Building a gaming computer is primarily an aesthetic matter. But it can also give you an edge and help you win! You may be wondering, which components are really important for gaming performance? Read this article to find helpful tips for building gaming PCs with all kinds of budgets.
Steps
Step 1. Decide what processor (CPU) you want to use for your system
At the moment, the two major processor houses are Intel and AMD. You can get better results by checking the processor performance tests and choose the least expensive one that meets your needs.
- At the moment, the Intel i5 is the best option, considering the value for money. The i7 is more powerful but the benefit is minimal compared to the i5 and the price is much higher.
- A good low-end processor is the AMD Athlon II X4 640, while a good mid-level processor is the Intel Core i3-3220.
Step 2. Find a motherboard that supports the CPU
Take note of the processor sockets (ex: LGA 775), the type of memory module (ex: 240-pin) and the RAM frequency (ex: 1066Mhz) when choosing a motherboard. Some motherboards offer features like HDMI and Firewire, so remember to check if they are implemented.
- Beware of high-frequency RAM. While you may initially think that all components that work harder or faster must be better, this is not always the case. The benefits of high-frequency RAM are not consistent, and these components have a high probability of failure. Consider this before making your purchases.
- You should make a note of the pin number of your memory module just to understand how it will connect to the motherboard. More pins don't mean more performance. The same is true for processor sockets: different types do not necessarily indicate better performance.
Step 3. Get enough RAM for your needs
Having more RAM, or "desktop memory," will ensure smoother performance and shorter load times. Choose a memory that fits your budget and is from a well-known manufacturer. There are many different manufacturers of memories, but few are of quality.
- Choose the highest possible clock speed (frequency in Mhz) and the least possible timing (indicated in # - # - # - #) - your RAM performance is largely affected by these two numbers.
- Make sure you have enough memory to run all the programs you want. Remember that even though the game specs state 2GB as the minimum requirement, this value won't allow you to run it in the best way. If you want to play games smoothly, you should generally exceed the requirements.
- 32-bit CPUs can only support 3GB of RAM; 64-bit ones much more.
- DDR2 memories work in Dual Channel, so remember to buy a couple of memories to install in parallel. 2 1GB memories will work better than a 2GB one. Note the type of pin. Memories with 184 pins are DDR, those with 240 are DDR2. Do some research to check the RAM supported by your motherboard.
Step 4. Choose a video card
This is the most important step, and consequently the most difficult choice, because there are so many video cards on the market. Since the choice is so wide, the best tactic is to read reviews of the video cards that fit your budget. At the moment, the two leading video card companies are ATI and NVIDIA, but other companies like Sapphire and eVGA produce similar level cards. Use review websites like Tom's Hardware redirects to compare video card performance.
- At the moment, the Radeon HD 6670 DDR3 is a good entry level graphics card. The GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost 2 GB is a good mid-tier card. The GeForce GTX 780 is a good high-end option.
- There is a lot of confusion over the naming of NVIDIA cards, because a higher number doesn't mean the card is better. For example, a GeForce 7950 offers better performance than a GeForce 8500. This is because the first number indicates the card series and the second and third indicate the performance level.
- If you want to build a really powerful computer, and you have a motherboard that allows it, get two identical cards from the same manufacturer and have them work together with SLI (Nvidia) or Crossfire (ATI) technology. Don't do this if you don't intend to buy two top-notch cards, otherwise you'll get better results and spend less by buying a single better-quality card.
Step 5. Choose the hard drive type
Games, audio files and videos take up a lot of storage space. Read hard drive reviews and choose the best value for money option. Check the specs to make sure its speed is at least 7200 RPM, because performance will depend on this value.
- Faster hard drives will only affect loading times, and not significantly. Above all, make sure you have enough space and don't prioritize speed.
- To date, the best drives are SATA, because the cables they use are smaller, thus allowing better ventilation, and faster data transfer than the other available technology, the IDE.
Step 6. Choose the power supply
Check the power supply. Power supplies are available with 20 and 24 pin connectors. Make sure you choose one with the same pin number as your motherboard. Likewise, make sure it fits all the other components.
- It is important to remember that the power supplies built into homes are usually of low quality. Consider replacing yours with a more powerful and efficient model as soon as possible.
- 350 Watts is the minimum power of a power supply for modern computers. More than 500 Watts may be needed to power higher-level components, such as the best video cards.
Step 7. Buy a case
Never underestimate the importance of the case. After all, it houses the expensive parts of your computer. In this case you will need to focus on cooling.
- Some cases use 80mm fans, others 120mm, and some have the option to install one or the other. In general, larger fans are less noisy and push more air into the computer. If you have purchased very powerful components, they will need better cooling, so pay attention to this aspect.
- If possible, you should keep the pressure even in your case. Usually, the rear and top fans should blow out the air, the front, side or bottom fans should suck it in.
- A mid-tower case is the standard choice, but you may need a full-tower case if you need a lot of peripherals like DVD players and hard drives.
Step 8. Select an operating system
Once you have purchased all the aforementioned components, you will need to get an operating system that can allow you to use your machine. Once installed, search the internet for driver updates.
Windows is the best operating system for video games, although you may prefer 7 to 8, because some of the older games have compatibility issues. This won't be an issue for all games released from 2013 onwards though
Method 1 of 1: Complete and Use Your System
Step 1. Make sure you assemble all parts in the case correctly
Assembling a computer is more difficult than it looks. Make sure you do it right, or you won't be able to use it.
Step 2. Connect your computer to a high definition television
A high-quality PC will usually be more powerful than a game console. If you want to get the most of both worlds, connect your PC to your high definition television, and you can enjoy the big screen experience with powerful PC performance.
Step 3. Connect your console controller to computer if you prefer mouse and keyboard
PC controls can be difficult to learn for people who are used to console controls. However, you can easily connect a controller on your console to a PC and play normally.
Step 4. Learn to find the balance between video games and your girlfriend
Once you have assembled your wonderful new system, it will be difficult to tear yourself away from the games. This can negatively impact your relationship. Learn to find the right balance to continue cultivating all your passions.
Advice
- Before touching your computer's electronic components, be sure to discharge static electricity by touching metal to avoid damaging your computer.
- Buying the individual components could save you money compared to buying a pre-assembled computer from a company. The more expensive the components, the more you will save by buying them individually.
- Be careful when working inside the case. The cheaper houses have sharp edges and pointed corners.
- Be sure to check all the details before proceeding with a purchase.
- Remember to take note of the warranties. Some companies, such as eVGA and OCZ, offer lifetime warranties. Others offer standard warranties. The warranty could save you money in the event of a breakdown.
- Never stop at the first review. Each critic has their own opinion and may not provide you with accurate information.
- If you know someone who is computer savvy, ask for their opinion on the components and their help in assembling them.
- On the internet you will find discussion forums and message boards where you can post your questions to receive answers from experts. Many questions you will want to ask will be common and you may find the answers already on the internet. Type your question on a search engine and you might get lucky.
