[PC] Thinking of building/getting a PC for gaming....need help.

[ryne candy]

I know nothing about the workings of a PC. I just saw the mod for NBA 2K12 that has over 256 teams in it and it looks awesome. If anyone with knowledge of PC gaming could give me pointers that would be greatly appreciated. I know it can be $$$, but whatever would allow me to play all the sports games and Elder Scrolls.

 

[padman59]

Building a PC for the first time can be intimidating, but it's not that bad. The hardest part is researching parts and prices for your budget. Actually putting everything together is relatively simple.

The biggest thing to consider is how much you want to spend. Does that amount include a new monitor(s)? Can you recycle parts from your current PC?

 

[ryne candy]

Starting from scratch. I would include a monitor in the price even though I think one of my tv has pc input. Is there a site that would make the process easier or at least tell me what I should look for and what benefits if I get more of X (such as RAM).

 

[leaffan]

Starting from scratch. I would include a monitor in the price even though I think one of my tv has pc input. Is there a site that would make the process easier or at least tell me what I should look for and what benefits if I get more of X (such as RAM).

The first main thing is how much money are you willing to put out for it. Starting from scratch can basically lead to anywhere but you should set a limit for youself in the begining and then you'll know how much money to spend later.

 

[PP]

All the sports games? EA stopped making pc versions of most of their games.

 

[tigstah]

what mods are available for nba2k12.....curious

 

[ryne candy]

The first main thing is how much money are you willing to put out for it. Starting from scratch can basically lead to anywhere but you should set a limit for youself in the begining and then you'll know how much money to spend later.

I'm guessing around a grand from all the stories I read on the net and heard in podcasts. Plus by the time I save the $, 5-6 months will have passed and new stuff may be out (making current stuff cheaper). That price doesn't include monitor.

All the sports games? EA stopped making pc versions of most of their games.

Yeah, I noticed that as well but they still make FIFA (don't know about '13).

 

[leaffan]

All the sports games? EA stopped making pc versions of most of their games.

Some of 2k's games are insanely cheap but hella good on PC.

The mods that eventually come out are just so good it makes it worth it. I think it was MLB 2k11 (maybe 12 I'm not sure) that was so well done with mods afterwards it shits all over the show yet no one knows about it.

 

[leaffan]

I'm guessing around a grand from all the stories I read on the net and heard in podcasts. Plus by the time I save the $, 5-6 months will have passed and new stuff may be out (making current stuff cheaper). That price doesn't include monitor.


Yeah, I noticed that as well but they still make FIFA (don't know about '13).

A grand will give you a fairly good tower but its going to be the monitor thats going to kill you, although I will say this. I did for a while run my PC on my Sammy 55" tv through HDMI when I was playing games like Batman Arkham Asylum and a couple Assassin creed games I was trying and it worked really well. You can buy a xbox wired controller from most Gamestops (I paid $20 for mine used) and away you go.

Did you want to use the PC for gaming only or use it for dual purpose. What I'm getting at is do you want to buy a monitor or just use your tv.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

From someone who would fail if I tried to assemble the PC, XoticPC.com worked for me to purchase a gaming computer. At the very least, you could use a site like that to "build" what you want, and then price it out from there if you want to do the building route.

 

[padman59]

A grand should get you a solid machine especially since you have a Micro Center near you. They have some damn good deals on CPU/Motherboard combos from what I understand.

 

[Maynard]

newegg....i agree, 1000 bucks should get you a nice build. gaming pc are all about the graphics card. start making a wishlist on newegg

case
motherboard
processor
graphics card
ram
hard drive
power supply
DVD drive
case fans

look for those motherboard/processor combos. the i5-2500k is very popular and cost is coming down fast. you may also want to get an SSD to go along with your hard drive.
as for your question about ram. most mobo will be upgradable to 32 gbs. my PC has 8 which is more than enough right now. 8 gb was about $40. cpu and gpu is where u will spend alot of cash if you want something good.

 

[Maestro]

Don't mean to hijack the thread or anything. But i was thinking of getting a gaming laptop. Any recommendations of the route i should take. Was planning on spending around $1000. Should i build it custom or just buy flat out? Alienware?

 

[Trmszczykowski]

Don't mean to hijack the thread or anything. But i was thinking of getting a gaming laptop. Any recommendations of the route i should take. Was planning on spending around $1000. Should i build it custom or just buy flat out? Alienware?

I know nothing about building a laptop, and am actually building a desktop.. but the general rule of thumb is to stay the fuck away from Alienware.

 

[ryne candy]

A grand will give you a fairly good tower but its going to be the monitor thats going to kill you, although I will say this. I did for a while run my PC on my Sammy 55" tv through HDMI when I was playing games like Batman Arkham Asylum and a couple Assassin creed games I was trying and it worked really well. You can buy a xbox wired controller from most Gamestops (I paid $20 for mine used) and away you go.

Did you want to use the PC for gaming only or use it for dual purpose. What I'm getting at is do you want to buy a monitor or just use your tv.

in the long run, I want to get a monitor. Looks like I'm going to have to start reading pc gaming mags and searching the internet, which is fine since it will be months out before I get anything.

 

[padman59]

in the long run, I want to get a monitor. Looks like I'm going to have to start reading pc gaming mags and searching the internet, which is fine since it will be months out before I get anything.

Reddit is a good source. You can see users' builds (and others' opinions) and prices, and they link to some good tutorials.

http://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/

 

[jms493]

 

[jms493]

Ryne....I watched and use these videos for my first computer build....it was pretty easy....it was fun too! I had zero experience prior to my build.

 

[padman59]

Also, don't forget about the operating system. I imagine you'll go with Windows 7, and you'll want to install the 64-bit version so you can have more than 3 GB of RAM. If you know a college student, see if they'll check the price at their book store and pick up a copy for you because students usually get a good discount.

 

[Maynard]

yeah, dont forget the OS....thats another $100. See the costs keep adding up. At the end of the day you might decide its not worth it to play a few sports games with mods and a buggy as fuck game like skyrim..i actually paid for skyrim on the PC and its got some kick ass mods, but its also a hell of a lot more buggy than the 360 version.

now if plan to be one of the torrent gamers....like padman...then you wont pay for any games