AlmightyDeity Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 Im looking to buy a computer and I would like to get some advice on what specifications I need and what I would want to make it run well. Im new to computer gaming and my current computer won't work. What you you suggest for a starter? What are the key things to look for in a gaming computer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan3345 Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 Oh jeez, this is such a broad and general question... Where to start though... I will start with the Central Processing Unit or CPU. The CPU handles all of your processing, most games nowadays seem to focus more on the GPU (Graphics Processing Uni, so your video card) however a strong CPU is still essential for gaming and multitasking. There are many on the market, for a gaming computer I would go with a quad core. Anything really with a 6mb cache and atleast 2.4ghz should be good. Intel makes very high powered CPU's however in my opinion most of these are serious overkill for gaming alone and all of them are overpriced. See the CPU is defined by its architecture and intel sells them based on that price. I think.. I can't see any other way to justify such high prices.. Anyways, the alternative is AMD which is what I use. Along with gaming I do a lot of graphical rendering and multitasking so I chose for my CPU the AMD 1100T black which is a 6 core 3.3ghz. Currently it overclocks while gaming to 3.7ghz. But anyways the point is that this CPU cost me $189.00. It runs cool for the power it has, and I have yet to find an application that boggles it down. So I would highly recommend it. Of course if you want to go with an intel you can but the equivalent on the intel side of my cpu is I believe an i7 that is $300.00.. Now for the GPU you want something that is fast with a high amount of VRAM. VRAM is essentially ram that is reserved for the GPU alone and is built onto the GPU. It cannot be upgraded so you must choose how much you need. Generally people get 1gb for their GPU because it is enough for single monitor setups. Personally I have a 6950 2gb because I have multiple monitors and like to run games like gta4 with maxed load distance. Power supplies differ.. Currently I have a faulty PSU that is 700watts and yet under a certain load the PC restarts because the PSU is overloaded. Depending on your CPU and your video card you will need either more or less wattage. And then you have to consider the quality of the components, and will it be compatible with my motherboard, and cpu? If I want crossifre/SLI will it be enough to power two video cards? If these things check out and the PSU (power supply unit) is of quality components (if you don't what to look for just read reviews, stay away from components with no reviews or very little) than go ahead and buy it. The next thing to consider is your motherboard. This is the most delicate component next to the CPU and must be handled with the utmost in care and protection. One small short, or bit of static and the hole thing is a poky paperweight. There are several things to consider, such as what size is the case it is going into? Mid tower? Full tower? Hopefully not micro.. Generally gaming motherboards come in ATX form, which will fit both mid tower and full tower. Although a standard atx motherboard will appear a bit small in a full tower case. Anyways so some things you want to look for that are very important. Will it be compatible with my CPU? The socket is what the processor will sit in, its what attaches the CPU to the motherboard and holds it in place. It is also what you CPU heatsin fan will lock down onto. In the case of an AMD such as mine the socket type is an AM3. Please note that if you bought say an i5 intel chip and a gigabyte AMD motherboard with an AM3 socket the intel chip would not fit because its pins/pads are alligned differently than the socket of the motherboard. It would be like trying to fit a square through a small circle.. You would get nowhere, and easily break both the cpu and the motherboard. Also consider if you want two video cards. These video cards must be exactly the same to work together, and your motherboard must have two PCe x16 slots, or atleast one PCIe x4 and one PCIe x16. PCIe x16 and PCIe x8 is also sufficient. The last thing I feel is important enough to mention is the wiring. This is tricky stuff. I don't think you can do much damage by messing up a wire (so forgetting to plug in the CPU auxillary power for example) however there are some smaller connections for the case buttons to restart and power buttons to work, and so if you are not certain either consult the manuals or get someone who is. Err its late here and I am tired.. I think I covered the basics. Anyways if you need more help feel free to PM me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoofhearted4 Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 RAM is also a necessity. 8gb of 1333 or 1600 is plenty! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N3C14R Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 RAM is also a necessity. 8gb of 1333 or 1600 is plenty!As long as they have decent timings, CAS9 is mainstream for gaming, workstations, etc while CAS7 is aimed towards more extreme enthusiasts. Unlike that AMD Radeon memory bullcrap with CAS11. :down: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoofhearted4 Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 i have no clue what you just said :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan3345 Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 Oh I forgot about RAM enitrely.. Doh thats what I get for trying to explain computer stuff at 1 in the morning.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fonger Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 Oh I forgot about RAM enitrely.. Doh thats what I get for trying to explain computer stuff at 1 in the morning..hinty - does your main application (or best game) actually use more than 4 gb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draakon Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 RAM is also a necessity. 8gb of 1333 or 1600 is plenty! 4 GB of 1333 is already enough for your high detail Skyrim & Battlefield 2 needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoofhearted4 Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 (edited) RAM is also a necessity. 8gb of 1333 or 1600 is plenty! 4 GB of 1333 is already enough for your high detail Skyrim & Battlefield 2 needs. right so if 4gb is enough, then 8gb is plenty! :thumbsup: lol Edited August 12, 2011 by hoofhearted4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N3C14R Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 (edited) i have no clue what you just said :PJust Google DDR3 ram timings. The latency is as important as how fast the ram runs at. Usually the tighter the timings, the more responsive the ram is, and allows for higher overclocks without compromising decreased ram speed. Here's a short article I recommend, be aware it's a little outdated but it's still relevant: http://www.overclock...gs-dummies.html Edited August 12, 2011 by N3C14R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now