PC Gaming Misconceptions?

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I have a friend of mine that plays BF3 obsessively and hes been trying to get me to play with him. Problem is he refuses to game on a PC and I refuse to game on a console. The graphics difference is night and day to me compared to the PC.

In addition I cannot stand playing FPS on an Xbox360 controller. The precision and control you have with a KB+M combo is light years from a controller. Yuck!
 
Biggest difference between a console and a computer, in my opinion, is the social aspect of it. I'm not talking sitting in my living room playing online with others either.

I'm talking when I have friends over and we're all a few drinks in and decide to massacre each other in whatever fps is brought over at the time. Can't do this on my computer.

To me, that is the only time that a console will surpass my computer.
 
Biggest difference between a console and a computer, in my opinion, is the social aspect of it. I'm not talking sitting in my living room playing online with others either.

I'm talking when I have friends over and we're all a few drinks in and decide to massacre each other in whatever fps is brought over at the time. Can't do this on my computer.

To me, that is the only time that a console will surpass my computer.

Not quite true. All you need to do is hook up your PC to the TV. The Microsoft Wireless receiver for Xbox controllers will let you use up to 4 controllers on the PC.

However, and this is big a big "however", PC games tend to eschew split-screen gaming whereas on consoles the feature is included almost by default.

Fortunately, I am seeing more and more PC games offering the split-screen feature.
 
I have a friend of mine that plays BF3 obsessively and hes been trying to get me to play with him. Problem is he refuses to game on a PC and I refuse to game on a console. The graphics difference is night and day to me compared to the PC.

In addition I cannot stand playing FPS on an Xbox360 controller. The precision and control you have with a KB+M combo is light years from a controller. Yuck!

This is the deal breaker for me as well. I'm a die hard FPS gamer,and the console makers incomprehensible decision not to include true KB/M support and inferior graphics make consoles a no go for me. And you can't play all the user mods out there on a console.
 
This is the deal breaker for me as well. I'm a die hard FPS gamer,and the console makers incomprehensible decision not to include true KB/M support and inferior graphics make consoles a no go for me. And you can't play all the user mods out there on a console.

User mods are a big WIN for PC gaming.
 
Not quite true. All you need to do is hook up your PC to the TV. The Microsoft Wireless receiver for Xbox controllers will let you use up to 4 controllers on the PC.

However, and this is big a big "however", PC games tend to eschew split-screen gaming whereas on consoles the feature is included almost by default.

Fortunately, I am seeing more and more PC games offering the split-screen feature.

True, I will give you that. Not to throw this off topic but wouldn't that kill the performance of the game on a PC? Seeing as the console would be optimized for split screen, chances are the PC version would be optimized for a single player. Unless like you said, its been developed specifically for split screens? I've never done any split screen gaming on a computer before.

Back on topic... looking at the accessories for a computer. Mouse/KB, head set/speakers, throttle/joystick, all could be had relatively cheaply. Buying new accessories for the 360 can cost an arm and a leg, with new controllers costing as much as a new game. Throw in the headset and keyboard to the controller to up that as well. Not to mention the microsoft points that are just a downright ripoff.

With 360 games starting at 60 bucks, I can just as easily pick up multiple games off the steam sales and various other dealer deals and gain that much more game time from all of them opposed to just a single game.

$300 for a new xbox 360.
$240 for 4 controllers.
$20 for the headset.
$30 for the keyboard.
$50 for 4000 MS points. (measly 80 points per dollar)

$640 bucks.

Start throwing in the DLC and the crap that you can purchase with the ms points and that cost just starts to climb more and more.

Same investment and you could buy a pretty decent gaming pc that will knock the socks off the 360. Not to mention buying the PC is a single investment that you can upgrade. The next gen consoles, time to rebuy everything (probably).
 
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If you're living on minimum wage you can afford a cheap PC if you want to. You might skip buying the Buffy the Vampire Slayer box set that month, but you can afford it. PC gaming has become more affordable over the years and the games surely are cheaper than console. Even the console only crowd can get into the games as they support their favorite controller by default.

