Looking for a good gaming computer that will last.

[T10a]

Hello everyone!
I'm looking at trying to get a good computer that can run modern games (I want to be able to play more than just Minecraft y'know) at a good framerate, and will do so for the next couple of years, while I save up to get any new components to keep up (possibly). However, I am (currently) on a budget of around $800, so I'm a little tight on the money.

I am unsure of what to do, my parents (They're relatively tech-savvy, but haven't built a PC.) want me to buy a pre-made PC from a place like JB Hi-Fi or Dick Smith, but nothing there really seems to catch my eye as they all seem to be fairly weak. I want to build my own, and I have a fairly good idea of the sort of components I want to get but I haven't really built a PC before.

And for why I of all people am trying to get a new PC, let's just say my crappy old Acer Apsire 5738G isn't really cutting it anymore, it's starting to struggle to play the latest Vanilla Minecraft.

Games I'm into:
Minecraft (duh)
Garry's Mod
Fallout: New Vegas
Team Fortress 2
Might look into games like Insurgency or CS:GO (CS:S runs fairly well on it)

 

[Jus2beast]

For those games, you won't need a very good gaming computer, Im sure a good cheap one will do the job.

 

[T10a]

I'd prefer a mid-good range one, so that if any cool new games appear over the next few years I'll be able to play them fairly well.

 

[RJS]

Hello everyone!
I'm looking at trying to get a good computer that can run modern games (I want to be able to play more than just Minecraft y'know) at a good framerate, and will do so for the next couple of years, while I save up to get any new components to keep up (possibly). However, I am (currently) on a budget of around $800, so I'm a little tight on the money.

I am unsure of what to do, my parents (They're relatively tech-savvy, but haven't built a PC.) want me to buy a pre-made PC from a place like JB Hi-Fi or Dick Smith, but nothing there really seems to catch my eye as they all seem to be fairly weak. I want to build my own, and I have a fairly good idea of the sort of components I want to get but I haven't really built a PC before.

And for why I of all people am trying to get a new PC, let's just say my crappy old Acer Apsire 5738G isn't really cutting it anymore, it's starting to struggle to play the latest Vanilla Minecraft.

Games I'm into:
Minecraft (duh)
Garry's Mod
Fallout: New Vegas
Team Fortress 2
Might look into games like Insurgency or CS:GO (CS:S runs fairly well on it)

Not sure if you have anything like pc specialist where you live - they're a UK company that builds pcs to spec - you choose the components and they ship out the completed pc. Might be a good middle-ground.

 

[Kwequay]

You could try somewhere like Umart.
With Dick Smith and JB hifi as your options you must be an aussie.

Umart build custom pcs for you, and are generally cheaper than retailers. They also have selections of computer setups they build regularly at different price points.

My point is, with only 800 bucks they'll be able to build something better than what you can buy. They are south east Queensland though. Brisbane Gold Coast area

 

[capSAR273]

My recommendation is to build your desktop, NEVER buy pre-built. You will be wasting your money on say, a $1200 machine where you could have built a much better (and with customization) one for around 800. I use PC Part Picker, helps narrow down price range, ratings, and different sellers. Here is my build that I am saving up for, about $1000, and it will last me a long time http://pcpartpicker.com/user/capSAR273/saved/7DhYcf

With 800 bucks you can build a very solid machine, just make sure you read reviews and get experienced people's opinions before you buy! I recommend posting to /r/BuildaPC, they have helped me tweak my parts list down so I am getting max performance without spending too much.

 

[RavynousHunter]

I completely agree with capSAR273, NEVER buy pre-built. You can get better for cheaper by building the computer yourself, since pretty much everyone adds markup for labour, at the very least. Building a machine actually isn't as hard as most people think it is, all you really need is a steady hand, plenty of light, and the patience to read a manual or two, most notably your motherboard's manual. A good rule is to be very gentle when handling and inserting things, especially the CPU. I'm sure you could find videos and other tutorials to show you what goes where. The most you'll likely need in the tool area is a set of Phillip's and flat-head screwdrivers, the rest are snap-ins.

 

[capSAR273]

I completely agree with capSAR273, NEVER buy pre-built. You can get better for cheaper by building the computer yourself, since pretty much everyone adds markup for labour, at the very least. Building a machine actually isn't as hard as most people think it is, all you really need is a steady hand, plenty of light, and the patience to read a manual or two, most notably your motherboard's manual. A good rule is to be very gentle when handling and inserting things, especially the CPU. I'm sure you could find videos and other tutorials to show you what goes where. The most you'll likely need in the tool area is a set of Phillip's and flat-head screwdrivers, the rest are snap-ins.

Yep, be VERY careful, especially with whatever thermal paste you choose! Only a small pea size or half a pea, it spreads far! Make sure everything is compatible before you buy, like your RAM speed with your MOBO. Make sure the case has plenty of room for airflow, and cable management!

 

[Sir PITTERIX]

build computer yourself or find a person to build it for you