Forget Xbox 720 and PS4, go next-gen in your living room now with a small form factor PC

The PS4 will arrive by Christmas this year and you can bet your bottom dollar that the Xbox 720 will as well. But that is a long time to wait and every trailer or confirmed title shown on YouTube makes that wait just a little bit harder.

[Xaphy]

no

[ATi_Elite]

Just make a custom build case for the living room. It's not hard and it's very fun.

My HTPC is in a wooden Jewelry Box and most people do not even know it's a PC until the flash drive on the side lights up.

My Level 10 GT or my Haf X look good no matter where they sit.

[ZoyosJD]

LOL, a wooden box...use any special heat resistant materials or coatings in between the mobo and wood?

A Haf X would be too big for the living room, would stick out like a sore thumb...or it would need a custom paint job.

Level 10 just looks to segmented for my tastes.

[SilentNegotiator]

Wood? Pfft. I'll stick to my custom-made used-oil can rig lined with rags, thank you very much.

Why not just a smaller tower? Nothing negative about the look of a regular desktop.

[Aceman18]

yea no i'll stick to my consoles. much easier and comfortable for me.

[fr0sty]

I would, but if I bought a PC that small for the same price as a PS4, it wouldn't be anywhere near as powerful. Nowhere near the bandwidth, not in a closed environment (having much more OS overhead and such), and it probably would still consume more power.

Plus I'd miss out on all those amazing SCEWWS exclusives.

[Baylex]

Basically they want a 1800$ compact pc (not so compact) just to play crysis 3?
For them (author) money doesn't matter... but you see.. you're just 0.0000000001% of the world population that thinks like that..

[wsoutlaw87]

Lol the authors reccomending i buy a 1,800 pc over a 400-600$ console. Console vs Pc for me comes down to the fact that consoles are gaming machines from the ground up. I like a real gaming controler that works on every game and is comfortable to sit back and hold. The games are optimized and i will be able to be play any games that come out on the system. It has a gaming dedicated os and a universal network and store for games. Honestly the only thing i like better about pc gaming is mods (and the total war series), so spending more on a pc is just pointless.

[ShugaCane]

"Keep it small" but the picture shows a thing at least 5 times bigger than the 360. Please someone helps me, I'm stupid.

[wsoutlaw87]

I was laughing at that picture. He said its only 2x the thickness and a little bit taller i believe but then you see the picture and its way bigger.

[TheSauce]

That thing looks more like a radio than a PC.

[mushroomwig]

It's funny how some people just can't grasp the concept that not everybody cares about the power behind a system. I own a console because of the ease of use and the exclusive titles.

It's a shame that storytelling and game-play seems to have taken a back seat to "oh my god, look at that the detail of the grass!" visuals.

[Capodastaro]

It's funny how some people just can't grasp the concept that some people care about the power behind a system. I own a PC because of the ease of use, the exclusive titles and its wide range of uses.

[mushroomwig]

Well done for completing missing the point I was trying to make.

[die_fiend]

PC isn't exactly great for sitting on a couch and relaxing whilst you game though

[ChickeyCantor]

"PC isn't exactly great for sitting on a couch and relaxing whilst you game though"

What is this ? 1995?

Do you even know the possibilities?

[Oh_Yeah]

@die_fiend you can use your 360 or ps3 controller for games you know...Also there are wireless keyboards and mouse.

[McScroggz]

No offense, but if you are actually a PC gamer "ease of use" is not something you can hold over a console gamer.

[N0S3LFESTEEM]

McScroggs - and everyone else for that matter.

On both PS3 and 360 you still have to install some of the games to the hard drive to be able to play them. 360 players will argue that it's not the case with them and that it's completely optional excluding a few titles... well you still have to worry about how much space you have on your proprietary hard drives that are still overpriced to this day 3/21/12... 6 years later. You also have to get up and swap disks if it's a larger game like LA Noire or Max Payne... that alone puts the 360 at the bottom of the list in terms of "Ease of use" for consoles.

