I'm a PC noob and I need help buying a new computer

Where to begin...

Well, I really need a new computer. The one I have is almost 8 yrs old now. I don't really know much about computers so I would really appreciate the help.

I would like to get the best gaming PC that $750-$850 can buy (I'll be flexible with the price if neccessary).

The problem is I don't know where to start. I've been to some sites where you can choose parts for a custom made PC and they build it for you.

This seems to be my most feasable option since I know nothing about building computers myself.

My question is which one of these sites would you reccomend the most? I don't know which is the most trustworthy.

Also, what should I look for when it comes to the CPU, graphics card, RAM, etc in my price range?

I'm looking for a tower, not a laptop in case you needed to know.

As you can see I know pretty much nothing about this stuff so I can really use some help. Thanks.

Where to begin...

Well, I really need a new computer. The one I have is almost 8 yrs old now. I don't really know much about computers so I would really appreciate the help.

I would like to get the best gaming PC that $750-$850 can buy (I'll be flexible with the price if neccessary).

The problem is I don't know where to start. I've been to some sites where you can choose parts for a custom made PC and they build it for you.

This seems to be my most feasable option since I know nothing about building computers myself.

My question is which one of these sites would you reccomend the most? I don't know which is the most trustworthy.

Also, what should I look for when it comes to the CPU, graphics card, RAM, etc in my price range?

I'm looking for a tower, not a laptop in case you needed to know.

As you can see I know pretty much nothing about this stuff so I can really use some help. Thanks.

Lobster_Ear

[QUOTE="Lobster_Ear"]

Where to begin...

Well, I really need a new computer. The one I have is almost 8 yrs old now. I don't really know much about computers so I would really appreciate the help.

I would like to get the best gaming PC that $750-$850 can buy (I'll be flexible with the price if neccessary).

The problem is I don't know where to start. I've been to some sites where you can choose parts for a custom made PC and they build it for you.

This seems to be my most feasable option since I know nothing about building computers myself.

My question is which one of these sites would you reccomend the most? I don't know which is the most trustworthy.

Also, what should I look for when it comes to the CPU, graphics card, RAM, etc in my price range?

I'm looking for a tower, not a laptop in case you needed to know.

As you can see I know pretty much nothing about this stuff so I can really use some help. Thanks.

neatfeatguy

Here's a build from ibuypower.com (same company as cyberpower.com). They are an okay company. I bought my first custom built PC from them. It showed up on time, everything worked from the start. The tech support...well, the people I spoke to on the phone about a technical question....well, they were as dumb as rocks. So don't expect too much from the customer support aspect if you're looking for technical answers.

The PC isn't the best you can do for $800-850, but it's not bad either. You could build a better PC with quality parts for the same cost (give or take a little).

If you truly decide that you don't want to build a PC on your own and are going to get a custom built one, AMD Phenom II chips will be the best bang for your buck. If you custom build, you could probably do away with getting a faster Intel setup, but if you're just gaming and doing every day stuff (internet, listen to music, watch movies and such) then the Phenom II chips will be plenty good for you.

• Case ([$15 OFF Mail-In Rebate] Nzxt Apollo Gaming Tower Case w/420W Power Supply Black)
• Case Lighting (None)Power Supply (500 Watt -- Power Supply)
• Processor ([== Triple Core ==] AMD Phenom™ II X3 720 Triple-Core CPU w/ HyperTransport Technology AM3 & AM2+ support)
• Processor Cooling (Certified CPU Fan and Heatsink)
• Motherboard (Asus M3A78-CM AMD 780V/SB700 Chipset w/Integrated ATI video, 8-channels, Gb LAN, S-ATA Raid, USB 2.0, Single PCI-E MB)
• Memory (4 GB [2 GB X2] DDR2-800 PC6400 Memory Module Corsair-Value or Major Brand)
• Video Card (ATI Radeon HD 4870 1GB PCI-Express x16)
• Hard Drive (320 GB HARD DRIVE [Serial-ATA-II, 3Gb, 7200 RPM, 16M Cache])
• CD-RW/DVD-RW Drive (Sony Dual Format/Double Layer 20X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW Drive Black)
• Sound Card (3D Premium Surround Sound Onboard)
• Speaker System (None)
• Network Card (Onboard LAN Network (Gb or 10/100))
• Floppy Drive (None)
• Monitor (None)
• USB 2.0 Accessories (Built-in USB 2.0 Ports)
• Operating System (Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium + [Free 60-Day !!!] Microsoft Office 2007(Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access ....) 64-Bit)
• Warranty (Standard Warranty Service Standard 3-Year Limited Warranty + Lifetime Technical Support)
• Rush Service (Rush Service Fee (not shipping fee) No Rush Service, Estimate Ship Out in 5~10 Business Days)
• 
  
• Sub Total:$822.00

Wow, thanks. I'll definitely check that out, but I've heard some bad reviews about ibuypower.com. Are they the best site for what I need?Lobster_Ear

I'm starting to think that maybe I'll build my own. I just don't know what I have to get and how to check if everything is compatible with one another.Lobster_Ear

When you get a CPU, it's designed specifically with a certain amount of pins to fit certain socket types on the motherboards. AMD's new chips utilize the AM2+ or AM3 sockets; whereas Intel's new chips utilize a 775 or 1366 socket.

