Computer Newbie Needs Help.

[JumpStartx]

I'm new to computers and such and I'm looking to buy a new one. I understand this is the place to ask about builds and such, but at this point I'm just not very comfortable building one.

I have a budget of about $1,200 USD and I'm looking to moderate-heavy gaming, along with multi-tasking like music, downloading, etc.

The games I'm mostly going to be playing are World of Warcraft and such like that. The one I have now just isn't cutting it.

I know buying them is more expensive, I have thought about paying someone to build me one.

Thoughts, suggestions?

 

[Roguestar]

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2194271&enterthread=y

 

[JumpStartx]

I've seen that sticky, but I'm also asking about any general models of computers by any respected brands I could look at?

 

[Roguestar]

If you're looking for a pre-built computer that can deal with heavy gaming, be prepared to spend too much money for too little compared to building it yourself. Having said that, you could check out the Dell Outlet, they usually have decent deals on.

http://outlet.dell.com

 

[gplracer]

I just built the system in my signature and i am real happy with it. You could get the quad core or a dual core depending on your use. I changed the processor speed by going in the bios and changing the fsb from 266 to 333. I did not even have to up the voltage. It was just too easy. I plan to go higher.

 

[Cycad]

Just get a moderately priced pre-built computer for around $700 that has a PCIe slot and buy a good video card ie ATI 4850 or geforce equivalent approx $200 or less. A computer that's $700 will have sufficient cpu and RAM 4gb all that's needed for 99% of games. Adding or switching a video card is easy enough it's certainly not building your own computer and you will have a great gaming system. It's all in the video card most pre-built systems skimp on the video so they can offer you massive hard drives you don't need for more money than they're worth.

 

[CKent]

Building is much easier than you'd think. If you run into any problems you can just ask here and we'll be more than happy to offer advice. As another poster said, gaming prebuilts cost too much. It's only internet/email machines (eg. your parents' computer) that the prebuilt companies are competitive with.

 

[lxskllr]

For someone new a prebuilt is a pretty decent idea. That way they can see how their bought system compares with other's built systems, and he make some easy upgrades when the time comes. Add more memory, swap gfx cards, add an extra hd... That way he can start off slow, and won't be overwhelmed by a huge pile of parts sitting on the table, and a rats nest of wires.

I second the Dell suggestion. Get one with a good cpu, then lowball the gfx and ram. You can buy those cheaper on your own, and they're very easy to install.