The Tools of the Trade

Here's a list of system components you will need for a decent gaming rig:

Motherboard
CPU
CPU Heatsink
RAM
Video Card
Sound Card
Speakers or Headphones
Monitor
Case w/power supply
Hard Disk
Floppy Drive
CD-ROM Drive
Keyboard
Mouse
SCSI adapter (if necessary)

Other components you might want:

Modem
Network Card
DVD
CDR/CDRW

What kind of components should I use?

If you need help choosing components, FiringSquad has an extensive number of guides . We highly recommend that you read our other component guides first. We wouldn't want you to make any mistakes like buying an AT case for an ATX motherboard. In addition to our component choosing guides, we also have countless hardware reviews on motherboards, CPUs, video cards, multimedia, networking products and much more.

When you've decided what parts you want for your system, take a quick gander at our FS How to Buy Hardware Cheap Guide. Not keen on becoming a reseller? That's fine, you can just use pricewatch or killerapp to look for cheap hardware.

Homage to Redmond

In addition to the hardware, you're going to need an operating system. We'll just assume you'll be using Windows 98. You should have a Win98 installation diskette and installation CD. If you've lost the installation diskette, you can use a Windows 98 startup diskette as a pseudo-installation disk.

As for tools, you'll probably only need a Phillips screwdriver, but a pair of needle nose pliers, a flathead screwdriver and a flashlight might also come in handy.