Getting a PC for Home Use
The problem with computer games is that once the basics are mastered and the lower levels completed, the games require a more demanding level of skill to progress. This is when restrictions of this operating system, memory limitations, window-turning – also called disk swapping – to and from RAM, pipelines and graphics rendering time, quicker high-speed CPUs and RAM, become apparent. It is very feasible to have a home gaming machine that costs thousands of dollars. A nice set of graphics cards could be almost half the expense of the machine. It is also possible to play games that operate on a thousand dollar machine really well.
If you do not understand what you’re doing, then find the best machine you can manage off the shelf. If you’re knowledgeable, building your personal machine is far superior to any box store product.
Priority listing for building a gaming system:
** Select a case that could accommodate your needs. If you are a LAN gamer, get as light a box as you can that will retain your parts firmly. 5% of total cost.
** Don’t scrimp on the power supply. Too many people have tens of thousands of electronic equipment running on a $50 power source. Receive the best power supply you are able to afford, it should be 5% of the purchase price of the machine.
** Motherboard. Get as fast an FSB as possible, especially if you intend to overclock. Determine if you would like an AMD or Intel-based system FIRST. 15 percent of overall cost.
** CPU. If you are overclocking, check to determine that your CPU is up to the stress and what cooling options are suitable. 10%-15% of cost.
** Memory. RAM with the lowest CAS latency and may accommodate overclocking rates is crucial. 5% of price.
** Determine if you need nVidia or ATI graphics. Dual graphics cards are for its very high-end players; a single excellent graphics card is better than two mediocre cards, usually. 30% to 50 percent of cost. If for example, playing Rise of Kingdoms on high graphics, you need high specs for graphics too.
** Disk drives. If you are able to afford a solid state disk, that is the best thing to do. Otherwise, consider a 10,000 RPM SATA disc drive. RAID is for the professionals. 10% of cost and up.