Want to build Gaming/Game Server

[abwood]

Hello,

It is that time, where I need a new computer. In the past, I never hesitated to run over to dell's website and buy a pc. I never really mucked around with the internals of my pc, with the exception of upgrading my ram. I would like to build my own pc this time, and this community seems very knowledgable and helpful.

I would like to keep the budget around $1000. I am a game programmer, and i'm currently working on a multiplayer game (so memory and processor speed is important). My initial requirements are (1) initially a descent amount of RAM (1GB?) with the ability to add more in the future, (2) powerful graphics card (preferably NVidia). The only components I don't need are keyboard, monitor, mouse.

As you can tell, im new to this, and I would appreciate any suggestions. There are a few things I dont' quite understand regarding pc building:
-how do you know what is compatible?
-how do you know how to select the right power supply?
-how do you know what size case to get?

Thanks in advance for your time,
Alex

[flanzig1]

Case: Start with a mid-tower ATX/Antec cases are good for mid range builds.
PSU: There PSU calculators for wattage needs. Here's a general range: AGP motherboard builds:350 to 480w/PCI express motherboards: 450 to 600w/PCI Express running dual SLI video:500 to 1000W. Everything depends type of CPU,video card/ amount of ram and drives,etc.
Compatablity: Read the specs on each component that you want and compare to other parts.

[jayb1234]

Case size, in general, the bigger the better. Less heat issues with a larger case. But heavier and harder to move if that is an issue.

[glc]

Look at the $1000 build in the Tips and Tricks forum. That should do what you need. That will get you a Sonata II case, a 6800GS, and a gig of ram.