First Commercial Computers From as early as 1940, the computer

became available commercially in many varied forms.

From very early on, a small niche group had been creating and mixing their own hardware to form customized computers, but the business world would not yet seize on this soon to be lucrative market.

Computer growth- Market Though it could not be said to do so in

the early days of computer building and development, in the present it is fair to say that computer gaming has driven manufacturers to consistently produce higher performing hardware for their niche market- except it is no longer a small part of the market.

Computer Growth

There is an enormous market for high-end hardware, from cases and components to peripherals. Although the main industry giants remain trusted suppliers (such as Intel, nVidia and ATI) many companies have now sprung up to met the specific demands of modern gamers (Alienware, Antec, Razer.)

Cases

One could argue that the computer case is hardly the most important part. However, all high-end gaming machines have high-end requirements, and a carefully constructed case is the least of these.

Cooling and airflow are one of the most important factors, followed by placement of parts and customizability.

Gaming Cases

Alienware A-z

Antec Sonata IIIAlienware P2

Antec 900

Alienware A world-wide respected brand, Alienware is an example

of a gaming driven market. With a dedication to innovation, quality and performance, their products are tailor made for the high end systems they are used in.

For example, Alienware cases include; Eye candy; the cases are incredibly good to look at and

boast a sleek metallic finish. Cable management; a system built into the case. Screw holders; built into the case for the users

convenience. Cool system; one of the core components of a high end

case, they feature multiple intake/exhaust fans for critical air flow, and also feature LEDS on the fans.

Antec Though not specifically aimed at the case

market, Antec none the less produce some quality products.

A major focus of Antec cases is cooling and noise-silencing. They incorporate these key elements into all of their designs, though the focus on these is heavier on gaming-marketed cases, especially in the case of cooling.

Antec also produce some visually pleasing cases, with a focus on transparent/mesh sides, and LED fans.

Cases; extra

Cases aren’t just about functionality, however. A few small companies have begun doing ‘custom modding’ to cases. Mostly though, this is done by the user themselves.

Peripherals With the advent of VOIP, the world of

PC gaming became a little more social. Headsets (headphones and a microphone) quickly became a focus; there was a need for crisp, clear sound from both the headphones and the mike. Gamers could now communicate with their team mates at the push of the button, whilst still being immersed in the gaming world.

Peripherals cont. For many gamers (especially in first person shooters)

audio is a key component of surviving in the game. Audio cues such as footsteps, speech and

environmental effects are all critical for immersion and a realistic experience.

However, without the hardware to support these functions, the gaming experience will be lessened.

This is one of several reasons why many gamers choose high quality, versatile products; for example, a 5.1 surround sound head set will not only deliver incredible sound in game (and allow the gamer to communicate with their team mates) but they can also be used for various multimedia functions.

Examples

Logitech G35 Surround Sound

Logitech Digital Precision

Razer Megalon 7.1

Razer Barracuda

Logitech

A long trusted supplier of quality computer peripherals, Logitech have recently moved into the head set market. Their focus is mainly on quality, affordable goods, although the design of its headsets leaves a little to be desired. Many prefer them since they cater to an average priced market ($50-$100.)

Razer Razer have built their company on quality,

high performance peripherals, all featuring their trade-mark logo. With a focus on high-end performance, their headsets offer 7.1 surround sound (Megalon) and 5.1 surround sound (Barracuda). With a focus on quality, Razer improve their designs with each successive product. Quality comes at a price, however; the Barracuda is US$130, and the Megalon is US$150.

Computer Growth

50 years ago, there wasn’t a market for customized, high end, high performance hardware and peripherals. As modern games continue to focus on quality and content, the demands on the hardware only increase. This in turn drives the companies to compete for the coveted (if short lived) spot of most wanted hardware.

Computer Growth Fin. Though gaming isn’t necessarily more than

a third of the modern market, its contributions must be acknowledged. By continuously pushing manufacturers to produce more quality and top performance hardware, gamers have created a competitive and innovative atmosphere that is as much about satisfying the demands of their customers as it is creating the next bleeding edge component.