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PC Gaming Is Still Way Too Hard

Getting into PC gaming involves blood, sweat, and tears.

The details, of course, are much more complicated, but that's the gist of what it takes to enter the holy kingdom of PC gaming. If it sounds like a bad deal,The motherboard agree, which is why the majority of people are better off with an Xbox One or PlayStation 4, despite why the awfully self-titled "PC Master Race" might tell you.

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motherboard.vice.com
uth113610d ago

If you are new to PC buidling, you will be overwhelmed by the wide array of CPUs, socket types, GPUs, DDR memory types, busses, Even finding out which parts are faster than others isn't always straightforward- there are caveats. Once you get it all sorted out and build your PC you'll feel accomplished, but then come back in a few years to look for upgrades, you'll find that it's all changed, new CPUs, sockets, GPUs, memory types, busses, etc, and it's overwhelming again-- unless you keep up with the developments on a regular basis.

So the PCMR types are wrong when they say that anyone can build a PC. They assume that everyone has amassed the same knowledge they have, or even has the time or interest to do so.

Hoffmann3609d ago

Pfff. You can buy "gaming" PC's today everywhere. You can use google and type "gaming pc's tests 2016" and you can choose between some recommended ones. That's it.

Changing a graphic card is almost as easy as putting in a cartridge ..just open the screws, take the old one, put in the new one, and thats it.

PC gaming is almost as uncomplicated as on consoles today. Sometimes even less complicated since you don't have to wait minutes for system updates if you are online. And buying games via steam is a lot easier and cheaper than with psn or xbl.

uth113609d ago

Open case, unscrew old card... damn screw fell into the case! Can't see it, but can hear it rattling around. Spend the next 5-10 minutes trying to fish it or roll it.

Ugh why is this sata cable too short to reach around the new GPU? Now I have to rearrange my drives so they are placed so the cable reaches!

Grrr, why isn't the slot lining up properly with the openings in the back of the case?? GPU won't fit without excess force. Hope I don't over flex the mobo in the process.

Done, case is back together.. oh shit, I forgot this GPU has an additional power connector that I forgot to connect to the power supply! I do need to connect it, right? The documentation is vague on this.

Your lucky if it goes in as easy as a cartridge. In my builds, typically one or more of the above goes wrong.

And as for updates-. I don't know what you are talking about. Steam updates every single time I boot. Ps4 updates far less frequently, usually does it in rest mode, and still allows you to play games while it's downloading

Vegamyster3608d ago

@uth11

You're acting so overdramatic lol.

iamnsuperman3608d ago (Edited 3608d ago )

It isn't really. It takes a lot of time and asking around to find out if parts are not only compatible but you have enough power. PC Part picker can only do so much and Reddit helped me immensely on this. Putting the dam thing together wasn't difficult but it wasn't easy. It requires a lot of patience and figuring out the best airflow for your machine (with a lot of time on cable management to boot). Then you look at the cost of it all (which isn't by no means cheap and easy to get things done cheaply. Which becomes a pain in the arse when drivers are slow to appear and the option menu in games is really unintuitive that you have no idea if it pushing your machine or not. I do not recommend building a PC unless you are somewhat interested. The barrier for learning is far too high and requires a lot of fumbling in the dark to make a machine (that may not be the best way to do things). I will do it again but it isn't something I openly recommend.

JasonKCK3608d ago (Edited 3608d ago )

By the sound of it maybe you shouldn't be putting anything together.

Xristo3608d ago

@uth11

From reading your post, you must be one of those horrible infomercial actors over-exaggerating the simplest of tasks. Which one are you? http://imgur.com/account/fa...

iloveallgames3608d ago (Edited 3608d ago )

This is literally how ridiculous uth11 sounds to me with his re-enactment if he was talking about console setup instead:

Try to open box... Damn, packing tape is so strong. Spend the next 5-10 minutes looking for a knife.

Ugh why doesn't the hdmi cable reach across the room? Now I have to rearrange my whole living room so my console is near my TV.

Grrr, why doesn't the phone line fit in the network receptacle? Maybe with some excess force...

Okay, managed to force the phone line into the network recepticle... Oh shit, I forgot to plug the console in. I do need to plug it in, right? The documentation is so vague on this.

