Moving to PC gaming

[Nosirrah]

So, simple enough, i'm moving to PC gaming now, and i need some advice on where to start, like recommendations and stuff.
Right now i'm using a laptop, and things aren't particularly great, even with flash games,so i want a full pc.


list of advice i need:
Types of pc w/ prices and examples of how it can run. (if possible could prices be in pounds (£) and if not, with an explanation of what currency it's in).
recommendations for games.
any guides for setting it up.

If you are going to tell me to build my own, just don't. i'm not good with these things and would rather have one made by people who know what they are doing.

(I apolagise if this in the wrong forum, it just seemed like it should be here.)

 

[sanquin]

I think we should start with what kind of budget you're on. Even if you only set one for yourself, it's best to know what kind of price range you're thinking of for buying a pre-built PC. I know a budget gaming PC can be made for as little as 500 dollars. (319 pounds.) A good budget PC can go up to...maybe 700 dollars? (447 pounds)

As for games;
1: Planetside 2. It apparently will come out for consoles as well. But right now it's still only PC.
2: Starcraft 2. It's not for everyone. But if you like RTS even a little bit this game will be great.
3: Oblivion or Skyrim. Oblivion was the better game, imo. Though skyrim definitely has it's plus points as well. Oblivion will be easier on a budget PC's hardware though. With mods, either game can become great or even awesome.
4: Neverwinter. A pretty good action mmorpg. It claims to be a D&D 4.0 game, but I concur. Just see it as a stand-alone mmorpg.
5: If your PC can handle it, Witcher 2. I advise you to first watch some gameplay vids, as the game is definitely not for everyone. But I consider it a very good RPG. Better than oblivion/skyrim in many aspects. Just...not for everyone as I said.
6: Trackmania if you're into racing games and like to play with friends. It's a lot of fun when playing with 2 or more.
7: Minecraft. Not sure if you've played it yet, but it's a game that everyone must try, imo. Even if they end up not liking it.

As for setting it up. If you get a pre-built PC there's no real setting up I guess. Apart from the standard screens you get when getting any new windows based system, and the cables you need to plug into the right slots. (the cables can only really go into one slot properly.)

If I lived near you I would build the PC for you free of charge so you would get more bang for your buck. Sadly I live in the Netherlands, so no help there. ^^;; Good luck on finding the right PC for you.

OT:
captcha: oontz oontz. I...I don't even...

 

[OneCatch]

So, simple enough, i'm moving to PC gaming now, and i need some advice on where to start, like recommendations and stuff.
Right now i'm using a laptop, and things aren't particularly great, even with flash games,so i want a full pc.


list of advice i need:
Types of pc w/ prices and examples of how it can run. (if possible could prices be in pounds (£) and if not, with an explanation of what currency it's in).
recommendations for games.
any guides for setting it up.

If you are going to tell me to build my own, just don't. i'm not good with these things and would rather have one made by people who know what they are doing.

(I apolagise if this in the wrong forum, it just seemed like it should be here.)

I'd recommend going for a specifically gaming-oriented retailer. They'll generally build with modular components which is far better if you were to upgrade or replace anything, and they offer overclocking and decent warranties. And they'll probably be the most cost efficient for gaming-specific builds because you can get exactly what specs you need and nothing superfluous.
Out of interest, whereabouts in the UK are you?

General UK examples:

http://www.ukgamingcomputers.co.uk/

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/

http://www.cyberpowersystem.co.uk/

I built my own but bought components from OCUK and haven't had any problems - second on the list, they do custom-builds as well.
Anyway, check some of the builds they have at the above to get an idea of costs and capabilities.

As for games, basically you can get anything that isn't console exclusive.
For starters, let yourself loose on Steam and see what interests you. What's mostly unique to PC gaming is the massive indie market, and strategy games.
With indie stuff you (as a very rough rule of thumb) get cheaper, more niche games - everything from communist bureaucracy simulators [http://store.steampowered.com/app/239030/?snr=1_7_15__13] to first person tower defense [http://store.steampowered.com/app/91600/] to arty non-euclidian puzzle games [http://store.steampowered.com/app/219890/]. Find something that interests you!
In terms of strategy look into the X-COM, Civilisation, Company of Heroes, and Total War franchises to start with, then branch out!

If there's a more specific genre of game you're interested in, let us know and I'll try to come up with some more tailored suggestions.