There’s the standard PC gaming setup. Decent machine with good specs, maybe an entry-level gaming chair, that’s about it. Most people are content with this. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
But the true gamer wants something more, an aesthetic PC setup that has flair, personality, and identity. You want to combine function (the under the hood elements) with aesthetic qualities. It’s what separates the run-of-the-mill gamer from the true aficionado.
Note: don’t take this guide as a step-by-step or checkbox list. Ultimately, there’s no right way of doing it. You need to find what works for you. Your setup should make playing even more immersive, exude your personality, and create an atmosphere where you just feel at home.
What’s Your Theme?
The theme of your aesthetic setup is partially guided by the type of games you tend to play. The technical requirements are similar in this regard. Here are some ideas.
Sports.
If you’re a fan of NBA Live or the FIFA series, add a little real-life sporting flavor to the room. For example, a mini-basketball hoop to hang over your door. A framed jersey of Lionel Messi. Anything that ties real-world sports to the virtual equivalent.
Technical Requirement: Nothing in particular. As long as your rig is relatively recent and not shoestring budget, you should have no problem running most sports games.
Role-Playing Games
Ohh, this is where you can really get creative. The coolest thing we’ve seen: a gaming chair with the grey dire wolf of House Stark. I’d happily spend winter sitting on this thing!
Role-playing games all hark back to D&D, so why not consider getting your own copy of the physical game as well? If the room is big enough, make it cozy and get your friends together to play the table version every once in a while!
Technical requirements: You want those beautiful graphics, don’t you? The detail of the world you’re immersing yourself in? Invest in a decent graphics card.
Action
You want a room that has a little bit of ‘oomph’ to it. Use lighting to emphasize the harshness of the environment. For example, we like how some Star Wars fans have used lightsabers to provide both lighting and cool decor.
Technical requirements: You want speed and lots of it. Get yourself a processor that packs a good punch.
Games of Chance.
Whether it’s slots or traditional table games, games of chance call for a unique decor set. Consider having some physical chips to simulate gameplay, or perhaps wear a tux while you video link with your friends on your virtual poker night.
Technical Requirement: When you’re using your own cash on a game of slots online, make sure your internet connection is solid (stability + speed). You don’t want your connection dropping, especially if you’re betting cash money.
Misc Considerations
Some quick hits here. The ‘small’ things that, put together, make a significant difference to your aesthetic PC setup.
Cable Management
No matter what kind of gamer you are, you don’t want to have your cables dangling freely. It just looks messy. You need a cable management system.
Gaming Chair
If you’re a gamer, you need a gaming chair. These days, there are a lot of options. I’ve already mentioned the House Stark gaming chair (love it!), but you can get one to match your theme or favorite game.
Function
Just because we’re talking aesthetic in this guide doesn’t mean you should forget about function. You want a build that isn’t cluttered, a setup that starts from the function but oozes style as a byproduct.
Budget
Argh, money. It’s always an issue when setting up your own gaming rig. But you need to set up a budget, even if it’s a huge PITA. Be realistic about the money you have available and don’t overspend. It’s not worth the stress.
Take Your Time
Build slowly, over time, make it a labor of love. It’s better to buy quality items one at a time than trying to get to a budget finished product.
Get Creative, There’s No ‘Right’ Way
I’ve given you a bunch of tips on how to achieve that perfect aesthetic PC setup to help enhance your gaming experience. But that doesn’t mean I have all the answers, the goal was to give you inspiration.
Get creative. Let your imagination run wild. Continue building. That’s the perfect PC setup. Not some prescribed formula.