Edit: It also just occurred to me that he talks about how impossibly hard it is to build and maintain a pc here but in the next article says there's no reason to own an xbox Scorpio if you can just build a pc instead then in the next article says there aren't any xbox exclusives because he can buy them all for his pc!

wonderfulmonkeyman3608d ago

Agreed.
It honestly makes me wonder how the Steam Machine managed to flop so hard.
With the right marketing, you'd think they could have billed it as "The easy way to become a PC gamer!"or something.
I guess the market is so used to a three man race that there was no room for a newbie...

nitus103608d ago

Of course you can buy a gaming PC, however, for the majority of people the so called "gaming PC" is a "black box" (ok I concede you can get the box in many colours) and they have little if any knowledge of what is really inside or what they need to do if they want to upgrade it other than either buying a new shiny box or paying someone to do the upgrade.

It actually is fairly easy for someone with a little bit of technical knowledge to do some basic research to determine what they would like in a gaming PC or what they require to upgrade an existing one and either get the parts and build it or actually pay to have it built. Unfortunately, most people have little if any technical knowledge or if they do they don't want the hassle of doing themselves.

@uth11

In many ways, I do agree with what you said. Sure a PC enthusiast will probably have enough technical knowledge to build or upgrade their PC but like I said above most people would not have a clue or even to go to the trouble of getting a clue.

As an example, say you wish to upgrade your PC from a Haswell processor to a Skylake processor. Unless you do your homework you just can't go out and buy a Skylake processor and slot it in your motherboard. In fact, you actually have to go and get a new (M170 series) motherboard and possibly DDR4 RAM or you may be able to get a DDR3 M170 compatible motherboard, but if you really want better performance you would be better off with DDR4.

In fact in the above example to save money it would probably be better to just stick with the Haswell architecture and upgrade to a better performing Haswell processor with possibly more DDR3 RAM. This is where research come in and most people won't do this.

@Vegamyster

No "uth11" is not being overly dramatic. Unless you are doing upgrades for PC's as a full-time or even part-time job these are the very thoughts that actually go through your head.

s45gr323608d ago

Remember the days of specialized tiny screw drivers to bolt down the PC parts. The humongous PC cases. Well now we PC gamers use thumb screws, get it thumb screws and the new PC cases are small

masterfox3608d ago (Edited 3608d ago )

You can buy "gaming" PC's today everywhere ? really ? ok will go to Walmart and Target then.......................... ................didn't find shat!!! you liar!!!!!!!.

JackBNimble3608d ago

Doing research has never been easier then it is to day. You can google anything, you can youtube pretty much anything as well. There are tutorials on YouTube to take you Step by step on how to build a pc.
10 or 15 years ago you may have had an argument about how tough it is to build a pc and game, but not today. The only excuse people have this days about no knowledge of pc's can only be lack of interest or just plain laziness.
Don't believe me? Just youtube how to build a gaming rig and there will be hundreds of step by step tutorials.

Testfire3608d ago

For a first time builder, there are a lot of options and research that will go into the task, but if you're willing to put in the effort and watch a couple YouTube videos it's not that hard. Once you've built 1 PC, any subsequent builds or mods get so much easier.

If building a PC isn't your thing, you can buy a gaming PC, ibuypower sell very good quality gaming PCs with an extremely low markup.

After you have your PC ready to go, doing actual gaming on it is a breeze.

glassgannon9093608d ago

f*** no.
the complexity isnt in the mechanical labor . its in figuring what the f*** goes with what.switching from a cpu from just 2 gens ago means changing your motherboard and ram because its simply compatible anymore.skylakes+ dont support z99 nor do they support ddr3 and they need external coolers even if it isnt k series model.
this is just a small example, doesnt even begin to describe, screwed up bios drivers , overheating, inconsistent power supply etc. paying so much is bad enough as it is .
but when its done you definitely get a superior product.which is kind of expected but thats that. i can plug in any controller i want, games are way cheaper and my setup absolutely shreds everything i throw at it and im fairly certain neo and scorpio wont even come close to touching it in performance.
that said, theres a caveat, i spent f**** 1800 bucks on it all and its shit load of money to be spending just on games.
consoles to me are still a far more convenient option and for anyone who doesnt have an excessive amount of money to spare. very few jobs in the world justify having 32gb ram/ i6600k/gtx1080 so dont give me that.
ive spent so much and the damn thing is still missing a blu ray player which i can find in a cheap ass console. a decent one will knock me down further by 150 bucks(which can get me a ps3,the best damn media player for that price+tons of games).

tl;dr
i agree,
pc gaming is great but still no more approachable , especially compared to consoles.

