How big is the difference in visuals/performance between PC and PS4/Xbox really?

copelandmaster said:
Visual/Image Quality?
If you have a discerning eye for AA, AF, texture resolution, shadow resolution, AO, draw distance, etc. the difference will be pronounced. Overall things will look similar to consoles, yet so much better if you have an eye for detail. Tech like Lightboost (CRT style strobbing motion clarity) and G-sync/Freesync for consistent frame delivery also adds another layer of additional quality to the PC ecosystem.

For me personally, I pick up on stuff like shadow res, draw distance, and AF (the big one) and also have a Lightboost monitor. When I play my games on PS4 the often huge quality deference really bothers me.

Graphics?
PC typically has high end graphics effects not present on consoles, not event counting NVIDIA/AMD exclusive technologies that improve both graphics and image quality. This will be more pronounced than the VQ difference, but can also boil down to taste e.g. some people don't like the certain implementations of physx.

PS4 gets more AAA graphics showcases, but those same showcases (sans The Order, mostly) also suffer from the IQ problems that PC doesn't have. "Minor" things like sub par quality AF are usually to be found in these showcases.

Framerate?
Huge. Huge. HUGE. By a factor between 2x - 4.8x. Once you go 120hz+Lightboost/144hz Gysnc or Freesync, you really don't want to go back. The chase for high smooth frames will have you dumping the $600 - $800 builds most PC gamers advocate like a bad date, but you'll love the ride.

PC wins, no question. I mean at the worse, you get the occasional a capped Japanese console port, but without framerate problems or bad quality AF.


TL;DR: Pretty damn big, even if you're not a freaky deaky mofo like me.

However, you should go where the games you like are. If you like multi plats the most, and don't have to worry about IRL friends/friends lists, definitely go PC, as almost everything is getting ports to PC these days, even retroactive "exclusive" stuff like Valkyria Chronicles (which now runs at 120fps I might add!).
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Gsysnc/freesync is a big game changer, because you can have min framerates at 50 and not notice as much (if at all). So now higher resolutions are more viable on mid range gear. Things like tearing are pretty much eliminated. I imagine that SLI and Crossfire setups benefit as well.

SMAA injection is also easy and nearly free from a performance perspective, while providing a nice IQ boost.

The gap is more apparent in motion than in still screenshots, but it's there and it's rather large. It's hard to go back to 30fps after experiencing 120/144 with adaptive sync.
 
like everyone has said 100 times already depends on the game and on the PC, if the devs do a good job with the PC port and you spend a few bucks on a good rig its amazing

but.... you also need to factor in bad ports or waiting for patches on the PC also if you play online deal with more cheats/hacks and myself my gaming rig is still at a desk and my ps4 is setup in my bedroom so i can get comfortable, i know with steam boxes and streaming you can do that too just little extra work

for me i play fps on my 144hz benq 1 ms monitor at 145fps or WoW off and on where i play console games to relax on my 4k 55" samsung TV.... well expect for dark souls and street fighter hehe
 
On a capable gaming PC, the difference in frame rate is often much greater than the difference in graphics; and at the end of the day, a high frame rate goes a really long way towards making a game look great in motion.
 
PC is there for enthusiasts. If you want the best you can get from (multiplatform/PC) games, get a PC. It's that simple.

Console is my JRPGs & exclusives machine, nothing else.
 
The biggest difference is IQ and Framerate. Honestly this isn't as big a deal this gen as it was last gen as most PS4 games already run a native 1080p. Your mileage will vary depending on what your Monitor can do. That said, I'll still pick the PC version of a multiplat over the PS4 version any day (assuming the PC version isn't borked) and my PC isn't even all that (ivy bridge i7, gtx670).
 
I'll echo the general sentiment and say that the biggest difference is IQ and framerate. There's not many games that set PC apart graphically like Crysis did back in the day (only Star Citizen comes to mind).

However, with that said, I'd consider IQ and framerate to be pretty big differences. There's no need to for me to elaborate on the sheer difference between 30 FPS vs 60 FPS. IQ can be a massive difference too, especially if you have an eye for that sort of thing.

I expect this sort of difference to continue throughout the generation. And I'm okay with that. I'd like to continue maxing out and downsampling all my titles.
 
So far I call my PS4 a Bloodborne box. It serves to play Bloodborne and nothing else. To me it still was worth the money, but otherwise Wii U + PC is the sane choice.

A mid range current PC destroys the consoles in terms of performances. As long as the PC version is not coded by the monkeys WB hires, both the IQ and framerate will be better.
 
DSix said:
So far I call my PS4 a Bloodborne box. It serves to play Bloodborne and nothing else. To me it still was worth the money, but otherwise Wii U + PC is the sane choice.

