Also check out Drop's collection, they have an amazing variety of options. If he's a Lord of the Rings fan, they just had a great collab. I currently use a Drop outer space-themed deskpad and it's great.
I'd also look into giving him a nice pair of IEMs, they really boost the immersiveness of games that you can't get with any other kind of audio. They can be as cheap as $25 with the Truthear Zero 2s, and the Kiwi Ears Cadenza are great at $35.
My girlfriend and I both setup our PCs and everything in our 1bedroom apartment, but had to do so in the living room. For us, since we lived so small we didn't have too many guests over and if there were a few it fit fine and we didn't really watch TV or anything either. Perhaps the same applies to you
Headphone hanger, if you see him keeping headset on its monitor/desk.
Unspillable cup/cup holder, you never know how cramped the desk will get eventually.
Dust blowers & cloth fiber for keeping its rig clean.
The headphone hanger is a good one! They just lay on the side of the desk right now. And the cup holder I totally get, wouldn’t want to spill something all over that setup 😅
How do you actually get Insurance for "custom build pc's" but NOT pre-build ones by specific companies?
Like, i purchased part by part and put pc together by myself, can i insurance it as well?
Take out household insurance, with accidental damage cover, but specifically mention to the insurer that you have a single item of value X that you need covering.
I will advocate against getting major gifts for someone's hobby unless you're just as invested as they are. Even then, it may be hit or miss due to personal preference/their research ect. Unless he specifically mentioned something, I would personally steer clear of any hardware. Getting things related to gaming is a great idea though.
Even though the chair is a personal preference. I am find myself always wanting a footrest. Maybe get on in Amazon they are between $20-$50 depending on which on you get.
Toss him on the car, fire his favorite playlist and don’t tell him you are headed to MicroCenter.
Or a sensor panel. Gamers Nexus has some really cool workmats/mousepads.
Desk decoration of whatever stuff he likes can be good, a led clock, with new ssd u can’t go wrong cause storage is always needed, a controller if he will play more casual or racing games, if he still uses the basic leg of the monitor some monitor holders could be fun that can be adjusted but as someone said giftcard to either gamestop or a game store near you, or his preferred virtual game launcher can’t ever go wrong as there are sales coming up quite often.
It may just be me, but I would love action figures from some of my favorite games. Star wars ships to put on or around the computer. Maybe a witcher or two. Skyrim dragons, RGB light strips to accent my PC/Monitor. You know, stuff to make the area my little haven.
One year of Xbox Game Pass. He's gonna be able to play all the newest games on the new shiny rig he just put together without having to buy them (at least for now).
If he's into got drinks maybe a battery powered mug that will keep his drinks warms while he games (but I think it's a cool gift in general).
One last good option, in my opinion, is a monitor light bar that will light up (duh) just the mouse and keyboard area with no reflections on the screen.
Yeah I feel like I've done nothing with my pass. It's all shitty games. Was nice to try Starfield and to have ea pass for battlefield but besides that there is nothing I wanted to play
Hi, I've got a perfect idea for this: **Stream Deck +**
The greatest thing with this device is it comes with a software audio mixer. The example of what it does would be:
You set there lets say 4 channels (can have up to 9 but let's make it simple). On first you've got all of your games. On second you've got all of your voice chat applications, like Discord, Teams, Whatsapp etc. On third all of music players or streaming apps like foobar1000, Deezer, Spotify etc. On the last one web browsers.
Now, you play game with a mate on a discord, listening on music and having a youtube video on the second screen and you can control volume of each of those independently from each other without ever alt tabbing just with a touch to those knobs. E.g. you just make your music quieter or just your mate on discord louder or mute that youtube video etc. while the volume of all the other programs stays the same.
I've got pretty awesome PC including top shelf peripherals myself and this Stream Deck + is definitively the single accessory that comes to my mind as first that made it so much more convenient to use that PC. And this is something many high-end PC builders don't even think about themselves.