+ Show (10) more repliesLast reply 3608d ago
ZeroX98763608d ago (Edited 3608d ago )

console owners pay for simplicity and ease of setup. The reason why PC gaming isn't attractive to them is ESPECIALLY because extra work is needed. If you take the shortcut and buy a Gaming PC from a renowned manufacturer, you'll pay the price.

The day when you'll be able to buy a PC pre-build, under $600, that garantee running everygame released for it for the next 5-7 years and that you plug it press power and it works, then maybe you'll see some console gamers switch to PC. Also, no need to upgrade anything by yourself.

kneon3608d ago

I typically build a new PC every 18-36 months. I have been building PCs for about the last 30 years and used to own a company that built custom high-end PCs.

I game almost exclusively on console as I just can't be bothered with the hassles of PCs. I'm on my PCs all day long, when it comes time to game I shut them all off and just turn on the PS4. I'm playing in seconds and don't have to bother with driver updates or reading the "how to fix ..." articles for the latest game.

ninjazfistz3608d ago (Edited 3608d ago )

There are so many places that manufacture full PCs under 600 but aren't really high end (higher than console, but over 600 dollars have true gamer rigs). Ibuypower, cyberpc, syber, zotac, alienware, tigerdirect(and piece the kit together) (hate to say it but they aren't actually too pricey for what they offer)

Use pcpartpicker.com as well to compile your purchase and it shows compatibility

uth113608d ago

The market is really moving in the opposite direction, towards simpler tech. Back in the 90s and early 00s everybody asked me to build them a PC. Nowadays people would rather just have a MacBook and smartphone and be done. The only people who seem to still like PCs anymore are hardcore gamers.

The poor overall PC sales show everyone else is moving in the opposite direction.

My long term prediction is PCs get replaced by some kind of ARM-based workstations. This is where the economies of scale are today,not Intel. We already see lots of hobbyist devices appearing like the Raspberry Pi, and they are getting more and more powerful very quickly.. in the 70s and 80s the hobbyists were the early adaptors in the microcomputer and PC area, and today they are with these tiny single board computers. History repeats. Don't be shocked if in 10 years they are powerful and mainstream and the PC looks like the clunky giant mini computer of yesteryear.

hangdang3608d ago

I do a new one every 4-5 years. I generally re-sell my GPU every two years and then put the money to a newer model. I upgraded the RAM in my last PC, but it was dirt cheap to go from 6GB to 16 so I did it.

conanlifts3608d ago

As i said above i bought a pre built gaming pc and it was as cheap as buying all the parts together. Having said that i waited until there was a 20% off sale, otherwise it would have cost me around 20% more than building it myself. It can be done, but you just need to buy at the right time.

s45gr323608d ago

Frys has a PC gaming building department. Yes a Frys employee will gladly guide you into building your dream gaming PC.

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ninsigma3608d ago

"they say that anyone can build a PC"
Anyone CAN build a PC. They just have to research first. Did you know how to setup a console/ any machine the first time you ever did it?? Or did you read the manual (i.e research)??

kneon3608d ago

If they were willing to put in some effort then yes, anyone can build a PC. But many people are intimidated by anything more complicated than plugging it into the wall and so won't even try.

ninsigma3608d ago

And that's their choice if they want. I've no problem with that. but they shouldn't go around making it out to be a monument ousted task.

ninjazfistz3608d ago

It's called watch a youtube video or use search engines. Or ask a friend who knows computers. Everybody knows a tech-head

Mrveryodd3608d ago

try it with one arm...lol

3608d ago
Dee_913608d ago

Anybody can learn quantum mechanics
Anybody can learn metaphysics
Anybody can learn rocket science
but aint nobody got fo dat

Deadpooled3608d ago

@Dee_91 you forgot to add reaction engineering ;)

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Ysmir67233608d ago

What you listed i know since 10.These are piece of cake for children.The things that anyone on pc MUST know,especially for difficult tasks,which are so vastly more difficult that knowing cpu,gpu...,require so much reading,practicing and patience to master.Go learn 15 1200 page books in university about all kinds of pc functions,hardware and software if you likw.Its all worth it for the big salary.

Scatpants3608d ago

All I did was get A+ and Network+ certifications and I started to get job offers, and those are relatively easy to study for. If you get some of the more complicated CISCO certifications you can get some good money though.

Ysmir67233607d ago

@Scatpants I use linkedin for job offers.Got my first job from learning wordpress and joomla.

kevnb3608d ago

in the Information Age its actually pretty easy. there really isn't that much hardware variation in gaming hardware that people actually buy, as long as you don't get confused and buy server hardware or something you should be fine with the help of a few YouTube videos.

