Building a new gaming computer

[cosmic201]

I have never had a serious gaming computer. The computer I have now is an off the walmart shelf HP that only supports PCI cards with a celeron proccesor. I tell you this because every build I see is like joy to my eyes.

I have about $1000 dollar's to spend on this build so I really don't expect the most high end computer ever. What I am looking for is mostly a computer that can handle Mmorpg's with out lagging up. Specifically Age of Conan (http://www.ageofconan.com/) when it come's out and still keeping it looking nice.


I was thinking of doing the build Alaron suggested in this thread: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=158538
Will that do what I need, which is run MMorpg's at say mid lvl graphics.
However I still have an extra $300 dollar's, of which I have a couple options.
1) Should I stick with this build, or upgrade something like the proccsor.
2) Stick with the build, but get a better graphics card.
3) Go with a totally different build!

[jayb1234]

I would up the motherboard to an Asus or Intel board, add in the operating system and bump the graphics card up with whatevers left in the budget. Also I would throw a floppy drive in too.

[Stuey]

I think you can stick with that Abit mobo - between Abit and Asus I personally don't have a preference (I love both brands).

Well, seeing as how you have an HP computer, I assume you don't have an OS, so you'll need to pick up XP for $90.

Now, you probably already have a monitor, speakers, a keyboard and mouse that can be used with the new system. If this is the case, you have $200 left to add in a DVDRW drive (should cost about $40), to upgrade your video card, and a few dollars to save towards future upgrades (monitor, speaker, KB, mouse).

If you plan on keeping the old system intact, you'll need to buy these items for the new system. If that's the case you're going to go over your $1000 budget unless you make changes. You still need an optical drive, a 17" or 19" monitor, and a kb/mouse combo, and some cheap speakers (I recommend a 2.1 setup).

[cosmic201]

Originally Posted by Stuey83 I think you can stick with that Abit mobo - between Abit and Asus I personally don't have a preference (I love both brands). Well, seeing as how you have an HP computer, I assume you don't have an OS, so you'll need to pick up XP for $90. Now, you probably already have a monitor, speakers, a keyboard and mouse that can be used with the new system. If this is the case, you have $200 left to add in a DVDRW drive (should cost about $40), to upgrade your video card, and a few dollars to save towards future upgrades (monitor, speaker, KB, mouse). If you plan on keeping the old system intact, you'll need to buy these items for the new system. If that's the case you're going to go over your $1000 budget unless you make changes. You still need an optical drive, a 17" or 19" monitor, and a kb/mouse combo, and some cheap speakers (I recommend a 2.1 setup).

I do need an OS. I do not need a monitor (17" LG flat pannel), Dvdrw, or a KB/mouse.
What video card would you recommand?

[Alaron]

The best bang for the buck right now is the 7900GT. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130281

But I should point out that a gaming build can always use more power. Instead of the Antec Sonata II that I recommended in the other thread, you may want to pick up an Antec 550 power supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103931 so you'll have plenty of room for upgrades. And you can pick out any case you like to go with it.

[blue60007]

I'd recommend a 7900GT:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130281

I think you should still be in budget. For a few more bucks, an overclocked one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130016

EDIT: Alaron beat me to it Good point about the power supply.