Got Game? Five Top PC Hardware Accessories to Boost your Performance

Articles on Games | Topics: games, game

by Honey Lynch

Got Game? Five Top PC Hardware Accessories to Boost your Performance

Admit it; your home computer isn't just about work, paying bills, and emailing out resumes, is it? You sneak off from time to time to play the newest computer games, and that is certainly okay. So you probably also know that sometimes you just need certain accessories to fully enjoy the gaming experience. That is especially true with games like flight simulators that are a lot more enjoyable if you have joystick or sports games that are easier with a game pad. In that spirit, here are five hardware accessories that will boost your performance.

First of all, you are probably going to want a joystick. If you are going to do it, though, you might as well go all out and not cheat yourself. Some of the best have as many as 8 programmable buttons on them, and usually include gaming extensions software to allow you to program the joystick to whatever game you are playing at any given time. Look for something that allows you to adjust head tilt, palm rest, and all of the other movable parts for your comfort. Look for something that hooks up easy, like via USB and that can be used on whatever type of computer you have.

Second, make sure you have a good mouse. A good wireless optical mouse is best for your gaming needs. An optical mouse determines motion by imaging the surface it is gliding on over and over again. It then compares the successive frames to determine motion. This will give you a much quicker advantage over competitors when playing games on the internet. Try to find something that connects via USB. The one thing to be aware of with optical wireless mice, though, is that they run on batteries that tend to die fast. So, think about rechargeable batteries with your mouse.

Quote of the Day

As for types like my own, obscurely motivated by the conviction that our existence was worthless if we didn’t make a turning point of it, we were assigned to the humanities, to poetry, philosophy, painting—the nursery games of humankind, which had to be left behind when the age of science began. The humanities would be called upon to choose a wallpaper for the crypt, as the end drew near.

—Saul Bellow (b. 1915)

Third, you will need a game pad, especially if you play console games. Many are set up just like the ones for home game systems. Find one with a comfortable grip, so if you have a long gaming session you won't find yourself with tired hands. Most will be easy to install and will connect through your USB connection. Try several out in the stores to make sure it is one with which you will be comfortable and will be able to use effectively.

The fourth must have hardware accessory for your gaming needs is a 3-piece computer speaker set. You don't need the fanciest set in the world, but a set of two speakers and sub woofer will have excellent quality for you. Look for a set where you will simply need to set the speakers up on your computer desk, put the subwoofer under the desk, and start gaming. Good speakers like this will enhance your gaming experience by bringing the sounds and effects of the game right to you. Along with your speakers you may consider headphones. Headphones will let you escape to another world and allow you to play late at night without waking up the entire household. Find some that fit you comfortably and that will not distort sound if turned to a moderate volume and you will find your gaming experience enhanced and perhaps improved.

Fifth, every gamer worth his salt knows that the best way to fully enjoy gaming is with lots and lots of random access memory (RAM). If you enjoy graphic intense games (and who doesn't?) then you know that they are resource hogs. The more RAM you have the better your games will be. In fact, if you notice some of the games you are playing now seem to be slowing down, RAM will very likely help. Most of the time, RAM can be increased via a simple hardware piece you plug into your motherboard. However, consult your computer manual to find out the best way to increase RAM in your particular PC.

Gaming can be a lot of fun on your PC. You have access to the internet and unlimited opponents and teammates, plus it's a good way to get away without actually going anywhere. Healthy competition and just good old fashioned fun, but to really enjoy it you may want to consider some hardware purchases or upgrades. By making these few adjustments you can enhance your gaming experience and perhaps improve your performance.

We strive to provide only relevant articles on our website. If there is a specific topic about games that you do not see but would like us to cover, please contact us here.

Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Got Game? Five Top PC Hardware Accessories to Boost your Performance" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by GamingOnlineGames.com.

Online Video Game
By Corowa Schroeder
Suffering From Classic Video Game Nostalgia? Play an In this new world of 3D video games, many people who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s find themselves feeling nostalgic. They miss the days when video games were just as simple as Mario and Luigi running across a screen, or Pac Man gobbling up little coins in a maze....

Pc Online Gaming
By Daniel Alford
Message Boards, Market Research And PC Online Gaming No industry will be able to survive if it does not provide its consumer base with what that base wants. No company can survive trying to steer itself to where it is selling a product that the company is comfortable with selling as opposed to what the buyers in the market demands....

Fun And Games
By Lewis Zamora
Who hasn't heard the phrase it's all fun and games until someone loses an eye? If you don't play a sport or outdoor activity, at least you surely have as a kid. We are all familiar with the joys of roughhousing....