A mid range current PC destroys the consoles in terms of performances. As long as the PC version is not coded by the monkeys WB hires, both the IQ and framerate will be better.
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I got a PS4 for Bloodborne as well. I beat it once and other than a short love affair with Rocket League it collects dust. Between the PS4, PS+ and Bloodborne I spent $500+ a regret every bit of it. I should have waited till next year.
 
You know that type of difference that would get people to create a bunch of threads; a hundred pages long discussing how much better PS4 version is to XBO? It's that measure of difference times a billion.

When you add SLI, it's increased to no less than a billion².
 
The biggest thing is framerate. Playing The Witcher 3 at a stable 60 fps is like playing a whole new game, more so than a having few extra bushes in the environment or whatever.

Not to say that there aren't big visual differences, but what makes PC gaming worth it for me is not just having the games look a little better but having them feel better to play.
 
Thinking about purchasing an Asus gaming laptop with an Nvidia 980M inside. Does anyone have experience with that GPU? I don't want a desktop computer.
 
When the PS4 dropped, I had a friend tell me that BF4 looked the same as maxed on a PC. My setup is hooked up through my HT Receiver and on a 55" tv and I had BF4 for both PC and PS4. I brought him over and loaded up an empty map at the same place on both systems and just switched between the 2 input modes for him and let him run around on both and his mouth was on the ground the whole time. NO, no it does not look the same.

That said, some people are not as sensitive to some things. I notice screen tear like crazy and must have Vsync or my eyes explode. Some of my friends cant even tell...its the strangest thing. The biggest differences I notice are AA, framerate, and draw distance and its only apparent on games that have big open worlds (for the most part). Some people just dont notice it or dont care which is fine. You just saved yourself tons of money. I view pc gaming as an enthusiast level thing, where you want the best possible experience because it makes your gaming better.
 
Got a 970 to go with my old i5 and I run pretty much everything at 1080p/60fps maxxed or close to it (depends on AA/AO used etc). I'd say the difference is massive just having games run at solid 60fps with IQ and settings higher than consoles. I've never really seen anything special from this gen's console out the gate and with DX12 coming soon, I think the gap will widen much more.

Sad but this gen's console is mostly aimed at 30fps and still drops below it.
 
It's always a treat seeing PC vs consoles comparison threads. Normally, in PS4 vs XBO threads, you have the PS4 users trumpeting the graphical/performance advantage of the PS4 over the XBO. Then threads like this come along, and then you have posts basically downplaying the advantage PC has over the consoles, especially PS4, with things like "aside from minor difference like better reso, framerate, etc".

Talk about double standards.
 
Kageshinzo said:
It's always a treat seeing PC vs consoles comparison threads. Normally, in PS4 vs XBO threads, you have the PS4 users trumpeting the graphical/performance advantage of the PS4 over the XBO. Then threads like this come along, and then you have posts basically downplaying the advantage PC has over the consoles, especially PS4, with things like "aside from minor difference like better reso, framerate, etc".

Talk about double standards.
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Durantegrassgate.png
 
Kageshinzo said:
It's always a treat seeing PC vs consoles comparison threads. Normally, in PS4 vs XBO threads, you have the PS4 users trumpeting the graphical/performance advantage of the PS4 over the XBO. Then threads like this come along, and then you have posts basically downplaying the advantage PC has over the consoles, especially PS4, with things like "aside from minor difference like better reso, framerate, etc".

Talk about double standards.
Click to expand...

I think most people have not seen real pc gaming. Its always "I saw x game on a friends 'high end pc' and it didnt look different to me" and all that crap. Anyone that knows what they are doing and have a nice rig knows whats up. Period.
 
k4n3 said:
like everyone has said 100 times already depends on the game and on the PC, if the devs do a good job with the PC port and you spend a few bucks on a good rig its amazing

but.... you also need to factor in bad ports or waiting for patches on the PC also if you play online deal with more cheats/hacks and myself my gaming rig is still at a desk and my ps4 is setup in my bedroom so i can get comfortable, i know with steam boxes and streaming you can do that too just little extra work

for me i play fps on my 144hz benq 1 ms monitor at 145fps or WoW off and on where i play console games to relax on my 4k 55" samsung TV.... well expect for dark souls and street fighter hehe
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I do agree with you but would like to point out (remind actually) that pc gaming is VERY viable on a tv. I got a wireless gaming mouse and keyboard and one of those larger hard mouse pads and just have a throw pillow under it. Makes it the perfect height and I can just lean back on my couch with my keyboard in my lap and now im playing pc games on the same 55" tv that my ps4 and home theater setup is on. I can switch between the 2 with the push of a button. Im typing this on a 55" tv as we speak.

