Building a gaming PC....how hard is it?

[Scarim Coral]

As long you read or watch some PC assembly tutorial guide and being sensible then you should be fine. They aren't hard to follow as they are simple and clear. Even then some of the componments like the tower unit or the power supplise may come with an quick guide to put it in.

Also make sure you got the right enviroment and tool (the srew driver).

Also don't panic too much when you try to close the heatsink after inseting the chip. Sure it feel like you're putting too much pressure but you have to be forceful with that part.

 

[Azaraxzealot]

*snip*

Lemme just say this, if you already own a desktop with a decent dual (or more) core processor? Just buy a video card for under $100. seriously, that's really all you need to do to have a gaming PC.

Most times, that's all that a PC is missing to make the jump from average PC to gaming PC. Just make sure your power supply is 300W or more.

And if I may recommend this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=14-102-988&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=2#scrollFullInfo [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=14-102-988&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=2#scrollFullInfo]

as a starter card. The GDDR5 version can run Skyrim on Ultra if the processor is up to snuff.

 

[mrdude2010]

Be careful with parts, like making sure they all fit together- some motherboards are incompatible with some components, that sort of thing. I would recommend checking out Tom's Hardware and a few guides on youtube about how to put it together, and I would definitely get someone you know who is really good with computers to help you pick out components. Newegg is also a really useful site for that sort of thing. You can put together a PC that will play basically anything you play on it on decently high settings for well under $1,000

 

[Vault101]

The CPU cooler is unnecessary, stock coolers are quite good these days and can idle <30C

thanks for the info!

Ive ben told a few times I dont need the extra cooler...this may seem like a silly question but it gets really hot over here (In Australia) so I'm wondering could that be a reason to get the cooler?

 

[distortedreality]

Not sure why you need the sound card. If you're doing professional audio work with it, I suppose that would explain things, but the motherboard does have onboard 8-channel HD audio. That tends to be more than enough for most people... and you'd need to disable the onboard sound to avoid conflict with your PCI card. (also, that's $80 you don't need to spend)

Unless you're making music for a living sound cards are wholly unnecessary, and even then they're not needed. The on board motherboard sound is what everybody uses.

Just to clarify, the soundcard being talked about in no way could be used for professional audio work. It's an add-on card for increased quality when gaming and watching movies etc.

As you both stated though, completely un-necessary for the build that is being spoken about.

Not having a go at you guys at all, some form of OCD or something just took over my body lol.

The CPU cooler is unnecessary, stock coolers are quite good these days and can idle <30C

thanks for the info!

Ive ben told a few times I dont need the extra cooler...this may seem like a silly question but it gets really hot over here (In Australia) so I'm wondering could that be a reason to get the cooler?

I live in Sydney, and personally I wouldn't make a serious build without an aftermarket cooler, but depending on your circumstances, it probably wouldn't be necessary for you. Your best bet is to do the build using the stock HSF, and then if you're having cooling issues, but an aftermarket one later down the track.

 

[SenseOfTumour]

I'd suggest, maybe if it's your first time, looking into buying a motherboard bundle. This would be the motherboard, CPU, and memory, all fitted and tested.

You then fit it in the case, and add DVD drive, video card, hard drive, etc.

It's not as intimidating as a full build, but it will give you some confidence to start with!

Linking some, just as an example, and cos I've used Novatech and been happy with them

http://www.novatech.co.uk/motherboardbundles/?p=intel

 

[Jimmy T. Malice]

A relatively minor thing that's actually really important for building a computer is some kind of anti-static strap to stop yourself transferring static electricity into the delicate components.