Noob looking for a budget gaming PC

[conspiritual]

I was originally planning on building my own PC, but since I don't know much (anything?) about the guts of a PC I'd rather save myself the headache and buy one already built.

This PC is for $700. I like that price, but I might be willing to go as high as $1k if it's really worth it.

# Case : AREA 51 Gaming Case
# MoBo : NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI Motherboard
# CPUs : Intel Pent. D 830 3.0GHz Dual Core
# Hard Drive : WD 250GB 3.0GB/s SATA2, 7200rpm
# Memory : 4GB (2x2GB) 800Mhz memory
# DVD Drive : 20x DVDRW IDE DVD Burner
# 3.5 Drive : None
# Video : Dual Graphics 2 x 8500GT 512mb ea. SLI
# Power Supply : Logisys 580w SLI certified PSU
# Ethernet : On Board 10/100Mbps LAN connection
# Windows OS : Windows XP PRO SP2 Installed



Now some questions for those that know about this kind of thing...

Is this a good deal? Is this PC easily upgradeable?

I found this PC at halocomputers.com ... anyone buy something from them before and could share their experience?

If there's anything else I should know please tell me. Thanks :D

[mostafa179]

OK, you need a better CPU. I think the Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 would be good. Not sure but others will be able to help.

[Lostatsea3]

Why halocomputers?

Go to Newegg.com and probably take atleast 10% off that price... maybe more. As for your computer... well budget and gaming don't really go together... for 1k though you can get a pretty good computer. I'll post a setup later... bit preoccupied right now. Sorry

[conspiritual]

Thanks guys.

You're right Newegg looks like it has good prices. I don't know why I didn't check there first :confused:

Can you tell me what you think of this and if it will be easy to upgrade it in the future?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227071

That will cost around $950 after shipping.

I guess what I'm wondering is, if I go up to around $1200 will that make a big difference in performance? I guess I can go a bit over $1k if in the long run it will be worth it...

[pangea33]

It seems like every time I turn around I am amazed at how inexpensive computers are becoming. This happens continuously, since I was a child. Moore's law in action, but it still never ceases to amaze me.

[Lostatsea3]

Well... it's cheaper to build one. That one there could probably be built for around $700 or so. If you don't want to build one your own... I'll build it. It'd still be cheaper.

[callistra]

LOL no kidding Losta.. building is the way to go. Do NOT buy from ibuypower or cyberpower. They are dishonest companies.. may be the same company in fact. They both use refurbished parts to get the prices down and they have HORRIBLE tech support. Seriously pray that you never have to use it. You also risk your computer arriving put together incorrectly and/or with defective parts. Terrible wire management and having things not plugged in are common problems.

AVADirect.com is good for prebuilts but still.. build it: http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=9637086 That's assuming you have all your peripherals like mouse, keyboard, monitor etc and that you have your own OS.. if you're more specific about what you need that can be adjusted. That list there comes to jabout $950 including shipping and all rebates.

Now for something in the $700 price range: http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=9637406 $696.34 after rebates and shipping.

[cmeyvin]

I'll say build your own PC or get the $950 one callistra mentioned. If u wanna build ur own pc then we r here to help u.

[hockey man]

If you buy a PC made, you are going to be stuck with the components that they choose. If you custom build, you will be able to pick the best blend of price/performance with future upgrades in mind. The extra 300 dollars does make for a nicer build. One question though, do you need an Os, monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc? Cause those will add to the price.

My suggestion would be to go with callistra's first list, but substitute the PSU for the one on his more expensive list and then add this video card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129113