Gaming PC-What parts?

[seanth]

Hey everyone!

I've used this site alot for helping with all sorts of computer related problems by searching through the forums. I've decided that my computer is getting too old and needs to be replaced. I am looking to build a computer that can play games at a very high rate. I am also looking for a computer that will last a long time, yet will easily be able to upgrade if needed. My budget is 1000-1200 dollars.

I looked around a bit and have bookmarked a few things, but I don't know whats compatible with what.

I am also leaning towards AMD from what I've read around on the internet.
So yeah, looking for a high power gaming computer with room to expand in the future, with a budget of 1000-1200 dollars.

Also, I'm wondering if my current 15'' monitor will be enough for all of this, or if I will need to buy another.

Thanks!

[Khalil]

Welcome to PCmech
For 1000-1200 you can build an awesome machine.
Since you say you want a machine that will last a long time I highly recommend you go with the Quad Core. In the next couple of years more and more games will require them. There are a few out there, one comes to mind Supreme Commander and it's expansion utilize as many cores as you have in your system.
Newegg.com is where we prefer to direct folks to, they are the fastest and for the most part have the cheapest prices.
CPU AMD Phenom II 955
Asus AM3 motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131363
Memory http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145200
Western Digital Black your choice of size
Sony, LG or Lite-On Optical Drive
High Quality Power supply 650W or bigger Sea Sonic, Corsair or FSP are excellent
The case of your choice
One of those 2 video cards http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121308 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814103076
I hope this helps you out.

[seanth]

Thank you so much!

Quick question though, does my 15" monitor need to be replaced? Its actually a pretty good one, but I'm wondering if i need 17-19 inches.

[Khalil]

Well, a 15" is hard on the eyes specially for gaming. That rig I recommended can easily handle 22" at max resolution. I think the parts above still leave you enough money to buy a nice large monitor, like an Asus and save your eyes. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824236051

[seanth]

Haha alright.

I forgot to mention that I've never built a computer before. Are those parts you mentioned all that I need? I know i must be a moron, hehe. And what is an optical drive? I searched for that but didn't find any of the brands you recommended.

Case- How's this case?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811103011

Thanks again!!

[Khalil]

I have built systems with XClio cases but not that one. They are good quality.
Optical Drive is a DVD burner, DVD Rom or a CD Burner. http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category...-Burners-Media
You will need a keyboard, mouse and a set of speakers. http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCateg...&name=Speakers
Once you are set and get the hardware in, let us know and many here can guide you how to build it.

[seanth]

Okay, will I need a sound card or anything? And I already have a sound system, it's a little old but it works fine with my current computer. Sound isint really an issue to me.

So i have pretty much everything im thinking about getting bookmarked. Here are the specs-

Graphics Card- ASUS Radeon HD 4890 1GB

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121308

RAM- Corsair 4gb (2x2) DDR3

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145200

Motherboard- ASUS M4A79T Deluxe AM3 DDR3 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131363

Processor- AMD Phenom II X4 Quad Core processor

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...nom%20II%20955

Hard Drive- Western Digital Caviar Black 750GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136283

Power Supply- Corsair 750TX 750W ATX12V

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006

Case- Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower-This one got great reviews.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021

Along with a 40$ optical drive from plextor.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827249037

Thanks!

Also, if overclocking could somehow make me be able to buy some cheaper parts, go all out. I'm aiming for about 1,000 dollars and this one went a bit over it. Thanks!

[Khalil]

I would not go with the Plextor Optical Drive. Sony and Lite-On are your best bet. Everything else looks real good.
Overclocking is highly not recommended.

[LeftyAce]

Overclocking is a hobby unto itself, not a surefire way to get higher performance for less money.

The stock settings for hardware are the settings at which the manufacturer is confident every unit will run reliably for it's entire lifetime. Start overclocking, and that guaranteed reliability goes away.

[glc]

The Plextor drives available in the US are now made by Lite-On - not worth the premium price, just get a Lite-On, LG, or Asus burner.

[Khalil]

You don't like Sony glc?

[mjkovis]

Originally Posted by Khalil You don't like Sony glc?

I believe Sony drives are just rebadged Lite-On drives.

[glc]

Not any more - Sony has joined up with NEC. I have never liked Sony drives because of the bizarre burning software they came with.

[Khalil]

Sony so far have been the longest lasting I have used with least amount of failures.

[glc]

I'm surprised you don't use Asus drives.

[Khalil]

I should I guess, I don't know why I got stuck on Sony. Possibly since Sony are the people who created the technology in the first place?
I am gonna start ordering Asus see how well they do. Who makes them for Asus?

[shadowpr]

I like asus drives, even though I just had mine die on me last week.