Only reason to complain about PC Gaming being too expensive is if you don't want to save for the initial entry onto the platform. Even if you're just getting a PC for college, making sure it has a decent video chipset or spare PCI Express is all you need for upfront costs. Toss in a below $100 video card at a later date and you're fine.

LOL have you tried actually living on minimum wage? I doubt even consoles are in that realm of existence (if you're actually trying to live out on your own on that wage).
 
LOL at people saying you can play games today on a PC that is 7 years old. You start running into problems at about 4 years WHY? Because devs to not optimize for all the hardware combinations out there, shit there are compatibility issues with NEW hardware in NEW games sometimes. If it was so easy then why am I on my SECOND RMA for my 670? It is the hassles that come with PC gaming period.

The market is also moving more and more to laptops over desktops for computer needs.

I have a friend of mine that plays BF3 obsessively and hes been trying to get me to play with him. Problem is he refuses to game on a PC and I refuse to game on a console. The graphics difference is night and day to me compared to the PC.

In addition I cannot stand playing FPS on an Xbox360 controller. The precision and control you have with a KB+M combo is light years from a controller. Yuck!

Strawman argument... Yes if you put a KB/M VS a Controller it would win, but when you play on a console everyone has a controller. Don't be mad because some 12 year old finished his homework early and stuck his M320 in your eye.

All of these points about graphics and cost are WAY off the mark. If has to do with gaming from the couch on the big screen having a good time. Blah Blah yes you can hook up your console to the big screen, but you can't go online to play some COD or BF3 with your controller because it is not a fair environment.

You guys seem to think that the average joe would know how (or want to know how) to buy a pc and slap a video card in it.
 
LOL at people saying you can play games today on a PC that is 7 years old. You start running into problems at about 4 years WHY? Because devs to not optimize for all the hardware combinations out there, shit there are compatibility issues with NEW hardware in NEW games sometimes. If it was so easy then why am I on my SECOND RMA for my 670? It is the hassles that come with PC gaming period.

The market is also moving more and more to laptops over desktops for computer needs.



Strawman argument... Yes if you put a KB/M VS a Controller it would win, but when you play on a console everyone has a controller. Don't be mad because some 12 year old finished his homework early and stuck his M320 in your eye.

All of these points about graphics and cost are WAY off the mark. If has to do with gaming from the couch on the big screen having a good time. Blah Blah yes you can hook up your console to the big screen, but you can't go online to play some COD or BF3 with your controller because it is not a fair environment.

You guys seem to think that the average joe would know how (or want to know how) to buy a pc and slap a video card in it.


Relax and please look up the definition of Strawman argument. I wasn't attacking my friends choice to play on consoles and ironically YOU are misrepresenting my comments which IS a strawman argument.

My point just to clarify is that my friend prefers an Xbox 360 controller and I prefer a KB+M control scheme. I can honestly not give a rats ass if some 12 year old puts a M320 in my eye. I don't play games to beat 12 year olds at BF3. I play games on PC because I love the KB+M controls AND the overall better graphics.

Borderlands 2 is one great example. I prefer to buy it on PC because of the controls AND the enhanced graphics. My buddy is getting it on Xbox 360 which judging from the game play videos is graphically gimped.

In conclusion, not sure why you needed to refute me when I wasn't attacking anybody, just stating a preference in controls and graphics.

PS: If you are on your second RMA I feel for you buddy but many others here still have 4-5 year old video cards still running strong. Maybe change vendors?
 
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why are we comparing the two?

console gaming is obviously the more inexpensive choice and its less expensive for a reason.
$300 for a new xbox 360.
$240 for 4 controllers.
$20 for the headset.
$30 for the keyboard.
$50 for 4000 MS points. (measly 80 points per dollar)

$640 bucks.

