Buying New Computer - Need advice from experienced Gamers

[t3hf4ll0ut]

Over the passed few years I've gotten more and more note on what to and what not to get. First things first... just scrap that whole pre-built crap. My computer is 3 years ahead of that one and only cost me $1,600. You're going to want to get the parts seperately and either have someone build it for you, or build it yourself. It really isn't hard to build a computer if you follow instructions and ALWAYS go online for help if you're unsure about something. Second, you could get a computer that is much better then that for even cheaper. Here's a list of things you should try checking out:

 

-GIGABYTE MA79OX-UD4P MotherBoard

-Phenom II 955 Black Edition

-750-W PSU (You want to get a good one, but not a perfect one.)

-A big Tower (this is where your personal taste comes in. you're going to want a HUGE tower if you're planning on getting a steaming comp.)

-1.5TB would do just fine for me, but 2TB would be good just incase.

-I got Norton AV 09 for only $10 but I'd also recommend ESET. Honestly it won't really matter. If you're careless, you'll get a virus.

-Now for the GFX card I'd probably suggest a GTX275. If you're feeling power hungry then go for a GTX285. If you're made of money get a GTX295. Anything by EVGA is good. (They clock it well)

-Extra fans. Lots of em. They're easier to install then water systems and a lot more safer.

-For the DVD-ROM you might want to get something that is on the higher end. Seeing as you're a video editor you might want one that can run blu-ray. Whatever runs blu-ray does everything else. :P

-I would suggest you back-up some Windows 7 RC Client now (which is free) and install it on your computer. It's better then Vista and .. free. The retail v. comes out thsi october. (11th I think)

-I honestly have no clue for a sound card. Ask some other people on Nexus. I would picture needing one though.

 

If I missed something let me know.

[Thor.]

Nice choice t3hf4ll0ut, but with that phenom i agree with Triforce1 i would get anything from asus because they have tool that allows you to oc that phenom in windows, anything pro, and its safer to do it that way as well

 

something like this.

 

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?...1-323-_-Product

 

its better to get a motherboard thats built for that card like this one

[TheTerminator2004]

To be honest, I see absolutely nothing wrong with using a P55-based motherboard like he plans. The P55 (and indeed the older P45 and P43) chipset is excellent. I maybe wouldn't have chosen that specific mobo myself - but I haven't done any research into LGA1156 motherboards at all.

 

Similarly, getting an i7 is a sound idea. While the Phenom is definitely cheaper, and great value for money, the i7s are generally more powerful, and imo more future-proof. I don't know what your budget is, but the 860 you chose seems like the best i7 you can get without going way overboard (the next one up, the 950, costs at least £400 from what I can see). You would be fine spending less on a 920 though to be honest.