Getting Started
 
 
Before you begin reading this guide it is important that you understand the basics of all the hardware that is needed to build a pc. So if you havn't done so already then head over to the hardware section to familirasie yourself with this topic. Now, before you go ahead and purchase your fancy case with super flashing neon lights and all kinds of insane accessories, take a step back towards reality, set a realistic budget and prepare yourself for your new task. Do some research on products, compare prices, check availibilty, make sure you have suitiable workspace and have the time to build your PC. You will need an antistatic wrist strap, a phillips screwdriver, a good work surface and plaenty of light. Ask yourself, do i need to be spending over a £1000 on my first gaming machine? or shall i allow for upgrades in the future? Check out my budget machine I put together for around £350, it plays all the latest PC games on high settings, it can be easily updated in the future and it was great value for money.
 
Once you have set a budget you can start to think about your PC's spec, you now have the tough choice of deciding which CPU (processor) to choose. Have you had a look at the AMD vs in intel section? You need to be sure on your processor before you continue, below are the recommended system requirements for GTA IV. I just want to show you the demand from a top game so you can begin to understand the speed required from a CPU and the graphics etc. These are the required for high quality.
 
      CPU
        Recommended: Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4GHz, AMD Phenom X3 2.1GHz
 
   CPU Speed
     Recommended: 2.4 GHz
 
System RAM
     Recommended: 2.5 GB
 
Video Card
     Recommended: 512MB NVIDIA 8600+ / 512MB ATI 3870+
 
Free Disk Space
     Recommended: 18 GB
 

 
Ok so what does all this mean? The recommended Intel and AMD processors are shown first, however note the recommended speed below is a mere 2.4 GHz, so a dual core processor running at 2.4 GHz could dedicate a single core to GTA IV and have the second core for stabalising window etc. Allowing the game to be easily played on high settings. A dual core 3.1GHz would be even better and would allow for upcoming games. So its now time to ask yourself if you should buy a dual core CPU or a quad core CPU? i would recommend a 3.1GHz dual core CPU, however i would also suggest a motherboard that supports both dual and quad core, this will allow for any upgrades later.
 
The requirements also show the recommended system RAM to be 2.5GB, i believe the more RAM you have the better so choosing 4GB of RAM for a system running windows VISTA is my recommendation. 2GB RAM would still able you to run the game.
 
The graphics card is recommended 512MB, nvidia 8600 series or higher or Ati 3870 or higher, the graphics card in my budget PC is nvidia 9600 gt so its more than capable of playng this on highest settings. check out the nvidia vs ati section when deciding on your graphics card.
 
Free disk space is recommended 18GB this is why having a hard drive 500GB and above is cruicial when you have a good collection of PC games installed.
 
Now you have decided which road to go down regarding CPU's and you have some knowledge of a games system requirements you can begin purchasing your parts.
 
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