PS3 has it a little easier simply because you can upgrade the harddrive to anything up to 1tb so that alleviates the space problems... Unlike 360 though your stuck installing mostly all the games before you can even play them which can take anywhere from 2mins-1hour maybe longer in some rare cases.(MGS 4 Multiplayer for starters)

WII would by far wipe the floor with PS3/360/PC when it comes to ease of use... my grandparents can use it without any help.

I don't know why people say PC is hard to use... sure you have drivers and what not but there's this little thing called automatic updates. My asus board prompts me when there's a driver update and with 1 or 2 clicks it installed... same for my Nvidia drivers. On the gaming side the most grueling part is waiting for the games to download and that's completely reliant on your internet speeds. Once it's downloaded though installation is a simple process... and then I'm playing it.

[rainslacker]

@N0S

PC gaming has become much simpler for sure. However it still has issues which many people can have problems with. They can be rare, but when they arise they are frustrating. It may not be that way for a lot of people on here since we tend to be more tech minded, but PC's still have a ways to go to match the ease of consoles. Even with all that stuff you mentioned about installs or updates, on a console they are simple and require just a button press. God forbid you get a new game on the PC and there is some driver that isn't compatible with whatever current version of windows you have. Not a problem for the tech minded, but how many "regular" people do you know that can go find the proper driver online, or know that there is even a compatibility mode.

PC gaming isn't for everyone...and it doesn't help that the majority of games that appeal to the more casual tend to screw up a PC system's efficiency making it seem like it only gets slower over time...because again, people don't know how to maintain their PC's.

[AngelicIceDiamond]

@Mushroom exactly. "The grass looks more green and the sky looks more blue." ___<<<< Insert next gen title here "GOTY!"

I fear for next gen now, is it gonna be about how things look, or about how to tell a story or how innovative the gameplay is.

If its only about graphics next gen then its gonna be a short next gen for me.

I'm not buying a game for graphics, I'm buying it for the whole entire package.

[rainslacker]

GOTY is a pretty subjective thing. Looking at last year the one that received a lot was Journey, and it wasn't a graphics powerhouse. It was up against a lot of really great looking titles. It was unique and innovative in it's own way though, so to me that bodes well for gaming.

Some people are graphics whores but unique and innovative titles will always be in the mix due to the nature of development. If people want pretty graphics instead of game play, then I say to each their own.

[chukamachine]

I do like the way Apple's mac mini looks.

[Soplox]

NEVER

[GreenRanger]

Some of these PCs are so expensive, Bill Gates has to save up for one.

[smashcrashbash]

Why are people so hellbent on trying to eliminate consoles? What do you have against them? Why can't they just exist in the same bubble.Why does everything always have to eliminate something else. Consoles have their pros and cons no different then computes do but people always act as if there is no down sides to gaming computers.I have tried computer gaming.I prefer consoles.

[rezzah]

It wasn't such a big deal this gen, but the transition into the next gen it is becoming one. People already know PCs can shell out better graphics, and they boast more exclusives yet few are ever given attention.

This gen might have been known as the "console wars", next could be seen as "consoles vs PC war".

Overall it really is stupid, but PC fanboys actually seem to fear the capabilities of consoles next gen. Why else would they react so much?

[SnakeCQC]

these mini itx cases are annoying as they have bad airflow andare tough to work with etc

[topgeareasy]

nope

exclusive games + split-screen gaming FTW

[_LarZen_]

I actually have a PC in a Bitfenix Prodigy cabinet like that in my living-room hooked up to the TV with a gamepad controller.

And a PS3,X360 and a Wii U.

And guess what....when the PS4 and the new Xbox comes they will replace the old consoles.

Why settle with 1 option when you can have all?

[Utalkin2me]

Really how you operate windows with a controller? Ohhhh wait, nevermind. But joking aside it's all good.

[PersonMan]

Hah!

I have a controller connected to my PC, and steam's big picture mode lets me browse my game library with the controller, but there a few problems with this setup.

