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Adinnieken on 28 November 2012
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dahuman said:


Age is irrelevant when the rig you put together makes no sense to start with, just because you've assembled a PC before, it doesn't automatically make you an expert. The barrier to PC gaming is more knowledge based than price based where as consoles are plug and play, that's where the difference really comes in. If you want to count the price, then you must only own one console and nothing else, and that's perfectly acceptable as a casual gamer, but just like you, I've spent a lot of money on consoles and PCs alike, and gaming is expensive no matter what, and console gaming is definitely not cheaper if you are a serious gamer that simply loves games and want the best possible options on all fronts.

Let's start with my general PC philosophy:  Buy the most powerful computer you can for your needs 5 years out.  The logic behind this is simply, the more powerful the PC the longer the usable life. 

Typically the best computer today will meet the minimum specs of some the majority of games 5 years out.  In some cases, minor upgrades would only be necessary for that five year old computer in an effort to play games between 5 and 10 years out.  The risk you run by purchasing lower-end PCs is that they may not be as upgradable, they may not provide the performance you'll need over the years, or you may not be able to buy the necessary parts later on.  In otherwords, you're not buying so much for today as you are for five years out.

While you can go for a more active upgrade cycle, with a less expensive computer, then an upgrade a few years later, and then possibly a new computer towards the end of the cycle, it will still be more expensive than a console and it requires more work on the gamer's part.

There is an axium to apply here:  Use the right tool for the right job. 

Have you ever torn down an automobile engine?  I have.  It's far easier to remove a bolt with a socket wrench than it is a cresant wrench or a pair of pliers. I'm not saying someone can't buy expensive gaming computers, I'm not saying don't do it, I'm not saying don't do any gaming on PCs, and I'm not saying a console is the only option for playing video games. 

I said price and value is a reason why console gaming is better than PC gaming.