Gaming Setup

Creating a gaming setup does not require spending a fortune. If you choose wisely and do your research, building the perfect setup on a budget is entirely doable. With Christmas approaching, there are plenty of sales and price drops on key components, so you can make it work without breaking the bank.

As we discussed in our budgeting for Christmas shopping, there is a right way to plan and a wrong way. So, whether you are a casual gamer who plays to relax and hang with friends or if you are more serious and want to enter the competitive scene, below you will find some economical suggestions that will allow you to keep up with the big spenders.

Purchase a Comfy Chair

PC gamers inevitably spend hours in front of their screen playing away. Single sessions alone can span countless hours, so it is critical that you are gaming in a chair that is comfortable. If you were to watch a famous Twitch streamer, most would be using a race-car-like gaming chair. While these chairs can be quite nice, not only in their aesthetic but level of comfort, they can also be quite pricey.

Ideally, you should be able to find an ergonomic, adjustable chair, without having to spend HermanMiller types of money on it. The  Viva Office Mesh High Back Chair, for example, is one of the best office chairs you can get for under $200.

Buy Your Rig

Your computer is obviously critical for any type of PC gaming. If you do not wish to spend a fortune building your own rig, it might be worth checking out the  best gaming laptops under $1000. When looking for such a computer, consider the type of games you want to play and research what the requirements are to run such titles smoothly. Once you have settled on a system, there are several steps to boost your gaming performance on a PC or laptop.

Get a Solid Desk

Like with chairs, you do not necessarily need a gaming desk. Instead, find a desk that is comfortable, the right height, and provides plenty of space. On that last point, you’ll want to carefully consider that table space; you will need room for at least two monitors, a large mouse pad, a storage drive, and other such materials. Ask yourself if you’ll need extra storage and consider your load capacity. Ideally, a desk meant for gaming will have an adjustable surface angle. Ikea has plenty of inexpensive desks, but if you want something a bit more flashy, check out Craigslist or eBay for discounted gaming tables.

Think about your Monitor

Even if you wind up purchasing a gaming laptop, you likely want to purchase a separate monitor. Quality monitors provide bigger screens so you can see better and with more clarity. Many gamers will actually use two or three monitors for even wider-angle viewing. Multi-monitor setups also increase workflow and makes multitasking infinitely easier.

Get a Gaming Mouse and Mouse Pad

The Steelseries Rival 600 won IGN’s Best Mouse of 2018 and is an absolute steal at $70. This mouse uses a 1-to-1 eSports sensor, incredibly accurate lift-off distance detection, and is both light and agile. Built with two sensors, the Rival 600 has unparalleled precision for a budget gaming mouse. Most gaming mice cost more than $150, and even these fail to contain the same perfect weight to balance ratio.

Steelseries also has a variety of fantastic eSports mouse pads at a range of affordable prices. These mouse pads are different sizes and shapes so you can select the one perfect for your budget, desk, and gaming style.

You do not have to spend a fortune on your gaming setup. As we’ve shown, there are plenty of affordable options you can select from to create that perfect gaming rig. If you want even higher quality items, be sure to do some bargain hunting on craigslist or eBay. Be smart, do your research, and know that there are plenty of budget-friendly options that’ll support a fantastic gaming setup.