Building a gaming computer-$1200

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Pierce

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Dec 28, 2009
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Hello, I am currently considering on building a new computer for gaming purposes as my current computer (mac powerbook G4) does not do the things I want it to do (only a 100 gb hd, no wireless, can't game, bad performance, etc.). The reason I come to you today is that I am asking for help; I know almost nothing about what model numbers mean, what ANY terms mean (ex 550be, 900 intel, i5, OCZ oblivion, etc.), what brand is better than the other, how things work together and pricing combo deals. I pretty much know nothing about making computers or the hardware, but I have some friends that know how to build them and they said they'd give me a hand if I built a computer and they also said it was cheaper. I have a few builds that were given to me via asking in other places/making up my own stuff, which I will post at the end of this post.

To simplify, I am very bad with computers and I need to build one from scratch (well, not including mouse/keyboard/etc.). The perfect computer for me would be able to run games at excellent speeds and quality, have me experience little to no lag when tabbing around in web browsers or with anything, mesh well (no mismatched parts-if mismatching is possible?), and basically just being a generally good fast computer that will last me for awhile without having the need to upgrade. Also has to be a reliable computer, as in no malfunctioning hardware or brands that have a history of breaking down.

Here are my answers for the sticky:

1) Gaming is the main thing i want this computer for, but i'll also be web browsing and downloading stuff via torrents. I will be filling up my harddrive quite fast and plan to game on intense setting also. I do not know what components of a system effects connecting to dedicated servers, faster game load times, and general gaming experience, but if there are specific ones I'd like something that's good in those department. (ex- TF2 dedicated servers no lag-unless that depends solely on my connection? a rig that can run 32v32?)
2) $1200 including tax and shipping, can go a bit over.
3) Toronto, Ontario (Free shipping if i order from directcanada, right?)
4)
Case
Power Supply
Case Fan(s)
Motherboard
Processor (CPU)
CPU Cooler/Heatsink with Fan (HSF)
Memory (RAM)
Hard Drive (HDD) - Preferably 1 TB
Optical (Disc) Drive (CD/DVD/HD-DVD/BR) - (is this the dvd burner?)
Video/Graphics Card (GPU)
Sound Card

I do not know what the things listed under "additional cards" and "Miscellaneous" subsections do.

5) Possibly my monitor, hp pavillion mx 70. I have an old hp pavillion a300n, but i'm pretty sure that can't be reused.
6) I do not want to as I have heard it can be damaging to my computer, so I'd say no. Also I do not know how to do it.
7) I would like to get something close to a 24" lcd monitor, but if I can use my current one (as listed in question 5), I would much rather do that.
8) Within 2 weeks unless there's a sale that can save me a lot of money coming up. If it takes longer to figure it out that's fine as well as I don't want to be hasty in making a decision.
9) I do not know.
10) Yes, Windows 7.

Here are all the builds I've been given/I have been helped in making (all under $1k):
http://img20.imageshack.us/i/46446797.png/
http://img12.imageshack.us/i/13016759.png/
http://img12.imageshack.us/i/11794050.png/
http://img51.imageshack.us/i/81738558.png/
http://img97.imageshack.us/i/15998959.png/
http://img37.imageshack.us/i/79793137.png/
http://img63.imageshack.us/i/62952210.jpg/ with http://ncix.com/products/?sku=45093&vpn=21162-00-50R&manufacture=SAPPHIRE

I know most of these builds are great but I am having a terribly hard time deciding which one is the best to suit my needs.


Any and all help, comments, or discussion is greatly appreciated, and I thank you for taking the team to read all that. I heard you guys were the best, hehe.
 
For gaming, AMD represents the best bang for your buck, in my opinion. It has probably been mentioned to you at some point (if not, it won't be long) that Intel's Core i5 processors outperform AMD's Phenom II line. Core i5 is also a newer architecture which provides a pretty amazing performance boost over AMD (and even most Intel) quad-cores for a good price. That said, if you are primarily interested in gaming, it matters very little. After a certain point, the CPU just can't help you, anymore, and your graphics card must take over processing duties. For this reason, it makes sense to go with a slightly cheaper CPU/motherboard/RAM platform and put the bulk of your efforts toward a high-end graphics card. As an aside, AMD processors also seem to be at their best while gaming.

