Beginner's Guide: Configuring a Gaming Desktop
MotherboardNow that we have distinguished two seperate components that connect to the motherboard, lets discuss its importance. The motherboard has the most significance, circuitry wise atleast, as it processes communications between components throughout the computer. It is essential to have a motherboard that operates with compatiable hardware, as its performance level will determine every other components potential to perform. Lets look over some key characteristics briefly.
- Most importantly on any motherboard, the CPU has priority in the selection process. Be sure to check the socket relashionship, as this must perform corrispondingly with the FSB. Compatability is important so be sure to invest in a combination that suites your preferences adequately.
- As mentioned above, the video card expansion slots need a high amount of consideration, to perform in sync with an equivaliant motherboard. Since gaming is the topic here, a dual graphics cards setup is common, so be sure to check into SLI or CrossFire technologies.
- Another connection source, the DIMM slots, house your motherboards compatible memory modules. Include in your search the memory format and speed, as your motherboard will determine the potential your selection is based on.
- Next, look into the capabilities of your hard drive or other alternate storage device, as the slot connection on your motherboard must be up-to-date with the SATA interface or older IDE interface.
- Check the peripherials associated with gaming and the typical use of your computer, as they are important resources. Ask yourself what kind of mouse you may be use, whether it utilizes the USB interface or older PS/2 interface, sound options, Network interface, and extra ports for your convience.
As with all associated hardware pertaining to gaming, new technoogy is always knocking on the door, so consider upgrades in your purchase. You may want to upgrade certain components in the future to stay in sync with the current gaming market.
Memory / RAM
For fast response times, your PC will need a reasonable amount of memory for data processing. The more data that can be stored temporarily is always a good thing, so consider purchasing atleast 2 Gb/s + memory sticks to allocate resources when needed. Lets look at some technical specifications you will come across when selecting memory modules.
- When inspecting various memory modules online, first check your motherboard to ensure that you select memory sticks that fit you selected mainboard. In otherwords, check to see if the memory you want will be compatible with the corrosponding DIMM slots. This includes the format / type and physical pin connectors integrated on the memory module.
- Most important, check to see the capacity your motherboard can support. Usually by choosing a motherboard with an 8 Gb/s capacity will be overkill, but beneficial for future upgrades.
- Also check the memory speed as you will see variations of DDR2, DDR3, and higher. Relating to speed, look into the amount of channels your RAM has to work through as dual and tri channeled memory is recommended for gaming purposes.
More information is avalible at our Memory page, Here.