HOW TO BUILD A GAMING PC

By: Reed and Jay

MAY 1, 2014
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

2
Co
Introduction iii
Table of Contents
Contents
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... iii
How to Build a Gaming PC ............................................................................................................ v
Function and Selection of Parts ...................................................................................................... 3
Getting the Computer Parts ......................................................................................................... 4
Central Processing Unit .............................................................................................................. 5
Graphics Processing Unit ............................................................................................................ 7
Motherboard ................................................................................................................................ 8
Random Access Memory ............................................................................................................ 9
Hard Disk Drive ........................................................................................................................ 10
Power Supply Unit .................................................................................................................... 11
Optical Drive ............................................................................................................................. 12
Case ........................................................................................................................................... 13
Computer Assembly ...................................................................................................................... 17
Case ........................................................................................................................................... 17
Central Processing Unit ............................................................................................................ 18
Motherboard .............................................................................................................................. 19
Random Access Memory .......................................................................................................... 20
Power Supply Unit .................................................................................................................... 21
Graphics Processing Unit .......................................................................................................... 22
Hard disk drive .......................................................................................................................... 23
Optical Drive ............................................................................................................................. 24
iv


Introduction v
How to Build a Gaming PC

Welcome to the How to Build a Gaming PC manual by Reed and Jay. In this manual we are going to walk
you through the process of selecting and buying your parts while also teaching you the function of each
individual part. When we are talking about the parts we will go over different tiers of the parts so you
can decide which tier more fits your budget and the build you want to do. After we cover that we will
then move in the assembly section and walk you through the process of putting your new gaming pc
together.


Fly Page Chapter 1
Chapter One 3
Function and Selection of Parts

Case
Central Process Unit
Hard Disk Drive
Motherboard
Graphics Processing Unit
Random Access Memory
Power Supply Unit
Optical Drive
4 How to Build a Gaming PC

Getting the Computer Parts

Setting up your budget
When looking at computer parts, there are basically three different tiers to choose from. There is the
low-tier, mid-tier, and the high-tier.
Low-tier- This is for a budget build, it will get you the parts to play most games, just not at the
settings you will eventually want to run. This build will run anywhere from 500-600 USD.
Mid-tier- This is the build that most gamers use nowadays. This build will most any games that
are out right now at high-max settings. This build will run anywhere from 1000-1300 USD.
High-tier- This is the build for more experienced gamers. This allows you to run up to four
graphics cards. This build will run anywhere from 3500-4000 USD.
The mid-tier build is the most optimal for someone building their first customized computer. With the
parts from that build, you will be able to run most games that come out in the near future at high-max
settings.



Shopping for your Parts
When buying your computers parts, there are two different ways to do so. You can either go to a store
to purchase your parts at that very moment or you can buy them online. When buying online, youre
going to be looking at a more variety of parts and will often find daily sales for random parts.
These are your major in-store computer part providers:
Frys
Best Buy
These are your major online computer part providers:
www.Newegg.com
www.tigerdirect.com
Whether you buy your parts from online or in-store, you will get the parts you need and at an affordable
with each of these selections.




Chapter One 5
Central Processing Unit
The central processing unit (CPU) acts as the brain of the computer. Every process that goes on in the
computer goes through the CPU. Most of the CPUs that you find today have integrated graphics in them
allowing them to process and render images. But for our needs we are going to need a dedicated
graphics card, which we will talk about later.
When looking at purchasing CPUs there are two major brands to consider, Advance Micro Devices
(AMD) and Intel. Both of these brands use different core structures which depict how well they do their
job. There are a few things to consider when you are looking at which CPU to buy like
Clock speeds- When you are looking at clock speeds on CPUs the higher number is not always
better, you will always too check benchmarks on the internet to see how the CPU holds up to
your favorite titles. This is as simple as going to Google and searching (processor name)
benchmarks for (game title)
Cores- When it comes to cores things get a little more confusing. When dealing with AMD more
is better. When looking at Intel processor the core count can be misleading due the hyper-
threading technology which make the computer work as though as it has twice many physical
cores as it really does through the use of virtual cores. This provides a surprisingly large boost in
performance while gaming.
Socket type- When looking at socket types you will need to compare the socket type on your
motherboard. We will cover this more in the motherboard section.




6 How to Build a Gaming PC



Pricing tiers:
Low-tier- AMD FX-6300 Vishera
This CPU will usually run for around 120 USD. Its a decent entry level processor that will let you
run most of the games you want to play on low-medium settings.
Mid-tier- Intel i5-3570k
This CPU will usually run for around 230 USD. Its one of the most common processors for the
average gamer. This CPU will let you run all the games you want to play on high-max settings.
High-tier- Intel i7-3960X Extreme
This CPU will usually run for around 1070 USD. This is one of the best processors on the market.
This CPU will let you run ever game for years to come on max settings.

