Gaming computer for 1000$

Yup, easily.

Case: Antec 300

CPU: AMD Phenom II x3 720 BE (plan on overclocking to ~3.6ghz)

XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler (and some Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Paste)

Mobo: Asrock A790GXH

Memory: OCZ Fatal1ty 4GB (2x2GB) DDR21066

Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 4890 1GB

Hard Drive: Western Digital 1TB 7200rpm SATA 3.0gbs WD1001FALS

PSU: OCZ StealthXStream 700w OCZ700SXS

DVD: Samsung SH-S223Q 22x DVD+-RW Burner

OS: Windows Vista Premium 64 bit



Total: $947 without combo deals or open items.

Better graphics card, best performance for the dollar CPU in my opinion, much much much more reliable northbridge on the motherboard, only 4gb of memory because you wont ever use 8gb for gaming (total waste of money), larger hard drive, better CPU cooler for overclocking, much better gaming case with more efficient airflow, and a 700w PSU because 800w is just overkill for that system.

is there a guide for putting together computers, i have taken out parts of my computer and added some but never built one, thats the only reason i was worried about building one

I agree with the general idea of JTP709's build, but you could get higher quality components. The first thing that jumps out is that RAM. The timings are horribly slow on that RAM (CAS 7?!). You should look for some quality CAS 5 DDR2 1066 RAM for that build.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=E...

You can get the CPU and OS in a bundle to save $20:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...

If you don't need 1TB of HD space this HD would be another great option:

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $74.99

The ASRock motherboard and OCZ PSU are only so-so quality. They will probably work, but I would look for either a Gigabyte or Asus motherboard. Corsair, PC Power & Cooling, Seasonic, or Antec would be better options for the PSU.

Here's a couple suggestions:

GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $109.99

or

GIGABYTE GA-MA790GP-UD4H AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $128.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $119.99 - $10 MIR

I wouldn't worry too much about building the computer. There are a ton of how-to's out there that you can read up on. If you can read, you can build a computer.

That was just something I put together during my hangover this morning lol. I worked a Hinder concert last night so I was worn out this morning lol.

But I agree with the timings, you can find CAS 5 for only a few bucks more, but I just put that together to prove that you could, in fact, build a better system for the same or less price.

ikouger: I just started a new Blog to help new system builders. I just started it the other day, but it will help you better understand PC components and what to look for. I will also go over the current PC Tech and objectively compare what is currently available. Lastly I'll give my personal opinoins as well as videos on how to build a new system (I'm building a new system in May). So by mid may my project will be complete, with the goal to help new system builders as yourself learn and make the most educated decisions when building your gaming rig.

How would i overclock that cpu, also is it risky, is there a better cpu i could buy for a bit more so i dont have to worry about it?

Most CPUs nowadays are designed and supported to be overclocked. This does carry some risk, as you do void your warranty, but because of how easy it is to overclock and the huge performance increases makes it well worth it. Spending extra money for a little bit faster CPU isn't worth it because most CPUs can be overclocked to 3.6ghz to over 4ghz. The only processors that could match that performance at stock levels will cost a hundred or more dollars.

Building a PC requires a lot of knowledge, research, and understanding, but is a lot of fun in the end and you develop a lot of skills that will help you throughout life, and possibly even in your career (considering how technologically advanced our culture has become). Building a PC does require work, but is well worth the money you'll save and the knowledge you'll gain.

FYI, AMD's Black Edition processors have unclocked multipliers for overclocking. (Intel's Extreme Edition CPUs offer the same thing but the i7 EE is $1000 and not worth it). While the hardware supports it you still void your warranty, but as long as you follow all of the easy how to guides that can be found on google you will be ok. IMO the only way you can melt your CPU is if your CPU fan quits working, but most mobos have an automatic shut off to prevent damage (hopefully).

sorry for all the questions but i have a few more, is this one a better one than the one you initially posted like the other guy said? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... also is there a detailed guide you could give me on how to overclock?

^Yes. Gigabyte/ASUS boards tend to have better quality than the ASRock boards. Imo, get the Gigabyte board.

OCing guide:
http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=267708

If you are going to overclock, get a mobo with a 790GX Northbridge and SB750 Southbride, like this one. These are AMDs newest and will allow you to get the most out of overclocking your CPU to the max and will give you better performance overall. The SB750 Southbridge offers what is called Advanced Clock Calibration (ACC) that will allow you to overclock to higher stable speeds. Definitely worth the money IMHO.

BTW I would read through several different overclocking guides just to get as much information as possible. But in the end you will learn the most from trial and error when you're actually working to overclock your CPU. It will be a lot of information to digest and a lot of time working for the best possible stable overclock, but it will be well worth it.

Good Luck  

Here are a few more Overclocking guides:
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2188777,00.a...
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/newbie-oc-...
http://techreport.com/articles.x/13815

BTW Google is your best friend, if you're curious as to house to overclock or do a RAID configuration, etc, just googe "guide to [what you want to do]." Don't just settle on the first guide you see, but open up several and read through them. If you run into any problems overclocking or something, then hit up the forums with your particular problem, more likely than not somebody has had the same issue before and managed to resolve it