Thursday, October 7, 2010

Important parts for performance (usually gaming) computers

I am going to put in order of most important to least important parts for a computer that performs well with high intensity projects (aka gaming).

1.(completely optional but most important for those that want the best machine) A new Tower Case is the most important part. So you ask how is this THE most important part, well if you want your computers case to be able to hold all your new parts this is the most likely a important and cheap piece. Also when we get to other parts you will most likely run into generic parts that have ALL the cables so it can work in any computer making it take two times more room then it should...

2. A new Power Supply is essential, if you don't want your computer burning out from not having enough power to run your new parts then you should get a power supply that is about 500+ watts. Better performance usually means greater power usage, as time goes on parts will become more power efficient so once you upgrade this it will probably be good to use all the way until it breaks.

3. A better Video Card the first part that actually directly deals with enhancing performance. The only reason why it is third is because without 2 this won't run right and 1 (though not required) the video card will be a completely new part and is not replacing a part so room is needed. The reason why it does not need to be bought to run a computer is because every computer has a Onboard Video Card that is efficient enough to support a default monitor that is attached to it and is rarely able to handle new games that are being put out.

4. A better Processor for the most simple reason is to be able to process more information. With the first three parts you will be able to see pretty and detailed pictures to be displayed on screen, but without a good processor you will not be able to see fluid movement on games or movies. Most computers have a good processor since these are generally a cheap part that drastically improves performance which is why its the forth most important part.

5. More RAM is another good thing to get. RAM is a part that assist the processor so it can more easily access information from the Hard Drive (the part that holds the information). RAM transfers information from the hard drive and attaches it to itself so it can access the information more quickly. When the processor has to get information from the hard drive it has to go through a set sequence to be able to access the information it wants. But RAM holds the information that it needed to access so it can more quickly get to it. I might do a post to better describe RAM but this is the just of what it is.

6. For now the last I can think of is a new Motherboard. The motherboard is the part that holds and connects all the parts of the computer. If you think you need a new one, the motherboard is what determines what type of part you need to be compatible. When installing new parts the motherboard is the part that tells you the capacity of parts that you can put into your computer. Even though this is last on the list the motherboard is the first part that you would want to buy if you are building a computer from scratch.

This will be it for now and I will probably do a post on how to install parts next. Keep on requesting so I can deliver.

48 comments:

  1. If you bought a good case to begin with, the case is practically irrelevant. A good case should last for years, outlasting any other part in the computer.

    A better processor isn't as important as you think it is. A better video card will grant a bigger difference than a better CPU.

    Lastly, a lot of people disregard the importance of a quality mouse, keyboard, and monitor. I'd actually place those above RAM, at least. 4 GB can run practically anything today, anyway.

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  2. having a good case is very important

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  3. Remember that sometimes if you need more RAM you can increase the size of your swap space.
    Useful info here, thanks.

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  4. Being "that guy" myself... I already know all this... but I honor what you're doing here...

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  5. i am running this quad and i got it in a shitty case :)

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  6. What Hip-Hop said is true. Cases should be the last investment you make, as you can use them for years to come. The only time you would want to start looking into upgrading a case is in the event you need more air to flow into the computer, or you need more space.

    Then again, if you need more air, if you know how to weld, you can always cut out spaces on the case. Only do that if you know what you're doing though.

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  7. Yes I did somewhat think about how cases usually should last from the stock.(I personally have my own from stock) But after I installed my own power supply there were so many extra cords that I had to rig it up so it didn't touch the fans. So I guess that might of influenced me a little.
    @Hip-Hop: That is why Video Card is above Processor but in certain cases (like older computers) where it does make a difference. I remember back when I had to buy RAM to play WoW... the fun that was...

    This isn't set in stone science I'm putting up and I appreciate the comments. Nothing like learning from other peoples opinions because they find what you overlook.

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  8. ty for information i need tha my pc is so slow

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  9. Good info! looking to upgrade in the next few months

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  10. thanks for the info! Very helpful.

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  11. Never thought of the case as a super important thing. But now that you describe it that way it is easily the most important.

    http://quarterqwerty.blogspot.com/

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  12. you require additional ram... kekeke

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  13. Need more G-d damn ram every month.

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  14. ive got a homebuilt computer, hehe, so i cant say its not bad

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  15. my homebuilt comp cost around 400... i can get the same thing at Best Buy for 2000...

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  16. Pretty accurate, and informative.

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  17. Interesting stuff.

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  18. Always interesting to read up on such information again. Thank you very much!

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  19. Whenever I'll stand still enough to get a PC over a laptop, I'll keep everything you said in mind. :)

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  20. Great guide, I really need to update my computer.

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  21. Good stuff, can you do a post about choosing a good smartphone.

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  22. If someone is upgrading a pre-built computer from a major manufacturer, the main things that need to first be focused on are the graphics card (most don't even come with one, just onboard graphics located on the motherboard)and power supply. After that, ram if needed.

    Beyond that, you should probably just look into building your own from scratch.

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  23. You'd probably have a better shot at making some dough if you were speaking more specifically about specific products needing review, rather than some generalities. But... it's OK coverage nonetheless. Thanks for posting.

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  24. can't have enough fans is right, learned that the hard way

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  25. Can't wait to update my computer now! Thanks!

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  26. Great post, very informative :)

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  27. This is all helpful info.

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  28. man i wish i had the money to set up a new pc rig right now... stuck with a shitty laptop

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  29. I'm building a new PC and this info has really helped, thank you.

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  30. I agree that the PSU is usually overlooked. When I worked in PC repair, I was constantly getting computers with huge video cards and the factory baby power supply. Keep up the good work.

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  31. Bookmarked for future reference, I like building my own computers so tips like these are always useful.

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  32. @The_Situation: Yes if you want to upgrade a store bought computer then you usually want to get the video card for immediate enhancement. But keep in mind that stock power supplies are generally for stock settings.
    @BokChod: I usually don't aim at specific products, generally because specific product are only good for ~6 months technology is one of the fastest moving markets and science out there. ~10 years ago dial-up was the standard connection and 20 GB was a hard drive. So I'd rather know about what I'm looking for in a product then what a product is.

    Now laptops... I personally dislike them, they are not currently made to be performance computer, only useful in mobility. So for now I wont do post on how to upgrade laptops, you are better off just buying a desktop computer if you want performance.

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  33. @Brandon (That's my name also. *Bro fist*): I know the power supply is an important part, that's why I commented that it and the video card should be the first things upgraded.

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  34. This is very good information.

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  35. Thanks for answering my question from your last post man. Going to help me out alot =)

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  36. very useful info, thanks

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  37. Guess I need more RAM afterall:(

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  38. Thanks, I'll take these into consideration next time i need to upgrade my computer! And like the guy above me said, don't forget about fans! They're important too haha.

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  39. Additionally, consider the peripherals you want to use with your new PC. If you want to hook up joysticks or other gaming devices, you’ll want accessible USB ports or maybe even a FireWire port.

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