How To Build a High-End Gaming PC

Now that the hardware is functioning, it's time to configure the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), format the hard drives, install the OS, and tweak everything. Here are 4 steps to follow:

1. Configure the BIOS: I recommend that you limit BIOS changes to basic settings. First, verify that the BIOS is current, because revisions may have appeared since the motherboard left the factory, and you'll need to flash it, if necessary.

   Next, disable floppy-drive support. Set the boot order to hard drive first, followed by optical and removable drives. Enable SATA and RAID support, disable on-board audio, and reboot the system. Next, configure the RAID arrays, RAID 0 for the Raptors and RAID 1 for the Seagates.

2. Install the OS: Put the Vista install disc in the optical drive, reboot the system, then follow the prompts. Choose the RAID 0 array as the location for the OS installation.

   Once Vista is up and running, install any drivers Vista missed, and verify that the ones installed automatically are the most current versions. Also, make sure all updates are applied to the OS.

   Next, partition and format the RAID 1 array. Finally, add other software that's part of the package, and image the RAID 0 array.

3. Benchmark the System: With the drive imaging done, for a quick restore to pre-benchmark status, install and run your benchmarking suite to establish default performance.

   For a quick baseline, a good short-list of games will include 3DMark06, PCMark05, F.E.A.R, Company of Heroes and Oblivion. To derive a broader performance comparison, add games such as Supreme Commander, Half-Life 2: Lost Coast and Call of Duty 2.

4. Overclock Components: A mix of art and science, overclocking is simultaneously exacting and seat-of-the-pants. It's also an area where small- and medium-size builders can distinguish themselves. But here are 2 rules of thumb: Overclock in modest increments only, and never compromise stability. As for component order, start with the CPU and memory. Then move on to the video cards.

   How much overclocking is possible? In theory, you can push the stock 2.66 GHz CPU to approximately 3.46 GHz and still remain stable. Memory can reach a maximum reliable speed of 1142 MHz, maybe a touch more. As for the GTX cards, you should be able to gain approximately a 10 percent boost in GPU performance over stock settings with on-board memory averaging closer to a five-percent improvement.

   A good resource for overclocking 680i-based systems, as well as 8800-class video cards, is the Nvidia nForce 680i SLI Overclocking Guide.

SUBSTITUTIONS FOR PRICE AND PERFORMANCE

Every build is a compromise of budget constraints, component availability and changing technology. To meet customers' needs, upgrade for greater performance and make the necessary cut backs to rein in costs. Here are some suggestions on each:

To Increase Performance:

• Replace the QX6700 with the slightly-more-potent QX6800.
• Substitute 8800 Ultras or overclocked GTXs for the basic GTX cards.
• Install water-cooling for near-silent operation and greater overclocking. For help, see this TechBuilder Recipe: Keeping Hot Systems Totally Cool.
• Include another optical drive to reduce disc swapping.

To Cut Costs:

• Install the less-powerful Q6600 in place of the QX6700.
• Start with a single 8800 GTX card, possibly an overclocked version.
• Cut back to a single 74-GB Raptor sans RAID 0.
• Use lower-capacity Seagates in place of the 750-GB drives.
• Replace the keyboard and mouse with less-expensive alternatives.

In the end, both gamer and system builder score big when it comes to getting the most bang-for-the-buck in an enthusiast system. It's also a great way to make sure your rigs stand out from the crowd.

CHUCK MILLER is a technology journalist and game consultant. For nearly two decades he has covered the computer and video game industries, filling editorial roles at Computer Gaming World, Game Briefs and GamePower.