The trick is getting the right distance between you and the tv, otherwise it makes viewing text in some things difficult which is no fun. I got lucky and have my own game room/man cave so I sit about 7 feet from my tv which is awesome.
 
I don't think this is so much a question of "better" as it is a question of "different." This is a little known fact, but due to the inherent angularity of PC graphics, console games can achieve a degree of realism (i.e., closely resembling our physical reality) that a rigidly deterministic PC, notwithstanding its high resolution and framerate, simply cannot match.

An instructive analogy might be a CD versus an LP -- the CD may technically be more precise and more accurate, but the LP will nonetheless yield a richer, warmer and ultimately more satisfying reproduction.
 
DerSchniffles said:
I do agree with you but would like to point out (remind actually) that pc gaming is VERY viable on a tv. I got a wireless gaming mouse and keyboard and one of those larger hard mouse pads and just have a throw pillow under it. Makes it the perfect height and I can just lean back on my couch with my keyboard in my lap and now im playing pc games on the same 55" tv that my ps4 and home theater setup is on. I can switch between the 2 with the push of a button. Im typing this on a 55" tv as we speak.

The trick is getting the right distance between you and the tv, otherwise it makes viewing text in some things difficult which is no fun. I got lucky and have my own game room/man cave so I sit about 7 feet from my tv which is awesome.
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It's certainly a lot more viable if you use an xbox controller and steam big picture. Keyboard + mouse on a couch is not really optimal
 
Kageshinzo said:
It's always a treat seeing PC vs consoles comparison threads. Normally, in PS4 vs XBO threads, you have the PS4 users trumpeting the graphical/performance advantage of the PS4 over the XBO. Then threads like this come along, and then you have posts basically downplaying the advantage PC has over the consoles, especially PS4, with things like "aside from minor difference like better reso, framerate, etc".

Talk about double standards.
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Well you gotta look at cost
 
Leb said:
I don't think this is so much a question of "better" as it is a question of "different." This is a little known fact, but due to the inherent angularity of PC graphics, console games can achieve a degree of realism (i.e., closely resembling our physical reality) that a rigidly deterministic PC, notwithstanding its high resolution and framerate, simply cannot match.

An instructive analogy might be a CD versus an LP -- the CD may technically be more precise and more accurate, but the LP will nonetheless yield a richer, warmer and ultimately more satisfying reproduction.
Click to expand...

incredible
 
Leb said:
I don't think this is so much a question of "better" as it is a question of "different." This is a little known fact, but due to the inherent angularity of PC graphics, console games can achieve a degree of realism (i.e., closely resembling our physical reality) that a rigidly deterministic PC, notwithstanding its high resolution and framerate, simply cannot match.

An instructive analogy might be a CD versus an LP -- the CD may technically be more precise and more accurate, but the LP will nonetheless yield a richer, warmer and ultimately more satisfying reproduction.
Click to expand...

Oh man, this is great
 
Kageshinzo said:
It's always a treat seeing PC vs consoles comparison threads. Normally, in PS4 vs XBO threads, you have the PS4 users trumpeting the graphical/performance advantage of the PS4 over the XBO. Then threads like this come along, and then you have posts basically downplaying the advantage PC has over the consoles, especially PS4, with things like "aside from minor difference like better reso, framerate, etc".

Talk about double standards.
Click to expand...

It's okay to bully XBO & WiiU, but don't you dare to bully my dear PS4, PC!
 
Leb said:
I don't think this is so much a question of "better" as it is a question of "different." This is a little known fact, but due to the inherent angularity of PC graphics, console games can achieve a degree of realism (i.e., closely resembling our physical reality) that a rigidly deterministic PC, notwithstanding its high resolution and framerate, simply cannot match.

An instructive analogy might be a CD versus an LP -- the CD may technically be more precise and more accurate, but the LP will nonetheless yield a richer, warmer and ultimately more satisfying reproduction.
Click to expand...

Confused-gif.gif


Say what

Saucycarpdog said:
Yes because that's what you need to actually see a difference. A 4K TV.

Really people?
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He was pointing out that a 4K TV will make PC gaming look even more desirable not that you need one to make it desirable. I have no idea how you got to that conclusion.
 
Leb said:
I don't think this is so much a question of "better" as it is a question of "different." This is a little known fact, but due to the inherent angularity of PC graphics, console games can achieve a degree of realism (i.e., closely resembling our physical reality) that a rigidly deterministic PC, notwithstanding its high resolution and framerate, simply cannot match.

An instructive analogy might be a CD versus an LP -- the CD may technically be more precise and more accurate, but the LP will nonetheless yield a richer, warmer and ultimately more satisfying reproduction.
Click to expand...

okay what reference am I missing now guys
 
Leb said:
I don't think this is so much a question of "better" as it is a question of "different." This is a little known fact, but due to the inherent angularity of PC graphics, console games can achieve a degree of realism (i.e., closely resembling our physical reality) that a rigidly deterministic PC, notwithstanding its high resolution and framerate, simply cannot match.

