gaming rig Archives

AppWizard

April 27, 2025

I spent $3,000 on a PC only to play a $20 game. I have zero regrets

Building a personal computer can be expensive, especially with high-end graphics cards. The tendency to overspend, driven by fear of missing out (FOMO), can lead to exceeding budget constraints. The author initially set a budget of ,000 but ended up spending ,000 on a PC primarily for gaming. After upgrading from an Nvidia GTX 1060 to an RTX 4080, the author found that despite the powerful setup, their most-played game was the inexpensive Spelunky 2, which they played for over 600 hours, while high-profile games remained unfinished. The author reflects that a more modest setup could have sufficed and questions whether the extra spending on top-tier components was truly necessary.

AppWizard

March 8, 2025

Why is PC gaming so expensive? A lesson from Hideo Kojima

PC gaming requires significant financial investment, with high-end components like the Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU costing nearly three times that of a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S. Many PC games suffer from bugs and performance issues, as developers often neglect optimization for the platform. Hideo Kojima is noted for producing well-optimized PC ports, exemplified by Metal Gear Solid V, which runs smoothly on modest hardware despite being nearly a decade old. In contrast, newer titles like Monster Hunter Wilds have struggled with performance. The reliance on AI upscaling technologies, such as Nvidia’s DLSS and AMD’s FSR, has not compensated for poor game design, leading to player frustration. Developers often rush game releases to meet profit targets, prioritizing financial gain over quality, which has resulted in a demand for better standards in game development. Gamers expect high-quality experiences that justify their investment, and there is a call for patience in the release of polished titles.

AppWizard

March 4, 2025

Expensive hardware and poor optimization has PC gaming in a dangerous place

PC gaming is facing challenges as the costs of high-performance hardware rise, making it less accessible compared to consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, which offer similar capabilities at lower prices. The trend of releasing unpolished games has led to performance issues for PC gamers, further diminishing the appeal of PC gaming. As the disparity in gaming experiences between PCs and consoles grows, the need for PC gaming to become more accessible to a broader audience is becoming critical for its future viability.

AppWizard

February 27, 2025

PC Gamer magazine’s new issue is on sale now: inZOI

PC Gamer features an exclusive look at the life simulation game inZOI, developed by Krafton, which aims to compete with The Sims. Game director Hyungjun Kim discusses the game's character creator, narrative, and gameplay mechanics, including AI-controlled NPCs. The issue also includes a review of Civilization 7, a retrospective on the series since its 1991 debut, and a preview of Doom: The Dark Ages, which focuses on ground-based combat in a medieval setting. Additionally, the reviews section covers various titles, and the tech team builds a high-performance gaming rig with the GeForce RTX 5090. The issue highlights new gaming experiences from Japan and is available in print and digital formats.

AppWizard

February 23, 2025

The Best VR Headsets for PC Gaming

In virtual reality, high-quality VR headsets paired with robust gaming PCs enhance the immersive experience, with most top-tier VR games benefiting from superior PC graphics and performance. The best VR headsets for PC include: 1. Valve Index: - Resolution: 1440x1600 per eye - Refresh Rate: 120Hz (144Hz experimental) - Field of View: 130° - Tracking: 6DoF - Weight: 1.79 lbs 2. Meta Quest 3S: - Resolution: 1832x1920 per eye - Refresh Rate: 120Hz - Field of View: 90° - Tracking: 6DoF - Weight: 1.13 lbs 3. HTC Vive Pro 2: - Resolution: 2448x2448 per eye - Refresh Rate: 120Hz - Field of View: 120° - Tracking: 6DoF - Weight: 1.9 lbs 4. HTC Vive XR Elite: - Resolution: 1920x1920 per eye - Refresh Rate: 90Hz - Field of View: 110° - Tracking: 6DoF - Weight: 1.38 lbs 5. PlayStation VR2: - Resolution: 2000x2040 per eye - Refresh Rate: 120Hz - Field of View: 110° - Tracking: 6DoF - Weight: 1.24 lbs Choosing the best VR headset involves evaluating technical specifications, comfort, and fit. A powerful PC is recommended for optimal VR performance, especially for demanding titles. Standalone headsets like the Meta Quest 3S and Pico 4 do not require a PC, while the PlayStation VR2 can connect to a PC with an adapter. VR headsets often go on sale during major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday/Cyber Monday.

