Build Your Own Super Fast Sandy Bridge Gaming PC for Under $1000

First and foremost, you save money. Buying a similar system through Dell, HP, Gateway, Alienware etc... would be at least $1500 and upwards of $2500. A saving's of $500-$1500 is very significant in my mind.

The other main advantage to building yourself is that you have an unmatched amount of freedom to decide what hardware goes in to your build. For example, If you don't think the i5 series is doesn't meet your needs or is too much, you can choose to purchase an i3 or i7 instead. (You have this freedom with every component when you build a computer yourself)

Lastly, building your own computer is a whole lot of fun. There is something about being able to build a computer and then use it to dominate the latest games like Crysis 2 that makes PC gaming more satisfying and fun. Every time you can max out a games settings its like a little pat on the back reminding you that YOU built this kick ass system.

Motherboard: ASRock Z68 Extreme3

CPU: Intel i5 - 2500k

CPU Cooler: CORSAIR H60 Liquid CPU Cooler

The CPU Cooler is only necessary if you plan on overclocking the processor beyond 3.8-4.0GHz. It will allow you to safely overclock to around 4.5GHz. If you do not plan onoverclocking past 3.8-4.0GHz, then DO NOT BUY THIS.

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB DDR3 Kit @ 1866 MHz (4GB x 2)

GPU: Sappire Radeon HD 6850

SSD: Patriot Torqx 2 32GB SATA II SSD

Use this as your boot drive for better performance or, use Intel's Smart Response Technology to speed up your system's HDD.

SSD Adapter: Mushkin 2.5" to 3.5" Drive Adapter Bracket

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 1TB SATA III HDD

Optical Drive: Sony 18x DVD-Rom

Case: Rosewill R519-BK (Includes 500w PSU)

OS: OEM Windows 7 Professional 64bit

Grand Total: $996

1. Prepare the case for motherboard installation by removing any shielding, screws or other mounting devices so that the motherboard can be installed. (DO NOT put motherboard in case yet)

2. Install the CPU into the motherboard. Before doing this, ground yourself so you do not shock your processor. Next, unlock the socket bracket and carefully remove the plastic socket cap. Next, CAREFULLY lower the CPU into the socket, making sure that the notches in the chip line up with the notches in the socket, the CPU should fall into place. DO NOT wiggle around or apply force to the CPU for this may damage its pins. Lastly, lock the CPU to the socket using the socket bracket.

3. Install the RAM into the proper DIMM slots. Do this by first opening the arms together on both sides of the slot. Next, align the RAM module above the slot (it will only fit facing one way) and insert the RAM module vertically into the DIMM slot until the arms lock the module in place. Do this again with the 2nd RAM module, making sure that you install it in the corresponding channel (there are 4 slots total, they are grouped together in 2 groups of 2).

4. Install the Heat sink/ CPU Cooler. Mount the cooler on top of the CPU and fasten it using the 4 corner screws while making sure that the cooling device isn't fastened too tightly. If you bought the Liquid Cooler, you need to mount the fan in the case later.

5. Install the motherboard into the case. Fasten the board to the case using the various screw locations making sure that you don't fasten the board too tightly

6. Install the GPU. Remove the PCI-E I/O panel from the case and insert the GPU into the PCI-E slot. Fasten to the cases PCI-E I/O panel using screws, again making sure that it is secure but not too tight. (At this point, if you bought the Liquid cooler, now is the time to mount the fan in an appropriate location)

7. Connect power cables to the appropriate power headers. One for the motherboard (20pin+4pin, it's the biggest one). One for the CPU Cooler (4pin). Two for the GPU (6pin x 2)

8. Install the 3 SATA drives. Install the optical drive into the external access 3.5" bay and connect it to power with a SATA power cable and to the motherboard with a SATA cable. Install the HDD into one of the 5 internal 3.5" bays and connect it to power and the motherboard. Next, mount the 2.5" SSD drive int the 3.5" bracket, insert the bracketed drive into one of the remaining 4 bays and connect it to power and the motherboard.

9. Install Windows 7. Power on your system and if you hear your CPU fan rev up, leave it on. Next open your optical drive and insert your copy of Windows 7. Your computer should automatically boot from your optical drive and Windows 7 will begin its straightforward installation. If your computer is not booting Windows 7, go to your BIOS and make sure that your optical drive is set as the computer's first boot choice.