How to Custom Build a Gaming Workstation

The very first computer-based game, Adventure, appeared in 1972. Adventure was based on reading text and entering information to see where the story would go. Today's games transport players through 3-dimensional gaming environments, requiring all a computer's resources. When you custom build a gaming workstation, you can put together the most powerful components on the market to wow your friends while you play all of your favorite games at the highest quality settings.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Processor cooling fan/heatsink
• Video card
• Custom lighting to trick out the case (optional)
• Disk drive(s): floppy, CD or DVD
• Keyboard
• Flashlight
• Processor thermal transfer paste
• Tweezers
• Hard drive(s)
• Processor (CPU)
• Liquid/Water cooling system (for hardcore game systems)
• Audio card (can purchase a motherboard with built-in audio)
• Drive cables
• Speakers
• Motherboard
• Mouse
• Monitor
• Power supply
• Memory
• Operating system disk
• Case
• Screwdriver

How to Custom Build a Gaming Workstation

1. Determine which components you want to purchase and get them. Make sure the CPU, motherboard and processor will all function together. Refer to Things You Will Need for a list of components.
2. Open the computer case and make sure all of the screws that came with the case are present.
3. Set the power supply to the proper electrical supply and attach it to the case with the fan pointing to the rear of the case.
4. Attach the processor and memory to the motherboard.
5. Adjust the settings on the motherboard to meet the requirements of the CPU, memory and other components. Reference the motherboard manual for setting options.
6. Line up the holes on the motherboard with the holes on the motherboard plate on the case. Place standoffs on the appropriate holes to build space between the case and motherboard and attach the motherboard.
7. Set up the heatsink and cooling system for the processor. Follow instructions with the liquid cooling system.
8. Adjust settings on various drives to set each drive as a master or slave. A master and slave(s) can go together on one cable. The primary hard drive must be set up as the master.
9. Place the various drives in drive bays and attach with screws. Remove faceplates on the case where accessible drives will be located.
10. Attach the video card to the motherboard and place a screw on the bar to secure the card in place.
11. Plug the audio card into the motherboard.
12. Attach power cables and drive cables. Each IDE cable should have a master and a slave(s) if needed.
13. Plug in the mouse, keyboard, monitor, speakers and power cord.
14. Turn on the monitor.
15. Start the computer.
16. Use the flashlight to make sure all of the fans are turning and listen for drives running.
17. Enter the computer's BIOS and set the preferences for the machine.
18. Install the operating system.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose wisely when buying components. Some increases in CPU and memory speed give imperceptible results for the money spent.
• Double check your work at each step to make sure the gaming workstation is built properly the first time.
• You may find a good deal on a case with a built-in power supply.
• Buy the most powerful power supply available to make sure all of the components can function or your gaming workstation will not perform adequately.

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