Buying a new computer

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by Livingston, Nov 17, 2012.

  1. Livingston

    Livingston Private E-2

    Hey guys,

    I'm looking at getting a new system and would like any feedback on what I should be aiming for.

    My main use for the system is gaming and I'm looking at something that is going to last me as long as possible.

    The last time I did a full upgrade on my machine, the Core2 Duo had just come out, so it was great for it's time, but now it's not so hot.

    Our money tends to come in spurts, so when I have the chance to buy a new machine I try to make it as good as I can (within reason), as I'll only likely be able to afford upgrades when I have no choice but to do so.

    Other than that I want to make sure now is a good time to buy, so I don't get my new system and some new tech comes out a couple months later that blows it away, like the Core2 Duo tech for instance.

    As far as budget goes, I'm looking at spending a lot, but only where it makes sense to do so.

    I'm in Australia and a mate of mine can get me discounts on a lot of tech, I just need to know what I should be looking for.

    -Cheers!
     
    Livingston, Nov 17, 2012
    #1
  2. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi

    As a gaming PC then you'll really need and to be ok for a few years is to basically aim at the following

    CPU = Quad Core i7 if possible
    RAM = 6GB DDR3
    GPU = Nvidia GTX570 or AMD Radeon 7000 series or above
    HDD = WD Raptor or a SSD (series3) for main drive and a 2nd HDD 1TB or above for saving data.
    Motherboard = one that is mid range or above that will handle the above, ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI etc
    PSU = 1000w branded power supply, never skimp on this and go for Zalman, Corsair, Antec, Coolermaster etc never buy a no name generic brand.


    If we had a price range I no doubt many here could aim to specific parts.

    My current PC and just built in last month or so is

    CPU = QuadCore Intel Core i7-3770K
    RAM = 8GB DDR3 Corsair Dominator Platinum
    HDD/SSD = OCZ-VERTEX4 250GB (main drive), + OCZ Vertex 2 160gb, WD 2TB and WD 1TB HDDs for data

    GPU = NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570
    Motherboard = Asus P8Z77-V Deluxe
    PSU = Zalman 1000w PSU

    The above is good for any gaming but will when you add monitor, KB. Mouse, Case etc set you back near £1000 GBP, UAS$ 1500 + give or take.
     
    DavidGP, Nov 17, 2012
    #2
  3. Livingston

    Livingston Private E-2

    I'll likely be spending around US $2500 or so.

    I'll definitely need a good case, especially as that was one of my biggest limitations with my last computer, as I couldn't easily switch in a new motherboard (new ones I was looking at wouldn't fit).

    As far as the monitor goes, I'll only be upgrading it if I have spare money after the main stuff is taken care of.

    I've been eyeing off the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670 for the GPU though, should I be looking at the GTX 570 instead, for stability, or was that based on price?
     
    Livingston, Nov 17, 2012
    #3
  4. Livingston

    Livingston Private E-2

    Looking around, I may even be interested in an SLI with twin GTX 670s. ^_^
     
    Livingston, Nov 17, 2012
    #4

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