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Question

configuring a gaming computer

Nov 26, 2014 12:58AM PST

I'm a novice when it comes to configuring a gaming computer and am looking for some advice. I want to have the nvidia 980 graphic card in a new configured system as i hear it is the latest and greatest. What other components. ie motherboard, processor etc would be essential to get the most out of the video card and system?
Any advice would be appreciated
Mike

Discussion is locked

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Answer
The best ___ lists at tomshardware.com
Nov 26, 2014 1:08AM PST

Tomshardware has many best ____ for the dollar lists that are my go to lists for this. Here's some direct links.

I don't spend much on cases. I like mundane Chevy styling but jet power under the hood.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-intel-amd-motherboard,3902.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107.html

As to your essential comment, I'm sure you read this:
"Our tests demonstrate fairly little difference between a $225 LGA 1155 Core i5-2500K and a $1000 LGA 2011 Core i7-3960X, even when three-way graphics card configurations are involved. It turns out that memory bandwidth and PCIe throughput don't hold back the performance of existing Sandy Bridge-based machines. "
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106-4.html

With that out of the way, I really like a SSD (as long as folk backup what they can't lose)

Read -> http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ssd-recommendation-benchmark,3269.html
Bob

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Answer
Broad strokes
Nov 26, 2014 5:58AM PST

Case.....mid tower

Psu.....large....single rail

Cpu.....some high end I5.

Ram.....2x4GB@1600

Mobo....full size atx.

That should get you closer.

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Thanks.
Nov 26, 2014 6:03AM PST

After I posted I felt I was giving them the old sip from the fire hose.

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Answer
new gaming pc
Dec 8, 2014 5:41AM PST

hi mike,

First of all, good choice of you to wanting a gaming pc.

There are some things you need to consider. If you want a fast gaming pc, or any pc at all. It all comes down to combining the best components and there is not just 1 perfect answer...

You want a gaming pc. To play the latest games, i suppose? Do you also want to record your gaming sessions on video? If yes, you need to buy an Intel processor. If you just want to play videogames, you can buy an AMD processor.

My suggestion would be an AMD FX-xxxx where the xxxx stands for the speed. These are AM3+ processors, which means you need to have a motherboard with an AM3+ socket. My personal favorites are of the brand ASUS. They come with a lot of connections so you never need more.
Your processor comes with a heatsink from the factory, but they aren't that good. I suggest you buy a 3rd party heatsink, so your new system not make noise and it cools your processor very good. They are not expensive.

Besides this, you should buy a minimum of 8 GB of RAM Memory. That's becoming the standard these days and is enough for now to play the latest games. In the future you can easily upgrade to 16 GB, if required.

Besides these things you need a case that is not too small. You should consider an ATX or E-ATX case with all fans inside that's required. That keeps everything cool enough. And last but not least, a good power supply of at least 600 WATT power.

I hope i could clear things more up for you now. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them.

Chris