Gaming computers, also known as gaming PCs, are personal computers capable of playing computing and graphics demanding video games. They are very similar to conventional computers with the exception that these machines are equipped with a performance-oriented video card and other specifications. This type of computer can be easily purchased in the market but at a much higher price compared to conventional computers. Since most gamers are cost and performance conscious, most of them choose to build their own gaming computer instead of buying a built-in gaming computer.
Building your own custom gaming computer means that you buy all the components of the computer separately and put them together to put together your gaming PC. With this method you can achieve a fast and cost-effective gaming computer that fits your own gaming needs. Apart from 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 anyone 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 to help you build 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. CPU is the part in the system that executes computer program instructions. It can simply be described as the brain 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 difficult decision to make. Choosing the newest, fastest, or most expensive processor on the market will not always result in the right CPU for your particular system. Some processors are designed to work with a specific or specific motherboard, so the type of CPU limits the types of motherboards you can use.
For a gaming computer, you’re going to really need a powerful CPU for it to perform at its best. Fortunately, this CPU is supplied by Intel and AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) at an affordable price.
Intel has Core i7 and Core i5 processor models. Currently this model is the most popular used for gaming purposes, which is mostly recommended for gaming computers.
AMD, on the other hand, has the Athlon and Phenom series. If you want to use AMD, you can try the most recommended Phenom X4 series.
2. Main Board
The motherboard is the center of the computer system. This is where all the other components are connected. If we think of the CPU as the brain of the computer system, then the motherboard is the central nervous system. So buying the best motherboard is a good investment.
After choosing your CPU, you should next consider choosing a motherboard for your gaming computer. When choosing a motherboard, you should keep three things in mind.
First, motherboards will generally support only one type of processor. Different CPUs have different connectors which are physically different from each other, Make sure your CPU connector matches your motherboard connector.
Second, motherboards have certain speed limits depending on the processor model. The maximum processor speed allowed by the motherboard will be quoted in the motherboard specifications. Before buying, check if the motherboard of your choice can support the CPU of your choice.
Third, the motherboard is the one who can determine the type and amount of RAM you can have. On a gaming computer, you’ll want to have DDR SDRAM or RDRAM worth at least 1G. So make sure your motherboard can support this type and amount of memory.
Here are some examples of well-known motherboard manufacturers where you can find the perfect gaming motherboard: ASUS, ABIT, MSI, XFX, EVGA, Intel, and Gigabyte.
3. Hard disk
The hard drive is the computer component that is responsible for storing your files and programs. When buying a hard drive for your gaming computer, consider these three main features: speed, size, and interface type.
[Speed] Basically the faster the hard drive spins, the faster you can access and transfer your data. Currently, the best hard drives on the market today can have speeds of around 7200rpm (revolutions per minute). On a gaming computer, you don’t want anything less than this; otherwise it will cause delay between reading and writing data.
Faster hard drives that reach speeds of 10,000rpm and 15,000rpm are available in the market at higher prices. For your gaming computer, a 7200rpm hard drive will suffice but if you can afford to spend more money then you can opt for this faster hard drive.
[Size] Hard drives are available in various sizes, from 80GB to 500GB and more. For your gaming computer, it is always recommended that you buy the largest hard drive you can afford. This will allow you to save a lot of software and data (including games).
[Interface] The hard drive interface is responsible for managing the exchange of data between the computer and the hard drive. Currently, the most commonly used hard drive interface today is the Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA); which comes in two forms, the original Parallel ATA (PATA) and the newer and faster Serial ATA (SATA).
There is also the expensive Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) which is used primarily for high-end workstation computers. For your gaming computer, it is sufficient to have SATA if your motherboard can support it.
4. Video Card
Choosing the right video card supported by your CPU and motherboard is a very important and difficult decision to make. The video game card you choose will be responsible for producing the stunning 3D graphics and effects seen in the latest computer games. Better graphics cards can provide a better 3D gaming experience, so the best and affordable video card is a must buy for your gaming computer.
