Thread: Building a gaming machine!

Hey guys, I have been cruising the forums alot, trying to get my post count up, as it is fairly low considering I have been with TTP for about a year( on the servers that is)...and it seems like there are alot of knowledgable people here.

So first thing I must say is....I have NO EXPERIENCE building a computer. I mean, I have replaced parts here and there, RAM, graphics, ect. But nothing more than simple things.

I am looking to build a new machine, as it seems like you get the most out of your money. Not only that but it will be a great learning experience.

Anyways...so my budget is gonna be anywhere from $1000 to $1500. I also need a new moniter, and I haven't decided if I would include that in the budget.

So lets say I have about $1250 to spend on the actual computer.

I don't even know where to begin. My brother has a bit of experience adding to his, but I don't fully trust his judgement. :P

So, where do I start?

What are some good reccomendations for a motherboard, a graphics card, heat sink, ect?

Keep in mind I am not a HUGE graphics junkie, but I want to be able to play all the new games coming out smoothly, and have it looking great.

I can always upgrade in the future, I just need to know what I should be throwing the most money down for the core of the system.

ANYWAYS, sort of a long post but hopefully you bear through and can point me in the right direction. Once I get all the parts here, I can figure it out how to assemble it all easy enough I'm sure.

Thanks for any help you can give!

Well that is great to hear! I wasn't quite expecting to get that good of a build, but awesome.

Thanks, and yes, some specific advice would be good.

Until then, I'll cruise that site.

*EDIT after seeing link.

Wow....that is quite the nice looking computer. I will look into it. That would leave me a good 500 for a new moniter, and maybe a kewboard mouse....thanks!

If you're going for a LCD monitor, try this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824001268

As far as the PC goes, I'd go for the E8500 and overclock that using a Thermalright Ultra 120 or a Tuniq Tower

I'd get Vista x64 and get 4 GB of DDR2 RAM, and find a nice mobo in your price range that has had good reviews with overclocking.

what i would look to put in it is

Core 2 Duo E8400 $170
GTX 260 $220 (after rebate)
EVGA 750i Mobo $180
2GB of mem $40
WD 640GB $75
Coolermaster 690 case & 550W PS $130
DVD burner $25
Arctic-Cooling Freezer 7 Pro $20
Creative X-Fi XtremeGamer $90
Win XP Pro

I have built MANY computers and repaired them, thats why I applyed for the (CIA) Counter Intelligence Agent at best buy, If you got teamspeak or something just send me a pm and we can talk about builds and parts. If you dont have teamspeak Ill put a comp together tonight and send you the specs and links. :9

Originally Posted by Paladinchan

what i would look to put in it is

Core 2 Duo E8400 $170
GTX 260 $220 (after rebate)
EVGA 750i Mobo $180
2GB of mem $40
WD 640GB $75
Coolermaster 690 case & 550W PS $130
DVD burner $25
Arctic-Cooling Freezer 7 Pro $20
Creative X-Fi XtremeGamer $90
Win XP Pro

Looking good, but I am a little skeptical about Intel, as I have been hearing that people prefer AMD over Intel.....most likely comes down to a personal choice, but I honestly have NOTHING to base an opinion off of, so I'll go with what I hear is the best. :P

Originally Posted by jason_jinx

Although that build was good for its time those 8800's are old news and there is no reason to buy them at this point.


The number one major question.

What res will you be playing at?

Not sure what res I'll be at....gonna be upgrading to a 22-24 inch widescreen I believe...so anywhere 1600x1200 and up.