I've decided, now that I have a "stable" temp job, that I am going to get a new computer in a couple weeks once I fill my meager coffers more. In the meantime, I'm doing some research and have no idea what I am looking for. So, I am asking for some advice on what I'm looking for. I'm looking to keep the price of this excursion on the cheap. I am wanting a desktop with a compact tower, a new monitor and the most bang for my buck. It will not be custom made, but rather straight from a store, since I'm too lazy and compooter-illiterate to make one myself. However, it is possible for me to switch out a couple parts if need be. But basically right now I want to know what the general specs of the hardware I'm looking for so I can get a decent gaming rig for modern games.
Thanks in advance, I won't be able to respond for a while since I'm going to bed now and then have work when I wake up.
You'll regret buying a rig at a store. Ask anyone here.
(04-04-2011, 11:53 PM)Karth link Wrote: [ -> ]You'll regret buying a rig at a store. Ask anyone here.
Yeah, seriously get a friend to help you out if you absolutely can't do it. The markup on a prebuilt machine is exorbitant
Everyone here will tell you to either build your own (most of us learned about computers by putting our own together) or have a friend slap it together for you.
Past that, what are your general computer-related activities, what exactly do you need in terms of peripherals (keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc.), and what exactly is your budget?
(04-05-2011, 02:41 AM)Didzo link Wrote: [ -> ]Past that, what are your general computer-related activities, what exactly do you need in terms of peripherals (keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc.), and what exactly is your budget?
For what I use my computer for, it's mainly web surfing along with games, and a bit of microsoft office work when need be. I'll be needing a keyboard, monitor and the tower itself, since my old mouse works just fine and I'll be using headphones for everything else. Budget is approximately $500, enough for a decent running computer but nothing fancy.
As for building it myself, I have absolutely no experience with hardware, I have never even installed ram before. I do not trust anyone to build it for me, and I don't trust myself with anything extensive.
(04-05-2011, 07:45 PM)Gasman link Wrote: [ -> ]As for building it myself, I have absolutely no experience with hardware, I have never even installed ram before. I do not trust anyone to build it for me, and I don't trust myself with anything extensive.
We'll help you through. Hell, we'll probably tell you what to buy.
(04-05-2011, 11:42 PM)Karth link Wrote: [ -> ][quote author=Gasman link=topic=5552.msg201911#msg201911 date=1302050740]
As for building it myself, I have absolutely no experience with hardware, I have never even installed ram before. I do not trust anyone to build it for me, and I don't trust myself with anything extensive.
We'll help you through. Hell, we'll probably tell you what to buy.
[/quote]
And we'll all laugh at you and say we told you so if you buy a premade one.
$500 prebuilt gaming computer
enjoy cs 1.6
(04-06-2011, 09:08 AM)Versus-pwny- link Wrote: [ -> ]$500 prebuilt gaming computer
enjoy 10fps minecraft
You won't be able to play pretty much anything more graphics intensive that a youtube video on a prebuilt computer for $500.
Though even a custom build will still be a budget rig at that price point.
$538.91, not prebuilt
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Public...r=20077287
really surprised i found that for this price
what kind of performance would you like from a "decent gaming rig for modern games"?
edit: i found a prebuilt with approximately the same stats for $300 more than the newegg wishlist i linked above (prebuilt had slightly better ram, slightly better cpu, a worse/cheaper monitor [monitor was optional though], larger case but no-name brand, less powerful PSU)
http://www.ibuypower.com/Store/AMD_Pheno...or/w/63903
(04-06-2011, 07:14 PM)Versus-pwny- link Wrote: [ -> ]$538.91, not prebuilt
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Public...r=20077287
really surprised i found that for this price
what kind of performance would you like from a "decent gaming rig for modern games"?
Does that motherboard/RAM combo work with the CPU?
mobo said it was AM2+ and supported DDR2 800
It'll be a little weak, definitely won't run new games on high. But hey, $500 is a small budget.
Here's a guide that might help in-case you're not satisfied with Versus Suggestions.
![[Image: falconguide.png]](http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/3292/falconguide.png)
(04-06-2011, 07:14 PM)Versus-pwny- link Wrote: [ -> ]what kind of performance would you like from a "decent gaming rig for modern games"?
I am looking to play my games and future games at medium to high settings with 40-70 fps. No more n64 graphics for me if I can help it.
Thank you Karth, I will give that guide a looking over as soon as I finish with this.
(04-06-2011, 08:18 PM)Didzo link Wrote: [ -> ]And uhh....
Operating system?
Hm, Windows 7 most likely. XP is getting too outdated without support and Vista is too much of a hassle.
I actually may build the computer myself, after listening to you all. Depends on what other info I hear from my family.
sounds good didzo. although when the cases are already this cheap, saving $10 by going from CM to rosewill is, uh...yeah. mobo/ram combination looks good.
yeah, even at budget costs like this, building your own will still save you plenty of money. w7 is definitely your best choice for an OS.