You need a motherboard that will be able to support the CPU you're looking at.

Here's a quick example:

AMD Phenom II x3 720 (AM3 socket - is backward compatible with certain AM2/AM2+ motherboards, you must consult the motherboard manufacturer webpage to see if they'll work together. But to keep things simple, we'll just find a motherboard that supports AM3): on the provided link, if you're uncertain what CPU socket the processor fits, just click on the Specification tab and look where it says: CPU Socket Type | Socket AM3

ASUS M4A78T-E AM3This motherboard is designed to house AM3 socket CPUs. Just like with the CPU link above, if you're not sure what socket type the motherboard you're look at is, just click on the Specifications tab and it'll list the CPU Socket Type.

Take some time to look around and find out what goes with what. The new AM3 supporting motherboards and LGA1366 socket motherboards for Intel's i7 CPUs only work with DDR3 memory...those sort of things. It seems complicated at first, but after asking questions, looking around, putting parts together and asking for help if things work or not; in a few days you'll soon have a good basic understanding of what parts work with what.

Putting computers together is a lot easier then most people think. There are some very good guides out there. If you can't find anything useful then just ask here and people can post some good links.

It seems overwhelming at first, but give it a couple of days and things will really start to make sense. I purchase most of my parts from newegg.com, I find that newegg generally has the easiest website to navigate and find useful information on items. You can also check out tigerdirect.com, mwave.com and I've even used buy.com for a few computer parts in the past.

Remember, take it slow and easy and ask for help if you can't figure things out. We'll do what we can to help you. Also, if you want some other good advice, you could check out techpowerup.com. Lots of computer savay people frequent that forum.

The notion of building my own kind of intimidates me since I don't even know the first step to it and it seems like a lot of tedious research and work to get all the parts, but I still haven't ruled it out entirely.Lobster_Ear

Usually someone here will spec one for you.

Though one recommendation i'ld give is that just because a case is just a box dosn't mean you don't have to know about computers to get a good one.

This is sure to work, and you can't find a better build for the price:

CPU: E8400

Motherboard: Gigabyte EP45-UD3R

Case: Antec 300

Power supply: PC Power & Cooling Silencer PPCS500

RAM: G.SKILL HK 4GB

Hard drive: Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS

Graphics card: EVGA GTX 260 [OR] Sapphire HD4870

Optical drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136144

Total will be way less than your budget, probably like $500-$600 at most. If you would like to spend a bit more get a better video card like the 4850X2 or 2 4770's in Crossfire (these to are the best bang per buck you'll ever see).

If you would like to overclock your system, you will need a better CPU cooler such as this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835207006

I know building your own computer sounds risky, especially when you can get a similar build on cyberpower.com for $200 more, but the parts you buy are top-notch and come with great warranty, unlike the pre-builts, which usually have **** parts except for CPU and GPU because everyone thinks that they are the only parts that matter.

Really? Because the X2 550 or the X3 720 are much better values, the latter beating the E8400, and the X2 550 up to par and even in some cases, beats the E8400.

Not sure why people are still recommending stuff on the LGA 775 chipset - AM2+ is compatible with AM3, at least for now, so it's more future proof.

If you want intel right now, go with i7, otherwise.... why go on a dead end chipset.

Really? Because the X2 550 or the X3 720 are much better values, the latter beating the E8400, and the X2 550 up to par and even in some cases, beats the E8400.

Not sure why people are still recommending stuff on the LGA 775 chipset - AM2+ is compatible with AM3, at least for now, so it's more future proof.

If you want intel right now, go with i7, otherwise.... why go on a dead end chipset.

Hitsuguya

Nothing beats the E8400 in gaming, even in quad-core optimized games, not even the almighty Core i7, so why would a triple core be? Try to find a $270 motherboard/CPU combo that can hit 4Ghz without any voltage adjustment... Yeah that's right, only the E8400 can achieve that.

If AMD has anything good, it's their Phenom II X4, but they are horrible for gaming when compared to the E8400, like any quad core.

Wow, guys thanks for all the help. I'm still conflicted on the subject of intel vs. AMD though. This is tough. lol.Lobster_Ear

Ok I'll try to make it simple for you: Dual Core for gaming and basic functions (surfing the web, anti-virus, etc.), Quad Core if you do something more CPU-intensive (photoshop, AutoCAD, etc.)

Good AMD dual cores: Phenom II X2 series

Good AMD quad cores: Phenom II X4 series

You shouldn't be getting anything else from them.

Good Intel dual cores (from best performance to best value): E8400, E7400, E5400

Good Intel quad cores (from best performance to best value): Core i7 series, Q9400, Q8400

The rest from Intel are either overpriced or beaten by AMD.

I might have forgotten some, but these are the main CPU's to consider.