Scatpants3608d ago

Everything usually only fits one place. Usually the only thing you have to worry about buying parts is if your processor has the right socket type for your motherboard. It's really much easier than it seems.

Scatpants3608d ago

None of it is really all that complicated though.

Big_Game_Hunters3608d ago

@all your comments
I guess if you are a dumbass i can see some of that being a problem. fortunately most of us have a brain. Did your father never teach you how to use a screwdriver lol?

ProjectVulcan3608d ago

Luckily the PC community is the best around. If you want to learn and build a machine, then find a good forum and ask questions. Tomshardware one example. There are countless friendly people that will do everything they can to help you out! Of course it takes a bit more effort and time to accomplish but it's really not rocket science. A PC all fits together like a puzzle, clicking and screwing, it's not like you'll be soldering, using wire diagrams or welding or anything too technical lol.

If you don't have the time or willingness to learn then don't do it.

Loktai3608d ago (Edited 3608d ago )

Console gaming has always been easier but... for the most part the market for pc gaming is expanding and not shrinking... things are much easier than they used to be. Steam makes it even simpler on the software side. .. I have a place in my living room for a console and a place in my office and "cave" for a PC , either gaming or gaming CAPABLE ... meaning lower end games in the case of my laptop.

For the most part a store bought PC with an upgraded graphics card will play games very well, custom builds are for those who want to squeeze out that last bit of power or game in 4k at 60+fps... for that kind of person the hurdle of building a PC is a low one.

Psychotica3608d ago

I just research what the best components are that I can afford and take them down to my local PC shop and pay them $100 to install everything. That way if they fry the motherboard or anything else they pay for it and I don't lose a thing.

Death3608d ago

You are partially correct. There is a minimum amount of intelligence required for PC gaming. It's not quite as easy as consoles, but not overwhelming for many people. If you are technically challenged or fear things different, you can always buy a gaming pc instead.

iggsta3o53608d ago

https://www.youtube.com/wat...
11 Year old builds PC. If a 5 year old can be guided in building a PC then anyone older with an IQ above 80 should have no issue with the amount of tutorials on Youtube

hangdang3608d ago

PC Part Picker kind of took care of the "ohh what parts do I buy because you appartently need to be in a constant cycle of upgrading. If you can follow simple instructions and diagrams, or follow walkthrough vidoes, you can build a PC. I built one when I was 15 because I knew how to read instructions. Any idiot can build a PC because it's simple

conanlifts3608d ago

Although i purchased a lenovo gaming pc about 6 months ago with good specs for a great price. All i did was wait until my local chainstore had a 20% off sale. When i worked out the best price i could get each component for it was no cheaper than buying a pre built pc in a sale. So there isnt necessarily any need to build it from scratch.

RedDevils3608d ago (Edited 3608d ago )

You sound like building a PC is a rocket science lol, the only thing is building PC is time consuming but certainly not complicated.

UltimateMaster3607d ago

A guy came to my store and asked me for a gaming PC.
"Cool, what kind of specs and hardware do you want it in." I asked.
"I don't know."
I've asked what kind of graphics card and he didn't even knew what an NVIDIA or Radeon was.
These type of people should stay away from PC gaming as you are more than likely do something you were not supposed to do even when you do buy them pre-built. They won't know their specs or if it is capable of handling their game.
Other smarter people can handle it, I know the strength of the graphics card and what kind of build I am going to make, but don't think spending 800$ will give you a godly PC, you'll need to spend at least 1200$ for something worthwhile.

Death3607d ago

So a guy goes into a gun store and says he needs a gun. The clerk asks what caliber? Customer doesn't know. Then the clerk asks if he wants a revolver or semi automatic? Customer just looks at him confused. Obviously the customer doesn't know much about guns and would be dangerous with one. Finally the store clerk asks what he needs a gun for. The customer replies, mostly for spraying primer.

Perhaps you could have stopped asking the questions your customer didn't know and ask what games he wanted to play.

Just a thought.

+ Show (13) more repliesLast reply 3607d ago
Axonometri3609d ago

Sorry, that is really absurd. There are many ways for a new builder to get help matching components. If that is still not in your realm of a new build.. contact me, we will build one for you.

Hoffmann3609d ago

I think someone has to be retarded to be unable to get a gaming pc together or to be able to buy one.

nitus103608d ago

The key words here are. "to be able to buy one".