AppWizard

February 14, 2025

Avowed’s low frame rates but smooth-feeling gameplay makes me wonder if we PC gamers worry too much about the numbers

A significant portion of time has been spent evaluating the performance of newly released games, including Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth, Civilization 7, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and Avowed, across various PC configurations. Performance metrics were gathered through repeated benchmarks. In testing Avowed on a rig with a Ryzen 7 5700X3D and a GeForce RTX 4070, the game averaged 68 frames per second at 1440p using the High quality preset, with a 1% low frame rate of 34 fps. Despite this disparity, the gameplay experience was described as surprisingly smooth, with only occasional stutters. The text discusses the difference between performance statistics and the subjective experience of gameplay, suggesting that the overall feel may be more important than raw performance numbers for many players. The author expresses a preference for focusing on gameplay experience over strict adherence to performance metrics.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

5 PC games to play in 2025: From Warframe, and Baldur’s Gate 3 to Black Myth: Wukong and more

PC gaming in 2025 features advanced hardware technology and a diverse library of games, providing enhanced visuals and immersive gameplay. Warframe is a free-to-play MMO where players act as space ninjas, engaging in fast-paced combat and side activities like fishing and resource gathering, with ongoing updates expanding the game. Baldur's Gate 3 is a party-based RPG set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, featuring turn-based combat, a deep narrative, and developed by Larian Studios. Valorant is a tactical shooter that combines elements of Counter-Strike and hero-based gameplay, emphasizing team coordination and unique agent abilities. Cassette Beasts is a turn-based monster-taming game where players capture and fuse creatures, featuring an engaging narrative and diverse exploration. Black Myth: Wukong is an action-adventure game based on Journey to the West, featuring an open world, intense battles, and strategic gameplay, appealing to fans of challenging action RPGs.

Winsage

February 9, 2025

Get the full Windows 11 Pro experience for just $17.97

Microsoft is offering Windows 11 Pro for .97, reduced from 9, until February 23. The operating system features a modern design, enhanced multitasking capabilities, and an AI assistant called Copilot. It includes improvements for gaming with DirectX 12 Ultimate and robust security features like BitLocker encryption and biometric login options. Windows 11 Pro is optimized for modern hardware, providing faster load times and better efficiency.

AppWizard

February 7, 2025

5 PC gaming myths you might still believe (and shouldn’t)

PC gaming does not have to be expensive; entry-level options are accessible and can handle many popular titles. Many modern games run on lower-tier hardware, allowing players to enjoy them without needing powerful systems. Assembling a gaming rig is no longer overly complicated due to the availability of prebuilt PCs and simplified software management. It is rare for gamers to upgrade their PCs every year; many maintain their systems for several years with incremental upgrades. PC gaming is not limited to hardcore gamers; it offers a wide range of titles for all types of players, with support for controllers and frequent discounts available.

AppWizard

February 7, 2025

Monster Hunter Wilds: Can Your PC Run This Supernatural Safari Scuffle?

Monster Hunter Wilds will be released on PC (Steam), PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on February 28, 2025, with a retail price of .99. The Deluxe Edition costs .99 and includes gestures and cosmetic armor, while the Premium Deluxe Edition is priced at .99 and offers additional cosmetic DLC. The minimum system requirements include Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11 (64-bit), AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel Core i5-10400 CPU, 16GB RAM, AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT or Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 GPU, and 75GB of available storage on an SSD. The recommended system requirements are similar, with the GPU upgraded to AMD Radeon RX 6600 or Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super. Capcom will provide a benchmark tool for players to assess their gaming PCs and will host two open beta sessions on February 6-9 and February 13-16, 2025. The game supports both controller and keyboard/mouse configurations, and a broadband internet connection is recommended for online multiplayer. Cross-platform play will be available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S players.