I suggest you go with my build, and DON'T buy that pre-built system or you'll solemnly regret it later. If you don't like Intel then go for Phenom II.

[QUOTE="Lobster_Ear"]Wow, guys thanks for all the help. I'm still conflicted on the subject of intel vs. AMD though. This is tough. lol.Hanass

Ok I'll try to make it simple for you: Dual Core for gaming and basic functions (surfing the web, anti-virus, etc.), Quad Core if you do something more CPU-intensive (photoshop, AutoCAD, etc.)

Good AMD dual cores: Phenom II X2 series

Good AMD quad cores: Phenom II X4 series

You shouldn't be getting anything else from them.

Good Intel dual cores (from best performance to best value): E8400, E7400, E5400

Good Intel quad cores (from best performance to best value): Core i7 series, Q9400, Q8400

The rest from Intel are either overpriced or beaten by AMD.

I might have forgotten some, but these are the main CPU's to consider.

I suggest you go with my build, and DON'T buy that pre-built system or you'll solemnly regret it later. If you don't like Intel then go for Phenom II.

[QUOTE="Lobster_Ear"]Wow, guys thanks for all the help. I'm still conflicted on the subject of intel vs. AMD though. This is tough. lol.Hanass

Ok I'll try to make it simple for you: Dual Core for gaming and basic functions (surfing the web, anti-virus, etc.), Quad Core if you do something more CPU-intensive (photoshop, AutoCAD, etc.)

Good AMD dual cores: Phenom II X2 series

Good AMD quad cores: Phenom II X4 series

You shouldn't be getting anything else from them.

Good Intel dual cores (from best performance to best value): E8400, E7400, E5400

Good Intel quad cores (from best performance to best value): Core i7 series, Q9400, Q8400

The rest from Intel are either overpriced or beaten by AMD.

I might have forgotten some, but these are the main CPU's to consider.

I suggest you go with my build, and DON'T buy that pre-built system or you'll solemnly regret it later. If you don't like Intel then go for Phenom II.

Any Phenom II chip, even the x3 (triple-core) will do you wonders for gaming and every day use if you don't like Intel. Or the Intel chips that Hanass suggested, if you don't like AMD. Lots of options so enjoy your time searching around and learning what you can.

[QUOTE="Hitsuguya"]

Really? Because the X2 550 or the X3 720 are much better values, the latter beating the E8400, and the X2 550 up to par and even in some cases, beats the E8400.

Not sure why people are still recommending stuff on the LGA 775 chipset - AM2+ is compatible with AM3, at least for now, so it's more future proof.

If you want intel right now, go with i7, otherwise.... why go on a dead end chipset.

Hanass

Nothing beats the E8400 in gaming, even in quad-core optimized games, not even the almighty Core i7, so why would a triple core be? Try to find a $270 motherboard/CPU combo that can hit 4Ghz without any voltage adjustment... Yeah that's right, only the E8400 can achieve that.

If AMD has anything good, it's their Phenom II X4, but they are horrible for gaming when compared to the E8400, like any quad core.

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/build_a_500_pc_play_crysis_40fps

That's a good place to start. It has a whole step-by-step guide on how to assemble the computer since this is your first time. Since your budget is a little more, i'd definetly suggest spending a little more the CPU, RAM, and the HD. As for the OS, download Windows 7 RC.

[QUOTE="Hanass"]

[QUOTE="Hitsuguya"]

Really? Because the X2 550 or the X3 720 are much better values, the latter beating the E8400, and the X2 550 up to par and even in some cases, beats the E8400.

Not sure why people are still recommending stuff on the LGA 775 chipset - AM2+ is compatible with AM3, at least for now, so it's more future proof.

If you want intel right now, go with i7, otherwise.... why go on a dead end chipset.

Hitsuguya

Nothing beats the E8400 in gaming, even in quad-core optimized games, not even the almighty Core i7, so why would a triple core be? Try to find a $270 motherboard/CPU combo that can hit 4Ghz without any voltage adjustment... Yeah that's right, only the E8400 can achieve that.

If AMD has anything good, it's their Phenom II X4, but they are horrible for gaming when compared to the E8400, like any quad core.

Too bad E8400 can get to 4.3-4.5 Ghz with the new stepping. And I don't mind paying $100 for a very overclockable motherboard, and then pay another $100 for the P55 chipset when it comes out instead of $250 on a mainstream "future-proof" board.

Too bad E8400 can get to 4.3-4.5 Ghz with the new stepping. And I don't mind paying $100 for a very overclockable motherboard, and then pay another $100 for the P55 chipset when it comes out instead of $250 on a mainstream "future-proof" board.

Hanass

Except that P55 boards are socket 1156, which isn't compatible with socket 775 CPU's...

Also, check any review, such as this one and you can clearly see that quad cores perform equal to or better than dual cores in gaming for near the same price. They also outperform duals in any other multithreaded application and multitasking.

To the topic creator, I would highly recommend looking into an AMD Phenom II X4 940. A great processor for a great price.