How to Build a Gaming Computer

Level of difficulty: Intermediate

Computers are of the most useful devices for programming, researching, and documenting. Nowadays, computers are also being used for entertainment. Topping the list of computer entertainment is online and Local Area Network gaming.

Materials Needed:
- LCD/CRT monitor
- motherboard
- Dual Core or Quad Core Processor
- PCI Express Video Card SLI/Crossfire (optional)
- sound card (optional)
- SATA Hard Drive
- DDR3 Memory Module
- computer casing
- keyboard
- mouse
Step 1
Prepare all the necessary components you need in building a gaming computer. Make sure that you meet the requirements of the game that you want to play.
Step 2
Obtain a motherboard that supports Quad Core or Dual Core Processing for faster computing. The motherboard must be PCI Express SLI/Crossfire slot compliant. It should also be able to support a memory speed of 333, 1066, or 800 MHz DDR3, and be able to accommodate an upgrade.
Step 3
Select a casing that houses a Power Supply Unit (PSU) of at least 500 watts. This is to prevent low wattage output which may cause CPU parts to malfunction.
Step 4
Choose the latest processor in the market for faster game response. Quad Core or Dual Core is the preferred choice when building a gaming computer.
Step 5
Acquire a PCI Express Video Card that is SLI/Crossfire compliant. This is optional. The important things to consider are that the video card should have a high Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) speed, large graphics memory capacity, and it should have pixel shredder capability.
Step 6
Get a SATA hard drive. This type of hard drive has a faster transfer rate than the IDE hard drive type.
Step 7
Choose a sound card that processes 3D sound for the games that use 3D sound effects.
Step 8
Select a DVD-Rom drive or combo drive that can be used for installing programs, device drivers, and game applications. Most game developers use DVD disks for their game installers nowadays.
Step 9
Use an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor. It has larger pixel resolution and lower power consumption than the CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor. It may also use a DVI (Digital Video Interface) connector for high definition resolution.
Step 10
After gathering the peripherals, assemble the computer components. Touch the PSU (Power Supply Unit) first to disperse the static electricity or use an anti-static wrist strap before attaching the computer components. Connect the cables, attach the processor, motherboard, video card, sound card, hard disk, memory module, DVD-Rom, and other computer peripherals to the computer casing. Close the side cover of the casing and secure it with screws.
Step 11
After the peripherals and devices are completely attached and fully functional, install an OS (Operating System) compatible with the games to be played.