Showing posts with label Desktop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Desktop. Show all posts

Build a Full Gaming Setup for around $800 (Before Tech Prices Go Crazy)

You’ve probably heard all about the talks of rising tariffs on various goods — tech isn't going to be spared.

It’s kind of unfair that regular people — like you and me — are the ones who have to deal with it. 😤 But if you need or want a gaming PC before the prices likely jump — I created this article to present options to you with today's price! While the getting's good, you can still score an awesome full gaming setup (PC + monitor + gaming keyboard & mouse + speakers + controller + a desk) for around $800!

affordable gaming PC

Here’s how you can do it:

PC: ACEMAGIC Mini Gaming PC$559

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX (basically, really fast)

  • Graphics: AMD Radeon 680M (great for 1080p gaming)

  • Memory: 32GB of RAM (smooth multitasking)

  • Storage: 512GB SSD (super quick game load times)

This little beast looks small, but it hits hard — perfect for gaming without needing a giant tower. The dial on top gives you different performance types from silent, to auto, to performance. The max ram is 64GB!


Monitor: Samsung 27" S3 Series$109.99

  • Full HD 1080p resolution

  • 75Hz refresh rate (smoother than your old 60Hz screens)

  • Big enough for gaming, tasks, movies — whatever you want.



Keyboard + Mouse: AJAZZ AK680 Combo$39.99

  • Mechanical keyboard (clicky, satisfying keys)

  • Gaming mouse with fast response time.

Trust me, your Fortnite skills are gonna feel way sharper.


Controller: 8BitDo Ultimate 2C - Black Myth: Wukong Edition$31.57

  • Wireless and comfy

  • Works with PC and Android

  • Bonus: It's got a sick custom design.

Perfect for games that feel better with a controller instead of a mouse and keyboard. Yes, you can play on PC with a controller!



Speakers: Logitech Z313 2.1 System$59.99

  • Two speakers + one subwoofer = BOOMING bass

  • Loud enough for movies, music, and blowing up stuff in games.

Your neighbors might not thank you in those "luxury" apartments — but hey, worth it.


Desk: PayLessHere 32" Computer Desk$19.99

  • Simple, sturdy, easy to set up.

  • Fits the mini PC, monitor, speakers, keyboard + mouse, and snacks!

This could be the desk and PC you use for your next remote job, side hustle, or business endeavor.


If you have money to spare, there are plenty of options for erogonomic office chairs. Always consider your weight when it comes to what the chair can hold. If you like a chair, but it can't support your weight, replace the chair lift cylinder with a third party option able to hold up to 1000lbs. 


 Total Cost Breakdown 

ItemPrice
ACEMAGIC Mini Gaming PC                                 $559
Samsung 27" Monitor$109.99
AJAZZ Keyboard + Mouse$39.99
8BitDo Controller$31.57
Logitech Speakers$59.99
Computer Desk$19.99
Total$820.53

A tiny bit over $800 (before taxes), but honestly — totally worth it.


What Can This Setup Actually Play?

This PC may be small, but it can handle some seriously gorgeous games. Here’s what you can play on good settings at 1080p, according to (System Requirements Lab):

  • Cyberpunk 2077 (on Medium — looks good)

  • Elden Ring (perfect for dying... beautifully)

  • Hogwarts Legacy (live your wizard dreams)

  • Forza Horizon 5 (race shiny cars in 4K-style glory)

  • Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (be a space ninja)

Just tweak a few settings for better frame rates, and you’ll have an epic time.


Yeah, it stinks that tech prices will likely get jacked up by stuff we can’t control. But if you’re smart about it, you can still grab an awesome, full-blown gaming setup without selling your kidney.

Stay sharp. Game harder. And keep hunting those deals.



 + Blu 

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Creative Pebble SE... Reviewed! Stylish and Functional PC Speakers for Gamers



The Creative Pebble SE PC speakers are a perfect blend of style and functionality, making them an excellent addition to any gaming setup. These speakers feature a sleek, orb-shaped design that adds a touch of elegance to your desk. The built-in RGB rings at the base provide an illuminating pop of color, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your gaming space. Once you set these speakers, wipe the finger prints off, and let them shine.



Perfect for Any Setup

Whether you’re using a laptop or a desktop gaming setup, including the Valve Steam Deck, the Creative Pebble SE speakers are a great fit. They can easily connect to the Steam Deck dock, making them versatile and convenient for various configurations.

Impressive Specs and Features

  • Design: Stylish orb shape with built-in RGB rings
  • Drivers: 2" full-range drivers
  • Passive Radiators: Located at the back for enhanced sound quality
  • Connectivity: USB-C cable and 3.5mm aux-in
  • Power Output: Up to 4.4W (2.2W x 2); Up to 8.8W Peak power
  • RGB Rings: React to sound with the push of a button; 7 Lighting effects

The RGB rings are not just for show; they react to sound, adding a dynamic visual element to your audio experience. This feature can be activated with a simple push of a button, making your gaming sessions even more immersive (to a degree).


Quality Build You Can Feel

When you pick up the Creative Pebble SE speakers, you can immediately feel the quality of the build. They are sturdy and well-constructed, with passive radiators on the back that complement the 2" full-range drivers. Despite the bass being a bit on the shy side, the speakers deliver a solid sound that you can appreciate up close.


Ideal for Small Gatherings... If you bring them to the Party!

While these speakers might not be the best choice for a large house party, they are perfect for small gatherings in an office, small living room, or dorm. Turn on the RGB lights, switch them to the reactive setting, and enjoy some tunes while playing spades with family and friends.