The graphics processing unit (GPU) can be connected to your motherboard via the AGP or PCI Express slot. For your gaming computer, it is recommended that you use a graphics card that is connected via the PCI Express slot on your motherboard.
GPU speed and efficiency shouldn’t be the only things taken into account when buying your video card. You should also consider advanced 3D rendering effects like anti-aliasing, anisotropic filtering, bump-mapping, pixel shaders, and more. For your gaming computer, consider a video card that can support the latest 3D rendering techniques in the software world.
As with the CPU market, there are two major competing companies that currently dominate graphics cards. These companies are ATI and nVidia. ATI is responsible for the Radeon series, while nVidia markets the GeForce line of cards.
5. Power Supply
One of the important and neglected components of a computer system is the power supply. Without a power supply, the computer will not be able to operate its functions. Its main purpose is to convert AC power from the main line into low-voltage DC power that can be used for the computer’s internal components. The power supply provides three different DC voltages to your computer 12VDC, 5VDC, and 3VDC which are used differently by the computer components.
Each power supply has a specific amount of energy or wattage based on its maximum output power. Wattage typically ranges from 300W to 500W but some high-end gaming power supplies can reach the 800W to 1kW range.
If you want to use a power supply for your gaming computer, it is recommended to have at least a power supply starting from 500W and above.
6. Game Monitor
One of the most expensive components in your gaming computer is the computer monitor. When buying a gaming computer monitor, you only need to consider three things: size, native resolution, and price.
[Size] Computer monitors are available in various sizes from the small 15 inches to the larger 23 inches, and even larger ones. 17 inches is a common size and big enough for most people, but if you want to enhance your viewing and gaming experience, then a larger monitor is recommended.
[Native Resolution] Each monitor has been designed for a specific resolution, known as native resolution. If you change the monitor resolution to a resolution that does not match the original resolution; the image will then be scaled and the quality will be significantly reduced. The monitor’s native resolution depends on its size. Here are some examples of native resolutions for common sizes:
17 inches 1024×768
19 inches 1280×1024
20 inches 1600×1200
[Cost] Prices vary greatly between sizes, with the smaller one being cheaper than the bigger one. So choose a size that can meet your needs while considering your budget.
7. Game Keyboard
Custom-built keyboards that are specifically designed for gaming can give gamers an edge that uses them. But currently, there is no general gaming keyboard that can be recommended for all gamers. Why? This is due to the fact that every player has a different or different style of play, posture and wrist anatomy. So basically, there’s no such thing as a gaming keyboard that’s best for everyone.
According to Build-Gaming-Computers, one of the best gaming keyboards available on the market is the Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard. This keyboard has been specially made to meet the needs of a gamer. It specifically features:
A. Adjustable backlit LCD screen that displays important in-game information during gameplay;
b. Backlit buttons for playing in dark or low light areas;
c. 18 programmable “G keys” are used to execute macros; and
d. Timer control to track game events.
8. Mouse Games
As with any gaming keyboard, choosing the best gaming mouse can help elevate the level of your gaming experience. Using a specially designed gaming mouse provides the best accuracy and control that will allow you to play the game at its best.
Computer mice come in various types which are optical, laser, and ball mouse types. Today, optical and laser type mice are commonly used because of their greater precision and tracking, enabling greater accuracy and control.
When choosing the best mouse for your gaming computer, you should consider a number of factors. One of the most important is resolution. Resolution is the number of pixels per inch that the mouse’s optical sensor and focusing lens can see when you move the mouse. The higher the resolution the mouse has, the better the accuracy and precision.
Conclusion
Next consider the responsiveness of the mouse. This is the number of megapixels per second the mouse can process. This is especially important in fast-paced games like first person shooter games. The more megapixels per second the mouse can process, the more responsive it is; thus offering faster and more precise control of your game.
So when buying a gaming mouse, consider the resolution and responsiveness of the mouse you are going to buy.
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