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A gaming computer (also gaming PC) is a personal computer that is capable of playing modern hardcore video games. Gaming computers are very similar to conventional PCs, with the main difference being the addition of a performance-oriented video card and larger amounts of RAM. Gaming computers are often associated with enthusiast computing due to overlap in interests. However, while a gaming PC is built to achieve optimum performance for actual gameplay, enthusiast PCs are built to compete against each other for the highest possible performance figures, using games as a benchmark. The difference in optimum performance and maximum performance carries with it a large discrepancy in the cost of the system. Whereas enthusiast PCs are high-end by definition, gaming PCs can be subdivided into low-end, mid-range, and high-end segments. Contrary to the popular misconception that PC gaming is inextricably tied to high-priced enthusiast computing, video card manufacturers earn the bulk of their revenue from their low-end and mid-range offerings.
Such computers are typically custom-made rather than pre-assembled. However, some computer companies offer gaming computers in addition to their regular product lines. Some companies, such as Alienware, specialize in producing gaming machines.
Computer cases for gaming computers tend to be flashier; cases with clear sides are common, to reveal the internal components which may be adorned with LEDs. In addition to aesthetics, gaming cases are also designed for function; the case must be able to provide cooling for high-end components, and have room for expansion and customization.
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Hardware
Historically, gaming computers had several distinct hardware components that set them apart from a typical PC. The push for better graphics began with color fidelity, from display systems such as CGA eventually graduating to VGA, which was adopted for the mass market. Gaming also led the push for the adoption of sound cards, a component that is now commonly integrated onto motherboards.
In the 1980s, several non-IBM PC compatible platforms gained a measure of popularity due to advanced graphics and sound capabilities, most notably the Commodore 64 and Amiga. Computer game developers of the time targeted these platforms for their games, though typically they would later port their games to the more common PC and sometimes Apple platforms as well. The MSX was also popular in Japan, where it preceded the video game console revolution.
LAN parties helped to promote the use of network cards and routers. This equipment is now commonly used by non-gamers with broadband Internet access to share the connection with multiple computers in the home. Like sound cards, network adapters are now commonly integrated on motherboards.
In modern times, the primary difference between a gaming computer and a typical PC is the inclusion of a performance-oriented video card, which hosts a graphics processor. Some motherboards support up to four video cards through SLI or Crossfire. However, such configurations are typically regarded as a curiosity for enthusiasts rather than a useful alternative to single-card upgrade cycles.
Forays into physics processing have also been made, though with Nvidia's buyout of PhysX and Intel's buyout of Havok, plans are that this functionality will be combined with existing CPU or GPU technologies.
Prebuilt gaming computer
While many "hardcore" gamers build their gaming PCs themselves, people with little or no experience in computer hardware prefer to go with prebuilt or custom-built gaming PCs. These PCs are almost always more expensive than building one's own. Different companies offer varying degrees of customization, some almost as much as building it oneself. There are also drawbacks to building one's own computer, which is why these companies do so well. Building a computer means being responsible for taking care of any problems that may arise, instead of using a technical support hotline (though there will normally still be warranty and support for individual components). Customer support is a major reason why even extreme gaming enthusiasts often look to a manufacturer for their custom PC build.
Gaming laptop
Gaming laptops are the mobile equivalent of gaming desktops and are usually more expensive than their desktop counterparts. Currently, some feature inbuilt graphics processors, which tend to use a lot of battery power, so one concern among GPU manufacturers is to reduce power usage. These GPUs are roughly equivalent to the desktop graphics cards that share similar names. One recent development by NVIDIA is SLI for laptops. Generally, gaming laptops are not considered "rigs" as the term can also refer to the physical size of the system.
Due to the relatively small size that the hardware has to fit in, cooling the heat intensive components is a major problem affecting the performance of such laptops, usually causing degraded value for money performance wise. Attempts at using the same performance hardware as desktops usually end in a decreased clock frequency of graphics chips to reduce heat, causing the poor value for money.
Portable gaming desktop
Recently, there has been a trend in the gaming PC industry to create small form factor desktops that are easy to transport. Several major companies, including Falcon Northwest and Alienware, now offer such PCs.
System builders
This is a list of computer system builders that carry gaming models, or the models themselves, as appropriate.
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