Tested and Approved

I tested the Creative Pebble SE speakers with a variety of music tracks... like those you see below:

I've also played games + watched shows that include: Metal Slug Awakening, XDefiant, and the new... Batman: Caped Crusader TV show. The audio quality was impressive, especially considering the price point of $24.99.



Room for Improvement

One area where Creative Labs could improve is expandability. Adding an option for a subwoofer would have been a great addition. However, at $24.99, the Creative Pebble SE speakers offer good value for money.

You can grab these speakers with an additional 10% off while the deal lasts. I give the Creative Pebble SE two thumbs up at this price point.


By the way... I highly recommend getting a USB-C to USB-A adapter, just incase you don't always have access to a USB-C port to power up your speakers. I also recommend a USB-C wall charger for those of you who want to free up a USB-C port on your desktop or laptop, because all it does is supply power.


Build Quality 5

Funtionality 5

Audio 5

Price 5

5 out of 5 Cool Points



 + Sophi 

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PC Gaming Show 2022 + Workspace Suggestions!

 


I thought it would be cool to drop a little segment in the spirit of the PC Gaming Show 2022 to focus on wireless tech + peripherals for those of you who like to move freely around your office or studio. I know that some of you enjoy your keyboards & mice, while others... just have keyboards & mice that aren't as... eye-catching. You don't need these things, but... having a picture-worthy setup doesn't hurt either, and believe it or not, it's well within reach for quite a few PC owners.

There are people like... fashion designers who need a wireless keyboard setup because... remaining in one place doesn't allow for as much productivity. Measurements have to be taken, the tablet is used almost as often and you can do without the keyboard & mouse wires.

If you have a white desk or a work table that you utilize as a desktop as well, a keyboard & mouse of the same color doesn't hurt if you like to coordinate. Duo's like the Lenovo 510 Wireless Combo come to mind. They're clean, and only require one USB port to control both peripherals.

I definitely have to add audio to the mix, because... audio is definitely a huge part of my life + the lives of so many of you.

The option to cut the cord is nothing new... although some of you prefer cords because of the sound quality, but... there are options that deliver just as well without the cord.

The 1More EVO Earbuds deliver HiFi Sound, have 6 mics, 28hours of playtime, and the quality sound is undeniable (I actually have some on right now). To stick with the color theme, you can get these headphones in white (with gold trim). You can go into the office and not only have these headphones connected to your phone, but they can also connect to your computer's Bluetooth without skipping a beat (you don't have to disconnect your phone, both can be connected).


To maintain the theme of an all-white desk space, definitely grab a white qi wireless charger. There are definitely lower-priced wireless headphones out there like the Philips T1207's that are said to have an 18-hour playtime + IPX4 water resistance. They might not have all the bells and whistles, but... (ay) they're less than $40. If you have the money to spring for some speakers... there are some solid bluetooth bookshelf speakers out there like the Audioengine A2+.

If you're going to get a new mouse, might as well get a new mouse pad... especially for an all-white setup. I could warn against a white mousepad because it could get dirty quick... but the same can be said about a white mouse & keyboard (but there is a keyboard and mouse setup here that have gone without issue. I wouldn't go jumping on them after eating some Cheetos, but... yeah... no issues here.

Gotta have a game controller on deck... so definitely grab a white wireless Xbox controller + a stand... or a drawer to keep it out of the way when you aren't gaming to your heart's content.

Another thing that makes sense... is a white office chair, but... out of the options at the link, I don't have any recommendations (preferences vary). I do recommend getting the best chair that works for you, and if you're on the taller or larger side... keep the weight limit in mind. There are larger chairs with increased weight limits, but even with that... some only go up so high, so I'd recommend replacing the office chair cylinder lift. This could actually save you a crap load of money if you need a chair with an increased weight limit and/or height. If you wonder why your chair goes down after you've adjusted it... this is the reason and it shouldn't take much to replace it versus throwing a perfectly good chair out.

By the way, if you are constantly moving around and find yourself moving your office chair from your desk to the work tables, I do recommend getting a stool on wheels. Some have backs on them, some have a saddle design, but either way... I recommend one without a back on it if you aren't going to put it to use and don't plan to utilize it as a desk chair as well. You can just sit regardless of its position and get your grind on.

Going back to drawing tablets, Xencelabs newest edition is their white medium pen tablet bundle. The working space is grey, but... there could be a reason behind it (especially when you consider the constant stroking of the stylus). We also had the pleasure of reviewing this bundle... which got a 5 out of 5 for being a damn good entry for the company in this competitive space.

Check out our full review... here.

They're veterans in the industry who stepped away from well-known brands like Wacom to create their company. I wasn't a fan of tablets without screens until I used this one... the way the tablet is structured works well for drawing and doesn't have that annoying wrist drop-off. We have other tablets without screens, but they're just annoying to me, so this was a pleasant surprise. I use this tablet just as much as I do the Wacom Cintiq, and the price is right. If you prefer a screened drawing tablet... definitely consider a Wacom, and to maintain the white theme (to an extent)... you may want to go with the more affordable Wacom One that connects to your PC, Mac, and... (certain) Android devices.

At the end of the day... you don't have to have all-white everything or... all-white anything, but if you're in the mood to switch it up, explore your options and consider what works best for you. There is definitely a ton of motivation out there but always try and aim towards your needs first... and then consider the wants afterward.






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