Written by Vasilis Zafiridis

Anyone can buy a ready notable computer from Dell or HP etc. But if you want something special, you have to build your own. This course will take much longer, but in the end you will be able to show it off. The process of creating a computer is much more fun than it sounds. So if you are the type who want to build a computer completely from scratch, then the current article is for you. Below I'm giving you some tips for creating such a computer - whatever your budget is!

So we have:

Step 1

Specify the type of processor (CPU) that you want to use.

If your budget is limited, then you should know that there's a general rule which says that the second best processor is often the best in cost and performance. This rule is not to be inviolable. Moreover there is always the exception to the rule. Intel is by far superior to AMD in almost all aspects, but AMD has extremely good value. Moreover, in most cases, from low to average values, AMD is a better choice because of the higher speed clock. The AMD series, FX (or Athlon X4series) is a good choice for those looking commitment to return with a separate graphics card. Also the APU series A processor includes integrated graphics card and it may come into AMD Crossfire technology with AMD graphics card. On the Intel side now, better options are the i3, i5 (most often used for games) and i7 processors. The processor i3 is a stable and efficient chip that does not generate much heat, while consuming little energy. The i5 comes in 2 versions: dual core with Intel Hyper Threading or quad core without Hyper Threading. Some models are overclocked and very popular for gaming. And finally, the i7 is the ultimate choice for gaming enthusiasts, but has a high price. Nevertheless an i7 when is combined with a modest graphics card, it levels the frames. So if you have money to spend make sure you are equipped with a monster graphics card to take full advantage of the power of this processor.

Step 2

Find a motherboard that supports your processor.

Please note the reception processor (eg. LGA 1150, LGA 1151, or AM3 +), the type of memory module (eg. 240-pin) and the frequency of RAM (eg 1066 MHz) for selecting a motherboard. Some motherboards come with features like HDMI, so you should look for a motherboard with these characteristics. Of course there are various types of motherboards, such as Mini ITX, Micro ATX, ATX. Avoid high frequency RAM. Ιt may appears at first sight, that any part of the computer works harder or faster, so it should be and better, this is not always the point. The benefits of high frequency of RAM is inconsistent and is known to have a high failure rate. You should note the number of pins of the memory module just  to connect to the motherboard. More pins do not equate to better performance. The same apply for the processor socket. There are different types  that do not show necessarily the performance. Manufacturers of motherboards with high scores are ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI and Foxconn.

Step 3

Put enough RAM to satisfy your needs.

Having more RAM, you will get smoother performance and faster load times. Select the memory you can afford from known manufacturers such as Corsair, Kingston, etc. There are many different memory manufacturers , but few chosen ones make a difference in quality. You must select the memory with the higher clock speed and the lowest in times. Your memory performance largely depends on them. You should buy enough memory to run your applications. Please be aware that if your games say that 2GB are enough, this actually means that it is enough to run the game on the lowest acceptable level. That is the lower limit. If you want the games to run smoothly in general, you need more memory than 2GB. On the other hand, having more RAM, does not always means better performance. It depends on the types of the programs you want to run and how many programs are running simultaneously. Also note that 32-bit processors can only support up to 3,5GB RAM memory. Unlike the 64-bit processors can support much longer, up to several terabytes ( in theory). The practical limit on how much RAM you can install is a function of how many DRAM slots are available on your motherboard (most have 2 or 4), and the maximum capacity of the DRAM units you have. The specifications of the chipset on the motherboard may also specify a limit, for example 32GB or 64GB. Because DRAM is expensive, the most important question is: «How much DRAM my programms actually use?". Very few programs consume more than 1 or 2GB of DRAM. A good strategy for determining the RAM usage is to start with a smaller amount such as 8GB memory and to upgrade when required. You can always use the Task Manager to see how much RAM is used by each program. Remember that additional RAM memory generates extra heat. If you are building a 64-bit operation system, check the prices of DRAM modules requires your motherboard to 4GB,  8GB and 16GB sizes. If the 8GB units are less expensive per GBB, then the purchase is a good start. For a gaming system, you should research the requirements concerning games, which will install, and see how much really DRAM use. Then buy the next larger size. For example, if a game says he wants 4GB of DRAMs, buy 8GB DRAM. A motherboard with two ports, gives you more than enough memory for today's applications, allowing some expansion room for future games with higher performance. There is a second connector  for a future expansion if It'll be needed. In a motherboard 4 ports has 3 slots empty for possible future expansion. Today 8GBB DDR3 RAM hasn't much price difference from the 4GB, so there is absolutely no reason to buy any DRAM less than 8GB.

