Building Semi-Good Gaming Computer

[DustinTM]

Hi. I'm rather new to building computers. I know you must hear this a lot. Trust me, I mean new as in I haven't started building one and I need suggestions. I'm not a "noob" or whatever when it comes to computers. I just need a bit of help.

I'm currently looking to build a semi-nice gaming computer that I can upgrade over time.

My current budget is around $1500. I'm 18 with a job. Quite frankly, I have no bills which means my budget can increase.

I would like to stick with Intel, most likely an i5. Unless of course there's a good reason to switch to AMD. I can already get a keyboard and mouse from someone who works at logitech so I'm good on that.

Anyway, shoot. I'll keep an eye on this forum and this thread. Thanks.

 

[Muffin Man]

there's a good chance you'll be able to get an even better i7 build with your budget.

you say you got the k+m taken care of, so all you need is the tower? a monitor too? an OS?

 

[sdlvx]

Pass on the i7. Build yourself a good AMD system with a socket AM3 motherboard so you're ready for Bulldozer. Bulldozer looks like it's going to own Nehalem and it looks like AMD has done something really crazy that will give at on of performance, like when they put the memory controller on the die of the CPU.


I have an i7 system and when the next gen Intels come out I need to upgrade everything. Buy yourself a high end Phenom, high end AMD motherboard, and a 5870 graphics card and you'll be good to go. If you want you can go with a Fermi but I don't think you'll be happy with that.

 

[DustinTM]

Well, I have my computer case picked out.

NZXT HADE-001BK HADES Crafted Series Mid Tower Case - 9 Bay, 200mm Front Fan, 140mm Top Fan, 200mm Side Fan, 120mm Rear Fan, Temperature Display Panel at TigerDirect.com

I like the way it looks and I heard it has a nice airflow. Opinions?

As for the monitor, the size doesn't matter to me, but the quality does.

It would be nice to try out AMD, but I feel safe with Intel.

Maybe someone can give me an example of a build? That would be nice lol.

 

[Druid]

We need to know whether you need an OS or not so we can budget you but assuming you need it:

CPU + Mobo: Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more! $499
GPU+Ram: Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more! $568
PSU+Optical Drive: Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more! $78-$25 MIR = $53
HDD: Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive $100
Case: Newegg.com - NZXT Hades Crafted Series HADE-001BK Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $80 - $20 MIR = $60
Monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236052 $200 - $10 MIR = $190

Total: $1525 - $55 MIR = $1470.

You didn't specify if you needed an OS, but if you do:
Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - Operating Systems $100

Total: $1570.

You said your budget was flexible, so its a little higher if you need that component.

 

[DustinTM]

Haha yea, I'll be using windows 7, but I might also dual boot Ubuntu.

 

[Druid]

Well, that isn't just a semi-good gaming computer right there. It will destroy!