Help buying gaming PC

[tunola]

Normally I would exhaustively research buying my new computer myself, but since starting my new job, I have zero time for that. After reading many articles on Alienware vs. no-name brand vs. Dell XPS, Intel i7 vs. AMD, etc., I gave up and am turning to the forums for advice so I can put the PC on my Christmas list :) What I'm looking for is a gaming PC powerful enough to run Crysis (I'm using this as my benchmark). My budget's between $1,000-$1,500 (no monitor needed). If you can provide me with a link to the PC, I would greatly appreciate it.

[tunola]

Saw this FAQ on another forum and thought it might help:

General Questions

1) What is your budget?

$1,000-$1,500

2) What size desktop would you prefer?

a. Compact (Think Mac Mini)
b. Mainstream (Think average Dell)
c. Large (Think gamer's desktop)
d. All-In-One (Think iMac)

Large (though the Dell XPS One looks pretty cool though I don't know how it is for making upgrades)

3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in. (Since Flags do not appear to be working right now, just state what country.)

USA

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?

I'm a little wary of the mainstream Gateway, HP, Dell (contrary to prior statement), but I'm not sure how their high performance PCs are

5) What tasks will you be performing with the desktop?

Will have LOTS of apps running with a lot of multitasking as well as gaming

6) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?

I'm using Crysis as my benchmark-- I want to be able to play any game on the market

7) Do you mind buying online without seeing the desktop in person?

Not at all

10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.

Must be Windows


Build Quality and Design

14) Are the desktop's looks and stylishness important to you?

I'd definitely prefer a sleek, cool style, but if the price is right, I'm not too concerned

15) When are you buying this desktop and how long do you want this desktop to last?

It will be bought within the next week. I've had my current PC for over 4 years (hence the need to replace), but I keep them for awhile

Desktop Components

16) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 2TB?

I currently have a 60GB hard drive, and it's pretty much all used up. So I'll need some room

17) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive?

Definitely need a CD burner, a DVD burner would be preferable (since I do occasionally burn DVDs), and Blu-ray would be cool but not a requirement at all

18) Have you entertained the idea of building your own?

I have wanted to, I'd love to, but I like having a manufacturer's warranty, and my new job is a complete time suck

Thank you in advance for your help and suggestions!

[George Hallam]

Just a few days ago someone wanted exactly the same have a look ;)

http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=67065

[waynec121]

haha nice thats my thread...and yea im still going to do the build you suggested but with the two 4850s its just a matter of waiting until xmas now haha : ) thanks again every1