A Gaming Computer, also known as gaming PC, is a personal computer
that is capable of playing computationally and graphically demanding video
games. They are very similar to conventional computers with the exception that
these machines are fitted with performance-oriented video card and other
specifications. This type of computers can be easily bought in the market but
at a much higher price compared to the conventional computers. Since most of
the gamers are both cost and performance conscious, most of them opt to build
their own gaming computer than buying a built-in gaming computer.
Building your own custom gaming
computer simply means you buy all your computer components separately and piece
them up together to guild your gaming PC. With this method you can achieve a
fast and cost-effective gaming computer suited to your own gaming needs.
Besides saving a lot of money and having an efficient machine, building your
own gaming computer can also be a lot of fun.
How to choose your
components?
Perhaps the biggest challenge
one can face when building their own gaming computer is choosing the right
components for your needs. So without further ado, here is a simple guide in
order to help you in building your own gaming computer.
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The Central Processing Unit
(CPU) is one of the most important core components in all computer systems. The
CPU is a portion in the system that carries out the instructions of a computer
program. In simple terms it could describe as the brains of the computer. The
performance of your games and other applications will depend on this
microprocessor.
Choosing the best Central
Processing Unit (CPU) for your gaming computer can be a hard decision to make.
Picking the latest, fastest, or most expensive processor on the market won't
always result in the right CPU for your particular system. Some processors are
designed to work with a certain or specific motherboards, thus the CPU type
limits the motherboard type you can use.
For a gaming computer, you will
really need a powerful CPU for it to performing superbly. Luckily these CPUs
are supplied by Intel and AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) at an affordable price.
Intel has the Core i7 and Core
i5 processor models. Currently these models are the most popular ones used for
gaming purposes, which are mostly recommended for gaming computers.
AMD, on the other hand, has the
Athlon and Phenom series. If you want to go AMD, you can try the most
recommended Phenom X4 series.
2. Motherboard
The motherboard is the hub of
the computer system. It is where all other components are connected to. If we
consider the CPU as the brain of the computer system, then the motherboard is
the central nervous system. Thus buying the best motherboard is a good
investment.
After choosing your CPU, next
you need to consider choosing your motherboard for your gaming computer. When
selecting a motherboard, you should remember three things.
First, a motherboard will
generally support one type of processor only. Different CPUs have different
connectors that physically vary with one another, Make sure that your CPU plug
is suitable to your mother board connector.
Second, motherboards have a
certain speed limitation depending on the processor model. Maximum processor
speed allowed by the motherboard will be quoted in the motherboard
specifications. Before buying, check whether your selected motherboard can
support your chosen CPU.
Third, motherboards are the
ones who can dictate the type and amount of RAM you can have. In a gaming
computer, you would want to have either DDR SDRAM or RDRAM which is at least 1G
worth. So ensure that your motherboard can support this type and amount of
memory.
Here are some examples of
well-known motherboards manufacturers where you can browse for your perfect
gaming motherboard: ASUS, ABIT, MSI, XFX, EVGA, Intel, and Gigabyte.
3. Hard Drive
The hard drive is the computer
component responsible for storing your files and programs. When buying a hard
drive for your gaming computer, consider these three main features: speed,
size, and the type of interface.
[Speed] Basically the faster
the hard drive spins the fast you are able to access and transfer your data.
Currently, the best hard drives in the market these days can have a speed
around 7200rpm (rounds per minute). In a gaming computer, you don't want
anything less than this; else it will cause delays between reading and writing
data.
Faster hard drives that reach
speeds of 10,000rpm and 15,000rpm are available in the market at a higher
price. For your gaming computer, a 7200rpm hard drive is already enough for but
if you can shell out more money, then you can opt for these faster hard drives.
[Size] Hard drives come in
different sizes, which can range from 80GB to 500GB and more. For your gaming
computer, it is always recommended that you purchase the largest hard drive you
can afford. This will allow you to store lots and lots of software and data
(including games).
[Interface] The interface of
the hard drive is responsible for managing the exchange of data between a
computer and the hard drive. Currently, the most commonly used hard drive
interface used today is Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA); which comes in
two forms, the original Parallel ATA (PATA) and the newer and faster Serial ATA
(SATA).
There's also the expensive
Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) which are used primarily for high-end
workstation computer. For you gaming computer, it is sufficient enough to have
the SATA if your motherboard can support it.
4. Video Card
Choosing the right video card
that is supported by both your CPU and motherboard is a very important and
tough decision to make. The gaming video card you choose will be responsible
for producing the dazzling 3D graphics and effects seen in the latest computer
games. A better graphics card can deliver a better 3D gaming experience, so the
best and affordable video card should be bought for you gaming computer.