Need help building a new PC...

[Sir Biscuit]

So, this Christmas I have been given the opportunity to build a new computer. I have a budget of about $1000, and I would prefer to buy a built one from the store. I can replace parts, (video card, RAM, etc.) but I don't quite have the skills to build my own.

I'm looking mostly for a gaming PC. I've been trying to find out what kind of graphics card I'll need, but a lot of the information out there is quite confusing for a newbie like me. It would be really helpful if anyone cold give me a link explaining what I should look for in a video card. I've been looking mainly at the GForce 8600, which seems to be highly recommended on several sites, as well as some Circuit City employees.

I've been looking a lot at the difference between ATM and Intel processors as well. I'm not sure which will work better with a video card, or how important they are relative to the video card. Some information or a link to a useful site would be excellent as well.

I don't expect a full computer build from you guys, I know I'm fairly lacking on information, but if you could help me out and help me learn, it would be great. Thanks guys!

 

[Fat.Clown]

BUILD IT YOURSELF AND SAVE A BUNDLE!

depends what games you play/ going to play

a VERY GOOD components guideline is listed right here
http://www.techist.com/forums/f76/recommended-pc-components-159027/
take a look @ the

Recommended MID-end/budget parts

section

 

[Sir Biscuit]

High-end games, right now I am looking at The Witcher and Crysis. I don't need full graphics, but a higher end experience would be nice if possible.

 

[Fat.Clown]

yah... Crysis is pretty high end lol

if you are going for single card/nVidia route, I'd suggest GeForce 8800GT 512mb card

and trust me... building yourself would get you much higher performance to dollar ratio

 

[Sir Biscuit]

Okay, that card looks like what I want. Now I have to look at processors, what do you recommend, an Intel or ATM. Also, if I do get an intel, should I get a dual core or a core duo, I can't afford a quad-core.

Once again, thank you for the help.

 

[veg1992]

if you build it you could fit a Core 2 Quad q6600 in there easily...

 

[Sir Biscuit]

I must admit, I'm a little confused on the price difference between building a computer and buying one at the store. It seems like buying from the store would save money, since they order their product in bulk and get a discount. But I keep hearing that building a computer is cheaper. I believe you, I'm just wondering how this could be?

 

[Fat.Clown]

if you build it you could fit a Core 2 Quad q6600 in there easily...

+1

[SAMPLE]
Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor - OEM
$260

Newegg.com - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording) ST3250620AS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
$65

Newegg.com - G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
$47

Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
$103

Newegg.com - Tuniq Tower 120 P4 & K8 CPU Cooler - Retail
$45

Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 520W Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TUV, CCC, C-tick - Retail
$110 (100 MIR)

Newegg.com - XFX PVT88PYDF4 GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
$276 (Free Company of Heroes game included, while supplies last)

optional swap out the G.SKill
Newegg.com - Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
$75 ($50 MIR)

$906 so far NOT taking account of any Mail in Rebates or the SHIPPING DISCOUNTS
prices listed as shipped individually

that leaves ~100 to pick out a case that you like

 

[Sir Biscuit]

huh, thats pretty impressive. Just two questions...

1. Where can I find a case? I don't think I've ever seen them sold on there own...

2. I would have to put this together myself correct? Seeing as I have no experience should I try to put it together? Or maybe pay some one else to do it for me.

 

[Fat.Clown]

I must admit, I'm a little confused on the price difference between building a computer and buying one at the store. It seems like buying from the store would save money, since they order their product in bulk and get a discount. But I keep hearing that building a computer is cheaper. I believe you, I'm just wondering how this could be?

"they order their product in bulk and get a discount."

that does not mean they *always* pass on the discounts to consumers, they gotta make their money from somewhere right?