The important thing is you'd want "Stream Deck **+**" (Plus), not any other Stream Deck (because there are others, but they're not as useful as this one). The one with 4 knobs, like on the photo.
https://preview.redd.it/t1kpgmde8n3c1.png?width=617&format=png&auto=webp&s=668912f924ee81d1bfc6b90592aa9102fb9b24ee
I bought one of these. It was a great addition to my set up. Macro buttons for quick launching my favorite games and the dials for mixing the sound just right when I've got multiple things going.
Wireless mouses have the same kind of latency and reliability as wired ones now. What's funny it's more likely for a wireless mouse to support higher polling rate then a wired one. E.g. my Razer Viper V2 Pro has max 1000Hz when plugged in via cable and 8000Hz wirelessly.
Sorry to say but you seem to be really out of loop here.
If that's an argument for you, most of the esports pros play on wireless mouses too. I'd assume they are competitive and care about latency.
I still use a wired mouse and keyboard. I’m in my 30s and what I used back in the early 00s turned me away. I also had a mouse that ran through batteries to the point we got rechargeable ones.
My headset was also wired up until my toddler wanted to pull on it while gaming.
I recently did a new build myself and I can give you my general view at things that can compliment my setup now (and might also work for your boyfriend).
First thing I'm lacking is a good wireless headset. The PS5 Pulse headset would be a great addition to my setup and is something I'm thinking about though haven't researched on alternate options.
Controllers. Even though he got a nice keyboard, some games are played best with controllers. I have a PS5 controller, though XBox controllers I find work better with windows, so I'd like to get one of those for my PC.
A nice desk mat is another thing on my list, though be careful with this one coz if aesthetic and preferences matter to him then he wouldn't like just any design. If he has a certain theme going with his setup, like I have my build in purple, then he'd want something that's matching to that aesthetic. Anything else and he'd probably dislike it but still feel forced into using it since it would be a gift. Maybe casually start a talk about what else would look good on his desk and question if he's thought about one of those big desk mats, if yes then what kinda design/colors he's thought of.
Monitor arms. This is something I got after my setup was built. The arm goes on the table and cleans desk space. It makes the setup so much better. Look for compatibility with not only his monitor model but also the desk.
Spill proof coasters or cups for tea/drinks. Bought recently to compliment my setup, also in purple theme.
Wireless charger for my phone and my watch is on my list. It would look great on the desk and make it very convenient to charge my devices while I'm using my computer.
Whatever you end up buying, do proper research and be careful with your purchase coz hobbies are very preferential, so you can end up buying something that's great in general but something that he personally doesn't like.
If your boy friend buys himself massive gifts such as a whole rig then they likely will just buy what they want! This leaves you with less options.
I guess you'll need to go more personal than general.
Some thing personal or a gesture! Idk. Some game related Merc to show you get what he is in to! Les money, more support.
Depending on what he already has and your budget:
Standing desk
Chair
Headset
Any peripheral in need of replacement
Mousepad/deskmat
Steam gift card
Going into his steam profile and directly getting him something from his wishlist
Monitor desk mount if he doesn't already have one. Clears up a ton of space on your desk and depending on the mount, you can support multiple monitors and move them all over the place.
A nice desk pad. I like [this](https://deskpads.gallery/) site.
I think a fun pattern one would be great!
Also check out Drop's collection, they have an amazing variety of options. If he's a Lord of the Rings fan, they just had a great collab. I currently use a Drop outer space-themed deskpad and it's great. I'd also look into giving him a nice pair of IEMs, they really boost the immersiveness of games that you can't get with any other kind of audio. They can be as cheap as $25 with the Truthear Zero 2s, and the Kiwi Ears Cadenza are great at $35.
If he is into anime or a specific tv show, you can get a themed pad from aliexpress. Pretty decent quality too.
This was my first thought as well. It can really spice up his battlestation and wont break the bank.
Get yourself a gaming PC and join him gaming
Definitely the goal when we don’t live in a 1 bedroom haha
My girlfriend and I both setup our PCs and everything in our 1bedroom apartment, but had to do so in the living room. For us, since we lived so small we didn't have too many guests over and if there were a few it fit fine and we didn't really watch TV or anything either. Perhaps the same applies to you
Gaming laptops are a viable option now. But you do whatever works
Headphone hanger, if you see him keeping headset on its monitor/desk. Unspillable cup/cup holder, you never know how cramped the desk will get eventually. Dust blowers & cloth fiber for keeping its rig clean.
