Cheap Graphics Cards - Choosing Cheap Gaming

Console or PC, the never ending debate over which platform is better to play video games on, still rages on. However - what help is there for those of us that really couldn't give a monkeys? Those of us who just want to play a few games here and there, and aren't really that bothered about weather the graphics are better on PC or on Xbox? There's hope. Below I have compiled a list of things you need to know when buying a new Graphics Card for your computer, even if you haven't the slightest clue on how they work.

A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is one of the main components in a computer. It allows us to view the information created by the computer on our Monitors. However! Some of these GPUs are better at their jobs that another, meaning playing a graphically intensive game on one GPU (e.g. Skyrim) could provide a smooth seamless game-play, however on another one, could produce about 1 frame per second. (frames per second, or fps, are what defines how much lag there is in a game. The average human eye captures image at around 30fps, so it is required that the game is shown in more than 30fps to make sure no lag is seen). So deciding which card to replace your current one with (if you're getting lag with particular games) is key. You need to pick a card that your computer can handle and will play all the games you want.

As you are on this page, I will assume that you are not particularly bothered about Hardcore gaming, hence the title of the post, and therefore the graphics card I suggest and the information I will give will provide you with an around average gaming experience. If you are looking for more, please check out another blog on Hardcore gaming.

Firstly, there are some things you need to know about your own computer:

- Dimensions of slots (which the card sits in)

- Power of the computer (in watts)

These are essential to know, as if the power used by the card is more than the computer can provide, it will crash the computer, or simply fail to work. The dimensions bit is obvious. You can't have a card that doesn't fit in your computers case! 

Information about your case can usually be found online on the website of the manufacturer you bought your desktop computer from. 

Secondly, you need to find a card that meets these requirements.

- Dimensions that fit your computer

- Same or lower wattage to your computer

- Good, positive reviews from customers and reviewers

Clearly you're not going to but a doughnut that people say contains cyanide, so don't buy a card that says it melted someone's computer! 

Price: So you want your card to play all games, on about average setting, or some less intensive games in full graphics, well, there are different price ranges in the GPU world that you need to note.
$70 and below - Probably wont get a very good card for this price, usually are just for speeding up computers or playing low intensity games

$80-$200 - This is where we want to look. It contains reasonably priced cards that provide us with everything we need to game at an average level. 

$300+ - This is for the hardcore gamers that require better resolutions for multiple screens etc. 

Now that we've chosen a price range for our card ($80-$200) we need to find one that also fits our requirements. For this price range, and the average computer (300W) I highly recommend the Asus Nvidia GeForce GT 600 Range. Sounds scary, and far more complicated than it is, but it is basically a range of cards that can play games such as Skyrim, Slender, Fallout, Crisis, Batman on low to med settings. For this price, and for someone who is not very bothered about gaming, this is a fantastic choice, as its easy to install too, requiring no further power input.

I am using the 630 model and I can tell you I'm very impressed so far. I often play skyrim, and have had no issues thus far! 

If you don't know how to install a card, I will be posting a guide soon, but in the meantime, check out YouTube. 

So there you have it! Choosing a card, that's not too expensive, not too good, not too bad, made easy. This card should provide you with endless gaming fun, and will last up to 25% longer than other cards, due to the fan that comes added to it. I hope this has helped you to better understand what you are looking for, and hopefully make a decision on what you want for your computer. 

Thanks for reading, and please feel free to +1, subscribe and comment. 

Why You Should Buy Minecraft

Minecraft is an ever-growingly popular sandbox game, that you're bound to have heard of. But if you've arrived at this page, its evident that you are contemplating whether or not the game is worth all the hype, and your hard earned cash.
As an avid player of the game, I will try to be as unbiased as possible. However, as a side note - it's amazing!

• Many different game modes - It's not all just about building as you probably assume! Many servers (worlds that you can join on the Multi-player menu) have their own take on how the game should be played, and what provides the most fun. For example, factions servers allow players to collect in teams called Factions, and set out to find other enemy team bases and raid them for goodies. You can make allies and friends, and is a very addictive take on the game.

• The graphics - One of the main reasons people are put off by Minecraft is simply on the aesthetics. Personally I think this is quite a shallow view, as, people know Tetris is a great game, but let's face it, it looks like it was made for 3 year olds. Sure, Minecraft is only textured 16x16bit, but the overall effect of the blocks and lighting system can create a rather beautiful experience

• Relaxation - There's no time rush in Minecraft to do anything. Unlike most games where there are time trials and races, Minecraft simply allows the user to do whatever he/she pleases, creating a relaxed game-play when desired. You could come home from school or work, kill a few pig and go to bed, or call in sick and create the Eiffel Tower!

• Updates - One thing that most games do not do well, are updates and patches. Minecraft however, consistently provides users with new content, completely free! Updates have ranged from adding new monsters, to cookies, that add to the overall enjoyment of the game.

• Goes on forever - It can't be completed! Well, unless you count killing the Boss Dragon as 'winning' the game, there really is no end to what can be done in Minecraft. You could completely industrialise a whole world, or simply live with the landscape, creating rudimentary homes as you travel around in search of the coolest ravines and waterfalls. 

• Never ending worlds - The worlds generated in Minecraft are simply enormous. They're practically infinite. Worlds usually end at a point known as the far-lands, where the level is so large that it starts bugging out! But for this to happen, the player must walk the equivalent of 8x the Earth's length! Taking years to complete. 

Minecraft is not a game for everyone. It is for the creative souls among us, who don't care about the label of 'geek' or 'nerd' when we admit to playing it. Its a fantastic game that will have even adults hooked for hours if they put in the time to give it a go, and really let their creative spirit flow!