Start throwing in the DLC and the crap that you can purchase with the ms points and that cost just starts to climb more and more.


somebody above prices the xbox360 at 640$ doesnt a 360 come with a controller and a headset? and who the fuck buys four controllers? retarded.


honestly a good computer is probably around 1000. maybe 800 at the least.

800$ goes a long ways right now in terms of a computer, but whether you think it or not 800$ is a lot of money even 250$ is a lot for VIDEO GAMES. cause really thats what were talking about here.


PC gaming is way more expensive and generally yields way more benefits.. better visuals, frame rates, resolutions, overall quality is better on a PC. consoles are an excellent option for those that spend a lot less time gaming and a lot more time in some sunlight. gaming on a computer is generally more geared towards the heavy game players
 
I can pick up a controller or KB/M and not care. Never saw the big deal people have. Guess I'm some sort of mutant.
 
I can pick up a controller or KB/M and not care. Never saw the big deal people have. Guess I'm some sort of mutant.

they both are just different. god knows i wouldnt play nhl 13 on the PC that would be terrible.
 
I think the question of which is more expensive is silly, as it's not like the difference between a Toyota and a 7 series BMW, the fact is, the total cost of ownership will probably be greater on the PC, depending on what configuration you chose etc, but I put together a strong but not over the top box in 2008{4yrs ago], then only after 3 yrs did I upgrade the GPU and HDD for approx $270.

I bet you it'll still kicksass with the F1 2012 demo which I'll be trying shortly, and could last me another 12 months or more{at least for me}.

Thing is, back in 2008, I was 1080p everything, including Crysis and Metro{but neither were fully maxed, but both looked fine}, so I've proper 1080p for years, and also have control of my FPS both ways, ie, if I want to upgrade my GPU, I can and double the frames.

My PC also controls my 26in PC LCD and 1080p HDTV, I also have G27 racing wheel and Logitech Z5500's, a HDTV capture card plus a ton of external HDD's, IOW, a powerful and versatile system.

As for games not working etc, sure there's problems from time to time, but so what, when it works, it's 1080p 30-150 FPS or more if I want.

You don't have to buy the most expensive anything, especially a GPU, for example, a 7850 would serve most people well for now, with another upgrade down the line.

I saw Shift2 on PS3, and it was godawful, especially as it's a real looker on PC, so it's not like there's just a modest difference, plus, I can't imagine racing games at a ridiculous 30FPS, that's obscene.
 
#1 misconception from non-gaming & console gaming people...

PC gaming is going to die tomorrow

This is a definite falsehood that just won't go away but most of us know that PC gaming is a resilient morphing beast.

This times 1,000,000. If it wasn't for the raw power of the PC, we'd be stuck with console quality graphics. No thank you.
 
they both are just different. god knows i wouldnt play nhl 13 on the PC that would be terrible.

Or, you could just hook in a controller to your PC and enjoy smooth framerates, high resolution, and all the other benefits, with the exact same interface for controlling the gameplay :rolleyes:.
 
why are we comparing the two?

console gaming is obviously the more inexpensive choice and its less expensive for a reason.

honestly a good computer is probably around 1000. maybe 800 at the least.

800$ goes a long ways right now in terms of a computer, but whether you think it or not 800$ is a lot of money even 250$ is a lot for VIDEO GAMES. cause really thats what were talking about here.

We're comparing the two because we want to have a discussion.

Console gaming is not less expensive, as I've demonstrated already in prior posts.

A good computer does not cost 800-1000, and most people already own one just as they own a tv, so you can't particularly factor the cost of the base into the cost of the gaming parts. Really, all most computers need is a video card to become "gaming ready", just as a TV just needs a console to be able to play games.

800 buys you a top-end computer, or just about, for single-card gaming if you look around for deals on the parts. $250 isn't a lot for VIDEO GAMES, they are a hobby just like any other: your mileage and investment wants will vary, and so will your fun and involvement with it.
 
Or, you could just hook in a controller to your PC and enjoy smooth framerates, high resolution, and all the other benefits, with the exact same interface for controlling the gameplay :rolleyes:.

