I thought we needed a topic on PC builds.
For starters, I guess I can describe the process for anyone who doesn't know.
- Basically, if you can put an SD card into a digital camera and use a screwdriver for basic tasks, you can build a PC with zero fuss.
-Everything is very easily inserted and swapped. It's all plug and play. There's no soldering involved, it all just snaps in. I assume everyone knows this, but I figured it best to post anyways.
What You Will Need
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if you have a newer PC already with a dual core processor and a motherboard that had a PCIe x16 slot, you're already good on everything but the GPU.
- A case. Cases vary in price more than anything in a build. I've never spent a ton of money on a case, but I don't go dumpster diving either. Sizes range from full desktop size, to as small as a Wii.
- A power supply. Don't skimp too much here, but the high performance ones are a bit overrated IMO. Go for over 500w at least.
- A motherboard. There is a decision to be made here.
(I'll weigh the pros and cons later in the post.). What type of CPU will you be using? AMD or Intel? Also, determine what GPU you'll be using so the onboard chipset matches. ATI and Nvidia are your choices. Also, what size case will you be using? For a real gaming PC, you'll want full ATX size to get good airflow. But you can put a respectable little rig together in smaller packages.
-CPU. AMD or Intel. The big pro for Intel right now is speed. They're smoking AMD, but you'll pay a small premium. The extra speed is a bit moot in my opinion since most games run fine on AMD speeds and are mainly taxing the GPU. Consider AMD if you want to save a few bucks and aren't going for complete enthusiast settings. I use AMD. Also, AMD owns ATI now, so they have a special application to 'fuse' the CPU and GPU. The benchmarks haven't shown dramatic improvement, but you can get a few extra frames in some games with it.
-GPU. Nvidia or ATI. ATI is by far a better overall 'bang for the buck', but Nvidia get's better drivers earlier. Period. The driver support isn't even close, but ATI's raw power per dollar can usually overcome the Nvidia optimization. Also, games that use the PhysX API will have to run it off the CPU with ATI cards. With Nvidia it runs off the card. This is a big deal in games like Mirror's Edge. It uses a ton of PhysX stuff and runs smoother on Nvidia hardware.
As far as model numbers go, if you're going ATI, you want a card in the 4000 series. Nvidia's newest line is the 200 series.
-RAM. Another "don't skimp but don't get the expensive crap" item. 4GB should suffice. No use for more on a 32 bit OS. 8GB if you really want to shine. 16GB if you're me and have issues.
-Hard Drive. The expensive ones seem to crap out faster. Get a Western Digital (non Raptor). If you're a crazed enthusiast who wants to pick up speed anywhere he can get it, buy a SSD to run your games off. It's a complete waste of money, but some people (me) do it anyways.
-Speakers. Get some good one's. Creative T 20s or T 40s are great or anything by M-Audio. Anything less in uncivilized. I run audio out to a stereo receiver and use some pretty good Polk full size bookshelf speakers. It's mighty sweet. Don't be that guy with the Logitech speakers. You don't wanna be that guy.
- Mouse. Nothing wireless in FPS games. I use a basic Microsoft optical mouse. Best mouse ever (feel-wise). If you're going extreme, buy a performance mouse with a high DPI (sensitivity). Some even let you change DPI on the fly for those sniping moments when you want to slow it down.
-Soundcard? Nah. Most Mobo's do a fine job these days. Soundcards are dead unless you're recording music.
-Optical Drive. OEM DVD-RW drives are fine. I have a couple BD drives, but I'm me, so...yeah.
-Steam. It's the first thing you install.
-Nice headphones/mic. I'm painfully lacking those.
-Wired Xbox 360 controller. Assassin's Creed 2 is going to look way better at 1920x1080, 100fps with 8xAA.
Realistically, if you're building from the ground up you can sneak out as low as $500, but $600 is the entry level sweet spot. By entry level, I mean SMOKING anything a console can do.
Don't forget it can double as a great HTPC.
So, if you know PCs, post some good links to prices.
If you don't know PCs but are interested in the best possible video game experience, ask away. We'll be happy to help.