1. Not every game is compatible with a controller.
2. If a game needs and update, you have to use a mouse to click through some dialogs... not nearly as user friendly as a console
3. Some games like Assassin's Creed make you launch a Ubisoft launcher app and you have to use a mouse to click Play.
4. Not controller related, but on console, you're dealing with one service with one account... but on PC, you have to have a separate online account with the publisher of the game... Ubisoft, Origin, Windows Live, Rockstar... etc.

Also, don't forget about how some games get released on PC but, they don't work properly at first because the video card manufacturers need to release new drivers to fix performance issues. Some games that come to mind are Tomb Raider and Rage.

I'm mainly a console gamer, but I do game on PC as well so I know first hand the benefits and downsides of gaming both ways.... I usually stick to console though because it's generally easier and more user friendly. I know if I stick a game in that I bought 5 years ago, it's gonna work as if it just came out. What happens when you've updated your PC with new graphics drivers and new operating systems and suddenly some of your older games that used to work flawlessly, have issues because they weren't meant to run on such new software/hardware? Compatibility issues arise on PC, but not on consoles.

[aquamala]

I use a "remote" like this, I have a gaming PC in the living room right next to my consoles, it's also my DVR for over the air TV channels.

http://www.prlog.org/115950...

[Eck0]

this post should be at the top..and no more posts after it... thats how i think... just have all the systems..play whatever you want..

some people are going to say "i cant afford them all"

just save up..it takes time...but its worth it

[Oschino1907]

There are many many things to say but I think just this one says more then enough.

Some people have hobbies and interest outside gaming.

Even those who can afford it may not see the value in it or care to deal with any of the hassles.

So why would you assume those who couldn't afford it would be willing to sacrifice and budget their other hobbies and interest just to own multiple gaming systems/setups?

[Jek_Porkins]

No thanks, didn't spend the last 8 years in a particular ecosystem just to give that all up now.

[seanpitt23]

Console gamer 4 life ps4 for me

[sdozzo]

It's all about the games. Always has been and always will.

[mistertwoturbo]

And that's how it should be.

I'm tired of the fact that the only thing that taxes my GTX 680 are a hand full of titles every year. The rest are console ports, MMOs, and shitty indie games I honestly don't care about.

So it does boil down to the games. And no matter how you slice it, there are games that consoles provide that the PC won't.

If I wasn't such a PC hardware enthusiast, I'd probably quit PC gaming. Can't wait for the PS4. Might actually give me a reason to make my PC a pure workstation for my engineering projects.

[hellvaguy]

Your 680 card wasnt ever intended to max out current games. The $500 price tag is if u want multiple monitors at extremely high res like 2500x1400+. Maybe you should do a better job at researching your next purchase.

[sdozzo]

If people are lucky they can play games on all three. Each platform has a few exclusives that are awesome.

[cyhm3112]

consoles are better. Pc you have to deal with all those shits, like updates, bugs, installs,...

[V0LT]

Really? Consoles don't have updates, bugs, large mandatory installs?

[Godmars290]

Not to the degree required by PCs.

And unless you're dyslectic, buy a PS3 or Wii game for an Xbox, the game you've bought will run in the system. Might need a patch to run online, but wont need a new graphics card or more RAM to actually run.

[ZombieNinjaPanda]

@Godmars290

Not to the degree of the PC? Then why do the updates I have to install take hours to download and then install?

[Godmars290]

And you just have to configure it. Not at all like consoles, which generally only need to be plugged in,

[josephayal]

The world of PC gaming has always been next-gen

[leogets]

IMA give up on this website,alllllways PC players boasting about how big their shit is,had better visualls for years blah blah,no one gives a fuck ya nerdy cunts.. go play ya lame library

[andreasx]

How about NO.

[McScroggz]

I understand, and agree, that PC's are far more powerful than consoles and capable of doing things that they cannot. However, I wish more people would realize that "next gen" is a term exclusive to consoles (in the gaming realm). PC's are constantly upgraded, whereas consoles have life cycles. That's what next gen suggests, a big improvement over what's currently out. So, as a primarily console based gamer, it's a little annoying to see so many people assert PC's are the real next gen because PC gaming is markedly different than console gaming.

