Calling all computer nerds!

[Boomer]

So, my current computer is getting fairly old, and I'm interested in building my own desktop computer; something I have never done and thus have zero experience in doing.

I use my computer mostly for gaming, and thus would like to focus the components on that aspect. I wouldn't call myself a serious gamer at all, so I'm not concerned about balls-to-the-wall processing power or framerates or overclocking, whatever that nonsense all is.

However, I do like my games to look pretty and run smoothly. I usually RPGs like the Mass Effect series, Fallout games, Elder scrolls, etc. Also, games like Diablo 3 and civilization.

I'm willing to spend up to $1,000 not including ancillary devices (monitor, keyboard, etc.), but again I'm not a hardcore gamer and would obviously prefer to spend less.

Would it be wise to build my own, or should I just buy a pre-made rig?

Please give me all teh advices!

[Blade Azaezel]

I just checked the specs required to play the games I wanted, then found a PC that matched them. I built mine using http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;, so I imagine there are similar sites in the US. Course, it's probably just as easy and similar in price to buy a ready made one from the store.

[Whitey]

Building your own will get you more bang for your buck. And a lot of prebuilt might have stuff that sounds good but isn't, or they'll package some shit ram in with otherwise good stuff.

Look on reddit for r/buildapc. That's what I did when I built mine and they gave tonnes of advice. I'd never built a pic before that and had always used laptops. It's like putting together furniture just smaller. And there are lots of good videos full of advice and instructions.

[thesalmonofdoubt]

^ agree with all of the above.

Building a PC isn't nearly as difficult as you might think. The site that Blade linked to looks quite good in terms of giving you ideas for each component that you will need and you can research the advantages of each by using a board like Reddit for specific advice.

The major decisions you will need to make are
What sort of case - standard desktop or ATX microcase. The case you choose will determine the size of the motherboard you will need to buy. I'm not all that current on the in's and outs of it all but I believe the trade off here is smaller size = smaller foot print but less efficient cooling and less room for further expansion.
I'd go for an ATX case simply because I'm not one to keep tinkering with a computer once its built and don't care about water cooling systems and all that jazx

CPU - Essentially Intel or AMD - I like Intel because I'm more used to Intel but I hear AMD make great processors as well..

Graphics card - Millions to choose from - I like NVIDIA and usually get the best one that I can afford as this is a pretty key component in terms of your gaming experience. Essentially tho - More RAM is better in terms of how the system pages memory (I/O is normally the more limiting factor as opposed to GPU grunt - both are important obviously but I find more GPU RAM sorts things out better than upping the processor.

How much RAM? .. Ram is super cheap now days so I'm use at least 8gb of the fastest RAM you can afford.

Storage - SSD is by far the fastest and by far the most expensive - but its good to get at least some to run the operating system given that will give you faster boot up's and faster computer management. If you can afford more to load your games into that -then all the better. If not, just get a normal Harddrive which are cheap as chips.

WIFI card - Also not expensive and all cards now days should have fast connection protocols - the limiting factor here would normally be your router and your internet connection.

Sound Card - whether you even bother with a sound card depends on whether or not you have one built into your mother board and what sort of sound system/ Room you are putting the thing in .. there really is no point in spending extra on sound processing if you are gonna pump it out of a 2.1 or less system in a bedroom..

Whether you want a Blu-ray reader/ writer etc - depends on whether you think you will need it. Generally, especially for gaming, I wouldn't bother unless you actually by these on disk rather than download them - I down load almost everything - having said that - they are cheap and if needs be - you could always just add one on later if you feel you need it.

Putting everything together is a snap - everything just slots in - you turn it on, install the operating system them update everything with the correct drivers that normally come packaged with your components. I bought Drive Doctor ages ago which runs a scan to keep to up to date on your drivers automagically..

Easiest thing to do is get yourself a teenage son who's massive on gaming and chew over the options with him realising that everyone who advises you on how to build a system tend to go overboard on things you need but you really don't because everyone who is into gaming feel superior specs for the hell of it are more important considerations than having a budget and milking it for all its worth by being selective

[CashRules]

1) Find a lesbian in her late teens/early 20s who is into computers.

2) Tell her what you want.

3) Give her the money.

4) Do your own thing for six hours until she returns with exactly what you want.

[Ptolemy_Banana]

Would it be wise to build my own, or should I just buy a pre-made rig?

Build your own. There is no activity that will drive up the price of a PC more than gaming, so the savings wil be worth it. How hard can it be?

[Dr_Liszt]

I usually RPGs like the Mass Effect series

You are now my new best friend. Hey bff!

[Boomer]

Thanks for the advice everyone, got a couple good places to start here.