PC Gaming Rig

[HAVOK]

Ok, I'm throwing ideas around for my next toy. I'm thinking of either a hardcore gaming laptop, or a gaming PC. Now, those of you who me well know I'm a total noob to anything involving computer hardware. So, any suggestions on the build would be appreciated. My thoughts on the PC are this: I'm only gonna need the tower and keyboard/mouse. I want to use my Samsung 40" HDTV as the monitor so I'm good on that.

Saviger: I never got that PDF you sent, I don't how. I know your busy with the move and I appreciate your help.

[iamthesgt]

There's some good reccomendations in these threads:
http://forums.usmilitarygamers.com/showthread.php?t=6395
http://forums.usmilitarygamers.com/showthread.php?t=6528

If you want to give some price ranges and some other things you were thinking, I know some of us can give some reccomendations. One thing I can say right away is that if you're not worried about being mobile, there's no point in getting the laptop. The desktop will be cheaper and faster, and will have the option for future upgrades.

[HAVOK]

My original $$ limit was $1800, but it's down to around $1000 now

[iamthesgt]

My original $$ limit was $1800, but it's down to around $1000 now

The first link had a build (permalink: http://forums.usmilitarygamers.com/showthread.php?t=6395&p=66681&viewfull=1#post66681 ) for around $700 (add $100 for Win7). If you wanted a nicer graphics card, or CrossfireX cards, you have the $$ left to do it. If you wanted to run an Intel machine instead, you could get a comparable one for about $100-150 more. Do you have any specific brands/models you want to use?

FYI $1000 will build you a machine that will run almost anything on almost any setting; $1800 will build an absolute beast of computer that few people actually need (but it's freakin' awesome anyway).

[HAVOK]

There's some good reccomendations in these threads:
http://forums.usmilitarygamers.com/showthread.php?t=6395
http://forums.usmilitarygamers.com/showthread.php?t=6528

If you want to give some price ranges and some other things you were thinking, I know some of us can give some reccomendations. One thing I can say right away is that if you're not worried about being mobile, there's no point in getting the laptop. The desktop will be cheaper and faster, and will have the option for future upgrades.

Great links man thanks! My only problem with buying all the components separately like that would be that I don't know dick about how to assemble it all once I had it lol

[Bull3tBait]

Every computer we had (3 so far) that were built from scratch ended up being POS's. I'll stick to factory builds.


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[HAVOK]

FYI $1000 will build you a machine that will run almost anything on almost any setting

This is what I'm looking for, my goal. I wanna start playing with Photoshop programs as well.

[iamthesgt]

Great links man thanks! My only problem with buying all the components separately like that would be that I don't know dick about how to assemble it all once I had it lol

Newegg has some great instructional vids on this subject. As long as you're careful in selecting parts and careful in putting them together, you should have no problem.

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[HAVOK]

Every computer we had (3 so far) that were built from scratch ended up being POS's. I'll stick to factory builds.


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I'm worried about this issue exactly. With my lack of know-how, I'm worried I'll screw it up and be wasting money and time

[iamthesgt]

I'm worried about this issue exactly. With my lack of know-how, I'm worried I'll screw it up and be wasting money and time

Well, you have to decide which is more valuable: peace of mind or the cheaper computer. Depending on what level of computer you build, you can save 25-50% by doing it yourself but only you can decide if it's worth it.

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[smoke]

This is the exact reason I choose not to help pick out parts. Unless you are familiar/expereinced with picking components and assembling a PC, just get a pre-built PC.

I would absolutely be devastated and hate myself, if I helped you pick out a bunch of components, you receive everything and upon installation, you fry the mobo or processor cause you don't know what your doing.

honestly, get a Dell/Alienware, Falcon Northwest or HP, or whatever brand floats your boat. Atleast you'll know what your getting, and will get support from the manufacture. :pirate:


I'm worried about this issue exactly. With my lack of know-how, I'm worried I'll screw it up and be wasting money and time

[HAVOK]

I was considering this:

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/CyberPower_Black_Pearl

What do you guys think?

[iamthesgt]

I would absolutely be devastated and hate myself, if I helped you pick out a bunch of components, you receive everything and upon installation, you fry the mobo or processor cause you don't know what your doing.

honestly, get a Dell/Alienware, Falcon Northwest or HP, or whatever brand floats your boat. Atleast you'll know what your getting, and will get support from the manufacture. :pirate:

Yeah, I would hate to contribute to the destruction of parts too...Falcon NW are very pricey, but have great tech support (so I hear) and allow greater customization than Dell/Alienware, but I wouldn't buy an HP with them talking about discontinuing their PC line.

[HAVOK]

Yeah, I would hate to contribute to the destruction of parts too...Falcon NW are very pricey, but have great tech support (so I hear) and allow greater customization than Dell/Alienware, but I wouldn't buy an HP with them talking about discontinuing their PC line.

Good to know. I wasn't considering an HP anyway. Had 2 and they were both crap.

[HAVOK]

Been doing some research and I may have to give building my own a shot, the factory built Alienware I was interested in is waaaaay too expensive. I stopped customizing on their website when it hit $2200.

So this will be interesting. My first venture into this uncharted territory. Bear in mind I have literally ZERO pc experience, I've always been a console guy, I'll be learning as I go...

[iamthesgt]

Been doing some research and I may have to give building my own a shot, the factory built Alienware I was interested in is waaaaay too expensive. I stopped customizing on their website when it hit $2200.

So this will be interesting. My first venture into this uncharted territory. Bear in mind I have literally ZERO pc experience, I've always been a console guy, I'll be learning as I go...

Well, watch plenty of newegg videos, make sure you discharge any static before touching components, and feel free to ask any other questions along the way.

[smoke]

2 words of advise..

1) Take your time.. Do not rush, especially since you've never done it before.
I hate to put the fear in ya, but I have seen too many people rush into something, and without knowing what they were doing rush into it, and break something before they've even had a chance to turn the thing on...

2) Do not force fit any component. everything on a mobo is designed to fit 1 way, and 1 way only.. forcing it, is not gonna make it work when you flip the switch.. :kiwi-fruit:


Well, watch plenty of newegg videos, make sure you discharge any static before touching components, and feel free to ask any other questions along the way.

[toby2533]

like me using a hammer to make memory fit into the slot even through the notches don't match, I'm still shock that computer still works.

[HAVOK]

I've decided to scrap this idea, and upgrade to the new iPad lol, thanks for all the advice guys, if in the future I decide to venture down this insane road again, I'll definitely come to the experts here at USMG! Thanks again!