Last Updated: May 5 2009
Introduction
Many people don't 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.
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
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 – Gigabyte GA-MA790X-UD4P
AMD is making a resurgence in the low cost market thanks to their new 790 chipset and Socket AM3 based platform that is backwards compatible with AM2+. This Gigabyte board uses the 790X with DDR2 memory support to keep things affordable and supports CrossFire.
- Processor – AMD Athlon X2 7850
The Athlon X2 7850 is actually based on the newer Phenom processor technology but only run two core's instead of four. For most people, they don't really need quad core and the extremely low price tag make this an excellent choice.
- Memory – G.Skill 4GB (2x2GB) PC2-8500 DDR2 Kit
DDR2 memory has come down in price significantly allowing budget systems to easily have 4GB of memory. This memory kit allows for overclocked memory speeds up to 1066MHz or PC2-8500 for potential overclocking.
Buy Direct - Video Card - Sapphire Radeon HD 4770 512MB
The Radeon HD 4770 is a brand new graphics processor that offers some surprising performance for $100 and also supports Direct X 10.1. 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.
- Hard Drive – Western Digital SE16 640GB SATA
Hard drives sizes keep getting bigger and that's great. The Caviar SE16 drive provides a large amount of space with some top tier performance.
Buy Direct - CD/DVD – Samsung SH-S223F 22x DVD+/-RW DL
This low cost DVD burner supports all of the current DVD media standards and has 22x speeds for DVD+/-R media. It uses SATA which is easier to install.
- Keyboard and Mouse - Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
This keyboard and mouse combo is very inexpensive but provides a good overall feel.
Buy Direct - Operating System – Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit
In order to support the current and feature hardware and software, the Vista Home Premiuim software is the best option. The 64-bit version allows it to fully use 4GB and more of memory.
Buy Direct
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's Peripheral site has a list of some good 2.1 Speakers Sets Under $100. Finally, a good monitor that mixes screen size and resolution while being affordable is key. Check out my selection of the Best 22-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.
