I would like some help in choosing components for a new computer build, primarily used for gaming. I'm fairly "new" to computer building, having been "involved" in my last build about 7 years ago.
Following the guidelines of the sticky above...
1) What are you going to use the PC for? Primarily Gaming
2)How much is your budget? Around $1500 USD, but 200 or so more isnt a deal breaker
3)Where are you located? (a.k.a. fill out your profile) USA
4)Are you willing to buy online? newegg preferred
5)Are you going to re-use any parts from an earlier build? not likely, other than peripherals
6)Do you need other peripherals like a monitor, keyboard and mouse, among others? Monitor suggestions are welcomed, but don't factor into the budget mentioned
7)Have you already bought any parts? No
8)Do you have an Operating System (OS)? Will need new, windows 7 preferred
9)Will you need any aftermarket cooling, such as a CPU\GPU cooler or a watercooling setup? One of the things I really need help with.
I plan on building this computer ASAP, and it will be my first completely "on my own". I may have some help, but I'm not counting on it and the fellow is somewhat slow to respond to my questions.
In addition, I have assumed the following unless someone convinces me otherwise:
PROCESSOR: AMD Phenom II X4 955. I'm partial to AMDs, as they have served me well in the past.
MOBO: Open to suggestions, may depend on video card. May consider adding tv tuner at some point in future, if that makes a difference.
VIDEO CARD(S): I'm thinking that one great card would be better than two meh cards. Again, open to suggestions.
HARD DRIVE: WD Caviar Black, 1TB.
MEMORY: I'm thinking I'd like 8GB to start, but am open to suggestions on specifics.
POWER SUPPLY: I'm thinking a Corsair variety, with wattage largely dependant upon choices above.
CASE: Current case in Antec Sonata, and is quiet and not too flashy. I like Antec very well. With the case, I'm mostly interested in ease of installation/room, and keeping things cool. I could care less about lights and windows and crap (would prefer not having them, but not a deal killer)
OPERATING SYSTEM: Probably Windows 7 Professional, unless there is a reason for ultimate based on what I've stated. I think Home has some shortcomings, starting with my reading that only Pro and Ultimate have an "XP mode".
DISK DRIVE: Insert random LG or Samsung drive here (suggestions welcome, but I don't know that it matters too much).
Again, monitor suggestions and cooling requirements would be helpful, I'm not too sure about the cooling. Sound isn't too important as I'm forced to play with headphones often. I'd like to be able to play anything from oldies like Tropico, to online games like WoW, to a game like Diablo or Crysis. If a game like Crysis isn't maxed out, I'll live, but generally, I'd like to go to a random local store, buy most any game off the shelf, and know that I can play it on the most advanced graphics settings. I plan on keeping my existing computer intact for the lesser games as necessary, internet, office applications, etc.
Sorry about the length, thanks in advance for any advice.
Following the guidelines of the sticky above...
1) What are you going to use the PC for? Primarily Gaming
2)How much is your budget? Around $1500 USD, but 200 or so more isnt a deal breaker
3)Where are you located? (a.k.a. fill out your profile) USA
4)Are you willing to buy online? newegg preferred
5)Are you going to re-use any parts from an earlier build? not likely, other than peripherals
6)Do you need other peripherals like a monitor, keyboard and mouse, among others? Monitor suggestions are welcomed, but don't factor into the budget mentioned
7)Have you already bought any parts? No
8)Do you have an Operating System (OS)? Will need new, windows 7 preferred
9)Will you need any aftermarket cooling, such as a CPU\GPU cooler or a watercooling setup? One of the things I really need help with.
I plan on building this computer ASAP, and it will be my first completely "on my own". I may have some help, but I'm not counting on it and the fellow is somewhat slow to respond to my questions.
In addition, I have assumed the following unless someone convinces me otherwise:
PROCESSOR: AMD Phenom II X4 955. I'm partial to AMDs, as they have served me well in the past.
MOBO: Open to suggestions, may depend on video card. May consider adding tv tuner at some point in future, if that makes a difference.
VIDEO CARD(S): I'm thinking that one great card would be better than two meh cards. Again, open to suggestions.
HARD DRIVE: WD Caviar Black, 1TB.
MEMORY: I'm thinking I'd like 8GB to start, but am open to suggestions on specifics.
POWER SUPPLY: I'm thinking a Corsair variety, with wattage largely dependant upon choices above.
CASE: Current case in Antec Sonata, and is quiet and not too flashy. I like Antec very well. With the case, I'm mostly interested in ease of installation/room, and keeping things cool. I could care less about lights and windows and crap (would prefer not having them, but not a deal killer)
OPERATING SYSTEM: Probably Windows 7 Professional, unless there is a reason for ultimate based on what I've stated. I think Home has some shortcomings, starting with my reading that only Pro and Ultimate have an "XP mode".
DISK DRIVE: Insert random LG or Samsung drive here (suggestions welcome, but I don't know that it matters too much).
Again, monitor suggestions and cooling requirements would be helpful, I'm not too sure about the cooling. Sound isn't too important as I'm forced to play with headphones often. I'd like to be able to play anything from oldies like Tropico, to online games like WoW, to a game like Diablo or Crysis. If a game like Crysis isn't maxed out, I'll live, but generally, I'd like to go to a random local store, buy most any game off the shelf, and know that I can play it on the most advanced graphics settings. I plan on keeping my existing computer intact for the lesser games as necessary, internet, office applications, etc.
Sorry about the length, thanks in advance for any advice.
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