PC Guys...tell me what I need to build a great "gaming computer".

[AuburnAlumni]

I'm an Apple guy but I am also a Total War fanatic.

The Total War series next installment comes out in February and is only available on PC.

I plan on getting a PC just for gaming purposes.


I also know that buying the parts separately and building your own is much cheaper than going through Alienware, etc.

So...

With that in mind....I need a PC guy to list for me the different parts that I will need to purchase to create a great gaming machine.

I then plan on buying these parts and either assembling it myself or having one of my buddies do it for me.

Can anyone help me out here?

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: PC Guys...tell me what I need to build a great "gaming computer".

I had to write "How-To" essay a couple of weeks ago. It could be deeper but everything you need to know is there.

Hold on let me try and get the attachment to work

[Moses Shuttlesworth]

Re: PC Guys...tell me what I need to build a great "gaming computer".

If you want an intel cpu (which I recommend) you need a motherboard that supports intel, not amd.

For a high end graphics card, go with the 9800(xyz). With games coming out that really require the best of the best, get at least 4 gigs of ram. The hard drive is up to you, as you're the only one who knows how much space you'll be using up.

As for cooling, you don't need liquid cooling, as it requires a lot of maintenance and that's a bit of a hassle unless you're willing to read into it.
Can't think of much else...

[Skyboxer]

Re: PC Guys...tell me what I need to build a great "gaming computer".

If you want an intel cpu (which I recommend) you need a motherboard that supports intel, not amd.

For a high end graphics card, go with the 9800(xyz). With games coming out that really require the best of the best, get at least 4 gigs of ram. The hard drive is up to you, as you're the only one who knows how much space you'll be using up.

As for cooling, you don't need liquid cooling, as it requires a lot of maintenance and that's a bit of a hassle unless you're willing to read into it.
Can't think of much else...

Agree. I would add (if you build you own) to go with a full tower case for the space it gives you.......

[goh]

Re: PC Guys...tell me what I need to build a great "gaming computer".

I say just look at the back of the box of Crysis (is that still the most demanding?) and then get 2x whatever the reccomended specs are. If it needs 2 gigs of ram get 4 and the such. That way you won't need another one in 6 months.

[e0820]

Re: PC Guys...tell me what I need to build a great "gaming computer".

Arent the specs kinda low for that game? If you have an Intel based Mac couldnt you just dual install Windows XP or run Windows XP & Total War via an emulator (VMWARE?)

[mudtiger]

Re: PC Guys...tell me what I need to build a great "gaming computer".

If you are going extreme high end, then buying the parts yourself can be cheaper, specially if you are reusing older parts in the new machine. If you don't need a $2000+ computer (which you don't unless you are going for the 'my pc is better than yours' or watercooling), then you'll actually spend about the same building yourself as you do buying from somewhere like dell.

The big attraction to building yourself at the sub $1500 level for me is you control the quality of everything going in to the computer.

You can get a very good dell xps system for around $1300 if you don't need a monitor or speakers - i7 cpu, 4 gig ram, 640gb hard drive, and 4850 ati vid card.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: PC Guys...tell me what I need to build a great "gaming computer".

Arent the specs kinda low for that game? If you have an Intel based Mac couldnt you just dual install Windows XP or run Windows XP & Total War via an emulator (VMWARE?)

No, Crysis is the toughest to run game on the market right now. The recommended specs should be good

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Post how big of a budget you are on and whether or not you need a monitor as well

[Phobia]

Re: PC Guys...tell me what I need to build a great "gaming computer".

Agree. I would add (if you build you own) to go with a full tower case for the space it gives you.......

Like sky mentioned. Go full tower. Much easier to work around in, much better for air flow and cooling, and gives room for growth.

Proc - I would highly look at intel quad core. Give you some future proofing for couple years for sure.

Mobo - Don't skimp on the mother board. Buy a cheap one and be ready for weird issues.

Ram - 4 gigs for sure, I like corsair but everyone has there fav.

Video card - Geforce 9800, good price and wonderful horse power

DVD drive - cheap

Floppy - Must have, I use mine for writing zeros to the harddrive the most.

Powersupply - Read reviews on newegg. A good powersupply is a must, you want one that supplies a constant volt and not going to go up and down to much. Also stay away from the ones that come with some cases. If a powersupply dies it has the chance to send a surge through ya system damaging everything in side. Thats why a decent PS is good, prevent any unnessary damage

Operation system - Normally I would say XP, but with service pack 1 on Vista and DX10 and the ability to take advantage of the complete 4 gigs of ram. I would say go Vista now.

[Phobia]

Re: PC Guys...tell me what I need to build a great "gaming computer".

If you are going extreme high end, then buying the parts yourself can be cheaper, specially if you are reusing older parts in the new machine. If you don't need a $2000+ computer (which you don't unless you are going for the 'my pc is better than yours' or watercooling), then you'll actually spend about the same building yourself as you do buying from somewhere like dell.

The big attraction to building yourself at the sub $1500 level for me is you control the quality of everything going in to the computer.

You can get a very good dell xps system for around $1300 if you don't need a monitor or speakers - i7 cpu, 4 gig ram, 640gb hard drive, and 4850 ati vid card.

I can build a beast of a system with everything off of Newegg right now for right at $600. That is a Intel Quad w/ mobo, 4 gigs ram, case, dvd drive, powersupply, 9800 geforce, harddrive

That is all high quality products from intel, corsair, geforce, pc power and cooling, cool master.

So I highly highly suggest building over buying. Because you end up paying for labor, the name, ect for prebuilt computers.

[Darkleaf]

Re: PC Guys...tell me what I need to build a great "gaming computer".

Buy a PC Gamer Mag, they have a section that list's A dream system $3000+
A mid range system $1500+ and a entry level system $1500-
It lists all of the parts and prices etc of what they think is the best for each.

When I built my computer I just cut it out of the mag and took it shopping for parts, kind of like a checklist because I was able to pick whatever I wanted but had a guide to what is good parts/prices.

[Jistic]

Re: PC Guys...tell me what I need to build a great "gaming computer".

AA, I won't go into every component, there's enough cats on here that know what they're doing. I will just say do NOT cut corners on Power Supply. It is the most under rated component in your box usually. Get MORE power than you think you need and you'll be in good shape.

[MC Fatigue]

Re: PC Guys...tell me what I need to build a great "gaming computer".

For a video card, I definitely suggest one of the high end ATI HD cards. I have an HD 4850 and it ****ing blows away every game I've played.

[Skyboxer]

Re: PC Guys...tell me what I need to build a great "gaming computer".

AA, I won't go into every component, there's enough cats on here that know what they're doing. I will just say do NOT cut corners on Power Supply. It is the most under rated component in your box usually. Get MORE power than you think you need and you'll be in good shape.

oooooh! Very good point.....

[MC Fatigue]

Re: PC Guys...tell me what I need to build a great "gaming computer".

AA, I won't go into every component, there's enough cats on here that know what they're doing. I will just say do NOT cut corners on Power Supply. It is the most under rated component in your box usually. Get MORE power than you think you need and you'll be in good shape.

I blew one of my other video cards because I didn't have a good enough power supply. Learned my lesson and bought a really, really good one.