Monday, June 25, 2012

Build Your Own Gaming Computer in Four Easy Steps

If you are like most PC gamers then you know how important it is to have a quality gaming computer. A high-end gaming rig will allow you to play your game at the highest visual settings and will enable you to execute in-game commands much more quickly than you would be able to on a standard computer. These two aspects of having a good gaming computer will greatly enhance your gaming experience.
However, most people don't know where to go to get a quality gaming PC. The fact is, you don't have to go anywhere...
...you can build your own gaming computer.
Now, don't be intimidated by the complex nature of a computer. When it comes to assembling your own system, it's really not that hard. In fact, you can build your own gaming computer in four easy steps.
Four Steps to Build Your Own Gaming Computer
Step 1 - Set Your Budget
The best part about building your own computer, is that it will end up costing you a lot less than if you were to get the same system from a manufacturer. This is due to the fact that manufacturers will often cut corners on their standard machines and sell you computers with low-quality components inside them. So, by building your own system, you get a lot more bang for your buck.
When setting the budget for your build, you need to consider the fact that gaming computers are, in their own right, extreme systems. There's really no such thing a cheap gaming computer.
You can, however, assemble a quality gaming rig for $500. Although, you probably don't want to go any lower than that.
In any case, it is a good idea to set the budget for your build before you go out and select the different components for your computer. It is an even better idea to break down your budget for each computer component.
Step 2 - Choosing Components for Your Gaming Computer
The budget you set for your build will determine the quality of components that go into your gaming computer. One important aspect of choosing components, is to create balance in your system. 
If you have a $500 budget and you purchase a $300 processor, you are going to have to fill the rest of your computer with low-quality parts. And, those low-quality parts will not work well with your high-end processor.
So, always seek to achieve a balance.
That isn't to say that you shouldn't spend more on some parts than others. Naturally, a gaming computer requires a good processor and a solid gaming card. These will be the two items you will want to spend a good chunk of your budget on, as they will have the biggest impact on your gaming experience.
With that being said, let's take a look at the components you will need to build your own gaming computer:
  • Processor (CPU)
  • Graphics Card
  • Computer Case
  • Hard Drive
  • Motherboard
  • Optical Drive
  • Memory
  • Power Supply
  • Sound Card
  • Speakers
  • Monitor
  • Accessories - (gaming keyboard, mouse, etc.)
  • Operating System
It's important that you do your homework and research the components you're going to buy, in order to ensure that you get the best products. By doing this, you will increase the performance of your gaming computer and lengthen its lifespan.
Step 3 - Assemble Your Gaming Computer
Once you have your components, it's time to assemble your computer! Now, I know what you must be thinking...
"...this is going to be hard. I don't know anything about building computers."
Well, I assure you, it's not as difficult as you think.
What it really boils down to, is the ability to follow directions and assemble your computer components one at a time. 
In fact, newegg.com put up a computer assembly three-part series on YouTube not too long ago. It shows the whole process from start to finish. If you follow along with this video, you should have no problem assembling your computer correctly.
You can watch the video by clicking here.
The important thing to note when assembling a computer, is to take your time, be careful not to touch any of the computers sensitive parts, and make sure you get everything attached properly. If you can do that, then you build a good gaming computer.
Step 4 - Turn That Badboy On!
You've got your computer all put together... now all you have to do is turn it on and install the operating system. Fortunately, the video mentioned above shows you how to do that as well.
Now you're ready to start pwning n00bs left and right!

For those of you who want to build your own gaming computer, that is pretty much as easy it gets. Check out Good Gaming Computer HQ for more information on what components to choose and how to approach the building process.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Good Gaming Computer Keyboards

If you are looking for a good gaming computer keyboard to add to your aresenal of gaming gear, then you should do your homework and find one that will fit your needs. The truth is that a solid keyboard could give you a huge advantage over your opponents by giving you the ability to execute moves more quickly.
And being able to execute commands quicker is huge!
A solid gaming keyboard will also enhance your gaming experience by giving you some cool extra features. The extra features that come with gaming keyboards are what separates them from the standard keyboard. Gaming keyboard can simply do things that other keyboards can't.
The following is a list of some things that you should look for when buying a keyboard:
  • USB Ports - That's right! You can get keyboards that will allow you to plug external devices directly into them through a USB port. However, if you're going to get a keyboard with USB ports, make sure you get the up-to-date USB ports installed to maximize efficiency.
  • Customizable Keys to Set Macros - A good gaming computer keyboard will have special keys that you can program to execute a command or series of commands with one push of the button. This will give you a serious advantage.
  • Audio Ports for Headphones - Sometimes you're just too far away from the headphone jack on your computer, and you don't have a long enough chord. A headphone jack on your keyboard is the perfect solution to this and makes it incredibly easy to enjoy your game with headphones on.
  • Backlit - With the high powered graphics and stunning visuals of today's PC games, playing your game is like watching a movie--it's way better with the lights off. However, a gamer has to be able to see the keys on his keyboard. That's where a backlit keyboard comes in handy. You get the enhanced visual effect of playing in the dark and you are still able to see fine.
  • Design of the Keys - You will definitely want to get mechanical switch keys. They are much easier to type with.
If you find a keyboard with all of these options, you will have found yourself a solid keyboard.
When shopping for the keyboard, you should check out a few reputable brand names. By choosing a quality keyboard manufacturer, you will be protected against faulty equipment and you'll likely receive a warranty that will prevent you from getting stuck having to replace a malfunctioning keyboard.
Look for keyboards from the following reputable manufacturers:
  • Logitech
  • Alienware
  • Razer
  • Microsoft
You can't go wrong with any of these companies. They offer great products and, if anything should go wrong, they will help you get the problem solved quickly.
Now that you have the information you need to select a quality keyboard for your gaming PC, now it's time to go out there and get it.
Don't be surprised, however, when your gaming experience increases tenfold!
For more information on good gaming computer hardware and accessories, keep coming back to this page! We'll keep you updated on all of the latest news from the industry.