First Timer: Budget Gaming System (<$1200)

[torenator]

I really need a new PC as I can barely run SWTOR on my current laptop. I have an old monitor, not widescreen, that I would like to upgrade as well. I'm a supernoob when it comes to building.

I was looking at purchasing this Alienware system, but was wondering if I could do better by building.
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dpcwxn3&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&model_id=alienware-x51
...and then just tacking on a monitor.

Approximate Purchase Date: ASAP

Budget Range: Less than $1200

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming... pretty much just gaming.

Parts Not Required: Monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: I'm most familiar with Newegg, but I'm open to suggestions. Again, I'm a first-timer.

Country: USA (Pennsylvania)

Parts Preferences: I'm partial to nVidia graphics cards, but I could be persuaded otherwise.

Overclocking: No / Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe

Monitor Resolution: I'll need a monitor with this as well, resolution...high?

Additional Comments: Nothing fancy. I'm primarily going to be playing SWTOR, Diablo 3. Not super loud I guess.

Thanks in advance for any advice, cheers!

 

[redhotchilipackers]

Something along these lines: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.770956&cm_sp=DIY_PC_Combos-_-770956-_-Combo, would be much better than the Alienware system you are looking at. Add an aftermarket CPU cooler ($30-$60) and you would easily be able to overclock CPU to around 4.5Ghz. Than use the rest of your budget for a monitor. This setup would also let you SLI in future if you desired.

 

[torenator]

Something along these lines: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.770956&cm_sp=DIY_PC_Combos-_-770956-_-Combo, would be much better than the Alienware system you are looking at. Add an aftermarket CPU cooler ($30-$60) and you would easily be able to overclock CPU to around 4.5Ghz. Than use the rest of your budget for a monitor. This setup would also let you SLI in future if you desired.

This is a pretty nice package deal. The only drawback is no included operating system, but I'm a student and get get a copy of windows 7 premium for $65.

Thanks for the feedback, this is probably what I will go with.

 

[redhotchilipackers]

No prob, just make sure your operating system is 64-bit so you can utilize all the RAM, and note this package doesn't include a DVD or Blu-ray ROM drive, would have to purchase separately.

 

[torenator]

Best answer selected by torenator.