Last Updated: Apr 25 2012
Introduction
Many people do not realize how easy it is to put together a computer system from parts. In fact, many systems that users build can outperform purchased desktop computer systems. The biggest challenge of putting together a computer system is typically finding what parts to buy. That is where this guide comes in.
There is a huge variety of gaming available on the PC that is not found in console systems. But there are specific hardware requirements in order to play 3D games on a PC. Usually the media only reviews the top of the line gear, making it hard to find a good low cost gaming rig. This guide is designed to try and build a system that is dedicated to gaming that won't break the bank. It may not be the flashiest system around, but it does play games very well. It also only covers the core computer system without a monitor.
Many of the parts on this list are sold as OEM products. They are the same items that would come in a retail package but have less material as they are sold in bulk typically to builders. They should carry the same warranties and protections as retail box products.
Remember that this is just a guide of recommended products. There are many alternative components available that will perform just as well. In addition to the name of the item, a link is included for price comparison shopping for the components.
The Budget Gaming PC Components
- Case - Raidmax Smilodon Extreme
A low cost steel mid-tower desktop computer case with a foldout motherboard panel that makes installation of the internal components extremely easy. It also comes equipped with a 500W rated power supply.
Buy Direct - Motherboard - Biostar TZ77XE3
The Intel Z77 chipset offers a good balance of performance and expansion features. It supports the new Ivy Bridge as well as the older Sandy Bridge CPUs. It features SSD caching and hybrid graphics. The board offers three PCI-Express graphics cards slots although two run in x8 and one in x4 when multiple cards are used.
Buy Direct - Processor - Intel Core i3-2120
While Ivy Bridge processors have just been released, their availability especially for the lower priced ones is very difficult. Thankfully, the previous Sandy Bridge based Core i3-2120 works just fine for gaming. Since most games still can't use multiple processors, the dual core design with its higher clock speed is actually quite good and more important affordable.
Buy Direct - Memory - G.SKILL 8GB PC3-12800 DDR3 Kit
While it might be a bit cheaper to get 4GB of memory, more games now can benefit from the extra memory. This makes 8GB the best overall choice. These memory modules offer a fast 1600MHz speed rating which is great for performance or trying to do a little overclocking.
Buy Direct - Video Card - HIS Radeon HD 7770 1GB
The Radeon HD 7770 is the budget minded card from AMD and offers good graphics support up to 1920x1080. With the motherboard combination, it is possible to eventually install a second one for CrossFire support, but the power supply would likely need upgrading as well.
Buy Direct - Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 1TB SATA
Most gaming rigs don't require a huge amount of space but they do need solid performance. This drive spins at the full 7200rpm rate with a large 64MB cache to offer it a solid level of performance at very reasonable prices.
Buy Direct - CD/DVD - LITE-ON iHAS424-98 24x DVD+/-RW DL SATA
This low cost DVD burner supports all of the current DVD media standards and has 24x speeds for DVD+/-R media. Blu-ray would be nice but it still hasn't gotten cheap enough yet.
Buy Direct - Keyboard and Mouse - Microsoft Wired Keyboard Desktop 600
This keyboard and mouse combo is very inexpensive but provides a good overall feel.
- Operating System - Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit
In order to support the current and future hardware and software, the Windows 7 software is the best option. The 64-bit version allows it to fully use 4GB and more of memory.
What Else is Needed
This list of components will make up the heart of the computer system, but it still needs a few parts. There are no speakers for the system which is probably something that most people playing games would want. About.com'ts Peripheral site has a list of some good 2.1 Speakers Sets Under $100 or maybe a gaming headset. Finally, a good monitor that mixes screen size and resolution while being affordable is key. Check out my selection of the Best 24-Inch LCD Monitors.
Putting it All Together
Of course, once you have all the parts, the computer system will have to be assembled and installed. Tutorials on the various steps required to install the parts together into the computer system can be found in one of two ways. I have available a 5-day E-mail Newsletter Course that puts the steps in a logical order or you can just dive right into the individual Tutorials themselves.
