Hello fellow escapists, I'm looking to build a new PC, but I have little experience in this field. Let me open by thanking everyone in advance for any help they can provide, I'll even accept troll comments, such as "lolnoob." I've always bought pre-built HP computers, and they have all been rubbish when it comes to gaming, so now that I've got a fat tax return, its time to upgrade. But, where do I start?
(Note: Australian resident)
When it comes to computer construction, I've only done basic tasks, like installing more RAM and replacing GFX cards. When it comes to motherboards...clueless, I get freaked out by all the different abbreviations and numbers.
Ideally, I want a PC that can run all these big release games coming out this year on high (max not required) graphics.(BF3, TES:Skyrim) I should note, I want a computer (or case?) compatible with USB 3.0. My budget was initially $1500 (for Pc tower only, no peripherals) but my local techy said I'd get nothing decent for less then $1800-2000. So I am willing to stretch the budget, I guess.
Been asking around, and I've heard good things about msy.com.au so I've done some searching and found what I think is required, but please correct my numerous errors...
Case :
Case doesn't concern me too much, as long as it has adequate ventilation so nothing overheats.
Motherboard :
Absolutely 0 idea about Motherboards, I look at the options and have /confused face ?.?
CPU :
Intel Core i7-2600 1155pin Boxed CPU $285.00
Not too sure here, I assume you need the pins to match up to the motherboard. Anyway, i-7 3.4ghz core.
Graphics Card:
Gigabyte 1280M GTX570 PCI-E VGA Card $360.00
or
Gigabyte 1536M GTX580 PCI-E VGA Card $513.00
Leaning more towards the 570, I believe that I can add another one at a later date for SLI setup. If I am unhappy with the performance, that is. Again, I have trouble with the AGP / PCI end of things, not sure which would be needed.
Power Supply :
Antec HCG-900 High Current Gamer Gaming PSU $156.00
Had planned on going for a 750W power supply, but it would probably be safer to get a 850-900W supply, if I do end up going for SLI cards.
Storage :
WD 3.5" Blue 1TB WD10EALX SATA3 32M 7200rpm HDD $59.00
Not sure of the difference between a 2.5" or 3.5", I assume one is for notebooks, please let me know if there are compatibility issues. (Wish to steer away from Seagate products, heard only negative feedback from friends) Don't need a great deal of storage, have a secondary PC for anything non-gaming related.
Storage-SSD :
Kingston (SV100S2/64G) 2.5" 64GB SATA2 SSD HDD $105.00
Have heard amazing things about putting games onto SSD's. 64gb should be fine for whichever game I play the most, and windows boot files.
Optical Drive :
LG Blu-Ray SATA Writer $89.00
RAM :
There are just so many different varieties of RAM, totally confused. Thinking 8gig ram, probably split 4/4. Reasonably cheap, in the $100-130 mark. Would anything more then 8gig be needed?
Not sure if I missed any important components here... . Having never bought a computer in parts, I don't know whether I need to purchase things like sound card, network card, fans, cables or if it comes with the required things.
Finally, thanks for reading this wall of text, its taken me a long time to type out and keep in a format that isn't too imposing. Thanks again for any advice you can provide.
(Note: Australian resident)
When it comes to computer construction, I've only done basic tasks, like installing more RAM and replacing GFX cards. When it comes to motherboards...clueless, I get freaked out by all the different abbreviations and numbers.
Ideally, I want a PC that can run all these big release games coming out this year on high (max not required) graphics.(BF3, TES:Skyrim) I should note, I want a computer (or case?) compatible with USB 3.0. My budget was initially $1500 (for Pc tower only, no peripherals) but my local techy said I'd get nothing decent for less then $1800-2000. So I am willing to stretch the budget, I guess.
Been asking around, and I've heard good things about msy.com.au so I've done some searching and found what I think is required, but please correct my numerous errors...
Case :
Case doesn't concern me too much, as long as it has adequate ventilation so nothing overheats.
Motherboard :
Absolutely 0 idea about Motherboards, I look at the options and have /confused face ?.?
CPU :
Intel Core i7-2600 1155pin Boxed CPU $285.00
Not too sure here, I assume you need the pins to match up to the motherboard. Anyway, i-7 3.4ghz core.
Graphics Card:
Gigabyte 1280M GTX570 PCI-E VGA Card $360.00
or
Gigabyte 1536M GTX580 PCI-E VGA Card $513.00
Leaning more towards the 570, I believe that I can add another one at a later date for SLI setup. If I am unhappy with the performance, that is. Again, I have trouble with the AGP / PCI end of things, not sure which would be needed.
Power Supply :
Antec HCG-900 High Current Gamer Gaming PSU $156.00
Had planned on going for a 750W power supply, but it would probably be safer to get a 850-900W supply, if I do end up going for SLI cards.
Storage :
WD 3.5" Blue 1TB WD10EALX SATA3 32M 7200rpm HDD $59.00
Not sure of the difference between a 2.5" or 3.5", I assume one is for notebooks, please let me know if there are compatibility issues. (Wish to steer away from Seagate products, heard only negative feedback from friends) Don't need a great deal of storage, have a secondary PC for anything non-gaming related.
Storage-SSD :
Kingston (SV100S2/64G) 2.5" 64GB SATA2 SSD HDD $105.00
Have heard amazing things about putting games onto SSD's. 64gb should be fine for whichever game I play the most, and windows boot files.
Optical Drive :
LG Blu-Ray SATA Writer $89.00
RAM :
There are just so many different varieties of RAM, totally confused. Thinking 8gig ram, probably split 4/4. Reasonably cheap, in the $100-130 mark. Would anything more then 8gig be needed?
Not sure if I missed any important components here... . Having never bought a computer in parts, I don't know whether I need to purchase things like sound card, network card, fans, cables or if it comes with the required things.
Finally, thanks for reading this wall of text, its taken me a long time to type out and keep in a format that isn't too imposing. Thanks again for any advice you can provide.