Build the Ultimate Gaming PC (ExtremeTech)

Extreme Tech: Build the Ultimate Gaming PC walks readers through building a PC optimized for gaming.  Inside, hard core gamers and “ geeks with screwdrivers” Kerry Bourgoine and Matthew Malm guide readers on evaluating hardware in order to get the most bang for their buck, how to assemble a PC for optimum performance, and how to keep up with industry trends. 

Because technology changes quickly, the authors focus on the skills necessary for evaluating the vendor options available at any time (keeping in mind who the big players are) so that readers can best evaluate the choices even if the technology changes over time.  The book is filled with troubleshooting tips, notes, and cautions, and includes hands on coverage of topics including: Establishing your building budget and key areas where you can cut costs The ins and outs of choosing a motherboard, processor, and memory and how each affect your gaming PC performance Where to find the best price on parts Clearing up the confusion around video cards Optimizing Windows for maximum gaming

And more… .

Hard-core gamers demand a lot from a PC– as games become more complex, speed and memory needs grow, and many gamers want to build a machine that maximizes the features they want most

Packed with troubleshooting tips, notes, and cautions

Covers establishing a budget and determining where it’ s safe to cut costs, how to choose a motherboard, processor, and memory, how each of these factors affects game performance, where to find the best prices on parts, and how to optimize Windows for maximum gaming

Clears up the confusion many gamers have about video cards and which are best for games

Make one fantasy come true

Leave those mythical monsters alone for a minute and think about this. What if you had a really kickass PC that would let you totally experience the game? What if it included every feature you've dreamed of—a motherboard designed exclusively for gaming, top-notch video and sound cards, the fastest processor? What if another gamer could teach you to build it yourself, without spending a Jedi's ransom? What if you buy this book, turn to page 1, and get started!

Expert instructions for

1. Planning your PC
2. Setting your budget
3. Deciding where to shop for parts
4. Choosing a processor, memory, motherboard, sound and video cards, and the rest
5. Selecting speakers, a monitor, and a case
6. Assembling the PC<
7. Installing the OS and software
8. Hooking up to a game network

K.R. Bourgoine is a hard-core gamer of role-playing, online, and console games. He’s an active beta-tester, having tested Magic Online, Asheron’s Call I and II,World of Warcraft, and Diablo II. In his professional life, Kerry is an IT consultant, Network engineer, and Special Project Manager for a renown law-firm located in New York City with offices across the globe.

He has been building computers for personal and professional use since the 1980s and is certified in 3D StudioMax, PhotoShop, Dreamweaver, and Director. Kerry is also the author of The Acquisitioners (www.acquisitioners.com).

Writing since 2001, his first published work came in the form of a short story, “The Adepth’s Vault: The Bone Sword of Kelifex,” which appeared in Gary Gygax’s Lejends (co-Creator of Dungeons and Dragons) magazine in July 2002. That work expanded into a regular column in which he introduced new artifacts into the Lejendary Adventure world, through the tales of Meselin, The Master of Lore and Arcana for the Society of Lost Knowledge.

The Acquisitioners series was created in 2001 as an expansion of his Mordelack/Shadowcircle Series, a verbal trilogy that follows the rise, reign, and fall of Modelack the Vile. Interestingly, The Acquisitioners series was written before Mordelack ever was put to paper. In December 2003, www.Acquisitioners.com was launched.

Matthew J. Malm is a Microsoft Access Database Developer and VBA Programmer for a large insurance firm in New York, as well as a computer consultant, specializing in building and repairing PCs. Matthew has been programming and gaming since the days of the Apple IIc.

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

Part I: Spec-ing Out Your Ultimate Gaming PC.

Chapter 1: Let’s Make Some Decisions.

Part II: Let’s Go Shopping for Parts.

Chapter 2: Selecting the Ultimate Gaming Processor.

Chapter 3: Selecting the Ultimate Gaming Motherboard.

Chapter 4: Choosing Your Ultimate Memory.

Chapter 5: Choosing the Ultimate Video Card.

Chapter 6: Choosing Your Ultimate Storage Devices.

Chapter 7: Choosing the Ultimate Sound Card and Speakers.

Chapter 8: Choosing a Case for Your Ultimate Gaming PC.

Chapter 9: Selecting the Ultimate Power Supply.

Chapter 10: Choosing Your Ultimate Monitor.

Chapter 11: Selecting the Ultimate Gaming Accessories.

Part III: Bringing Your Ultimate Gaming PC to Life.

Chapter 12: Assembling Your Ultimate PC.

Chapter 13: Installing Your Software/OS.

Part IV: Advanced Gaming.

Chapter 14: Multiplayer Gaming.

Index.