Help withGaming Computer under $1000

[holygeek_04]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: (end of the month)

BUDGET RANGE: (Under 1000)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: (gaming, dvd ripping, internet, office, watching movies)

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: (Keyboard, Monitor (1280x1024), Headphones, Speakers, Sound Card, OS running 7 64bit)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: (newegg.com tigerdirect.com)

PARTS PREFERENCES: by brand or type (If AMD then also ATI)

OVERCLOCKING: No

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: (AMD vs Intel build would be nice)

 

[eaw2539]

My computer can run all games I've ever thrown at it, even Crysis on high. Without the blu-ray player and 1tb hard drive, I paid $800 about 6-8 months ago and I an very happy with it. Click on my name and check out my setup if you'd like.

 

[MadAdmiral]

Quick note: If you go with AMD, you do not have to go with ATI. ATI is still the best choice of GPU. As far as AMD vs. Intel, for your budget, AMD is far superior.

We need to know your monitor's resolution to give you the best build at the best price for you. It's the main factor in choosing a GPU...

CPU/Mobo: X3 425 and Gigabyte GA-790XTA-UD4 Combo for $197
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws 2x2 GB 1600 mhz CAS Latency 7 $115
HDD: Samsung Spinpoint F3 500 GB $55. This might be hard to find. If you can't get one, get the Seagate 7200.12 500 GB instead.
Optical: Cheapest SATA DVD burner $20
Case: HAF 922 $80 after rebate
OS (if needed): Windows 7 64-bit OEM $105
PSU: Corsair 750W $110 after rebate
GPU: HD 5850 $300

Total: $982. If you don't need Windows, get the HD 5870 ($395) instead.

If you went with an equivalent i5 build, you'd only get the HD 5770.

 

[holygeek_04]

Quick note: If you go with AMD, you do not have to go with ATI. ATI is still the best choice of GPU. As far as AMD vs. Intel, for your budget, AMD is far superior.

We need to know your monitor's resolution to give you the best build at the best price for you. It's the main factor in choosing a GPU...

I updated the resolution at the start, but its 1280x1024

 

[MadAdmiral]

Well then. Any GPU would work for that. Are you planning on upgrading that soon? If so, stick with that build.

If not, here's the changes:

GPU: HD 5770 $150

Monitor: ASUS VW224U Black 22" $150 after rebates.

Brings the total to: $982. The 5770 is good for gaming at anything up to 1900x resolutions. The 5850 is better for 1900x. By dropping to the 5770, you'd be able to afford a good monitor that would still allow great gaming performance from the computer.