An instructive analogy might be a CD versus an LP -- the CD may technically be more precise and more accurate, but the LP will nonetheless yield a richer, warmer and ultimately more satisfying reproduction.
Click to expand...

I have been laughing at this for the past 5 minutes lmao
 
Leb said:
I don't think this is so much a question of "better" as it is a question of "different." This is a little known fact, but due to the inherent angularity of PC graphics, console games can achieve a degree of realism (i.e., closely resembling our physical reality) that a rigidly deterministic PC, notwithstanding its high resolution and framerate, simply cannot match.

An instructive analogy might be a CD versus an LP -- the CD may technically be more precise and more accurate, but the LP will nonetheless yield a richer, warmer and ultimately more satisfying reproduction.
Click to expand...

are people like this really real? i mean, do you really believe what you just wrote? this is reaching way beyond the stars.
 
Leb said:
I don't think this is so much a question of "better" as it is a question of "different." This is a little known fact, but due to the inherent angularity of PC graphics, console games can achieve a degree of realism (i.e., closely resembling our physical reality) that a rigidly deterministic PC, notwithstanding its high resolution and framerate, simply cannot match.

An instructive analogy might be a CD versus an LP -- the CD may technically be more precise and more accurate, but the LP will nonetheless yield a richer, warmer and ultimately more satisfying reproduction.
Click to expand...

I'm really confused reading this. It makes no sense at all...or am I missing something?

Edit: The above posts try to clarify but it doesn't help as I'm still lost.

Edit 2: I'm going to stop reading it. I feel like I stepped into the Twilight Zone.
 
I got a PC for the first time in about 25 years this year (mostly had laptops/macbooks before that weren't really great for gaming). Let me tell you how good it is.

The positives

+ The console version is basically the gimped version with 'compromises' everywhere, 720p, 900p, 1080p, 30/60fps. Depending on the game and what you can afford - you can get something that will make you happy. You want 1080/60 for every game? get a GTX980. Turn up all the settings while you're at it. I'm gaming on a 27" inch at 1440p, 144z monitor, while the DPI resolution isn't as good as my macbook retina, its still pretty damn nice. There's basically no way consoles could touch this until the PS5/XB2 comes out and that may be years. In the past, there were some games like MGS2, GT3, GOW, that went toe to toe with the PC, but I really can't think of anything right now on consoles that could go close to a PC. Drive club looks pretty nice, though its running at 30fps.

+ Steam - sure people will say there's DRM and all that BUT the best two things about Steam is the catalogue of games that stretches back 10 years or so, especially when consoles have gotten rid of backwards compatibility. And Steam specials. As I live in a rural area, the digital age is really the future. Haven't purchased a full price game from a retail store in years.

+ Free online gaming? What an amazing concept.

The Negatives

- Its expensive. You probably need to spend a good $800 or so on the PC itself and then a monitor too. So it could cost you anywhere between $1000-$1500. If you have the money its well worth it even just for games. I don't see the point of spending $500 or so and getting the PC equivalent of a console (i3 750Ti), unless you're only interested in a few specific games.

- Have to game in a chair. Well I have to anyway, i haven't hooked it up to a TV...
 
Graphical fidelity is whatever to me, I can adjust to anything. Unstable FPS renders a game unplayable to me though.

Every time I consider jumping ship back to the good old PlayStation I see that subpar performance on games like The Witcher 3 and just know I wouldn't be satisfied.
 
hemtae said:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=24377251&postcount=1438
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In a weird way I kind of get it. Sometimes when I'm playing a game like The Forest, I drop the resolution down to sub 720 and crank other effects way up. It makes everything blend together a little better, especially things like blades of grass and the leaves on a tree. Normally they'd stick out like little billboards with a bladesofgrass.png attached to them, but if everything is a blurry mess then you mind kind of fixes it for you and the world seems a little more filled in.

Except then I can't see shit like enemies and switch it back to 1080p.
 
Leb said:
I don't think this is so much a question of "better" as it is a question of "different." This is a little known fact, but due to the inherent angularity of PC graphics, console games can achieve a degree of realism (i.e., closely resembling our physical reality) that a rigidly deterministic PC, notwithstanding its high resolution and framerate, simply cannot match.

An instructive analogy might be a CD versus an LP -- the CD may technically be more precise and more accurate, but the LP will nonetheless yield a richer, warmer and ultimately more satisfying reproduction.
Click to expand...

wee-bey-gif.gif


You are good at this.
 
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