One of the primary uses of home computers is for gaming. Computer games have specific requirements and unfortunately the requirements are different from game to game. Given the varying requirements, there is no single recipe for a gaming computer. There is however, a simple formula to use to find or build the perfect gaming computer for your specific gaming needs.
Step One
Analyze your gaming needs. List the three or four games you play or wish to play. Then visit each game’s website to determine what the specific minimum requirements are for that game. Buying a computer that fits the minimum requirements will allow you to play the current version of the game, but future versions may have higher requirements, and thus will not run on your computer.
Step Two
The second most important component of your gaming computer is the video card. The two most popular video cards are Nvidia and ATI. Both cards are widely used by gamers and both companies offer a range of cards at competitive prices. Both companies have faster and more expensive cards, but if you are looking in the mid range, the following are what experts recommend.
The two best from Nvidia are:
- GTX 560 Ti. Experts say it has amazing performance and overclockability. Price is around $250.
- GTX 570. Larger in number of transistors, memory size , and memory bus width, it also packs a larger price around $330.
The two best from ATI are:
- Sapphire Radeon HD 6850 priced at about $210.
- HIS Radeon HD 6870 priced around $250.
For most people, budget is the determining factor in purchasing computer equipment. Building your own gaming computer allows you to create a computer that meets your specific needs and allows you to comparison shop for its components. If gaming is important to you, this might be a good choice.