Chapter One 7
Graphics Processing Unit
The graphics processing unit (GPU) is what takes the data in your computer and displays it on your
monitor in the form of high definition graphics. When it comes to how well your computer runs the
games you want to play this is the most important part of your build. It is what renders all the images for
your games. There are a few things to consider when choosing your GPU

Clock speed- This is the same concept we went over with the CPU clock speeds. The best way to
decide on the power of the GPU you want is to look up benchmarks of the GPU playing some of
your favorite titles.
Memory- The standard for memory in most GPUs these days is 2GB. The main thing memory
will affect is how well your GPU will process and render images at higher resolutions.
Pricing tiers:
Low-tier- Nvidia 660 GTX 2GB
This GPU costs 190 USD. This graphics card will run most games you will want to play from low-
medium settings.
Mid-tier- Nividia GeForce 780 GTX 3GB
This GPU costs 420 USD. This graphics card will run almost any game on high-max settings. This
is the most common graphics card amongst the modern gamer.
High-tier- Titan Black
This GPU costs 1250 USD. This graphics card will without a doubt run every game you could
want on max settings for many years to come.

8 How to Build a Gaming PC

Motherboard
The motherboard is the main structure of your computer. This is the part that connects everything and
moves the data from the various parts of the computer to the other. The motherboard will decide what
parts you can put in your computer and the options you have for expanding later. There are a few things
to look at when dealing with your motherboard.
Chipset- This is something that is designed by either AMD or Intel. This is really simple just
match the brand of CPU to your processor.
CPU socket type- As mentioned earlier the socket type is something that you will need to look at
when choosing your mother board. Since we already looked at the CPU we want to get, we will
need to look at the CPU on the website or on the box and compare the socket type to the
motherboard you are looking to buy. If you do not match these numbers the sockets wont line
up and you will not be able to install the CPU.
Pricing tiers:
Low-tier- AsRock FM2A88X-ITX
This motherboard costs 100 USD. This motherboard does not have much room for expanding
your build, though it will let your run a beginner setup.
Mid-tier- Gigabyte Z77X-UD5H
This motherboard costs 180 USD. This motherboard has more room for expansion and will let do
more advanced builds such as dual graphics cards.
High-tier- ASUS P9X79
This motherboard costs 330 USD. This motherboard has room for the most expansion on the
market and will allow you to run up to four graphics cards.
Chapter One 9
Random Access Memory
Random access memory (RAM) is temporary memory that your computer sends data to that has just
been processed. Nowadays, the least amount of RAM you need for gaming is 4GB of RAM. The standard
is 8GB of RAM but 4GB wont prohibit you from playing many games. There are many things to consider
when looking at RAM:
Clock speed- the speed of the RAM determines how fast the data will be sent from point A to B.
Amount- to this day, there is only one game that prohibits someone who has 4GB of RAM. In
the future, games will require more RAM, so upgrading now is essential.
Pricing tiers:
Low-tier- G.SKILL Ripjaws 4GB
This RAM will cost 40 USD. This amount of RAM will run all but one game, Call of Duty: Ghosts,
which requires 8GB of RAM.
Mid-tier- CORSAIR Vengance 8GB
This RAM will cost 73 USD. This RAM will run any game on the market right now. This is what the
average gamer is running in their build.
High-tier- CORSAIR Dominator Platinum 16GB
This RAM will cost 200 USD. This RAM will also run any game on the market right now. This is
good to go ahead and pick up because in the near future games will require more RAM to run.


10 How to Build a Gaming PC

Hard Disk Drive
The hard disk drive (HDD) is used for storage in the computer. Every file that is saved or installed on your
computer is contained within the hard drive. There are two types: the regular HDD and the solid state
drive (SSD). Most gamers have HDDs in their builds. To optimize game load-times and to improve
speeds, it is beneficial to have an SSD. This will allow you to load games faster than a HDD will. The only
thing to consider when looking for HDDs or SSDs is capacity.

Pricing tiers:
Low-tier- Western Digital 1TB HDD
This HDD will cost 60 USD. This HDD will be optimal for most builds that are just starting out.
Mid-tier- SeaGate 600 Series 240GB SSD
This SSD will cost 170 USD. Although most gamers dont use SSDs, this will cut down on load
times in all programs.
High-tier- Samsung 840 Pro 512GB SSD
This SSD will cost 420 USD. This is like the SeaGate 600 series but with over twice the capacity.


Chapter One 11
Power Supply Unit
The power supply unit (PSU) provides power to all parts of the computer. Although this part doesnt
seem like a very important part, without the proper wattage, you wont have enough power to some of
the parts. This can cause the computer to not turn on. As far as wattage goes, 750 is the staple point for
most builds, though not all builds require this much. Wattage is the thing to consider when buying
PSUs.

Pricing tiers:
Low-tier-CORSAIR CX 500W
This PSU will cost you 50 USD. This is for lower-end builds that only use one lower-end graphics
card. This is good for a low-end budget build.
Mid-tier-ThermalTake DPS 750W
This PSU will cost you 180 USD. This is optimal for almost every build that the average gamer
uses. This wattage will let you run dual graphics cards without any constraints.
High-tier-CoolerMaster Silent Pro M2 1500W
This PSU will cost you 360 USD. This is over the top for most gamers. This power supply will let
you run high-end setups with up to four graphics cards.