Haha, add that to the list of PC Gaming misconceptions.

"PC Gaming sucks for sports games because of the KB/M."
 
Yep... I use a 360 controller to enjoy Street Fighter 4, racing games, platformers, etc. with all the benefits of the PC. Plug and play, no drivers even needed, for Windows 7 :p.
 
There's one main dilemma I have with PC gaming, and I've heard it echoed from others as well.

I've spent the last 4 years working from home. Right in front of my gaming PC. After the work day is over. I don't want to sit in front of this fucking computer anymore. I'd imagine some of you's who sit in front of a PC all day at work in the office might share similar feelings.
 
We're comparing the two because we want to have a discussion.

Console gaming is not less expensive, as I've demonstrated already in prior posts.

A good computer does not cost 800-1000, and most people already own one just as they own a tv, so you can't particularly factor the cost of the base into the cost of the gaming parts. Really, all most computers need is a video card to become "gaming ready", just as a TV just needs a console to be able to play games.

800 buys you a top-end computer, or just about, for single-card gaming if you look around for deals on the parts. $250 isn't a lot for VIDEO GAMES, they are a hobby just like any other: your mileage and investment wants will vary, and so will your fun and involvement with it.


build me a computer that can play games with as much detail and a frame rate of 30fps as a console for 250.

you cant. its less expensive what are you even arguing hahahaha

my friend just built a computer without a GPU and it was 650. thats without a graphics card

do you really thing most household computers only need a video card in order to play video games? when is the last time you were in somebodies house that wasnt yours?
 
build me a computer that can play games with as much detail and a frame rate of 30fps as a console for 250.

you cant. its less expensive what are you even arguing hahahaha

my friend just built a computer without a GPU and it was 650. thats without a graphics card

do you really thing most household computers only need a video card in order to play video games? when is the last time you were in somebodies house that wasnt yours?

Who said I need to build one? And a console costs 300+, if you're including online play.
http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1039118505&postcount=22

You can easily build a 300-dollar computer that will meet console graphics, unless you're just buying stuff off the shelf at marked-up prices @ bestbuy. I'm not going to bother doing it for you, this is common knowledge.

My "friend" just built a computer with a GPU for 50 dollars! WOAH!!!!!!! Well, that's about all your statement there is worth.

Yes, actually, most modern computers in households only need a video card slapped in to manage decent-good gameplay, while still exceeding consoles. Nice snide little remark there, but I don't care.... have fun repeating "hahaha" to yourself :).
 
The PC always has been the superior platform.

I actually wrote a piece on it not long ago: http://www.examiner.com/article/why-the-pc-is-still-king-of-the-hill?cid=db_articles (hopefully its OK to link it, I see other articles linked when relevant to the discussion. If it isnt I apologize and wont be offended if it's removed)

There's also one thing I left out of that article - mods. The modding community for games like Oblivion, Skyrim, STALKER, Flight Simulator, etc is amazing and IMO one of the biggest reasons that I'll ALWAYS prefer a PC. We have a Wii to play as a family, and it can be fun, but a console doesnt come close to what a PC can do or how good a PC game can look. Maybe someday they'll catch up but right now in my mind there's no contest.
 
We're comparing the two because we want to have a discussion.

Console gaming is not less expensive, as I've demonstrated already in prior posts.

A good computer does not cost 800-1000, and most people already own one just as they own a tv, so you can't particularly factor the cost of the base into the cost of the gaming parts. Really, all most computers need is a video card to become "gaming ready", just as a TV just needs a console to be able to play games.

