First time builder on a budget

[scythe_god]

I am looking to build my own PC for $1500 and under. I want to try to put together the most powerful Gaming PC available for my budget. i want it to be a awesome gaming PC and as good as the high end alienwares but without the huge price they put on them because of the name. The thing is i don't know a lot about making my own because i have never done it before so i was wondering if you guys could tell me what parts you think i should get and what parts are compatible with each other. and also can you tell me if you think it is worth it to wait for Feb/March next year to purchase the parts because i hear the prices get driven down around that time because all the new stuff gets brought out around Christmas time. I am not in any rush to go out and put this thing together because i do know the prices can only go down. I am just looking to have a new PC in the near future that will be able to play Bioshock, supreme commander and Warhammer online when it comes out without lag. this would be a huge help and thanks in advance.

Note: I don't need a keyboard, a mouse, speakers/headphones, monitor or a printer. I will be saving those from my old PC.

[Cricket]

Exactly when do you plan to build this computer? Because if you don't plan to build it until early next year it makes no sense to look for parts now.

If you're going to build now then we can help you with the parts selection for your gaming rig.

To get an idea of which parts to get you can look through this forum for all the gaming rig threads and you can also check out the specs for the Alienware computers and just note them down.

Does the $1500 cover just the computer or does it also have to cover the monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers?

Cricket

[blue60007]

Keep in mind, while prices might go down 6 months from now, there will be new parts out that are faster, better, etc... I usually don't recommend waiting for non-specific price drops because you end in an endless cycle waiting for the next price drop. But it's your money so if you want to wait till Christmas time to grab some holiday deals that's fine, it'll all depends on how badly you need/want the new computer

$1500 will get you a very nice gaming computer...like Cricket said, check out some of the other threads to get an idea and then we can help you tweak it to your needs...

[scythe_god]

oh no sorry cricket i wasn't very clear. The $1500 is just for the computer.

I will probably build the computer early next year but i will be using the best parts right now in the computer and just buy them early next year because i don't need the new computer until then. so i will save money.

I am still in the very first stages of my planning.

[blue60007]

Like Cricket said - any list you pick out will be outdated 3 or 4 months from now. There'll be better parts for the money, or the part won't even be sold anymore (especially video cards).