Gaming computer instead of laptop

[i nEeD HeLp]

instead of getting a laptop i'd rather get a gaming computer. only problem is i dont really know whats good or not. so i decied to get a barbone set off of tigerdirect.CA or newegg.ca.

if some one can have a look at those site and pick out the best barebone computer for under $950 CDN, for me it would be much appreciated.

as i said i had a look around but i dont know what i was looking at.
my only request is that is comes with a video card and a a good CPU.

 

[digibucc]

instead of getting a laptop i'd rather get a gaming computer. only problem is i dont really know whats good or not. so i decied to get a barbone set off of tigerdirect.CA or newegg.ca.

if some one can have a look at those site and pick out the best barebone computer for under $950 CDN, for me it would be much appreciated.

as i said i had a look around but i dont know what i was looking at.
my only request is that is comes with a video card and a a good CPU.

you are aware that with a barebone - you have to (sometimes) have a case - but always need hdds and dvdr (if you use one) you'll need keyboard, mouse, erc as well. I assume you know that , but wanted to make sure.

the reason I bring it up - is that if you are going to spend 950 on a barebones - spend 950 on individual parts and you will get a better deal (better components, same price)

is there a reason you don't want to do that? I know unfamiliarity is the major one - but if you are going to screw with a barebones , you're only a few steps away from having built one from scratch. plug in ram , cpu and mobo into case - and there's your barebones.

 

[i nEeD HeLp]

it is going to take me a long time to get all the parts together and make sure they all will work together.
unless you would want to get the parts for me and send me the list.

NOTE: i have never built a computer. but i did install a power supply and video cards.

and would this be a good gaming pc able to play latest games?

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4815094&CatId=2431

 

[DonInKansas]

What resolution is your monitor?

 

[i nEeD HeLp]

looking to get a new one. getting after computer is done

prob going to be a 18-22 inch lcd

ps. i will be gone a while so i wont respond

 

[digibucc]

it is going to take me a long time to get all the parts together and make sure they all will work together.
unless you would want to get the parts for me and send me the list.

NOTE: i have never built a computer. but i did install a power supply and video cards.

and would this be a good gaming pc able to play latest games?

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4815094&CatId=2431

not really. I mean, it is a decent PC - but if you are buying one you'd be better off going up the curve a little , and actually get your moneys worth. for twice the money you could get something more than 4x as good. the parts are already outdated - so in another year they won't be able to keep playing new games.

I would suggest going the AMD route. here are some recommendations:

Motherboard : Asus M478-t
CPU: Phenom II x4 955
Ram: G-Skill 4GB pack
GPU: Sapphire 4870 1gb

totals 850 CAD ... no HDD or DVDr - it's barebones plus a fantastic GPU. they are all compatible. This is a top of the line CPU GPU combo , and the mobo is a very good one as well. G-skill ram is top notch.

what would be left to get is a case , and a hdd. 60 & 90 respectively. that puts it to right around 1000 - but belive me it is totally worth it , especially compared to the tiger direct rig you posted.

 

[i nEeD HeLp]

thanks man you are a saint

 

[Frick]

Miditowers take the parts without a problem. This is a cheap case, it's really nice considering it's so cheap.

If you're sort of cash, you can keep your current graphics card and upgrade that later on. It's still pretty good.

 

[DreamSeller]

but i did install a power supply and video cards.

once you've done that your very close to a builder the hardest part for me in building was getting the power button, front usbs... to the mobo the rest is just work my little 11 year old brother can do... so screw the barebone as mentioned above and built one yourself

 

[TheLaughingMan]

Here is a starting point.

This is just some rec. for a starting point. Please suggest other options for the new comer. Honestly, the hardest part is picking the parts. It is hard to pick what you want without being able to touch it and test it yourself. But TechPowerUp Forums has your back.

Also to help you with your build, since this is your first, click on this link. It is not as bad as you think, but you will need to be able to think on your feet.

Lifehacker's Guide to Building a Computer

Part list: Total Price ~ 910.34 CAD

DVD Burner: All the DVD burners under $40 are sold out at Newegg.com. Find one on TigerDirect.ca. They should still have some that are in the $20 to $26 price range.

Case: Nzxt Beta

Case Fan: Cooler Master R4 120mm

PSU: Rosewill 630W Active PFC 80+ Cert.

Mobo: MSi 790GX-G65

RAM: G.Skills Trident DDR3 1600 Mhz

GPU: HSI HD 4870 1 GB IceQ4+ edition

Coupon: 10% off any GPU up to $20 off with VGASALE10

CPU: AMD Phenom II X3 720BE

HDD: WD 640Gb Caviar Blue

Keyboard: RAZER Arctosa

Mouse: Logitech G5

 

[sttubs]

Don't forget to add in the cost of an OS. I'd suggest Vista Home Ultimate 64 bit, or at least Premiuim 64 bit.

 

[Kreij]

Forget about getting anything "barebones". Pick each part seperately.
Choose the parts based on what you want from them, not necessarily the price.
It is better to put a great system together and take a little longer (to get the money) than it is to rush in an get inexpensive stuff to try to fit a budget.

If you really want to a good deal, I would suggest being a constant visitor to the TPU B/S/T forum.

 

[TheLaughingMan]

Another great case

Cooler Master RC 690

With this case, you would not need to extra fan because it comes with 3 120mm fans. This case is $30 more, but better built.

 

[DR.Death]

here is a whole system thats good
http://www.greenlyph.com/new/product_info.php?cPath=23_82&products_id=348

 

[daragez]

here is a whole system thats good
http://www.greenlyph.com/new/product_info.php?cPath=23_82&products_id=348

nice link!....thanks

 

[m4gicfour]

DON'T FORGET CPU Heatsink/Fan!

Check whether or not the CPU you end up buying is "retail" or not. If you buy one labelled "OEM" or "Tray" then it WILL NOT come with a heatsink/fan. Also grab some Thermal Grease. Arctic Silver 5 or OCZ Ultra 5+ is a good choice (same product, different brand name)

It's a bit of a gotcha for newcomers. Also remember that any part labelled "OEM" generally does not come with manuals or cables, just the part itself.

Good luck on your first build!

 

[TheLaughingMan]

The Last piece to the puzzle.

Samsung 22X +/- DVD Burner $24.99 USD

I am firm believer in the price/performance ratio. Like the man said, save your money and get what you want in a system (plan for upgrades if needed).

I personally enjoy getting as much quality and performance into a budge as possible. I know you don't know me, but I wouldn't suggest something to someone if I wouldn't use it myself.

Good luck on your first build and the forums are always here for questions and help.