Want to build a Custom Gaming PC, this is the
place to find out how to do it!
So you are considering your options, buy or build
a custom Gaming PC?Before you put your hard earned cash
out for a custom gaming PC why not investigate the possibilities?
Some pros and cons of buy or build?
I think everyone wants the good news first, but with a major out lay of cash you
may want to look at the bad news first so on with the cons:
Cons:
Buy -
You will have to find a reputable computer manufacture/assembler to build a
custom Gaming PC. Give them the specifications and then they will tell you how much it
will cost.
Most custom computers will not go past the OEM [Original Equipment
Manufactures] warranty.
You will have to pay to have the computer assembled and shipped to you.
Build-
You will have to order, assemble, test, and load the software yourself.
Any tech support will have to come from searching the internet to find any
information about your problem if the item/device manufacture does not offer
support.
Pros:
Buy -
You don't have to order, assemble, test, or load software on the system.
You can call the company you bought it from for tech support. [This may not
always be the case!]
Build -
You save the cost of the assembly by doing it yourself.
You know what is installed in the system, you bought each part.
The money you saved on the assembly and shipping can be used to buy higher
quality parts or more items/devices than you would if you purchased a custom
built pc.
You have a larger choice for your components.
When you build a custom Gaming
PC it is easier to upgrade, you know what components are in the system, you
wouldn't if you bought a custom computer unless you kept the specifications from
when you ordered it, and heck who keeps receipts and manuals any way?
So now you can make an intelligent decision and enjoy your new game machine!
What is in a gaming PC that isn't in a normal or business PC?
Well for starters it will have a very high resolution
video card [don't for
get to match that card with a high resolution monitor!] with a lot of memory, it
will also have the latest MDAC processor. [Most
motherboards come with embedded video, the embedded video is ok for normal
business or home use but it not display the higher resolutions games require and
the system performance will suffer].
Your gaming PC must also have a very high quality
sound card and speakers or
head phones for the best gaming experience. [Don't get
fooled by the onboard sound on most motherboards, they will not have the quality
of a medium priced sound card]
You will also want the fastest
processor available and the most
ram you can
afford.
You will need a high capacity
hard drive and a high speed DVD [The latest
game I have came on two DVD's! Gone are the single CD days, so if you have four
newer games they just maxed out your 20 gig hard drive!]
If you are a online gamer you will need a decent network card, most newer
motherboards come with that option embedded on the motherboard.
If you have a yearning to fly you will need a joy stick, some players have
rudder pedals also. Your best bet is to get USB devices.
And you will need an Operating System, if you are familiar with Linux there
are a few games being ported over for it. Other wise XP is still the best bet,
publishers are not writing drivers or games for Vista yet, maybe in the next six
months to a year.
Sample parts list for you to build a custom Gaming PC:
System
Cost
Cooler Master Centurion RC-534-SKN2-GP No Power Supply Mid-Tower Case
(Silver/Black)
Hey, you a Senior Citizen? Maybe you should
read this!
Did you know that if you increase the speed of your memory the processor will increase in speed? I have written a six part e-course on Overclocking you computer.
Are you a member?
Does your Computer need some TLC? More information on Building a Custom PC in the
DIY Membership Section!
Q and A
This site contains a lot of information. As
with any publication not all information is available due to space, time, or
subject constraints.
If you have a question that you did not find the answer
on this web site you a can
ask your question here and we will endeavor to get you the most up to date
answer possible!
