Sweet!
Assassins Creed 4 Black Flag is going to be released in October.
Can’t wait for it!
(sigh).
I wish I could play it too.
Of course you can.
It’s not that expensive.
It’s not the game.
It’s my computer.
What’s wrong with your computer?
Well, the specs fall below the game’s recommended system requirements.
Oh, that’s a bummer.
Is it an old PC?
No, I bought it last year, but it is struggling to cope with the latest games.
It’s so frustrating.
Even now, I get choppy performances when playing Crysis 3.
Bear in mind, my PC is running on a Core 2 Quad processor with 4GB memory.
Dude, that’s like so three years ago.
You should get a new PC and give this one to your grandmother.
I want to, believe me, but I’m afraid that by next year, I’ll face the same problems
again.
I can’t be asking my parents for a new gaming rig every year.
If I could figure out a way to get the best gaming setup for a 13 year old that would
last for a good 3, 4 or even 5 years, I will be a very happy boy indeed.
In that case, I am going to make you a very happy boy.
Really?
Can you help me to build a gaming rig?
Only if you name your new PC after me.
Deal.
Now, to begin with, a PC can be divided into seven major areas, in order of importance:
the motherboard, processor, graphics card, power supply, memory, hard drive and everything
else.
What’s a motherboard?
A motherboard, or mainboard, is the foundation of every computer.
Essentially, it determines what type of components you can fit into your PC.
In addition, it also determines the scalability of your system.
Here’s a simple example.
The maximum amount of memory your system can have is dependent on how many DIMM sockets
are available.
If you have only 2 slots, and each only support a 4GB RAM stick, then your system will only
support a maximum of 8GB memory.
On the other hand, if your motherboard has 4 DIMM slots, and each can take an 8GB stick,
then your system memory can be expanded to 32GB.
Holy cow!
32GB.
That’s mind boggling.
Yes, and your motherboard also determines how future proof you system can be.
If it supports the latest chipset, then you can be assured that all new products in the
next three to five years will support the same standard.
As such, I would recommend that you get a motherboard with an Intel Z87 chipset.
It has all the latest bells and whistles, and has an integrated HD audio chip.
Fantastic.
Okay, let me write that down.
Next, the processor.
What do you recommend?
Now, typically people rarely change the processor, the brains of your PC.
Conventional wisdom dictates that processors and motherboards are the two constants in
any system.
So naturally, you once again go for the latest design.
In this case, a fourth generation Intel Core i processor.
If you can afford it, I would recommend the Intel Core i7-4770K quad-core processor.
It’s a beast, clocking in at a phenomenal 3.5 GHz.
This processor also has an 8MB cache, a factor often not considered by many.
A larger cache will facilitate a faster data processing rate.
Right, got it.
My birthday’s coming up, so I think I can push for a slightly more expensive machine
with my mother.
Okay, mommy’s boy.
Let’s move on to the graphics card.
If you’re aiming for a five year system, then your first card should last you between
two to three years.
In which case, I would strongly recommend a card with a GeForce GTX760 chipset.
It will come with inbuilt 2GB DDR5 memory and a more effective heat management.
Naturally, it will produce gorgeous graphics that will set your heart racing.
Oh man, you sound so sexy right now.
If you were a girl, I would kiss you.
(laughs) Whoa, man!
Steady yourself, or I’m leaving your room!
(laughs) I’ll try to control myself and keep my hands off of you.
Jeebus.
Okay, next up, the power supply unit.
With these three components, your machine will be a power hungry beast.
If you use a regular 450W power supply unit, the machine will likely switch off after a
few minutes – if it starts at all.
So, you should be looking at a unit in the range of 800W to 1,000W. These four items
alone will likely set you back about a grand.
Okay, I expected as much.
What about the rest?
Well, here's the clincher.
The rest of the items won’t cost more than $500.
Moreover, in a year or two, you will have the option of expanding your memory, the size
of your hard drive, or even installing a second graphics card.
That’s the beauty of having a good foundation.
Are you writing all of this down?
Definitely man, definitely.
I can’t wait for the weekend.
I’m going with my mum to shop for my new system.
I hope you will help me assembling it.
Yeah, sure.
It’ll be fun.
Great.
Now take of your clothes and let’s make out!
Not funny dude, not funny.