Newb Needs Direction

[DarkFriend]

As a total newb to building PCs, I wanted some direction if possible. Looking all over the web for pre-built systems, I'm totally lost as far as what is good, and what's a good deal. I've got $1200 to spend on the system, and I already have a monitor. For someone that's never built a gaming system before, I'm worried I'll not get the right power supply, not enough fans, or end up making a system that's loud and outdated before it is complete.

 

For someone like me, is it better to buy pre-built or build?

 

If build is the answer, are there any current spec sheets available so I can order easily without having to figure out what is good and bad?

 

Many thanks!

[suchuwato]

Simple... ask what's good here - I'm sure OCC is up to the task of specing a system

 

Any specific requirements?

[DarkFriend]

Thanks! In short, I'd like to be able to play games like Crysis and Gears of War with well above average graphical settings and have it run smoothly. DirectX 10 would be required. Minimum HD space should be 250 GB, and I need a firewire input. Other than that, I'm open. Just looking for a screaming system that will play games without hiccups. I don't really need a fancy case, just one that has the typical options (front headphone, front USB, etc). I'd love to be able to purchase everything from one online store if possible. Thanks again for any recommendations.

Edited December 18, 2007 by DarkFriend

[kingdingeling]

Welcome to the forums first

 

Pre-Builts are more expensive usually, but you gain the factor of convenience for the noob. However, if you decide to go and buy your own parts and put them together, you'll save money, and definetly have fun building it as well Everything only fits in one spot usually, so you won't be able to plug your RAM into your video card slot.

 

Also, this forum will be able to help you out greatly when building the rig. Where are you from? If you could tell us that, me or some other member (coughcoughverrancough ) could price out a sweet system for ya

[DarkFriend]

Seeing a lot of European friends here, so I thought I'd mention I'm in the USA.

[kingdingeling]

Yea, just cause the Europeans are posting at this time of day does not mean we have the majority... but we're working on it

[HoboBen]

For my first build, I used building a pc for dummies. Certainly not the end all be all, but was helpful for explaining some of the things I now take for granted.. At the same time, I still use as reference sometimes if I am unable to trouble shoot something.. There are now (and probabaly then too) probably much better books out, and I bet you could pick up for under ten bucks. Good luck to ya.

[cchalogamer]

Let me introduce you to your new friend Newegg Here in the IS it's one of the best places to get PC parts at a good price (however shopping aroudn can occasionally gain you a decent chunk of cash if your effort is worth the return to you, however newegg has one of the best parts search setups on the internet so you'll see it referenced 99% of the time for us US ppls.

 

I think ill take a few minutes and see what i can piece together.

 

EDIT:

 

Newegg Wish List

 

Still needs a case, but i have no idea what you like. You will likely need/want some additional fans and other "things" such as possibly an aftermarket CPU cooler. Crysis will still bring it down, but incase you havent noticed in TRUE high settings it brings most EVERYTHING down.

 

A note on some of the choices, The board is very friendly to beginners with great support for OCing later on. The CPUis a toss up, you could easily replace it with a Q6600, but honestly it's all personal preference and I'm staying out of that one. Hard Drive is my most recent purchase and I have to say, best single drive configuration ive ever used with GREAT speed and none of the BS that ive gotten with my 320s. Optical drive is also the same model I run, more of a "great brand, and i know it isnt loud as hell" choice than anything else, anytime an optical drive is louder than my dual 114CFM fan config @ 12v we have a problem (dont buy thoes, only buy them when you finally go PC OC watercool crazy). The ram is a personal favorite based on the customer service I've gotten from crucial, evga video card again because of service and step-up options to newer and better things within 90days of purchase. And for the current price that PSU kicks a bit of .

 

I'm sure you'll get many more options soon enough, but the end result is you'll be a step closer to buildign your own PC and not overpaying for lesser prebuilt parts.

 

Oh another thing, I didnt select an OS for a few reasons, assuming you mgiht keep your current copy of XP/Vista and if not then I dont know which you would rather be running, personally XP will be my gaming OS for awhile longer.

 

Also I may have forgoten something real simple in my haste to leave home so sorry if so, im sure someone will tell me and "correct" it if so