12 How to Build a Gaming PC


Optical Drive
Optical Drives are what most people refer to as disk drives. Disc based media has been around since
the mid 1990s. This is required to install operating systems onto computers when theyre just bought
but render themselves useless otherwise. Most software you can obtain nowadays is easy to download
from the internet.
Pricing tiers:
For disc drives, buy the cheapest disc drive you can find because it will basically render itself useless
after installing your operating system.








Chapter One 13

Case
The case is what houses all your computer parts. This is the identity of your computer. The case gives
the computer personality, and will depict what people think about your computer when they see it. You
can go for a very basic design or you can go for something more futuristic and off the wall in the design
the great thing about the case is it all comes down to preference. There are only a few things to consider
when buying your case
Style- This is all preference find what you think looks cool. This is what youre going to look at
every time you go to use your computer make sure you like the way it looks.
Size- There is different sizes of cases. There is the mid tower and the full tower. When looking at
size there is only one thing to stay away from mini and micro tower will not work for almost all
the builds on the market as they are too small to house all the parts needed for a gaming pc.
Pricing tiers:
With case pricing you should purchase all your others parts and then find the case that you like the best
inside your budget. This can make or break how much you enjoy your computer because it determines
what it looks like. So spend a little more and get that case you will love forever.




Fly Page Chapter 2
Chapter Two 17
Computer Assembly
Case
We start with the case because it is the foundation of your computer. All the parts are going to fit inside
of this.


Below we have a diagram with all the parts in the case showing where each piece is going to end up in
the case. Then we will break down the installation of each piece.

18 How to Build a Gaming PC

Central Processing Unit
We are going to start by installing the CPU into the motherboard before we put the motherboard into
the case. When you unboxed your CPU you will notice it came with a fan that has some mounting points
this is called the heat sink and is used to keep the CPU at lower temperatures. We start with the CPU on
the top center of the face of the motherboard there is the socket that we mentioned in the
motherboard section in the parts selection part. You will simply place your CPU into this socket and then
use the locking device that is on the mother board to secure it into place. With the heat sink on top,
secure it into place. Now we are ready to install the motherboard into the case.

Chapter Two 19

Motherboard



Inside of your case you will notice there are screw holes that will line up with the mounting points on
the motherboard. Before touching the motherboard to the case you are going to want to ground
yourself to ensure that you dont have any static energy. After doing so you are you going to want to
place the mother board inside your case lining up the screw holes on the motherboard and case. You
will then want to take the screws that are provided with you motherboard and secure the motherboard
to the case. Make sure to not tighten the screw as hard as you can but you just enough to secure the
motherboard in place.

20 How to Build a Gaming PC


Random Access Memory

The RAM is going to be one of the easiest things to install into the motherboard. On the top right side of
the mother board there will four to eight ram slots depending on what kind of motherboard you decided
to purchase. RAM is always left to right. Now if you got a single stick of RAM the installation is as easy as
lining up the stick of RAM with the RAM slot and pushing it in until you hear it lock in with a clicking
sound. If you are using two sticks of RAM you are going to want to install them in the first and third
position. This follows the same concept as putting in the single stick line it up and push it in until you
hear the ram click into place letting you know it is locked in.


Chapter Two 21


Power Supply Unit

The power supply unit will be installed in the bottom, back-end of your case. The installation of the PSU
is very simple, just set in the bottom of the case and slide it all the way to the back. Now on the outside
of your case you will see that the power supply lined up with four screw holes that are used to secure
the PSU into place. You dont have to worry about these not lining up as all power supplies have the
mounting screws in a standardized location so it will always line up. Lastly, you will simply screw the
screws into the back of the PSU.

22 How to Build a Gaming PC


Graphics Processing Unit


To install the GPU all you will need to do is line it up with the PCI express slot which is labeled on your
mother board. You will see it on the center, right-hand side of the face on the motherboard. There is a
lock on the PCI slot that you will need to slide to the left before plugging in the GPU. Once you have
done that you will just have to line up the GPU with the PCI slot and push it down into place until you
can slide the lock back into place. Then you will need to secure it into place with the screws that are
provided with your case.
Chapter Two 23
Hard disk drive
To install your hard drive you will just have to place the mounting brackets on the side of your hard drive
that is supplied with your HDD or SSD, depending on which you bought. After you have those in place all
you have to do is slide it into the hard drive bays at the front of your case which will be conveniently
labeled for you inside the case.
24 How to Build a Gaming PC

Optical Drive

The optical drive is going to be installed through the front of your computer. All you have to do is slide
the disk drive through the drive slot in the front of the computer and then you will secure the disk drive
with the locking device that is used by your case. These locks can be different from case to case, some
will be a push pins and others will be sliding locks. However, all you have to do is slide the disk drive into
place.