No matter if you build the PC yourself, buy/pick the parts and get it assembled or just go out and buy a prebuilt one you are still going to have to pay.

While people with some technical knowledge can easy build or get built a PC the majority of people can not, so they would fall into the category of "buy a prebuilt one" assuming, they wanted a gaming PC in the first place.

Scatpants3608d ago

Have you met average people though? They're dumb.

hangdang3608d ago (Edited 3608d ago )

Yea, so? I was a dumb 15 year old when I did it for the first time. It's literally a case of following instructions. Know which piece of hardware goes in which place on the MB, and then read the instructions on how to install everything

Scatpants3608d ago (Edited 3608d ago )

@hangdang No, I mean they're really dumb. They can't learn things or read things or research things. They lack the inquisitiveness, motivation and creativity to do it. They're like NPCs in the real world.

Dee_913608d ago

@Axonometri
I have a $850 budget.
Help me build a rig.

DLConspiracy3609d ago

You learn as you go and if you don't know you learn or pay someone to teach you or do it for you. There are plenty of people you can pay to make you one or just ask a PC friend to help you. They love doing it. That's about as hard as it gets. Once you have done that you play games and lots of them. I think it's not as hard as people make it seem, but there are so many places you can hire to do it for you. I suggest people sit down with someone that knows this stuff and tell them what you want to do on your computer. Then how much you want to spend. You can buy the parts separately and put it together or like I've said pay a company to put it together for a little bit more.

3609d ago
SteamPowered3608d ago

PC gaming is worth the initial frustrations. Once you do learn the basics of CPU, MOBO, HDD, GPU, you have those skills in your pocket for life.
Its like many things in life, the more you put in, the more you get out.

wonderfulmonkeyman3608d ago

" the more you put in, the more you get out."
#Lennywashere

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70°

Microsoft Gaming Revenue Drops 7% Year-on-Year, Content and Services Down 5%, Xbox Hardware Down 33%

Microsoft announced its financial results for Q3 of fiscal year 2026, including an update on its gaming Xbox business and more.

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simulationdaily.com
Jin_Sakai29d ago (Edited 29d ago )

Not looking good. Hopefully Asha Sharma is able to turn Phil’s disaster around.

dveio29d ago

To me it's still quite remarkable how they can cash-in 5.3bn in revenue in a single quarter, since their hardware is basically dead.

Jingsing29d ago

The stock mark is what makes Microsoft remarkable, They have convinced every institutional and retail investor to just keep piling money into them. Like many big tech giants they are just a big growing pyramid scheme. As long as people keep dropping money into ETF's that cover the market Microsoft will always be liquid. At the same time it is completely stifling innovation and competition. People need to start being more discreet in how they invest their money as it's killing the system.

Tanktopmaster9229d ago

Once they re-evaluate exclusive all will be fine….

S2Killinit29d ago

Riiiiight because people will just flock back to them for one or two games per year.

Jingsing29d ago

15+ years of bad performance is what they call irreparable in business. It is time for them to sell off the assets and get out of entertainment.

Tanktopmaster9229d ago

These declines are on the back of extra revenue received from releasing games like Forza horizon 5 on PlayStation. So I’m being sarcastic here when I said they should go back to exclusives. Killing off a revenue stream from Ps5 sales will only make things worse

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50°

Report: Injustice 3 in Development at NetherRealm Studios

Thanks to the slip-up of an artist working on the title, we now have more evidence that a new Injustice game is in the works.

80°

Playstation Plus Monthly Games for May: EA Sports FC 26, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, Nine Sols

All available May 5.

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blog.playstation.com
FPSRUSSIA29d ago

What's Point in commenting your basicly closing down the site.

LiViNgLeGaCY29d ago

I'm surprised it's still the old site. I thought he said starting today?

Eonjay29d ago

Its like the final episode of the Sapranos. You gonna go to make a comment and when you click add th-

Profchaos29d ago

Timezone thing maybe.... RIP

darthv7229d ago

Insert the Ferris Bueller end scene... "You're still here? It's over.."

LiViNgLeGaCY29d ago

I think the only game here for me is Nine Sols. Was always interested in that game.

TheColbertinator29d ago

Glad I don't buy FIFA games anymore

Rebel_Scum29d ago

Hey now! Thats a great month.

Nacho_Z29d ago

Good month for me, I wanted that particular footy game and thought it might be due. Anyway who cares, shame about the site I'll miss the comment sections. All the best everyone.

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