Making a gaming computer (games) is cool, but of course it can also help you win at the games you love! You may be confused about which components are the most influential in a gaming computer. Read this article for some suggestions for building a gaming computer, no matter what budget you have.
Step
Step 1. Determine the processor (CPU) you want to use on your computer
The two most influential CPU manufacturers are Intel and AMD. Do a comparative study for the latest CPU prices.
- Currently, the best CPU option that offers a balance of performance and price is the Intel i5. Intel i7 is faster, but the difference in speed is not worth the difference in price from the i5.
- The CPU option for entry-level gaming computers is the AMD Athlon II X4 640, while the best option for mid-range computers is the Intel Core i3-3220.
Step 2. Find a motherboard that supports your preferred processor type
Pay attention to the processor socket (such as LGA775), memory type (such as DDR3), and memory frequency (such as 1066Mhz) when selecting a motherboard. Some motherboards have features like HDMI and FireWire, so choose a motherboard with those features if you need them.
- Be careful with high frequency memory. While it may seem that a computer component that works harder or faster should be better, it's not. You don't always benefit if you have high-frequency RAM, and the damage rate is notoriously high. Pay attention to this before buying.
- You should pay attention to the number of pins on your memory module simply because they connect your memory to the motherboard. More pin count does not guarantee better performance. The same applies to processor sockets: different processor types don't necessarily mean performance differences.
Step 3. Purchase enough RAM to meet your needs
Choose a memory that fits your budget, and is made by a well-known company. There are many companies that make memory, but not many that make quality memory.
- You should choose the memory with the highest speed (in Mhz) and with the lowest response time (shown in #-#-#-#). Your memory performance is highly dependent on these two variables.
- Purchase enough memory to run the applications you want. Keep in mind that even if the game you're playing requires 2GB of memory, that amount of memory will only run your game as it is. If you want to play it smoothly, buy more than enough memory.
- The 32-bit CPU only supports 3GB of memory. 64-bit CPUs support much more than that.
- DDR2 memory runs on a Dual Channel system, so make sure you buy a memory pair. Two 512MB memory sticks will work better than a 1GB memory chip. Remember the number of pins from your memory; 184 pins indicate DDR1, and 240 pins represent DDR2. Find out what type of memory your motherboard uses before buying.
Step 4. Choose a video card
This component is the most important component, but the most difficult to choose because there are so many types of video cards on the market. Because there are so many types, the best way to determine the choice of a video card is to look for video card reviews that are priced according to the funds you have. Currently, the two leading video card manufacturers are ATI and nVidia, but companies like Sapphire and eVGA are allowed to manufacture cards from both companies. Use a site that reviews hardware, such as Tom's Hardware to compare video card performance.
- Currently, the Radeon HD6670 DDR3 is the best entry-level video card, while the GeForce GTX650 Ti Boost 2GB and GeForce GTX780 are the best mid-range and high-end video cards, respectively.
- Sometimes, mistakes are found about naming good nVidia cards for games. A number in the name of a bigger card does not mean a better card. For example, the GeForce 7950 is definitely better than the GeForce 8500. The first number indicates the card series, and the card's performance is shown in the second number (or sometimes, in the third number too).
- If you really want to increase gaming performance, and your motherboard supports it, buy two identical cards from the same manufacturer and run in CrossFire (ATI) or SLI (nVidia) mode. But this is actually not recommended unless you have the best graphics card, because buying a good graphics card will be cheaper.
Step 5. Select the size of your hard disk
Games, audio, and video will take up a lot of storage space. Read hard drive reviews and find out which one is the best in your price range. Check the specs and make sure your hard drive is running at at least 7200 RPM, as you might get a speed boost.
- Faster hard disks will only affect game loading times, and that's not significant either. Focus on size, and don't think too much about speed.
- SATA hard disks are currently the best choice because their smaller cables allow for better airways, and transfer speeds are better than PATA.
Step 6. Choose a power supply by checking the available voltage of the component
Power supplies are available with 20-pin or 24-pin connectors. Make sure you buy the right number of pins for your motherboard to connect to, and have enough power for your components, such as graphics cards.
- Keep in mind that the case's built-in power supply is usually of low quality. Replace with a higher quality and efficient power supply as soon as possible.
- A 350 watt PSU is the bare minimum for a modern computer. More powerful components such as high-end video cards may require a PSU of 500 watts or more.
Step 7. Buy a case
Don't forget, the case holds the expensive components of your computer, so don't ignore it. You should focus on the cooling system when choosing a case.
- Some cases use an 80mm fan, some use a 120mm fan, and some can use both. Generally, larger fans make louder noise and increase the air supply to your computer. More powerful components require more powerful fans as well, so be careful when buying.
- If possible, get a balanced air pressure in your case. You may want to have a rear fan blowing air, a front fan taking in air, a top fan venting air, and a bottom and side fans getting air in.
Step 8. Select the operating system
You must install an operating system that can run all the components you just purchased. Once installed, check for driver updates online.
Windows is the best operating system for games, but you may want to choose Windows 7 as some games are not compatible with Windows 8. Games released on or after 2013 will not experience compatibility issues
Method 1 of 1: Completing and Using Your System
Step 1. Make sure you assemble all the components correctly in the case
Assembling a computer is harder than it sounds, so make sure you do it right.
Step 2. Connect your computer to a high-definition television
Quality gaming computers are usually more powerful than consoles. If you want to have the same experience as a console, connect your computer to a high-definition television. You will experience the game like a high-performance computer console.
Step 3. Connect your console controller if you wish
Computer game controls may be more difficult to understand and use for people who are more used to playing on consoles. However, you can easily connect your console controller and use it on your computer.
Step 4. Balance your play life and courtship life
With the new system, you may lose track of time quickly and affect the quality of your relationship. Balance the two, and enjoy your life.
Tips
- Before touching any hardware, touch your computer's metal case or other object to discharge static electricity. You can also buy antistatic wristbands.
- Buying components separately is usually cheaper than buying a finished computer from Dell, Gateway, or another company. The higher the grade of the computer, the cheaper it is to assemble it than to buy it.
- Be careful when disassembling the case. High-end components are usually safer, but inexpensive parts may have sharp corners.
- If you are confused about which components to buy, read the reviews!
- Make sure you check all the details before buying.
- Remember to take note of your component warranty. Companies like eVGA and OCZ offer lifetime warranties, while other manufacturers may only offer store warranties. Noting the warranty will help you when the component breaks.
- Don't settle for reading one review. Each reviewer has their own opinion and may not provide accurate information.
- If you know someone who works in a computer-related field, ask them what they think about components, or have them assemble them.
- There are forums in cyberspace that allow you to ask questions and get answers from experts. Your questions may be frequent and have been asked before. Type your question into a search engine and look for the answer.
- If you have any questions, ask in the forums!
Warning
- Do not force components into their sockets. Some types of components such as power cables must be forced, but components such as CPUs should not be forced.
- When working with hardware, make sure you are connected to earth. Static electricity can permanently damage your components. Use an antistatic wrist strap, and attach it to a large metal object or metal part of your case. In case of an emergency, you can touch your case, but this is not recommended.