800 buys you a top-end computer, or just about, for single-card gaming if you look around for deals on the parts. $250 isn't a lot for VIDEO GAMES, they are a hobby just like any other: your mileage and investment wants will vary, and so will your fun and involvement with it.


oh and then you have to put it together. not everybody is as knowledgable as the all knowing GT. especially when it comes to what MMOs to play ;)

seriously though i know a ton of people with 360s. most of them dont understand why would i pay way over double the price for a computer that plays most of the same games i can play. they take it out of a box and they play it right away theres no work involved. its simple and cheap and makes sense.video games isnt a hobby dude its not like woodworking or playing a sport. this is entertainment. sorry but if somebody tells me watching TV is a hobby ima laugh at them because they are handicapped.

anyways. obviously most of us enjoy the benefits of having a computer capable of producing significant benefits over console gaming. but it comes at a price. not to mention you buy a 360 and it lasts way longer. the xbox came out in what 05? try and use a computer from 05.. it definitely will not play bf3
 
oh and then you have to put it together. not everybody is as knowledgable as the all knowing GT. especially when it comes to what MMOs to play ;)

Who said anything about putting together a pre-built Lenovo laptop? :rolleyes:

EDIT: Oh and yes, it is clear you aren't anywhere near as knowledgeable, but I think that was pretty obvious already.
 
its simple and cheap and makes sense.video games isnt a hobby dude its not like woodworking or playing a sport. this is entertainment. sorry but if somebody tells me watching TV is a hobby ima laugh at them because they are handicapped.

Wait, so you're telling me Dungeons & Dragons or Magic the Gathering, comic-book collecting, etc. aren't hobbies then? Because videogames are just electronic versions of those, for many titles in the RPG genre ;). Please, think a little. Gaming is definitely a hobby, just as racing dirtbike quads is.
 
Wait, so you're telling me Dungeons & Dragons or Magic the Gathering, comic-book collecting, etc. aren't hobbies then? Because videogames are just electroninc versions of those, for many titles in the RPG genre ;). Please, think a little.


are you saying playing a card game is the same as playing a video game of a card game? yeah man im the one that needs to think haha.

i actually played the steam one its nothing like playing the cards, collecting and building decks etc.

fail


Who said anything about putting together a pre-built Lenovo laptop? :rolleyes:

EDIT: Oh and yes, it is clear you aren't anywhere near as knowledgeable, but I think that was pretty obvious already.

somebody is still mad about that TSW lifetime membership haha




BTW most people aren't camping hardforums for hotdeals. sorry but you are minority.
 
are you saying playing a card game is the same as playing a video game of a card game? yeah man im the one that needs to think haha.

i actually played the steam one its nothing like playing the cards, collecting and building decks etc.

fail

somebody is still mad about that TSW lifetime membership haha

BTW most people aren't camping hardforums for hotdeals. sorry but you are minority.

I'm trying to find your point in here?
 
video games isnt a hobby dude its not like woodworking or playing a sport. this is entertainment.

For some people it's very much like a hobby. One can spend a lot of time and money on gaming and actually can develop knowledge and skills. If one is a PC gamer and builds gaming rigs how is that really any different than someone spending time and money and gaining knowledge working on cars or boats or stamps or model trains?

For console gamers it's obviously different as they don't generally spend the time dealing with hardware but even then there are skills that many hardcore console gamers gain over time in playing games. Gaming certainly isn't a passive entertainment like watching TV.
 
Oh, and just to show a quick example build there:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819106001 AMD A8-3870K cpu w/ Radeon 6550D GPU $99 after coupon code (AMDfastpitch)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130641 motherboard fm1 chipset mATX $49
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226288 mushkin 2x4GB = 8GB total ddr3-1600 ram $38
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352009 fractal design core 1000 case $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126097 logitech mk120 keyboard/mouse $18
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371030 antec 520w PSU $45 (after coupon code CollegeSave10)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148697 1tb Seagate 7200RPM HDD $70

Total: 359. Total time taken on newegg: about 7 minutes. Gaming experience: far superior, and you get a computer out of the bargain that can do a lot more stuff than just game ;).

