Greetings.
First, thank you kindly for taking the time to assist me with my question. I'm going to use the format as requested in the asking for build information thread.
First, I built my own PC about ten years ago. I then purchased one from IBuyPower (loved it) then a Dell which I wasn't happy with for future upgradeability. I'm currently using an iMac but really cannot get into it and would like to get back into the PC realm. Unfortunately, I have gotten myself very out of touch with current PC technology (which I miss)! I still feel that I could build and configure the PC myself after I catch up on some reading that hopefully one of you could kindly recommend to me. I assume that assembling it myself and purchasing the parts individually will make the build dramatically cheaper.
Overall, I would like to use this as a gaming rig that has a lot of room for upgrades over the years without having to buy a new PC. I would like to replace components over the years, i.e., motherboard, CPU, video card, etc. In addition, I would like to try and hook up three monitors to it (each about 32" or less) for an eyefinity type experience. Overall, I would like to keep the price to $1,200 - $1,500 for the tower and hardware. The sound system, monitors and peripherals are all things I can add later over time. A build that I love is listed here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/barnacules1/videos?view=0
He lists the specs of his setup in this video at about 4:45 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cLn1RTS6EU&feature=plcp
If that price point is not realistic for the system hardware, then lets build the best for that price for one monitor. My ultimate goal here is to have a great computer that I can continually upgrade the hardware within over the next ten years and not have to go out and buy a new PC. Basically, upgrade piece by piece until a major technology overhaul forces me to purchase a new PC.
Approximate Purchase Date: Possibly December - February time frame.
Budget Range: $1,200 - $1,500 for tower and hardware (excludes monitors, keyboards, audio speakers, etc.) The lower we can keep it the better obviously but I don't want to shortcut very much.
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Media (movie viewing), Photography, possible school work when I go for my MBA.
Are you buying a monitor: Yes...I would like to have a setup similar to what is mentioned above. I don't need monitors that large, but would like to buy them around maybe 32" or less. I am thinking the LED TV is the best route here but not sure? Cost is a factor here.
Parts to Upgrade: 100% clean, new build
Do you need to buy OS: Yes
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Pricewatch (whoever has it cheapest with quality customer service & guarantees products)
Location: Albany, NY area. I would like to assemble the system myself.
Parts Preferences: Again, unsure. I would prefer to have the best mixture of power for price, but don't want to sell myself short either.
Overclocking: Depends on build.
SLI or Crossfire: Not fully sure of these technologies. I know Crossfire runs 2x cards simultaneously. Again, up to build thoughts.
Your Monitor Resolution: High resolution, running current and future games on highest/close to highest settings.
Additional Comments: A case with plenty of room to upgrade. However, I don't want a $400.00 case either. I would like clean and efficient, good cooling, but again room to expand.
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: The iMac isn't my thing. In addition, I enjoy games and movies and would like to have a great experience as well as get back into the PC technology field.
No parts have currently been selected.
Thank you very kindly for any assistance and time you have to provide me with some guidance.
-Colin
First, thank you kindly for taking the time to assist me with my question. I'm going to use the format as requested in the asking for build information thread.
First, I built my own PC about ten years ago. I then purchased one from IBuyPower (loved it) then a Dell which I wasn't happy with for future upgradeability. I'm currently using an iMac but really cannot get into it and would like to get back into the PC realm. Unfortunately, I have gotten myself very out of touch with current PC technology (which I miss)! I still feel that I could build and configure the PC myself after I catch up on some reading that hopefully one of you could kindly recommend to me. I assume that assembling it myself and purchasing the parts individually will make the build dramatically cheaper.
Overall, I would like to use this as a gaming rig that has a lot of room for upgrades over the years without having to buy a new PC. I would like to replace components over the years, i.e., motherboard, CPU, video card, etc. In addition, I would like to try and hook up three monitors to it (each about 32" or less) for an eyefinity type experience. Overall, I would like to keep the price to $1,200 - $1,500 for the tower and hardware. The sound system, monitors and peripherals are all things I can add later over time. A build that I love is listed here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/barnacules1/videos?view=0
He lists the specs of his setup in this video at about 4:45 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cLn1RTS6EU&feature=plcp
If that price point is not realistic for the system hardware, then lets build the best for that price for one monitor. My ultimate goal here is to have a great computer that I can continually upgrade the hardware within over the next ten years and not have to go out and buy a new PC. Basically, upgrade piece by piece until a major technology overhaul forces me to purchase a new PC.
Approximate Purchase Date: Possibly December - February time frame.
Budget Range: $1,200 - $1,500 for tower and hardware (excludes monitors, keyboards, audio speakers, etc.) The lower we can keep it the better obviously but I don't want to shortcut very much.
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Media (movie viewing), Photography, possible school work when I go for my MBA.
Are you buying a monitor: Yes...I would like to have a setup similar to what is mentioned above. I don't need monitors that large, but would like to buy them around maybe 32" or less. I am thinking the LED TV is the best route here but not sure? Cost is a factor here.
Parts to Upgrade: 100% clean, new build
Do you need to buy OS: Yes
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Pricewatch (whoever has it cheapest with quality customer service & guarantees products)
Location: Albany, NY area. I would like to assemble the system myself.
Parts Preferences: Again, unsure. I would prefer to have the best mixture of power for price, but don't want to sell myself short either.
Overclocking: Depends on build.
SLI or Crossfire: Not fully sure of these technologies. I know Crossfire runs 2x cards simultaneously. Again, up to build thoughts.
Your Monitor Resolution: High resolution, running current and future games on highest/close to highest settings.
Additional Comments: A case with plenty of room to upgrade. However, I don't want a $400.00 case either. I would like clean and efficient, good cooling, but again room to expand.
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: The iMac isn't my thing. In addition, I enjoy games and movies and would like to have a great experience as well as get back into the PC technology field.
No parts have currently been selected.
Thank you very kindly for any assistance and time you have to provide me with some guidance.
-Colin
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