You might encounter some questions about your monitor resolution, bytheway (1280x1024). Most of the suggested builds (to include this one) would certainly be capable of pushing a lot more pixels and a larger 21" - 24" monitor (1680x1050, 1920x1200). I've read that CRT monitors have a lot of upside, so it's up to you. In my case, though, upgrading to a 24" monitor was worlds apart from my old 16". Just a thought.

69.99 Cooler Master RC-690 ATX Case
139.99 Corsair 650HX 650W Modular PSU
264.98 Phenom II X4 955 BE + ASUS AM3 785G mATX Motherboard
98.99 4GB G.SKILL Ripjaws DDR3-1600
330.99 GIGABYTE Radeon HD 5850 1GB
94.99 1TB WD Caviar Black HD
39.99 LITE-ON Black 24X DVD Writer + LightScribe

SUB 1039.92

The only exception, in my opinion, is the deal offered at Micro Center on the Core i5-750 for $149.99. Paired with a $100 motherboard, you really can't go wrong. These deals are in-store, only, though. Good luck!

P.S. I know it's a pain, but listing out components with links is pretty much a common courtesy around here. Most people don't want to be linked to JPEG's or PNG's. If you want comments or advice on those builds, you'll find that feedback really picks up when you list the parts.
 
Last edited:
TheQuestian said:
For gaming, AMD represents the best bang for your buck, in my opinion. It has probably been mentioned to you at some point (if not, it won't be long) that Intel's Core i5 processors outperform AMD's Phenom II line. Core i5 is also a newer architecture which provides a pretty amazing performance boost over AMD (and even most Intel) quad-cores for a good price. That said, if you are primarily interested in gaming, it matters very little. After a certain point, the CPU just can't help you, anymore, and your graphics card must take over processing duties. For this reason, it makes sense to go with a slightly cheaper CPU/motherboard/RAM platform and put the bulk of your efforts toward a high-end graphics card. As an aside, AMD processors also seem to be at their best while gaming.

You might encounter some questions about your monitor resolution, bytheway (1280x1024). Most of the suggested builds (to include this one) would certainly be capable of pushing a lot more pixels and a larger 21" - 24" monitor (1680x1050, 1920x1200). I've read that CRT monitors have a lot of upside, so it's up to you. In my case, though, upgrading to a 24" monitor was worlds apart from my old 16". Just a thought.

69.99 Cooler Master RC-690 ATX Case
139.99 Corsair 650HX 650W Modular PSU
264.98 Phenom II X4 955 BE + ASUS AM3 785G mATX Motherboard
98.99 4GB G.SKILL Ripjaws DDR3-1600
330.99 GIGABYTE Radeon HD 5850 1GB
94.99 1TB WD Caviar Black HD
39.99 LITE-ON Black 24X DVD Writer + LightScribe

SUB 1039.92

The only exception, in my opinion, is the deal offered at Micro Center on the Core i5-750 for $149.99. Paired with a $100 motherboard, you really can't go wrong. These deals are in-store, only, though. Good luck!

P.S. I know it's a pain, but listing out components with links is pretty much a common courtesy around here. Most people don't want to be linked to JPEG's or PNG's. If you want comments or advice on those builds, you'll find that feedback really picks up when you list the parts.
Click to expand...

Your input is appreciated, thanks. When I list the parts should I link you guys to the parts on newegg or list the item numbers or what?
 
Pierce said:
Your input is appreciated, thanks. When I list the parts should I link you guys to the parts on Newegg, or list the item numbers or what?
Click to expand...
Sure, Newegg would be fine. Anywhere that would list the price, specs, and any special promotional info.
 
Pierce said:
Your input is appreciated, thanks. When I list the parts should I link you guys to the parts on newegg or list the item numbers or what?
Click to expand...

The names of the parts will be fine along with the prices next to it. No real need to link it but if you want to, go for it. The way that The Questian did it is a good way to do it.

We don't memorize item numbers around here :)
 
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