EDIT: Another quick build but intel-based/costlier and faster:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116406 Intel SandyBridge dual-core 2.7ghz Pentium G630 $66
http://www.amazon.com/EAH6670-DIS-1GD5-Radeon-128-bit/dp/B004X8EODY/ Radeon 6670 GDDR5 $90 minus 10 dollar rebate = 80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128543 1155 Z77 Gigabyte motherboard with free 8GB DDR3 1600 (2x 4GB) RAM as a combo item $110
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147073 Rosewill full ATX case $30+12ship = 42
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126097 logitech mk120 keyboard/mouse $18
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371030 antec 520w PSU $45 (after coupon code CollegeSave10)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148697 1tb Seagate 7200RPM HDD $70
----431 total



Oh, and if you don't know how to build, you can keep an eye out for a nice laptop like this: http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1039118505&postcount=22
GoldenTiger said:
I bought this laptop for $335 shipped off of the Lenovo outlet on a hot deal at the end of May:

Model 086264U Y570 w/ quad-core i7 2670qm + gt555m 1gb gddr5 + 750gb hdd + 8gb ddr3 + usb3+esata ports, 15.4" 1366x768 screen & dvdrw drive + mSATA slot for SSD (installable alongside the HDD)

That sucker plays BattleField 3 @ 35-40fps on almost fully medium settings in 64-player conquest matches online.

Xbox 360 with hard drive: http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-250GB-Console/dp/B005YR1VP2/ $300 . For online play, another $40-50 for an annual Xbox Live Gold card, bringing the total to the same as the PC pretty much.
 
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If you could play online with a controller and not get insta gibbed by KB/M you might have a point... but you still are stuck at a desk playing games... feels like work to a lot of people.

Again the debat isn't about price, it is about experience and functionality... For most people that falls to console.
 
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If you could play online with a controller and not get insta gibbed by KB/M you might have a point... but you still are stuck at a desk playing games... feels like work to a lot of people.

Again the debat isn't about price, it is about experience and functionality... For most people that falls to console.

HDMI port into a TV, and a tray table with the keyboard/mouse wireless instead of wired (about the same price). Problem solved.

And yes, the debate that guy was putting out was about price. However, as I said, most people own a TV and a computer, so adding a console ($350 x360 with online play) to their TV, vs. a $100 video card to their existing computer... the computer's cheaper. And they have better graphics, framerate, resolution, etc.
 
HDMI port into a TV, and a tray table with the keyboard/mouse wireless instead of wired (about the same price). Problem solved.

Sitting kicked back with a controller >>>>> than trying to rig up some sort of tray that is going to be akward anyway.

Common you don't have an argument here.
 
Sitting kicked back with a controller >>>>> than trying to rig up some sort of tray that is going to be akward anyway.

Common you don't have an argument here.

It doesn't have to be awkward, there's some nice trays out there, any number of ways to set this up, but sure, it's not a casual as just using a controller on a couch. But to knock the PC for casual gaming with a controller because you'd get ripped by people with keyboards and mice isn't so much a knock on the PC as much as it's a statement of inferior console controllers for competitive gaming.
 
For some people it's very much like a hobby. One can spend a lot of time and money on gaming and actually can develop knowledge and skills. If one is a PC gamer and builds gaming rigs how is that really any different than someone spending time and money and gaining knowledge working on cars or boats or stamps or model trains?

For console gamers it's obviously different as they don't generally spend the time dealing with hardware but even then there are skills that many hardcore console gamers gain over time in playing games. Gaming certainly isn't a passive entertainment like watching TV.

i never said anything about building rigs. have you ever seen the worklogs on [H]. now that is a hobby! no doubt!

video games? thats not a hobby. watching movies? thats not a hobby? eating a pretzel? naw son.. not a hobby.
 
Sitting kicked back with a controller >>>>> than trying to rig up some sort of tray that is going to be akward anyway.

Common you don't have an argument here.

You do realize the PC has controllers also right? I use a wired xbox 360 controller on my PC for specific games, just like I use a steering wheel/pedal setup for specific games and my kb/mouse for other games.
 
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