT, and IBM which powered the 3D computer graphics revolution of the late 1990s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mobile workstation</span> Larger, bulkier laptop designed to replace a desktop

A mobile workstation, also known as a desktop replacement computer (DTR) or workstation laptop, is a personal computer that provides the full capabilities of a workstation-class desktop computer while remaining mobile. They are often larger, bulkier laptops or in some cases 2-in-1 PCs with a tablet-like form factor and interface. Because of their increased size, this class of computer usually includes more powerful components and a larger display than generally used in smaller portable computers and can have a relatively limited battery capacity. Some use a limited range of desktop components (DToM) to provide better performance at the expense of battery life. These are sometimes called desknotes, a blend of "desktop" and "notebook", though the term is also applied to desktop replacement computers in general. Other names being monster notebooks or musclebooks in reference to muscle cars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laptop</span> Personal computer for mobile use

A laptop computer or notebook computer, also known as a laptop or notebook, is a small, portable personal computer (PC). Laptops typically have a clamshell form factor with a flat-panel screen on the inside of the upper lid and an alphanumeric keyboard and pointing device on the inside of the lower lid. Most of the computer's internal hardware is fitted inside the lower lid enclosure under the keyboard, although many modern laptops have a built-in webcam at the top of the screen, and some even feature a touchscreen display. In most cases, unlike tablet computers which run on mobile operating systems, laptops tend to run on desktop operating systems, which were originally developed for desktop computers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quiet PC</span> Type of personal computer

A quiet, silent or fanless PC is a personal computer that makes very little or no noise. Common uses for quiet PCs include video editing, sound mixing and home theater PCs, but noise reduction techniques can also be used to greatly reduce the noise from servers. There is currently no standard definition for a "quiet PC", and the term is generally not used in a business context, but by individuals and the businesses catering to them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Graphics processing unit</span> Specialized electronic circuit; graphics accelerator

A graphics processing unit (GPU) is a specialized electronic circuit initially designed for digital image processing and to accelerate computer graphics, being present either as a discrete video card or embedded on motherboards, mobile phones, personal computers, workstations, and game consoles. After their initial design, GPUs were found to be useful for non-graphic calculations involving embarrassingly parallel problems due to their parallel structure. Other non-graphical uses include the training of neural networks and cryptocurrency mining.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alienware</span> American computer hardware subsidiary of Dell Inc.

Alienware Corporation is an American computer hardware subsidiary brand of Dell. Their product range is dedicated to gaming computers and accessories and can be identified by their alien-themed designs. Alienware was founded in 1996 by Nelson Gonzalez and Alex Aguila. The development of the company is also associated with Frank Azor, Arthur Lewis, Joe Balerdi, and Michael S. Dell (CEO). The company's corporate headquarters is located in The Hammocks, Miami, Florida.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dell XPS</span> Line of high performance computers manufactured by Dell

Dell XPS is a line of consumer-oriented laptop and desktop computers manufactured by Dell since 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gigabyte Technology</span> Taiwanese electronics company

GIGA-BYTE Technology Co., Ltd. is a Taiwanese manufacturer and distributor of computer hardware.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Handheld PC</span> Computer that is significantly smaller than a laptop

A handheld computer, also called a palmtop computer, is a term that has variously been used to describe a small-sized personal computer (PC) typically built around a clamshell form factor and a laptop-like keyboard, including: Palmtop PCs, personal digital assistants (PDA), ultra-mobile PCs (UMPC) or portable gaming PCs. The brand Handheld PC specifically is a now-defunct class of computers introduced in the 1990s that was marketed by Microsoft, and is detailed below.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Homebuilt computer</span> Computer assembled from available components rather than purchased as a complete system

A custom built or home-built computer is a computer assembled by its user and made of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, rather than purchased as a complete and ready to use machine, also known as a "pre-built" or out-of-the-box system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barebone computer</span> Customizable PC with limited components

A barebone computer is a partially assembled platform or an unassembled kit of computer parts allowing more customization and lower costs than a retail computer system. They are available for desktop computer, notebook and server purposes, and in nearly any form factor. Manufacturers are also able to produce systems of a specialized or non-standard form factor, since the system is sold as a pre-built unit, with the motherboard and power supply already installed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corsair Gaming</span> American computer peripherals and hardware company

Corsair Gaming, Inc. is an American computer peripherals and gaming brand headquartered in Milpitas, California. Previously known as Corsair Components and Corsair Memory, it was incorporated in California in January 1994 originally as Corsair Microsystems and reincorporated in Delaware in 2007. The company designs and sells a range of computer products, including high-speed DRAM modules, power supplies (PSUs), USB flash drives, CPU/GPU and case cooling, gaming peripherals, computer cases, solid-state drives (SSDs), and speakers.

