# Technology in Competitive Gaming Part of the Competitive Gaming Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/competitive-gaming/guide/index.md) *5. Gaming Technology* > **5.** Do the following: Every competitive game runs on hardware, and that hardware shapes what's possible — how fast you can react, how smooth the game looks, and how much you can customize your setup. This requirement moves from theory (comparing platforms) to hands-on testing (playing across platforms) to design (building your own dream gaming PC on paper). ## Requirement 5a > **5a.** Explain the difference between console gaming and PC gaming. List the advantages and disadvantages of each. **Consoles** — like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch — are built around fixed hardware that every owner shares. **PC gaming** runs on hardware you choose and can upgrade piece by piece. **Console vs. PC: Quick Comparison** — Neither platform is objectively 'better' — it depends what you value - [ ] **Consoles**: Lower upfront cost, no setup required, every player has identical hardware — but limited upgrade options and often a subscription fee for online play. - [ ] **PC**: Fully customizable and upgradeable, typically better graphics and frame rates at the high end, access to mods — but higher upfront cost and more setup and maintenance responsibility. Competitive scenes often reflect this split, too — some esports titles are console-exclusive or console-first, while others (especially in the FPS and RTS genres) are built primarily around PC hardware, where precise mouse aim and high frame rates matter most. ## Official Resources [Console vs. PC Gaming: Which Is Better? (website)](https://www.seagate.com/blog/console-vs-pc-gaming/): A balanced breakdown of the practical tradeoffs between console and PC gaming. ## Requirement 5b > **5b.** Play the same game on at least two different platforms. Describe the similarities and differences in gameplay and performance. Note: Any game may be used, including free games, on any platform (phone, tablet, PC, laptop, console, etc.). Pick a game available on at least two of your devices — a free-to-play title is a great choice here since it removes the cost barrier. As you play, pay attention to more than just "it looks different." Consider: - **Controls**: Does a touchscreen, controller, or mouse-and-keyboard change how precisely you can play? - **Performance**: Do you notice differences in frame rate, loading times, or visual detail? - **Feel**: Does the same game feel faster, slower, or more or less competitive depending on the platform? > **Tip** > > If you can, play both versions on the same day, back to back. The differences are much easier to notice when they're fresh in your mind rather than compared from memory a week apart. ## Requirement 5c > **5c.** Visit a PC builder website such as PCPartPicker or Micro Center. Design your ideal gaming PC and create a parts list that includes: central processing unit (CPU), motherboard, random access memory (RAM), hard drive, power supply, graphics card, fans, case. Discuss your selections with your counselor. Building a PC on paper is one of the best ways to actually understand what each component does — because a builder tool will stop you if you pick parts that don't work together. **What Each Part Actually Does** — Know this before you start picking parts - [ ] **CPU (processor)**: Handles the game's logic, physics, and overall instructions — the "brain" of the system. - [ ] **Motherboard**: Connects every other component together; must match your CPU's socket type. - [ ] **RAM (memory)**: Temporary, fast storage the system uses while running — more RAM means smoother multitasking. - [ ] **Storage (hard drive/SSD)**: Where your games and files live permanently; solid-state drives (SSDs) load games much faster than traditional hard drives. - [ ] **Power supply (PSU)**: Delivers electricity to every component — must supply enough wattage for your other parts. - [ ] **Graphics card (GPU)**: Renders the images you see on screen — usually the most important part for gaming performance. - [ ] **Case and fans**: House everything and keep it cool — overheating parts slow down or shut off to protect themselves. ![Labeled diagram of a desktop gaming PC showing CPU, motherboard, RAM, graphics card, power supply, storage drive, and case fans](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/competitive-gaming/guide/pc-parts-labeled-diagram?v=ad5a2863) Download: [Dream Gaming PC Parts List](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/competitive-gaming/guide/pc-parts-worksheet/) Use the worksheet above to record your selections as you build in PCPartPicker or a similar tool, then bring it to your counselor conversation. ## Official Resources [PCPartPicker (website)](https://pcpartpicker.com/): A build tool that checks part compatibility and estimates total cost as you design your PC. [Micro Center (website)](https://www.microcenter.com/site/content/custom-pc-builder.aspx?k=1772572403500): A retailer's custom PC builder tool with real, in-stock parts and pricing. You've built your dream setup — now it's time to put your skills to work for others. Requirement 6 is about leadership and service in the gaming world. --- - Previous: [Gamer Safety and Community Connection](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/competitive-gaming/guide/req4/index.md) - Next: [Leadership and Service in Competitive Gaming](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/competitive-gaming/guide/req6/index.md)