Building Custom Computers

Type of Computer: Gaming Computer
Estimated budget: 1600 USD

Parts:
        Motherboard: Asus P8H67-M EVO Rev. 3.0 (Intel H67 MicroATX)
Reason: I choose this motherboard, because it supports Intel core i7 and DDR3 RAM that I need for my games. And it has a big screen resolution and an HDMI port which would work great with my HDTV. In addition, it has up to 6 USB ports and 4 PCI ports which is enough for me – since I need only a few PCI ports and 6 USB ports is a lot.

        CPU: Intel Core i7 2600K (3.4GHz) QUAD CORE 95W
Reason: I run emulators that often require multi-threading, so the more core the better. Now, it support up to only 4 cores. In addition, I used to run it on my 2-core CPU, and it is only slugging a bit, I believe that four cores would result in a dramatic improvement.

        RAM: Kingston 16GB DDR3-1333 (4x4GB)
Reason: I’m a multi-tasker – I use a lot of programs at once, so I need a large RAM. Also, with 4 of the 4GB DDR3 RAM, I do not need to be so worried in case one of the RAMs do not function, I know there are three working ones left.

         Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GT 430 1GB QUIET (Asus)
Reason: nVidia is a very popular brand in the gaming sector. I had a great gaming experience with the GeForce GT predecessor, I hope that the successor give me a better sense of satisfaction. This video card supports the DirectX up to the 11 series which is the latest and a great improvement for the graphic. Also, it supports a variety of video output: VGA, HDMI, and DVI.

          Sound Card: Onboard Sound
Reason: I do not really care about the sound when I play games, so any sound card is fine. The motherboard’s sound is already a high definition type, so I do not need any additional sound card.

        Controllers (Adapter Cards): None
Reason: I do not really need any port expansion or any other addition, the motherboard provided enough.

         Networking (Adapter Cards): ASUS USB-BT211 USB 2.0 Mini Bluetooth Dongle
Reason: I need the Bluetooth technology to connect between my phones wirelessly, and, especially, I need to connect my Wii controller with the Bluetooth when I use the Wii emulator on my computer.

         Hard Drive: 1.0TB Western Digital Caviar Black (7200 RPM, SATA III)
Reason: I choose this hard-disk, because I need to store a lot of my favorite movies to watch on my HDTV and the games require quite a lot of free space nowadays.

          CD / DVD Rom: Asus 12x Blu-Ray Player SATA (black)
Reason: I need a Blu-Ray Rom to play my HD movies and to run my Playstation 3’s games on the PS3 emulator.

          Removable Drive: None
Reason: I do not think that any additional Removable Drive is needed.

           Case: Cooler Master HAF 922
Reason: As the name imply, this case is a pro in cooling the whole CPU. As a gamer, I spend a lot of hours playing games, so the CPU tends to get pretty hot. Therefore, this case would be a great help to cool off the CPU. In addition, it looks very “cool”.

          Power Supply: Antec TruePower 650W
Reason: The Website’s recommended power supply is a 560w, but I choose this one so that there are some spare supply powers. And one more reason is that it is cheaper than the one with the 560w.

           CPU Cooling: Scythe Katana 3 (Intel 1155/6)
Reason: This CPU cooling is smaller and can cool better than those of the like. Also, Scythe Katana 3 is a quiet model that I’m sure will not bother me during my usage, at least, that is what they say it is.

           Monitor: None
Reason: I intended to buy this computer in order to connect to my HDTV for a better gaming experience and to enjoy movies that I downloaded or movies that I watch online.

           Speakers: None
Reason: My TV has build-in HD-sound speakers.

           Keyboard: Microsoft Desktop 600 Keyboard/Mouse (black)
Reason: I just need a working keyboard. I already had a complete set of game control to use; I do not need the keyboard.

           Mouse: Microsoft Desktop 600 Keyboard/Mouse (black)
Reason: I choose this mouse because it is the cheapest and it is included in a combo. I have never experienced any pain while using any mouse, so a working one is fine.

Cost according to the website: $1603.65

Conclusion:
 As a gamer, a multi-tasker, and a movie buff; my computer must have a High-Definition graphic, a large memory, and many cores to do the multi-threading for my game-console emulators. I used to buy computer in a complete set, and this is the first time that I buy computer part by part. I think that this is a lot better, since I can choose all of the part and can specify it to my own liking. I have to focus on the limited budget, and try my best to build a computer that is about my budget and is suitable for me.

Zaman University

Zaman University:

Zaman University aspires to be a bold and dynamic community, with an unparalleled sense of commitment, which strives for positive influence and impact on Cambodia. (University Cambodia)

Zaman University will be home to an academic community who will in turn promote outstanding individuals to succeed in our fast-changing world (Cambodia University).

Zaman University mission is: To discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge, produce creative work, and promote a culture of broad inquiry throughout and beyond the Zaman community (Phnom Penh University).

Zaman University vision is: Zaman University will be a prominent university in Cambodia, the region and the world known for its academic excellence and producing quality human resources (University Phnom Penh).