The Video Card

For high performance video cards, I strongly recommend a Gainward card in the Golden Sample line. For an overview of computer video cards and which ones I think are best, see my How to build a computer like My Super PC - Video Card page. The one I chose is the Gainward GeForce4 PowerPack Ultra/650XP, which is their GeForce4 Ti 4200 Golden Sample version.

Next: Computer Assembly - Monitor

My complete recommendations for building a computer with quality components at unbeatable prices is on my home page at Build A Computer Like My Super PC - Cost To Build A Computer. Here again are the recommendations for a video card! Description Where I Would Get It Today Today's Price Comments eVGA GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB DDR3 Amazon $149.99 Free shipping! Retail box. Clicking the link takes you directly to it. A GeForce 8800 GTS like this one is great for demanding graphics environments, including digital video and top-tier gaming, without spending too much. SLI compatible. Fast DDR3 memory. Power supply of 400-watts or better recommended. Does use an extra slot. Uses the 6-pin PCI-E power connector from the power supply. eVGA GeForce 8600 GT 256MB DDR3 Newegg $49.99 Retail box. Clicking the link takes you directly to it. Price reflects this $30 rebate good on purchases through July 31. Not the powerhouse of a GeForce 8800 GTS, but a powerful video card nonetheless. This will get the job done and save quite a bit of money if top level gameplay is not one of your needs. It includes a DVI connector for using with a flat panel LCD monitor. Fast DDR3 memory. Power supply of 350-watts or better recommended. Does not use an extra slot. Does not use the 6-pin PCI-E power connector from the power supply.

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Skip Ahead

	Parts List
	Tools
	Antistatic Wrist Strap
	Computer Case and Power Supply
	Motherboard
	Processor, CPU Cooler and Thermal Compound
	RAM - System Memory
	Video Card
	Monitor
	Keyboard and Mouse
	Floppy Drive
	Hard Drive
	CD-ROM, CD-RW
	Sound Card and Speakers
	Modem
	Install the Processor onto the Motherboard
	Install the CPU Cooler
	Install the RAM - System Memory
	Install the Motherboard into the Computer Case
	Install the Video Card
	Connect the Power Supply to the Motherboard
	Connect the PN1 and PN2 Indicators
	Ready the Monitor
	Ready the Keyboard and Mouse
	First Boot
	Install the CD-ROM, CD-RW Drive
	Install the Hard Drive and Floppy Drive
	Second Boot
	Configure the BIOS Parameter Settings
	Install the Operating System - Windows XP
	Installing the Rest of the Windows XP Operating System - GoBack
	Install a Zip Utility - Zip Central
	Install the Motherboard Chipset Drivers
	Install the Video Card Drivers
	Install the Monitor Driver
	Install DirectX
	Install the Sound Card and Speakers
	Install the Modem
	Install WCPUID
	SiSoft Sandra Benchmarks
	DirectX Diagnostics
	Stress Testing Graphics and the Futuremark 3DMark2001SE Benchmark
	Torture Test
	Install The Computer Case Fans
	Post Assembly Needs
	BIOS Flash Update

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