Hey, I really want a new computer so I thought I'd ask for some advice. I'm looking for something that has the best value (performance for price), as I want to spend as little as possible. I'm not really an enthusiast who needs to run everything on Ultra with 2K resolutions, though I am looking to be able to play Okami in Dolphin in 1080p. Due to Steam sales and bundles I have many games that my current laptop is unable to play, so I'd like to build or buy a computer that can play those games. I'd like something that will last a while or be available to upgrade in the future, because I'm hoping to spend as little money as possible initially. Games I'm looking to play: Skyrim, Bioshock Infinite, Okami in HD w/ Dolphin (as well as various other GC and Wii games in Dolphin), PS2 emulation w/ PCSX2, The Secret World, Tomb Raider, Far Cry 3, etc.
I saw that Newegg had a couple of combos on sale.
i5-3570k, ASUS motherboard, Corsair 8GB RAM, WD 1TB HDD, Rosewill 600W PSU - $496 after MIR
DIY Complete Combo: AMD FX-6100, ASUS GTX 650 Ti 1GB, 8GB RAM - $460 after MIR
DIY Complete Combo: i5-3570K, EVGA GTX 660 2GB SC, 8GB RAM - $731 after MIR
I like the 2nd one because it has all of the parts already chosen, so I don't have to worry about parts compatibility, and it is very inexpensive and therefore seems to have high value. I only worry about if it can even run the games I want, and if it will be able to be upgraded in the future (I'm guessing not). If it is able to run the games I want, I see no reason to spend $800 for something else. If it can be overclocked, I think it would be an even better value.
On the other hand, I worry about even building in the first place. My local PC shop is selling a used Alienware X51 that has an i5-3770K and a GTX 660 1.5GB for $800 (that's I think $400 off the original price). If building is too difficult or I buy $800 worth of parts only to make a mistake like frying the cpu/motherboard, I would rather get something pre-built.
Approximate Purchase Date: this week, hopefully, because the sale ends on the 17th
Budget Range: closer to $500, but willing to go for $800 if really worth it (after rebate)
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, watching videos, surfing the web, productivity, amateur use of Adobe applications (Photoshop, Illustrator)
Are you buying a monitor: Already have one (No)
Do you need to buy OS: Not sure. I have windows 7 on an old hard drive that I was hoping I could transfer.
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg, mostly. Not sure of many others (amazon?)
Location: Northeast USA
Parts Preferences: Prefer Intel and Nvidia, simply because I heard that AMD parts tend to run hotter and louder
Overclocking: Maybe, the idea is enticing but I'm not sure how to do it
SLI or Crossfire: No, not at this moment, maybe in the far future
Your Monitor Resolution: 1440x900, TV is 1080p
So yeah, I'm a complete newbie but I've been reading this site for a while, I don't know much about hardware but the idea of building a computer or having a really nice one has always fascinated me.
I saw that Newegg had a couple of combos on sale.
i5-3570k, ASUS motherboard, Corsair 8GB RAM, WD 1TB HDD, Rosewill 600W PSU - $496 after MIR
DIY Complete Combo: AMD FX-6100, ASUS GTX 650 Ti 1GB, 8GB RAM - $460 after MIR
DIY Complete Combo: i5-3570K, EVGA GTX 660 2GB SC, 8GB RAM - $731 after MIR
I like the 2nd one because it has all of the parts already chosen, so I don't have to worry about parts compatibility, and it is very inexpensive and therefore seems to have high value. I only worry about if it can even run the games I want, and if it will be able to be upgraded in the future (I'm guessing not). If it is able to run the games I want, I see no reason to spend $800 for something else. If it can be overclocked, I think it would be an even better value.
On the other hand, I worry about even building in the first place. My local PC shop is selling a used Alienware X51 that has an i5-3770K and a GTX 660 1.5GB for $800 (that's I think $400 off the original price). If building is too difficult or I buy $800 worth of parts only to make a mistake like frying the cpu/motherboard, I would rather get something pre-built.
Approximate Purchase Date: this week, hopefully, because the sale ends on the 17th
Budget Range: closer to $500, but willing to go for $800 if really worth it (after rebate)
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, watching videos, surfing the web, productivity, amateur use of Adobe applications (Photoshop, Illustrator)
Are you buying a monitor: Already have one (No)
Do you need to buy OS: Not sure. I have windows 7 on an old hard drive that I was hoping I could transfer.
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg, mostly. Not sure of many others (amazon?)
Location: Northeast USA
Parts Preferences: Prefer Intel and Nvidia, simply because I heard that AMD parts tend to run hotter and louder
Overclocking: Maybe, the idea is enticing but I'm not sure how to do it
SLI or Crossfire: No, not at this moment, maybe in the far future
Your Monitor Resolution: 1440x900, TV is 1080p
So yeah, I'm a complete newbie but I've been reading this site for a while, I don't know much about hardware but the idea of building a computer or having a really nice one has always fascinated me.