Gaming is often equated with violence or aggressive behavior. However, in truth, there are many different types of games and activities that can be considered as “games” depending on your definition. These can range from simple card games to online interactive endeavors. A computer game or video game is any electronic program that involves interactivity with a user interface or external input device including a keyboard, mouse, joystick, or other motion sensitive device to generate perceived or actual physical feedback from the user. In this article we’ll take a quick look at some basic definitions of the various types of games and gaming activities.
To start, there are basically three main categories of computer gaming: arcade, console, and PC. Arcade gaming occurs in a highly controlled environment, usually one with very few rules. In most cases, the object is to earn points and eventually get to the goal within a set time frame. Often times there are no other competitors or objectives apart from scoring the points. Arcade gaming PC uses a powerful CPU, a graphics card, and is generally constructed in a highly developed computer case with custom motherboards and processors. Console gaming on the other hand generally utilizes a less powerful CPU and a simpler, lower quality graphics card but may also use wireless controllers or a touch screen to interact with the game-play.
Video games such as racing and adventure titles require a high-end, powerful computer with ample memory and dedicated video cards for high-definition graphics. Graphics card is used in conjunction with game controller to provide a realistic game play experience and remove lag. Modern gaming computers incorporate several different video cards to enable a variety of features including off-line multiplayer gaming, streaming audio effects, 3D stereo effects, and highly advanced video and display options. Gamers have the ability to attach a compact keyboard and mouse to their gaming computer to enhance game play. Other computer accessories include built-in speakers and headphone cables for a more immersive gaming experience.
AMD and Intel are both leading companies that make powerful gaming computers. AMD designs and manufactures the A-series of processors that are popular among PC gamers. They are also the manufacturers of the AMD Phenom II and the ATI Radeon HD 6770 cards. Intel’s entry-level processor is known as the Core 2 Duo and uses a form of multi-core processing.
PCs that utilize solid-state drives (SSDs) have become very popular in recent years. The benefits of using an SSD in a gaming computer are many. These SSDs are faster, more durable, and much more affordable than traditional hard drives. In addition, SSDs utilize read/write head which greatly improves the speed at which applications and data are stored. Most solid-state drives (ssds) support Linux, making them even more useful for gamers. Additionally, they are capable of being connected to the computer via FireWire or USB and have fast boot times as well.
If you are building a gaming PC, be sure to consider adding one of these powerful devices. Although your main goal is to build a system that can handle gaming performance, a powerful you will help to achieve your goals. Take the time to learn about the benefits of owning a powerful CPU. You will probably want to upgrade over the coming years as technology changes significantly!