Gaming is one of the most hardware-intensive uses for a computer. Expect to spend upwards of $2,000 to buy a top-quality machine.
Building a powerful gaming computer is chiefly a function of buying three components of very high quality: the graphics card, processor, and memory. While the quality of the other components is also important, spend most of your money on those three parts. As most modern games are tremendously taxing on the graphics card---especially when you're trying to run programs on higher settings at an acceptable frame rate---you can expect that to be your most expensive component.
Instructions
Choose Components
1. Choose the components that you want to build a top-quality PC. If you're looking for a high-performance gaming machine, you can expect to spend between $2,000 and $5,000 for the best parts. Buy the top-performing or second-rated graphics card available from either of the major graphics card manufacturers---nVidia and ATI. Get one of the latest or otherwise recent high-performance processors from Intel or AMD. For hard drives, consider a spacious SATA hard disk, or a solid state drive (SSD) if you want the best performance for a bit more money. Purchasing paired memory (RAM) up to the maximum amount that your operating system can handle is also a sensible investment. Purchase a well-cooled case and a substantial power supply of more than 650 watts to handle the hardware. High-performance graphics cards and processors are power-intensive. Purchase a compatible motherboard, optical drive, and peripherals such as a mouse, keyboard, headphones, and microphone to round out the package. Buy the latest version of Windows to gain access to the most games.
2. Clear space for you to work. Remove the components from the boxes and put the instructions all in one place. Ground yourself by touching a metal object to reduce the risk of damage to the components from static electricity. You may also wear an anti-static wristband, available from most computer retailers, to prevent this from happening.
3. Open the case, following the instructions provided. Install any peripheral fans that you purchased or that came with the case before you put in any additional components.
4. Fasten the motherboard to the wall of the case using the screws that came with it. Be sure to place all the screws to ensure that it's fastened properly. Avoid tightening it too much, or you could damage the motherboard.
5. Install the processor by carefully lowering it into the appropriate slot on the motherboard, matching all the pins. Fasten it with the metal clip on the motherboard. Place the heatsink/fan on top of the processor, following the instructions provided carefully. Fasten it correctly using the provided mechanism and connect the fan's power cord to the motherboard.
6. Insert the memory into the appropriate slots. Apply firm downward pressure to the cards until you hear an audible click. Use the plastic fasteners on either side of the card to secure it in position.
7. Place the graphics card in the appropriate slot. Make sure that the graphics card has clearance of 1 to 2 inches from anything else inside the case to ensure proper air flow. Once it's securely in the slot, you can fasten it to back of the case using the screw provided. Connect the power supply to the graphics card using the provided cable.
8. Install the hard drive into the rack on the motherboard. Plug the data cable into the motherboard and the power cable to the power supply.
9. Place the optical drive into the 5.25-inch rack above the hard drive racks. You may have to remove a panel from the front of the case to access the front of the drive. Plug in the data cable to the motherboard and the power cable to the power supply.
10. Close the case. Connect all the peripherals, such as the monitor, mouse, and keyboard. Turn on the computer and install the operating system by booting the computer with the system disc inserted in the DVD drive.
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