I want to build a gaming computer. Parts??

Question

Which parts should I buy to make a start? i want a cost effective, fast processer and a motherboard that will be compatible with a PCI Graphix card and have enough room for 8 GB RAM Thx

Answer 1

Processor: Go for the Core 2 Duo E8400-E8600 (Depending on the budget)... the best dual core processors out there and the best for most of the games, since at this day very few games use more than 1 core.

Graphics cards: "Best bang for the buck" is the synonym to Radeon HD4850 cards... they are the undisputed leaders right now, but you might considering going with the more powerful HD4870.

Motherboard: If you are going for a Intel CPU and a ATi graphics card, the best price/performance choice would be a one of X38 or P45 chipset mobos.

System memory: Go for a good DDR2 1066 dual channel kit (with a motherboard that supports it, of course)... OCZ right now has some very fast and rather inexpensive modules out there.

And don't forget a good power supply unit to feed this little monster.

Cheers!

Answer 2

Make sure your motherboard has fast front side bus and large L2 cache

Answer 3

Building a PC to your own specs/desires can be a fun thing to do but it has many drawbacks also if you've never done it before.

There are so many good desktop and laptop models out there and most can be customized to the specs that you want, especially on a higher end models such as a gaming PC.

Here's what I recommend that you do.  Check out the manufactured brands that are out there and use the manufacturers "customization" utility and see what you end up with for a price.

Then determine exactly what hardware you'd specify if you were going to build one to your wants and needs.  Price out each piece of hardware and software you'll need and make sure you include shipping costs on each part/item and determine the actual total cost to build the PC you think you want.

Once you have those two chunks of research done compare costs and the +/- of building your own PC.  You may just find that it makes more sense to purchase a manufactured model and customize it.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Lots of motherboards out there that will support 8 GB of RAM. However, you will have to go with a 64 bit operating system to run 8 GB which creates its own set of problems - finding applications that will run on 64 bit.

If this is your first build - start smaller (and compared to 64 bit a lot cheaper).

Check out the various motherboards (read the comments) at newegg.com or tigerdirect.com. Most have a at least one PCI e graphics card slot. Don't cheap it on the power supply - for having a gutsy graphics card and future expansion.

Good luck!