Curse

edlittle · Jan 02, 2011, 11:19 PM // 23:19

Hi, I'm looking at building a new PC for medium performance gaming.

I've never built a PC before, nor do I understand the acronyms that are used, and would like some help or a decent tutorial. I have a few questions.

1. Can I build it myself? I have built things before and don't mind if it takes a while, as long as there is a small chance of me completely destroying it.

2. Where should I start? I have about a $1000 budget, but would like room to upgrade. I already have a monitor, keyboard, speakers, and mouse, so just need the actual computer.

3. I'm going to college next year, which will require me to move. I already have a Macbook for lugging around, and an Xbox which I'll be taking with me. Should I even look into building a gaming PC?

4. I'd like to be able to play TF2, GW2, Starcraft 2, and other games at highest resolution on my 21" monitor. Can I do this for under $1000?

Elder III · Jan 03, 2011, 01:16 AM // 01:16

1. - Yes, be patient and use an anti static bracelet along with common sense techniques and you will be fine.
2. If gaming is your primary concern and with that budget I would suggest an Intel i5 760 based system or an AMD Phenom II 965 (or higher) system with 4-8GB of RAM and the best video card you can afford.
3. As long as you have room for a desk at college take it with you... and sell the xbox, once you have a real gaming rig you won't need it anymore.
4. assuming a 21" monitor means a resolution of 1680 x1050 (???) then YES.

ps - I normally pay no attention to the "wait until such and such comes out" because there's always something new around the corner and you can wait forever, but Intel is releasing a new line of Processors in a week or so and they are looking very very nice indeed, and at the least they will lower prices on current hardware.

Iron Monkey · Jan 03, 2011, 09:55 PM // 21:55

$200 - i5 quad-core (i5-760)
$100 - 1156 H55 USB3 mobo
$60 - 4GB ram (DDR3 1333)
$200 -> $300 - graphics card (GTX460 -> ATI HD6950).
$60 - decent case (Antec, Coolermaster....).
$80 - good PSU (80% efficiency, 600W+, seasonic / corsair / antec / maybe OCZ).
$70 - 500GB - 1TB HD
$20 - DVD RW
$100 (-> $200?) - Win 7 home premium

that should be possible to sort out a rig around $1000, and will give you good performance and stability, for a few years to come.

Lourens · Jan 05, 2011, 09:01 AM // 09:01

Wait for AMDx8 and ati radeon 7000 series or sandybridge and nvidia 700 series =P

wLord · Feb 23, 2011, 05:00 PM // 17:00

Hi,
I'm about to buy a new MAc OS PC on which I could play all possible games. I am not a specialist and would like to know which requirements should the PC fulfill?

Thanks

Elder III · Feb 23, 2011, 08:52 PM // 20:52

Are you looking for a Mac or a PC?

obastable · Mar 01, 2011, 02:35 PM // 14:35

Left off the list - Surge protector. Don't be cheap about it - fried computers smell really bad & if you're going to spend $$$ on electronics it's worth spending $200 or so for a little extra security in maintaining the life of your toys.