New computer

[Lt Davis]

Okay, after about nine months of a broken computer I can finally get a new one. I can't go much above $1300, and I want it to be able to play at least Empire Total War, Source Games, WiC, PRM, and CoH at higher level settings smoothly.

The first question I need to answer is should I get a pre-built one, or build one myself? I know very little about what hardware/case/power supply/monitor/etc I should get and how to assemble it.

[AvalancheDiode]

Re: New computer

Build yourself. Get good PSU first, otherwise you'll regret.

[jake_]

Re: New computer

Definitely build it yourself if you have the time; it isn't terribly difficult, really. $1300 will fetch you a pretty nice computer, if you do so.

I don't have time to collect a good series of components for a PC build, but I'm sure someone on this forum who isn't busy studying hectically for finals will.

[Cassius55]

Re: New computer

Ibuypower is having some amazing sales this time of year, you could probably get a really good one. I think the sale ends Dec 17, you better hurry.

http://www.ibuypower.com/

[TGL|FalseLion]

Re: New computer

Ibuypower is having some amazing sales this time of year, you could probably get a really good one. I think the sale ends Dec 17, you better hurry.

http://www.ibuypower.com/

has anyone actually bought an ibuypower pc though....

I've had my eye on them for a while because of the prices but I've also read a number of bad reviews...normally things like wires not being connected, but some have complained of different hardware compared to what the site actually listed, cases being damaged, bad memory, etc.

[Lt Davis]

Re: New computer

Definitely build it yourself if you have the time; it isn't terribly difficult, really. $1300 will fetch you a pretty nice computer, if you do so.

I don't have time to collect a good series of components for a PC build, but I'm sure someone on this forum who isn't busy studying hectically for finals will.

I hope so.

[jake_]

Re: New computer

I hope so.

I'll see if I can't whip up a quick idea of what you'd want.

But first, do you have any components that you can salvage? I assume you won't need a new monitor, but if you can reuse stuff like like the case at least, that will save you some money.

Also do you have a preference on video card? ATI or Nvidia?

[jake_]

Re: New computer

Here's something I just threw together. I haven't been paying attention to PC tech that much lately, so anyone can feel free to suggest changes or just say the whole thing is crap :p

CPU

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

MoBo

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128375

RAM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231223

Gfx Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150398

HDD

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

PSU

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Total:
$1,017.94
Plus $30 in mail-in-rebates.

edit: I left out the case, DVD drive, and other small stuff because I assume you will be able to salvage those things.

[Lt Davis]

Re: New computer

The computer I have now is an iMac. A few years ago I was a bit of a Mac fanboy but three years of running XP on it has made me more objective.

So, sadly, I cannot salvage anything.

Also, about the video card, I really don't know much. The card I have now is an ATI but I would choose whichever one makes a better card in my price range.

[jake_]

Re: New computer

The computer I have now is an iMac. A few years ago I was a bit of a Mac fanboy but three years of running XP on it has made me more objective.

So, sadly, I cannot salvage anything.

Also, about the video card, I really don't know much. The card I have now is an ATI but I would choose whichever one makes a better card in my price range.

OK. I'd suggest sticking with what I posted above, unless someone like Alex wants to make a really good case for ATI, but I prefer Nvidia.

So you'll basically need all computer components, but what about a monitor and peripherals like keyboard/mouse?

I would suggest you look on Newegg for a case you like, and then see what people here have to say about it. How much you care about quality of material and appearances will have an effect on the cost. http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCateg...Computer-Cases

DVD drives are simple:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030

You can pick up a nice monitor for under $200, I would think. Once again, that's something that you could easily research yourself and pick what suits you. Then ask for people's opinions.

[McSteviee]

Re: New computer

OK. I'd suggest sticking with what I posted above, unless someone like Alex wants to make a really good case for ATI, but I prefer Nvidia.

Oooh bitchy! (J/K)

[Lt Davis]

Re: New computer

OK. I'd suggest sticking with what I posted above, unless someone like Alex wants to make a really good case for ATI, but I prefer Nvidia.

So you'll basically need all computer components, but what about a monitor and peripherals like keyboard/mouse?

I would suggest you look on Newegg for a case you like, and then see what people here have to say about it. How much you care about quality of material and appearances will have an effect on the cost. http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCateg...Computer-Cases

DVD drives are simple:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030

You can pick up a nice monitor for under $200, I would think. Once again, that's something that you could easily research yourself and pick what suits you. Then ask for people's opinions.

Okay, I'll post a monitor and case a little bit later.

About the mouse and keyboard, I'm fine with the keyboard I have for now, it works well enough for gaming, but the mouse I have is not as ergonomic as I would like it to be. If anyone has any suggestions about a mouse feel free to post them, but I can stick with the one I have for a while if I need to, it's not extremely important that I get a new one.

Also, although this may be a stupid question, would I be able to use XP on this computer or would I need to buy Vista?

[CaptainKirk]

Re: New computer

Okay, I'll post a monitor and case a little bit later.

About the mouse and keyboard, I'm fine with the keyboard I have for now, it works well enough for gaming, but the mouse I have is not as ergonomic as I would like it to be. If anyone has any suggestions about a mouse feel free to post them, but I can stick with the one I have for a while if I need to, it's not extremely important that I get a new one.

Also, although this may be a stupid question, would I be able to use XP on this computer or would I need to buy Vista?

You would need to buy 7. Why waste money on Vista at this point? And XP is wayyyy old.

[jake_]

Re: New computer

Okay, I'll post a monitor and case a little bit later.

About the mouse and keyboard, I'm fine with the keyboard I have for now, it works well enough for gaming, but the mouse I have is not as ergonomic as I would like it to be. If anyone has any suggestions about a mouse feel free to post them, but I can stick with the one I have for a while if I need to, it's not extremely important that I get a new one.

Also, although this may be a stupid question, would I be able to use XP on this computer or would I need to buy Vista?

Windows 7. Don't even think about anything else.

I have a logitech G5 and love it. You can adjust the DPI from 5 presets with buttons on the mouse; it's very handy and I find it comfortable enough, although some people don't.

[Lt Davis]

Re: New computer

Windows 7. Don't even think about anything else.

I have a logitech G5 and love it. You can adjust the DPI from 5 presets with buttons on the mouse; it's very handy and I find it comfortable enough, although some people don't.

I meant to say Vista/Windows 7, don't know why I said Vista.

These two monitors seem to have the best reviews at this price range, but on the other hand I could be wrong.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009145

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001317

I am not very sure about the case either. These four seem to have good reviews (at least on NewEgg), but once again I may be wrong. The prices vary a bit.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133021

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119068

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129043

Sorry for not narrowing it down more.