I got into an conversation earlier on in the week with some guys I was gaming with about the hardware they are using. I am really surprised how many were using sub-$100 graphics cards in their gaming systems. One particular guild member was quite proud of her new $60 graphics card and how much it had dramatically improved her gaming experience in WoW.

 

I really suppose that, being in the industry, I have been spoilt by having access to the latest and greatest graphics cards. The reality really kind of struck me this week, as I am testing budget graphics cards that are priced between $50-80. It surprised me how much these cards are actually capable of and how good games can look at low settings. Developers use tricks and techniques and they are improving them all the time. This has mainly happened due to them having no choice if they want good looking games on consoles. Most console GPUs are not much more powerful than a sub-$100 graphics card. But if you get a Playstation 3 and a high definition TV with a new release game, it’s pleasantly surprising how great the quality of the graphics looks. Maybe consoles have done something positive for PC games after all?!