Step 4

Choose a graphics card.

This is perhaps one of the most important steps, because there are so many different graphics cards on the market, therefore it's more difficult to decide. So the best way to find your card is to look for comments on graphics cards that are within your budget. Be aware that a higher number in the name of the card does not necessarily mean it is better. The first number is the series number of the card, while the second and sometimes the third show performance. If you really want to upload the game level and you have a motherboard that can support it, then  I recommend to buy 2 identical cards from the same manufacturer and set them running in SLI (Nvidia) or Crossfire (AMD) mode. For example you can buy two cards GTX 660s and put them in SLI mode. Also, do not forget that the processor determines the configuration of your graphics. AMD supports nVidia SLI and Crossfire Radeon X, while Nvidia (n Force) fully supports SLI and Crossfire limited.

Step 5

Select the hard disk storage.

Games, audio and video files require plenty of space to store them. Some believe that 250GB is enough, the 500GB is ideal, while enthusiasts and extreme gamers use a 10000 RPM as boot drive and a couple 7200 RPM TBs for games. Read reviews for hard drives and select the best you can afford. Faster hard drives will only affect the loading times of the game, and even then, not so much. So make sure that you have enough storage space. The SATA cards are currently the best choice, because small wires allow better air flow and faster data transfer than the older PATA cables. Look for SATA 3, SATA 6 ... higher prices equal speed. If you have a SSD, then you have a significant impact on gaming performance. They have very little more reading and recording time, allowing much faster boot times and performance. However, as these storage devices are expensive, it makes sense to have both- and a hard drive and an SSD. Store all your games and if you have enough space, your operating system on the SSD and anything else on your hard drive.

Step 6

Choose a good sound system.

For most computers, sound system (speakers / headphones) determines the quality, but if you want to upgrade your system, look for an internal soundcard. Digital audio (optical/coaxial) or analog (standard 3.5 mm connector for most computers), 24 bit (HD) or 16 bit (SD). The "AC97" sound card is usually the one that you will find on many computers, but some motherboards have begun to include HD audio cards eliminating the need for an external sound card. But you can find a good Creative X-Fi or something like that to a reasonable price. Also, do not expect cheap headphones to be a good judge of whether your card makes a difference in the sound output.

Step 7

Chose quality headsets and speakers.

We have already reported on the sound card. It's time then to refer to headphones and speakers for which, there are a number of options ( 5.1 or 2.1 configuration ). If you want to reach the top, there are Bose speakers. Creative has a number of good choices at various prices. Logitech also has high quality. If you don't want to spend more that 50 $, don't look at the products of these companies. There are cheaper solutions but their quality is lower. For gaming headphones, look to Creative, Logitech and Razer in this order (based on price, quality and performance ).

Step 8

Select a power supply.

Check the power of the power supply. The power supplies come with either 20-pin or 24-pin connectors. Be sure that it meets all recommended power requirements, such as the graphics card. It is important to remember that most power supplies, come with poor quality cases. Consider replacing it with a stronger and a much more effective. 350 Watts is the minimum limit for modern computers. High-end graphics cards require 500 Watts or more. There are different standards such as : 80+ Bronze, Silver 80+, 80+ Gold, Platinum 80+. The difference in the efficiency, strength and stability. For example, platinum is more effective than copper .

Step 9

Buy a case.

Never ignore the importance of the case. After all the above, it is time to house all the expensive accessories that will run on your computer. Here I would like to focus on cooling. Some cases use 80 mm fans, others use 120mm fans, and some have been built for both. Fans come in all sizes. Generally, larger fans make less noise and induce more air into the case. Most powerful system parts require more cooling. If possible, have equal air pressure in your case. Also a full tower case may be necessary if you have a large number of peripheral devices such as CD-ROM drives and hard drives. 

Step 10

Select an operating system .

After all this, you need an operating system . When you install it, check the web for updates. The Windows tend to be the best operating system for gaming. You may initially want to select the older versions of Windows (7 or 8 ), since some of the largest games have compatibility problems with the new system. However this is not an issue for games released during and after 2013. Linux operating systems are being developed and may have limited support in games. Most releases are free and light, and is a good choice if you have a low computer performance or games you want to play have a Linux version. Many Windows games can run perfectly using Wine ( some games may have reduced performance or errors when they run with Wine). 

Step 11

Consider getting an autonomus cooler.

You should decide on a cooling system. For most computers, the air cooling is sufficient, even if it means that you have 3 or 4 fans. Most computers do not require liquid cooling system, unless there is a high overclocking. Generally, with high-end computers, the liquid cooling system is the best choice.