What's Important in a 'Gaming' Computer

In a gaming computer some components should be more focused on others and some less than others. Gaming computer configurations can be a bit confusing when as they are different from the 'Enthusiast' class computer. A 'Gaming' class computer is for games, which shouldn't be very expensive and should boast the technology which can run games at decent graphics and resolution. Which now begins the guide. All of these items you should always take highest priority.

1.  Motherboard

    A motherboard should have a bit of priority as it is where all the important components go and it should have overclocking ability so you can have a decent system without having to break the bank and still having great performance.

    Suggested Motherboards:
          -Nvidia 680i Motherboard
          -Intel X38 Motherboard
          -AMD MA770

2. CPU (Processor)

    A CPU is always important for gaming, multimedia, and general use alike. Most games out there are now optimized for multi-core processors, so make sure you get a multi-core processor and when you purchase a multi-core processor, the clock speed shouldn't be as important since they work together and this is where your motherboard comes in for overclocking.

    Suggested Processors:
          -Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2220 @ 2.4Ghz 800Mhz FSB 1MB Cache
          -AMD Athlon X2 5400+ @  2.8Ghz 2000Mhz HyperThreading FSB 1MB Cache
          -Intel Core 2 Duo E4700 @ 2.60Ghz 800Mhz FSB 1MB Cache

3. Video Card
  
    A video card is ALWAYS the most important component in a gaming-class desktop and must never go cheap on if your going to get excellent smooth framerates at high level graphics and high resolutions.

    Suggested Video Cards:
          -EVGA Nvidia GeForce 9800GTX GDDR3
          -2x Diamond ATI Radeon 3870 512MB GDDR4 (Running Crossfire)
          -2x BFG Nvidia GeForce 8800GT OC 512MB GDDR3

4. Power Supply

    In order to run a powerful gaming system as the one you may setup, you would have to look at the higher wattage, advanced power supplies. Never ever go cheap on it because if the power supply fails, your system may explode and you'll lose alot more than you think. They have to be able to support SATA Drives, PCI-E Video Cards, and high grade processors. Make sure it has 12v Rating and SLI/Crossfire support.

    Suggested Power Supplies
          -BFG 800W ATX12V Power Supply
          -Ultra X-Pro 750W Power Supply
          -OCZ GameXStream 1010W Power Supply  

5. RAM

    The RAM Modules aren't that important if your running Windows XP and the max you should probably need for Windows XP would be 2GB. For Windows Vista, look for the maximum it can handle which would be 4GB.

    Suggested RAM Modules (For Windows XP):
          -OCZ SLI 2048MB PC-6400 800MHZ DDR2
          -Corsair TWINX 2048MB PC-6400 800MHZ DDR2

    Suggested RAM Modules (For Windows Vista):
          -Corsair 4096MB PC-6400 800MHZ DDR2
          -Patriot Viper 4096MB PC-8500 1066MHZ DDR2