Guest Post - Essential Computer Gaming Gadgets

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In his first guest posting for Thoughts from the Sidelines, Josh of Wormbrain picks out what he considers to be the greatest computer gaming gadgets that any discerning computer gamer should consider to be essential gear in the never ending mission to secure that all important next frag.

In the world of online computer games, one universal statistic reigns over all others: Your kill count. How good you are at any competitive multiplayer game is directly proportional to how many enemies you can kill over time. You ARE your frag count.

However, even the most skilled fragger can be hampered by poor hardware. A budget mouse will rob you of precision aiming and a clunky keyboard will hamper your agility.

Fortunately, a wealth of high-end gaming devices exist for the serious PC gamer. Here’s a few suggestions to help you “PWN THE N00B”

1. Video Card

The video card is without a doubt the most important component in any gaming PC. Without a top-notch card you’ll have to turn down the visual effects on today’s newer games. In fact, some games won’t even play on older cards.

Those that do will give you an abyssmal frame rate. And it’s simply unacceptable for your frame rate to drop into single digits in the middle of an intense firefight.

You should invest as much as you can spare if you’re in need of a new video card. Fortunately, really great cards can be found for cheap if you take the time to look around.

Recommended: The GeForce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3

At $109.99, this thing is a steal!

2. Keyboard controller

There’s no reason not to have one of these things. You can use it to frag your opponents, while leaving your keyboard free for smack-talk. Often these puppies are highly customizable, enabling you to redefine keys and program macros in a few seconds. Get one with a directional pad right under the thumb and “circle-strafing” takes on a whole new meaning.

Recommended: Genius Ergomedia 500 USB Gamers Keyboard Controller

This thing not only has a D-pad, but also an internal soundcard with microphone!

3. Headset w/ microphone

For team-based games, communication is key. If you’re serious about participating in any sort of “pro” clan or guild, you’ll need a good headset with a boom microphone. Headsets are inexpensive, voice-chat software (like Teamspeak) is free, and dedicated voice servers are cheap (usually the clan leaders foot the bill anyway).

Recommended: Logitech makes some of the best (and cheapest) headsets

Helpful tip: Disable the “voice-activated” option or enable the “push to talk” key. No one wants to hear you breathing into your microphone.

4. KVM switch

Got an old computer collecting dust? Get yourself a Keyboard-Video-Mouse switch and put it to use! This $20 switch will let you control two or more computers with just one monitor, keyboard and mouse. Why? Because you can! Frag your friends and brag about it on the forums with the flick of a button. Add a 2nd monitor to the setup and now you can browse game maps on one screen while dealing death on the other.

These things can be found for a few bucks in any computer store.

5. Backlit, customizable keyboard

More of a novelty than a necessity, a light-up keyboard is still cool. The extra light can be helpful as it can get quite dark in your Mom’s basement (where the most hardcore gamers play). A programmable light-up keyboard is a bonus.

Recommended: The OLED Optimus Keyboard

Every key can show it’s own unique image! You can preload a keyboard template you’ve customized for each game or application. I’m personally hoping you can map your favorite keys to show a skull or other evil image to show how hardcore you really are. Mom will definitely be impressed.

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