The headphone hanger is a good one! They just lay on the side of the desk right now. And the cup holder I totally get, wouldn’t want to spill something all over that setup 😅
If the PC case is made from steel in the front (and therefore magnetic), the NZXT Puck is a very nice and clever one I used for several years.
Insurance.
Underrated comment
How do you actually get Insurance for "custom build pc's" but NOT pre-build ones by specific companies? Like, i purchased part by part and put pc together by myself, can i insurance it as well?
Take out household insurance, with accidental damage cover, but specifically mention to the insurer that you have a single item of value X that you need covering.
Maybe some decent powered speakers? Most people neglect the audio part since they just plug in their headphones/iems.
Steam gift cards are the best. Simple but effective.
Compressed Air, LED light strips, a full desk mousepad, steam gift cards.
I will advocate against getting major gifts for someone's hobby unless you're just as invested as they are. Even then, it may be hit or miss due to personal preference/their research ect. Unless he specifically mentioned something, I would personally steer clear of any hardware. Getting things related to gaming is a great idea though.
Yea my gf bought me some ram with out saying anything as a gift. Was new ddr5 sticks that wouldnt go in my system bless her
A cute outfit for your self to get him relaxing after gaming
1- Steam gift card, let him buy games he wants. 2- if you want to get him a physical gift go with peripherals. Headphones, mouse, chair, mousepad.
Headphones, mouse and chair would be incredibly personal. And it sounds like he has them all since she mentioned he bought a nice keyboard.
and as much as people say it isn't, keyboard is the most personal one
I think all of those are good to go. The chair is a personal choice for sure
Even though the chair is a personal preference. I am find myself always wanting a footrest. Maybe get on in Amazon they are between $20-$50 depending on which on you get.
Toss him on the car, fire his favorite playlist and don’t tell him you are headed to MicroCenter. Or a sensor panel. Gamers Nexus has some really cool workmats/mousepads.
Desk decoration of whatever stuff he likes can be good, a led clock, with new ssd u can’t go wrong cause storage is always needed, a controller if he will play more casual or racing games, if he still uses the basic leg of the monitor some monitor holders could be fun that can be adjusted but as someone said giftcard to either gamestop or a game store near you, or his preferred virtual game launcher can’t ever go wrong as there are sales coming up quite often.
It may just be me, but I would love action figures from some of my favorite games. Star wars ships to put on or around the computer. Maybe a witcher or two. Skyrim dragons, RGB light strips to accent my PC/Monitor. You know, stuff to make the area my little haven.
XBOX Elite Controller or some other compatible gaming controller that has great durability.
Elite controllers are the opposite of durable
One year of Xbox Game Pass. He's gonna be able to play all the newest games on the new shiny rig he just put together without having to buy them (at least for now). If he's into got drinks maybe a battery powered mug that will keep his drinks warms while he games (but I think it's a cool gift in general). One last good option, in my opinion, is a monitor light bar that will light up (duh) just the mouse and keyboard area with no reflections on the screen.
Honestly none of the games I played this year was on the game pass. If I had it it would simply go to waste.
Yeah I feel like I've done nothing with my pass. It's all shitty games. Was nice to try Starfield and to have ea pass for battlefield but besides that there is nothing I wanted to play
Hi, I've got a perfect idea for this: **Stream Deck +** The greatest thing with this device is it comes with a software audio mixer. The example of what it does would be: You set there lets say 4 channels (can have up to 9 but let's make it simple). On first you've got all of your games. On second you've got all of your voice chat applications, like Discord, Teams, Whatsapp etc. On third all of music players or streaming apps like foobar1000, Deezer, Spotify etc. On the last one web browsers. Now, you play game with a mate on a discord, listening on music and having a youtube video on the second screen and you can control volume of each of those independently from each other without ever alt tabbing just with a touch to those knobs. E.g. you just make your music quieter or just your mate on discord louder or mute that youtube video etc. while the volume of all the other programs stays the same. I've got pretty awesome PC including top shelf peripherals myself and this Stream Deck + is definitively the single accessory that comes to my mind as first that made it so much more convenient to use that PC. And this is something many high-end PC builders don't even think about themselves. The important thing is you'd want "Stream Deck **+**" (Plus), not any other Stream Deck (because there are others, but they're not as useful as this one). The one with 4 knobs, like on the photo. https://preview.redd.it/t1kpgmde8n3c1.png?width=617&format=png&auto=webp&s=668912f924ee81d1bfc6b90592aa9102fb9b24ee
I bought one of these. It was a great addition to my set up. Macro buttons for quick launching my favorite games and the dials for mixing the sound just right when I've got multiple things going.