If you really believe PC's are the master race, that's perfectly fine; but PC's are not the next gen :)

[Twinzclipz]

AMEN

[Saryk]

Play what you want to play, to each his own.

But saying that PCs need to be constantly upgraded is pure fiction!

[Rhaigun]

No. I'm not spending that much. I also enjoy the option of buying used games.

[BatRastered]

LOL at this $2700 pc. I could buy 4 PS4 (assuming ~$499 at launch) systems for my friends and I, and still have 700 bucks left for games.

[Derekvinyard13]

Of is my living room

[profgerbik]

This is stupid, they expect about the same spec PC to outperform a device that is completely optimized and focuses all its resources to gaming?

Sadly you will need higher specification components than the PS4 to even beat it, you would be mad to think the same spec PC would because it won't.

I love PC. I have been building them since I was 12 but I know its limitation. The problem with PC is in order to beat a console it would have to be over what that console has in many aspects hardware wise. A PC can have hundreds of multiple processes running in the background using your CPU and RAM that literally have not a single thing to do with playing video games, a console on the other hand eliminates all those extra resources being hogged because it mainly only plays games.

PC's are made for everything, they aren't made for just games and because of that in a way it holds them back gaming wise, of course they can easily outperform any console even the upcoming ones but you are going to be buying way more than what these people are telling you and spending way over what they expect to achieve the same as the PS4.

Just won't happen not with a same specification PC. Even me loving PC more than anything, I know that isn't possible.

Now if they made a PC that literally used every resource on games, no way a console would beat it but stupidly that is exactly what a console is. A PC that focuses more on gaming, always amazes me how much people try to differentiate the two, they are even built exactly the same.

[BatRastered]

LOL, you didn't read the article, they didn't post a same spec PC, they posted a $2700 PC (translated from 1800 Brittish Pounds) with an Titan card ($999 graphics card).

I don't know why or what the point was supposed to be. It's serious overkill for your 1080p TV.

[profgerbik]

Yea I did read it and the specs are about the same other than a newer GPU that very well could have the same exact amount of memory the PS4's GPU is using. The PS4 cost a fraction of the cost and I can promise you will perform better than a computer with the same specs.

That is the thing you don't even need that much graphics memory for a console to begin with, I tried to explain that pretty thoroughly as well but knowing the PS4 is literally almost identical to the PC parts they want you to build with there is not much of a chance that PC will game better.

The PS4 will utilize its GPU way better than A PC will manage one Titan. Like I said, you would need a 12 core CPU and more than 8GB of RAM also to compete with the PS4 and how it will play games.

The PS4 won't last of course, there are already setups you could build that would beat it but I am saying the build they suggest would literally probably perform just about the same if not worse than the PS4, leaning more towards worse because the specification are so similar.

The PS4 is based off the 7870 which also has a 6GB version, no one knows how much actual memory the PS4 is using graphically but if it based on that model there is literally no way the titan being 6GB also will blow it out of the water... Like I said it will perform close to the same or worse and by being way more expensive.

You can't just have a titan, lower RAM and a weaker CPU or even the same and expect it to perform better than a console that offers the same spec wise. They are dedicated gaming machines a PC is not, it does not dedicate all its power to a game like a console can and does.

The GPU in the PS4 could very well be a 6GB one also but again with PC GPU's people don't realize the internal memory is also very important for a GPU.

Specs are just too similar for me to believe it would out perform a PS4. Especially knowing it is based off the Radeon 7870 which also has a 6GB model just like the Titan.

[Nitrox]

Your argument is irrelevant. Yes, apples to apples spec for spec a dedicated game console is more capable than a PC. However, the CPUs and GPUs of next gen consoles fall into the mid-range performance area compared to what's available on the PC hardware market.

People who pull out the arguments like the ones you're using are completely naive in the areas they are talking about. Do you even know the amount of processing power required to run Windows 7/8?

