Computer Parts
Sometimes it helps to have a bit of back ground on the computer parts. The following pages give you the basics
about each component. They also contain tips on what to look for when you are purchasing parts for your gaming
computer, whether for an upgrade or a complete computer build.
These pages assume you're either looking for a refresher on some info. Or are a newbie and simply trying to
decide what's the important feature to look for when you are trying decided which component to purchase.
When you are doing your first computer build, odds are you may not be aware that there are price points. You've
probably have already decided which is more important to your gaming pc. Hint: it's either your GPU or
CPU.
In your GPU and CPU, knowing what the price points are can really help you out. Video card basics will give you some insights on price points for your GPU.
In addition to price points for your CPU you'll need to choose between AMD or Intel.
Also, knowing more about price vs performance in both your CPU and GPU will help you make more informed
decisions on your gaming computer build.
- The easiest build there is, is the ultimate gaming computer. The hard core gaming pc. It's the easiest
because you look at performance not cost. You simply buy the best parts there are available. What's hard about
that?
- The hardest gaming computer build is the mid-range gaming pc. That's the one where you have to balance cost
vs performance. You have to research your computer parts. You have to know how to invest your money to get the
best bang for your buck.
- The cheap gaming pc has the focus all on cost. What's the best part
can you get for that limited budget?
The following pages will help you know what to look for in choosing your gaming
components.
- Blu Ray or DVD drives
Choosing Your Blu-Ray or DVD Drives Optical Drive Options: The Blu-Ray or DVD drive basic decision here is what flavor do you want and how many. Blu-ray Burner Blu-Ray Combo Blu-Ray ROM DVD Burner...
- computer case
The Case for an Awesome Computer Case I've used various computer cases including Lian Li, Thermaltake, Cooler Master, Antec and generics. Frankly, I prefer a case with class. I loath cheap computer...
- gaming case
Gaming Case A solid gaming case or just a solid case in general is absolutely great to work with. It's rigid, it does not flex or bow, it feels strong, not flimsy. The holes all line up properly....
- gaming cpu
Gaming CPU Price Point Breakdowns One big question is which gaming CPU do I buy and why? First you need to narrow your choices by knowing your budget. You also need to know exactly what you are going...
- AMD vs Intel
CPU choices for gaming computers are essentially AMD vs Intel. It's rather a question of Pepsi or Coke, both get the job done. Generally it is a matter of cost vs performance.
- cpu cooler
CPU Cooler The CPU Cooler, otherwise known as the heatsink/fan (HSF) that is installed on top of the CPU. The heatsink pulls the heat up off the CPU and the fan draws air through the heatsink's fins....
- thermal grease
Thermal Grease The following is a bit about Thermal Grease and why it's important. Flat metal to flat metal is the best heat conduit. However, a CPU chip is not flat, nor is the HSF. There are...
- Computer Memory
Memory (RAM) is a pretty easy component to under estimate. The reason we are looking at this dry stuff, is that you cannot make an informed decision, if you do not educate yourself on what your choices are and why they are your choices.
- choosing ram
Choosing RAM aka Memory Choosing RAM the easiest component to purchase. Your only concerns are: how much what type what brand Windows 7 64 bit, I don't like running it with less then 8 GB of RAM....
- hard drives
Advantages of Hard Drives & Solid State Drives Hard Drives (HDDs): In a hard drive or a HDD data is written and read (magnetically) to and from a platter by read/write heads. That platter rests...
- motherboard
Motherboard Seriously, the Motherboard (Mobo) is the most important part you have in you system. It is the determining factor in overall performance and what your system is capable of doing. Every...
- motherboard fundamentals
Motherboard Fundamentals Motherboards basically determine: Which CPUs are supported How much and what type of RAM What type of video card Communication ports speed Things to think about: CPU Sockets:...
- operating systems
Operating Systems There Some Options Windows Operating Systems are generally what I build and what I game with. However, they are not the only choice. If you choose Linux, you can still play PC...
- power supply units
Power Supply Unit (PSU) Basics Power Supply Units frequently in the words of Rodney Dangerfield "get no respect". A solid power supply unit with the proper wattage for your needs regulates power, and...
- psu
PSU (Power Supply Unit) What You Need to Know Before You Buy The more power hungry components you use, the better your PSU has to be. You cannot skimp here without it affecting your system. There are...
- sli or crossfireX
SLI or CrossFireX Is a Multiple Graphics Card Setup for Me? The question: is SLI or CrossFireX? Battle of the Brands: In the graphic card world ATI or Nvidia also known as Radeon or GeForce, I am not...
- video card basics
Video Card Basics Video card basics make a great deal of sense once you know what they are. Video cards have a 3-6 month generation cycle. A new GPU generation will be introduced, then drift down the...
- video card
Video Card GPU, Bit Rate & Memory Quanity In a gaming rig there is zero doubt that the video card is critical. You know what the price points are, so now how do you choose? I cannot tell you the...
- What is a SSD?
The hard drive in any computer, whether using a desktop or laptop computer, is responsible for storing data and during your purchase or upgrade decision the mention of ssd may make you question What is a SSD anyways? A SSD is a solid state hard drive. Unlike a regular hard drive a solid state drive has no moving parts.
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