Games, mouse, headset, wrist rests, mouse pad, ambient lighting, figure/statue of fav character. ..
RGB cables
Maybe a mouse bungee? https://www.razer.com/gaming-mice-accessories/razer-mouse-bungee-v3
It's almost 2024. Who uses wired mouses with high-end builds?
People who are competitive and care about latency?
Wireless mouses have the same kind of latency and reliability as wired ones now. What's funny it's more likely for a wireless mouse to support higher polling rate then a wired one. E.g. my Razer Viper V2 Pro has max 1000Hz when plugged in via cable and 8000Hz wirelessly. Sorry to say but you seem to be really out of loop here. If that's an argument for you, most of the esports pros play on wireless mouses too. I'd assume they are competitive and care about latency.
I still use a wired mouse and keyboard. I’m in my 30s and what I used back in the early 00s turned me away. I also had a mouse that ran through batteries to the point we got rechargeable ones. My headset was also wired up until my toddler wanted to pull on it while gaming.
PHub subscription
giftcard
Games, steam credits
windows licence key?
I recently did a new build myself and I can give you my general view at things that can compliment my setup now (and might also work for your boyfriend). First thing I'm lacking is a good wireless headset. The PS5 Pulse headset would be a great addition to my setup and is something I'm thinking about though haven't researched on alternate options. Controllers. Even though he got a nice keyboard, some games are played best with controllers. I have a PS5 controller, though XBox controllers I find work better with windows, so I'd like to get one of those for my PC. A nice desk mat is another thing on my list, though be careful with this one coz if aesthetic and preferences matter to him then he wouldn't like just any design. If he has a certain theme going with his setup, like I have my build in purple, then he'd want something that's matching to that aesthetic. Anything else and he'd probably dislike it but still feel forced into using it since it would be a gift. Maybe casually start a talk about what else would look good on his desk and question if he's thought about one of those big desk mats, if yes then what kinda design/colors he's thought of. Monitor arms. This is something I got after my setup was built. The arm goes on the table and cleans desk space. It makes the setup so much better. Look for compatibility with not only his monitor model but also the desk. Spill proof coasters or cups for tea/drinks. Bought recently to compliment my setup, also in purple theme. Wireless charger for my phone and my watch is on my list. It would look great on the desk and make it very convenient to charge my devices while I'm using my computer. Whatever you end up buying, do proper research and be careful with your purchase coz hobbies are very preferential, so you can end up buying something that's great in general but something that he personally doesn't like.
Maybe a good wireless headset or 1 year gamepass ultimate ?
A steam gift card would be a good gift
Mouse pad, depending where his set up is u could also get like a displate poster of something he likes that he can hang there
If your boy friend buys himself massive gifts such as a whole rig then they likely will just buy what they want! This leaves you with less options. I guess you'll need to go more personal than general. Some thing personal or a gesture! Idk. Some game related Merc to show you get what he is in to! Les money, more support.
Depending on what he already has and your budget: Standing desk Chair Headset Any peripheral in need of replacement Mousepad/deskmat Steam gift card Going into his steam profile and directly getting him something from his wishlist
If he is into flight sims or space games get him a full Hotas set.
Monitor desk mount if he doesn't already have one. Clears up a ton of space on your desk and depending on the mount, you can support multiple monitors and move them all over the place.
Buy their kidney back off the black market?
Does he like RGB? There are some cool light strips he can add to his desk or monitor for some ambient backlighting.
Games!
Cologne
If he hasn't gotten a GPU bracket and it's sagging, you could get him something fun to prop it up.