Here's what you need to run windows:
(And built into these specs is the assumption that you will actually want to do something when you boot up, like web browsing, word processing etc... So this is more than is actually being used by the OS.)
-1 gigahertz processor
-1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
-DirectX 9 graphics device

Really, 9 times out of 10 the most important hardware component when it comes to gaming is the GPU, which has practically no OS overhead...

[DEATHxTHExKIDx]

ehh ill stick with consoles cost less, more of my friends to play with, exclusives I actually care about.

[CanadianTurtle]

and miss out on games like Infamous Second Son, Knack, KZ ShadowFall, and Deep Down? Yea right, have fun playing "crysis" on high settings. Because it makes sense to choose a PC over consoles because of mediocre games like Crysis

[IK IR Y IP T]

now dont go calling games mediocre because all of sony exclusives are exactly that numbers dont lie. but there will always be a audience for them ...

[CanadianTurtle]

Maybe you want to go on Metacritic and look for a second time.

[Nitrox]

@CanadianTurtle-
You intrigued me so I headed over to Metacritic, and sadly, I could not find scores for any of the games you mentioned...

[danthebios]

I see there are lots of pirated games on pc compared to ps3 which i dont see at all,only if ps3 owners use jailbreak or whatever which i dont do.

[IAmTheBest35]

honestly, at this point, im content with going into next generation with my 3ds and wii u. never know how things can change though.

[PersonMan]

Only problem is... there are no next-gen games out now (and please don't say Crysis 3... that's not a next-gen game).

[Twinzclipz]

No Thanks , i stay with the Playstation
Because Pc gaming is really Bad
i Hate upgrading every time my Pc
only Console can give me the best Feelings when i go to buy it ;)
CONSOLE 4 LIFE

[aLiEnViSiToR]

Its amazing how little people actually know about PC (am not talking about this radio thing in the pic xD) as a platform...

[pissed999]

pc wins console suckers. eat it.

[CEOSteveBallmer]

Hahahaha.. Yeah and PC has more "good" exclusive games and Im the president of the united states. most multiplats on PC i can play on my console.

[kingPoS]

I'd rather not.

Besides... my laptop is from 2008, it would burnout if I tried to play games from even five years ago. lol Serious pc gaming for me goes no further than 16bit Emu's. I know it's old as dirt... but it does what I need it to do well enough.

Browse the web and play 720p mkv's. (if only my pc had dvi)

ps: vista & 2gb of ram are still treating me well.

[Tei777]

"small form factor PCs can match the power of even the beefiest of gaming rigs"

Ok, but the deskop in the image is the combined cubic volume of about 8 Xbox's stacked together. Fail.

http://cdn.pocket-lint.com/...

The main issue is cost. No desktop will ever be as cost efficient as a new console, which not only have the benefit of the console makers taking a hit on behalf of the consumers but also benefit from economies of scale. And if you're not going to blow the new consoles out the water then there is not much point for paying upwards of $600 unless you prefer PC exclusives over consoles, and there not many popular ones other then MMO's.

[kung-fu-grip]

@ shoddy
"Pc is for super nerd."

True. You have to be smart to game on PC.

[Jakens]

PCs have limits like everything else. I don't have a clue as to what those limits are.

Consoles have limits like everything else. I do have a clue as to what those limits are.

And I'll stick with Consoles.

[redcar121]

one thousand eight hundred are you @@cking joking thats a rip off i would rather get a big pc 4uck the space lol

[pissed999]

Pc wins, stop crying, MAN UP!

[supermanes]

