Do you know you can build a gaming PC, a good machine with the best parts? Well, console gamers tend to live under the shadow of a device that can’t be stacked with additional power. You are meant to suffer with it for close to 6-7 years. This has been the argument for PC gamers, they claim to have unlimited freedom and play games in the highest of quality. Though, I am a diehard console gaming addict, I wouldn’t want to create any argument on which camp of gaming has a better bragging right.
That’s said, let us build a gaming PC from scratch that won’t rip-off your wallet but leave an end product that should let you play games at 60fps and most importantly at 1080p resolution on moderate settings. What the price like? It’s going to be somewhere around $800.
Build A Gaming PC Part I – Hardware
Shell
We are going to build a gaming PC but that doesn’t mean we have to rely on down-market products to make that happen. I love taste and class and I am pretty sure you love that too. Why not Node 304 Mini-ITX Hybrid computer case ($99)? This shell stands out because of its excellent cooling properties as well as its outstanding sound-proof system.
Processor
Your computer brain has got only two major manufacturers making things happen; Intel and AMD. I would have easily opted for Intel, but AMD processors are equally a beast and less expensive for almost the same result. So here is the deal; we will be using the AMD A10-5800K, a beast clocked at 3.8 GHz. It will cost you a wallet-friendly $128.
Graphics Card
If you want to break the bank, going with Nvidia 690 wouldn’t be a bad idea but hey, no wallet rip-off remember? No down-market peripherals also, so we will go with AMD’s Radeon HD 6870. This is a decent graphics card that should guarantee you 1080p resolutions at moderate settings.
Motherboard
Just like the name suggests; this is the place where every bit of plugs are connected and ofcourse, initiates the interaction that powers your gaming PC. For this reason we will use ASRock’s A75M-ITX ($96). You know your motherboard has to be compatible with your graphics card and CPU socket. That’s why this pretty motherboard got a spot. It’s cheap and not down-market.
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Storage
A Seagate Barracuda 500 GB HDD ($57) wouldn’t be a bad idea. This is what will house our data file, it’s pretty okay but if you need bigger storage, you could always get one of those 1 terabyte HDD.
RAM
The bigger the RAM, the more effective your computer handles task. How much RAM do we need? Since we are building a budget gaming PC that doesn’t suck, 4GB RAM would be impressive. Since it’s just for gaming, we don’t really need to have a bigger RAM. If you have got enough cash, using a 8GB RAM would be absolutely fantastic as well. Just make sure you buy DDR3 RAM, in case you confused about that, we can settle for Crucial 4GB RAM priced at a decent $42.
Fan And Power
You have spent a decent amount already in building your gaming PC. Will you then leave your power supply components to chance? Many of the time, PC related damages could be traced to the power components, hence we must carefully select a brand that has got reputation and for this, we are using CORSAIR Builder Series CX600 ($57).
That’s about it, you have got yourself a beastly $622 gaming PC.
Build A Gaming PC Part II – Software and Accessories
Operating System
We are going to make use of Windows Operating System and our preferred OS is this OEM Windows 7. I am a big fan of Windows 8, but you can stay clear of it for now as they have been reported cases of compatibility issues.
Browser
I am a huge fan of Mozilla, you can download the latest version of Mozilla Firefox here. Feel free to download any browser of your choice if you don’t like firefox 🙂
Utility
I like Advanced System Pro, and I recommend you get it. Advanced System Pro will let you clean up your registry, defragment your HDD, it also promises better gaming environment and all that. There is really a lot you can get from this program but you need to have it installed before unleashing a legion of capabilities.
Antivirus
Everyone has their opinion about the best anti-virus to use and stick with. I have tried a lot and I settled very well with Avira. This is my third year with them and I have not got any issues. They offer freemium version but for absolute protection, you need Avira Premium Antivirus.
Controllers
Depending on your choice you should find decent controllers for impressive gaming experience. But I love using the DualShock 3 on my PC. You can download motioninjoy drivers to make the DualShock 3 controller work with your PC.
I can also recommend this Logitech desktop keyboard and mouse combo.
Plan Future Upgrades
Now you have a beast, but that’s not the end. Technology is very dynamic. You may require more power for your gaming PC in future. Obviously, that should always be at the back of your mind. So future upgrades shouldn’t be much of a big deal, you won’t be buying all the components, you could replace one after the other with whatever your heart lustiest for. That’s the beauty of PC gaming. It gives so much flexibility and power.
You can build one right from your room, just on your bed. It is that easy, trust me. 🙂
Update:
I initially selected Silverstone Tek Micro-ATX Mini-DTX PC Shell, but I was alerted that it was too big so it got replaced with another powerful but slightly cheaper PC case at the beginning of the article.
Last Updated: November 5, 2013.
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11 Comments
kulhead
Hi Nosa!
Only words cant explain how this post intrigued me from first paragraph to the last. itz indeed a super-rated one.
Now about the processor I’d worked with AMDs before and I always rated Intel higher than AMD, for gaming pc in a simple words: I don’t recommend AMD!
about the browser i cant disagree with you am always a Firefox freak but with the antivirus though I’m not used to Avira but I preferred Bit Defender and Avast to handle a gaming pc protection.
thanks for sharing, do have a great weekend!
Nosa E Nosa
Hello Kulhead,
It’s nice to have you here, your choice of processor is fantastic, Intel has always been a beast, but AMD are not as bad as one would think. They both have their bragging rights, the only turn off with AMD would be the heat emission on laptops, but on desktop, it runs pretty well, because of a bigger space and bigger fan.
On the Antivirus; I kind-off prefer Avira, Avast isn’t bad but I have some miserable experience with that Antivirus. It takes a while to fully understand how Avast works, but once you do, it works great.
I recommend Avira because it’s quite easy to understand the GUI and not have your files totally consumed.. You know what I mean 🙂
Do have a great week ahead friend,.
Reezo
Also, AMD give nice overclocks. 🙂
Logan Grayson
Hey Nosa,
Try 360 Total Security. I’m running it for several months already.
Lightweight, stable, and fast. Recommendations! 🙂
Vhinz
If you are planning to build a gaming pc at the same time a space saver then you might want to go with ITX setup, parts are not that expensive compared to the standard system cases and mobo.
Nosa E Nosa
For Space saver, that would be fantastic. But it should be able to reduce noise to it lowest.
Thanks for stopping by Vhinz
Mike
An excellent article mate! I agree with your choice of processor. I use AMD too and it doesn’t disappoint. As for the antivirus, I’ve tried AVG but currently sticking with Avast. Thanks for sharing this!
Mike
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awesome! thanks for sharing this kind of article 😀
Reezo
You could just buy a cheap and cheerful $30 case and put the rest of the cash towards another stick of RAM. Performance > Aesthetics.
Nosa E Nosa
Hello Reezo,
You can surely get cheap shell but I am very much interested in noise cancellation and cooling properties.. If you PC is dedicated to gaming alone, 4GB RAM should be a beast at moderate settings..
Noah
Great article, I’m all for AMD all the way