How To : Build yourself a high-end Ivy Bridge gaming rig

The best of the lot

Optical Drive - Sony BD-5300S - 12x Blu-ray Writer (Rs.11,000)
If you're a movie buff, you owe yourself a Blu-ray drive. In addition to playing Blu-ray titles, the Sony BD-5300S also allows burning data to Blu-ray media - a good means to backup your data as a single-layered disc can store up to 25GB and a dual-layer can hold up to twice the amount.

Display - Asus PA238Q - 23-inch IPS (Rs.17,100)
The Asus Pro Art PA238Q is a 23-inch display featuring and IPS panel. As per our lab tests, this is one of the best models you can buy.

Keyboard - Razer Blackwidow Expert (Rs.4,050)
It's worth investing in high-quality input devices - they offer ergnomic design for strain-free use, they look awesome and they last pretty long. Blackwidow Expert is a mechanical keyboard designed for gaming. Superior tactility and the ability to record macros on-the-fly and switch between 10 profiles is a blessing for gamers.

Good sounding!

Mouse - Razer DeathAdder (Rs.2,375)
The DeathAdder is what you should buy, if you want a good gaming mouse without burning a hole in your wallet. It's ergonomically designed to provide comfort and precision for extended gameplay. This mouse is available in both left and right-hand designs.

Spealers - Creative Gigaworks T3 - 2.1 stereo (Rs.15,650)
The Creative Gigaworks T3 has been around for quite a while and it's the best 2.1-stereo speaker system in the market. The size of the satellites and the sub-woofer is quite deceiving for the kind of volume level it can belt out. And the sound quality is pristine, which makes it great for all genres of music and gaming as well.

PC Cabinet - NZXT Phantom 410 (Rs.6,250)
The NZXT Phantom 410 is a younger sibling to the Phantom with a smaller form. Available in white, red and black colors, this cabinet looks funky with transparent panels and a unique design. You get 120 mm LED fans (front and top) and provision for adding a radiator - perfect for gaming PCs and overclocked rigs.

Stable an capable

Power Supply - Corsair 750TX - 750 Watts (Rs.6,500)
A 750 watt power supply should be sufficient to keep the GTX 680 and other components happy. The 80 Plus certified Corsair 750 TX belonging to the Enthusiast series comes at a great price and with a 5-year warranty.

Operating System - Windows 7 Home Premium (Rs.6,200)
Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate or Linux. It's a personal choice. Windows 8 should be available after a few months.

An overview of the rig

Click to enlarge