Ok, I don't usually post to pc vs. console debates but frankly, I'm just getting so f-ing sick of it. I've been a gamer since the old atari days. I've owned all the nintendo consoles except for the Wii and i've had every xbox and playstation console made. I also built my first gaming pc a little over 2 years ago so I'm pretty well rounded on most all gaming machines with exception to portable gaming. To tell the honest truth, I love them all. I spend a pretty equal amount of time on all my platforms though I have been drifting more to pc as of late but that will probably change when the next get arrives this Fall. If you're a console only gamer, great. But don't bash the pc gamers. If you're a pc only gamer, equally as great. But don't bash the console gamers. Every system has its ups and downs.
Consoles = ease of use and great exclusives.
Pc = great performance/visuals and also great exclusive.
To those console enthusiasts who say pc's are difficult and expensive, well, your right, sort of. I built my gaming rig from scratch for around $900 two years ago and without any hardware updates I'm still playing every game on high settings without a hickup. Updating drivers can be a headache sometimes but that is no different then updating patches on a console.
What I'm trying to say is stop the hate and stop complaining. Everyone has their preferences, and I prefer to have EVERY available option available to me which is why I game on all platforms. I realize not everyone can afford to do that (money wise and time wise)so just be happy with what we do have available. As my mother used to say, there are kids in Africa who don't have the luxury to play video games.

[CEOSteveBallmer]

Well said bro. Im a console gamer but I never liked bashing PC gamers. the only time I do so is when they are the ones starting the fight so im defending the advantages of my chosen platform.

[SirBradders]

Is there a £400 pc that can play total war stablely for a few hours and atleast on all medium settings?? Help would be appreciated.
EDIT: and skyrim on matching settings and framerate to the console versions because i have been dreaming of modding it.

[imchuckbass]

Damn you can just smell the poverty in this thread. I use a PC for all multiplats (2560x1440, 16xAA, ultra high textures destroys everything) and consoles for the exclusives (though the ps4/720 can't come soon enough because both my ps3 and 360's games look like absolute junk)

Already pre-ordered my ps4, should have some decent games. If it's a multiplat though, I'm buying the PC version and that ps4 ain't gonna get any use. So it better have exclusives if it doesn't wanna gather dust

[InTheZoneAC]

I'd rather play A Link to the Past or Super Mario Bros. 3 over any of those multi-plats(2560x1440, 16xAA, ultra high textures destroys everything)

Graphics will always be my lowest priority unless graphics make the game look bland(see most n64 and ps1 games)

[SonyPS4]

Nah, the big tower PC is better than this.

[DivineAssault]

No thanks.. I dont think i can play killzone or the next GOW titles on a PC..

[DigitalSmoke]

PC's are actually being pushed in the media now?
It can't be going that bad with the scene.

[Silly gameAr]

Nah. I'm, good with my consoles. Thanks though.

[InTheZoneAC]

do people not understand that games are what make one console better than another?

I enjoy a wide variety of games such as:

Ratchet and Clank
Uncharted
Killzone
Gran Turismo
Socom
God of War
Twisted Metal
Jak and Daxter
Infamous
Ico
Shadow of the Collosus
Kingdom Hearts
Little Big Planet

and those MGS and Final Fantasy games only found on playstation

Why in the hell would I skip the ps4 just because some arrogant troll says I should?

[jjb1981]

I'd rather not

[krisq]

I simply have no time or desire to wrestle with PC gaming. Simplicity of consoles has won me over 20 years ago.

[jay2]

NOOOOOOOO!

[susanto1228]

MY PC is beast and kills the PS4 even in the next 10 years...take that!

[AllroundGamer]

I think optimization is the keyword here. The console games can still sometimes look better than on a higher PC setup, cause the developers take more time to optimize it on the one console setup, that won't change for about 7 years. But this changes after about 2-3 years of the consoles life cycle, since then the PC HW will be way ahead of it.

[kingPoS]

I bought my ps3 for games and HQ video playback. And I'll buy the ps4 for the same reason. If anyone serious pc gamer has a problem with that concept... well then that's just too bad. Go and follow your own ideal and never be satisfied with a status quo. The skys the the limit... if you can afford... that is.

As the saying goes, If it ain't broke don't fix it. The only pc game enjoyed on was GTA San Andreas multiplayer. (hack) Current pc games are not really an option for me. My 2008 Vista laptop works as well as it does today because I 'don't' play games on it and I store everything on usb.

Sometimes people prefer simply older computers and OS's, just like some people prefer older cars or stereo's. It's called an preferring one over the other.

I've been using my gateway mt6707 daily since 2009 and it still treats me well.
2gb of ram still does it for me when it comes to anime. lol