I need good specs for a ~$500 gaming desktop.

[Hoofyy]

I'm looking to buy a desktop PC that can run most games (we'll just say, for example, Skyrim) at high settings with 60 fps minimum. Ultra settings are not necessary, but I definitely want at least high settings, 60 fps or more.

I am looking at about $500, including a monitor (but not including the price for the OS).

If anyone has some suggestions for good specs for this, or links would be fantastic, please gimme

Also, a few questions:
- If I have Win7 on my laptop, do I have to pay for it again to put it on a new computer?
- Would I be able to just buy a decent computer with Windows 7 already installed, and just replace the graphics card? Or would it really be cheaper to just build everything from scratch?

 

[syiko98777]

cpu amd x3 455 rana(chance of unlocking 4th core) 80 bucks
gpu hd 6670 70 bucks
mobo BIOSTAR A780L3G 65 54 bucks
CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W Power Supply
Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" SATA 6.0Gb/s Internal Hard combo newegg.com 130 bucks
g.skill ripsaw 4gb(2x2) ram 1600 30 bucks
optical drive lg dvd burner 17
case APEX SK-393-C 20 bucks
monitor Acer G185HVb Black 18.5" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor
grandtotal of 490 bucks. should run all games at med/high

 

[Gman450]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/diy-gaming-pc,2970.html

 

[Gman450]

Also, a few questions:
- If I have Win7 on my laptop, do I have to pay for it again to put it on a new computer?
- Would I be able to just buy a decent computer with Windows 7 already installed, and just replace the graphics card? Or would it really be cheaper to just build everything from scratch?

No, there aren't much 'decent' desktop PCs that you can buy.
It's better to build one from scratch.
In the link I gave you, the price for the 6850 has recently dropped around to $120.
And it's really good enough to play Skyrim.

You can get this monitor for almost $90.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009317

And I think, it should fit your budget.