New to PC gaming; need some help

[Methodical2]

Hello all. I am new here and new to gaming, but interested in playing. I recently built a computer (see spec below); built the machine for my photography and for gaming, but mainly for photography. I tried to build for the best of both worlds, future expandability, but I’m sure there are some trade offs. Anyway, I am interested in playing some games. I currently have the new Batman game (came free with a purchase) and looking at purchasing Crysis II. I've downloaded the Batman game and registered with Steam.

What other equipment do I need to game (i.e. mouse, game controller etc). I’m at a loss and need some direction. If there’s a thread here for new gamers, I’d appreciate a link or tell me where it is? I did a few searches and coming up short. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks…Al

Computer build list:

Monitor: Dell U2412
Case: Cooler Master HAF 932 Full Tower
PSU: Corsair Gold AX750
MB: Asus P8 z68-V Pro
CPU: Intel i7 2600K
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 16gb DDR3 SDRAM 1600
Video: Asus GTX 560
Audio: Asus Xonar 7.1
OS drive: OCZ Vertex 3 120gb SSD
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 2tb, Sata 6.0gb/s HDD
CPU cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212
Optical drive: Sony Optiarc CD/DVD burner w/lightscribe support
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Pro 64 bit

 

[Phynaz]

You're all set. Yes, a mouse is needed, and a gamepad for some games. I'm assuming you have speakers.

Now just head over to the Steam Holiday thread and start buying!

 

[shortylickens]

Welcome Newb!
Nice system you got there.

If you intend to get into online gaming I recommend a nice headset with microphone. It makes coordinating strategy easier. The reason I recommend headphones over speakers is so when you go active on voice the other players dont hear anything except your voice.

 

[Craig234]

For a keyboard, there a lot of choices with personal preferences. For example Logitech make a series with a gimmick of a little viewer with more info. I use a 'natural' keyboard.

That means it has the keys with a space in the middle angling them for each hand.

For mice, there are some that have marketing gimmicks, but plenty of 'gamer mice', corded and wireless. Again Logitech is one of the decent vendors.

For a controller, I'm not too up to speed but there'a an 'xbox 360 controller for PC'.

There are other controllers if you really like driving or flight games.

Pretty essential is your sound setup - get good PC gaming speakers (watch for sales if you like, avoid some of the cheap ones including some popular ones), and get a headset if you are going to game online that has a microphone - as with all the others there are a number of good vendors some good some not as much.

A lot of sources are available with recommendations - web, magazines - I just saw a youtube headset review that selected Logitech (coincidence) G30 as their favorite.

I use Plantronics now - they're fine, not 'high end'. I got the 'World of Warcraft' headset that runs $100+ and don't use it, people complained about the mic quality.

PC Gamer, Maximum PC, sites like ign.com, gamersdaily, and several others...

 

[Methodical2]

Thanks. Can any of you recommend any other gamepad or mice? Also, can these gaming mice be used for everyday computing, too?

 

[Phynaz]

Stick with the Xbox Controller.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details

Yes, any mouse can be used for regular apps.

 

[wuliheron]

Nice rig.

The most under rated PC gaming peripheral is a good gaming mousepad. A decent mousepad can make even the cheapest mouse feel expensive. Without it an expensive mouse can be like owning a race car with bald tires.

The xbox controller is the de facto standard and unless you care to get expensive its the best around.

Keyboards are more personal, but I'd recommend a separate keypad like a logitech G13 if you have money to spend on such things.

Speakers. You didn't mention whether you had speakers or not, but for gaming you want at least 40w 2.1 speakers and as much as 80w depending on the size of the room and how good your hearing is. They can often be found on sale and logitec is the biggest manufacturer with consistently good quality and low prices right now. If you want surround sound, best to buy a complete stereo system for a lot more.

 

[Methodical2]

I have the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 speaker system. I will go with the Xbox PC Controller. My son has the same unit, so I may give his a go.

Thanks

 

[LiuKangBakinPie]

Nice rig there enjoy it. You can get a set of cans if you want positional audio in the shooters.
If you got a receiver use the optical or your Gpus hdmi output and hook it up to your receiver. Play it through your home entertainment system.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Here are things you want to know about keyboards: Definitive guide to Mechanical Keyboards

A mouse with a polling rate of 1000Hz or more.

And either a CRT for the hardcore gamer, or a 120Hz pc monitor

 

[Craig234]

I'd say there're other things to look at in a monitor (no pun intended):

Bigger is better, rich bright colors, pixelation, minimum resolution 1920x1020 for a few.

I see a few schools - IMO the best 'big monitor size' basically is 27"; then you hit 30" with more cost and super high resolution, some like it some it's too big; and big screen.

There's a difference betwen 27" close up, and 60"+ from the counch.

 

[TinMan2]

You might consider a Belkin Speedpad.

 

[UberNeuman]

I have the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 speaker system. I will go with the Xbox PC Controller. My son has the same unit, so I may give his a go.

Thanks

Klipsch makes a great product - but you may want to consider surround sound like the Logitech Surround Sound Speakers Z506

It's a good choice price wise and gives good sound - and I suggest these speakers as they're a cheap way to dip your toe into the water on multiple speakers...

 

[astrosfan315]

Whatever you decide, make sure the keyboard is backlit. For a mouse, whatever is comfortable with multiple buttons.

 

[jacc1234]

I dont think you need a special keyboard or mouse but they can be nice. I would get a new mouse first an then worry about a "gaming" keyboard if you want one. Something simple like a Logitech G400 mouse is not too expensive and has a few extra features that are very useful.

 

[Methodical2]

Thanks all for the suggestions and help. I already picked up the Xbox PC controller and liking it so far. I just have to get used to using it as this is all new to me. I will have to test run (best buy has them) one of those mouse first because may hand tends to hurt after using one for awhile and that's why I opted for the PC controller for now.

Uberneuman, I am considering going through my theatre system for surround sound once I figure out everything.

Thanks again everyone for getting me in the right direction.

Al

 

[Methodical2]

Thanks for the link. I've read about which monitor is needed for gaming, but I needed one that would game decently (not a big gamer - yet) and one that would be good for my photography work (main use for computer), so I settled on the Dell U2412 because, according to reviews, was pretty good for gaming and it's a standard gamut unit. I will be calibrating the unit once I get it to it's permanent work site - waiting for new computer desk. However, I will be doing some research to try and find a decently priced 27" gaming monitor, too.

Here are things you want to know about keyboards: Definitive guide to Mechanical Keyboards

A mouse with a polling rate of 1000Hz or more.

And either a CRT for the hardcore gamer, or a 120Hz pc monitor

Craig, I wanted a 27" monitor, but none were standard gamut units or I'd jumped on it - all out there are full gamut units. I needed a monitor mainly for my photography work and I did not want to have color issues dealing with a full gamut unit. I will be on the hunt for a gaming unit. I see that they are not too crazy expensive. I'd love a 30" gaming monitor.

...Bigger is better, rich bright colors, pixelation, minimum resolution 1920x1020 for a few.

I see a few schools - IMO the best 'big monitor size' basically is 27"; then you hit 30" with more cost and super high resolution, some like it some it's too big; and big screen.

There's a difference betwen 27" close up, and 60"+ from the counch.