Jiangsu Lemote Tech Co., Ltd or Lemote is a computer company established as a joint venture between the Jiangsu Menglan Group and the Chinese Institute of Computing Technology, involved in computer hardware and software products, services, and projects.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asus Eee</span> Product family

Asus Eee is a family of products by AsusTek Computer Inc. The product family began with the release of the Eee PC subnotebook in 2007; since then, the product family has diversified into a number of PC form factors. According to the company, the name Eee derives from "the three Es," an abbreviation of its advertising slogan for the device: "Easy to learn, Easy to work, Easy to play".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Personal computer</span> Computer intended for use by an individual person

A personal computer, often referred to as a PC, is a computer designed for individual use. It is typically used for tasks such as word processing, internet browsing, email, multimedia playback, and gaming. Personal computers are intended to be operated directly by an end user, rather than by a computer expert or technician. Unlike large, costly minicomputers and mainframes, time-sharing by many people at the same time is not used with personal computers. The term home computer has also been used, primarily in the late 1970s and 1980s. The advent of personal computers and the concurrent Digital Revolution have significantly affected the lives of people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Computer hardware</span> Physical components of a computer

Computer hardware includes the physical parts of a computer, such as the central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), motherboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card, and computer case. It includes external devices such as a monitor, mouse, keyboard, and speakers.

Digital Storm is a privately owned boutique computer manufacturer in the United States that primarily specializes in high-performance gaming desktop and laptop computers. Headquartered in Gilroy, California, the company also sells upgrade components and gaming peripherals, such as headsets, gaming mice, custom keyboards and high-resolution computer monitors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All-in-one computer</span> PC form factor with integral display

An all-in-one computer is a type of personal computer that integrates the computer components, such as the CPU, monitor, and speakers, into a single unit. It occupies a smaller footprint than a desktop computer with a tower form factor, and also uses fewer cables.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asus</span> Taiwanese computer and electronics company

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. is a Taiwanese multinational computer, phone hardware and electronics manufacturer headquartered in Beitou District, Taipei, Taiwan. Its products include desktop computers, laptops, netbooks, mobile phones, networking equipment, monitors, Wi-Fi routers, projectors, motherboards, graphics cards, optical storage, multimedia products, peripherals, wearables, servers, workstations and tablet PCs. The company is also an original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

References

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  13. ↑ Contributor, Fred Dutton (2011-08-26). "Razer readies "world's first gaming laptop"". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved 2024-11-04.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
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  15. ↑ updated, Bill Thomas last (2020-01-06). "Hands on: Alienware Concept UFO review". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  16. 1 2 Aleksha McLoughlin (2024-06-27). "The handheld gaming PC market is already oversaturated". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
  17. ↑ "Global Gaming PC and Monitor Market Hit New Record High in 2020, According to IDC". www.businesswire.com. 2021-03-29. Retrieved 2022-07-22.
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  21. ↑ "CPU Cooler: Liquid Cooling Vs Air Cooling". Intel. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  22. ↑ Ong, Alexis (17 September 2020). "How the 90s Family Computer Shaped a Generation's Exposure to PC Gaming". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2024-05-07.
  23. 1 2 3 4 Freedman, Andrew E. (April 11, 2020). "Gaming Desktop vs. Gaming Laptop: Which is Better For You?". Tom's Hardware. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  24. ↑ Webb, Dave Johnson, Kevin. "What is overclocking? How to boost your PC's speed and power by changing its CPU settings". Business Insider. Retrieved 2023-10-22.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  25. ↑ Fitzpatrick, Jason (2022-11-07). "Can You Upgrade a Prebuilt PC?". How-To Geek. Retrieved 2024-04-16.
  26. ↑ Walton, Jarred. "Razer's Project Christine: A Modular PC Prototype". www.anandtech.com. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
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  28. ↑ Nguyen, Andy (2022-06-11). "Gaming Keyboards vs. Keyboards: What's the Difference?". How-To Geek. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
  29. ↑ "What is a Gaming Mouse? - Best Gaming Mice Guide". Ebuyer Blog. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
  30. ↑ Uitti, Jake (2023-01-12). "Benefits of Using a Gaming Headset". Yamaha Music - Blog. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
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  32. ↑ "Why should you choose a gaming monitor over regular display monitors?". Samsung nz. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
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  34. ↑ Ogono-Dimaro, Princess (2022-01-25). "How to Build Your Own Laptop From Scratch". Career Karma. Retrieved 2024-04-16.
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