Ready to buy a gaming Pc...

Bandwagon

Kolohe
<Silver Donator>
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So the last time I got a "top of the line" gaming PC was somewhere between 1999 and 2002. Actually, I think it was right when Shadows of Luclin came out. I have no idea what I'm looking for, what the standard is for graphics or ram, etc.

I can afford what I need to, but I don't want to be spending $3,000 on a computer if I can get a good gaming pc for 1k. Any help? Right now the only game I really play is League of Legends, but I love RTS games. I just stopped playing them because my computer chokes even on low settings.
 

Fight

Ahn'Qiraj Raider
4,737
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This thread has you covered:Desktop Computers - Page 44

You can get a good gaming PC for about $800 and a great one if you want to splurge and spend $1200. Just read the latest 3-4 pages of that thread for current pc gaming specs and deals.
 

Quaid

Trump's Staff
11,859
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Do you need an operating system, monitor, keyboard, or other peripherals? Let me know and I can slam together a pretty decent build for $1000 USD and link it here.

Also, check the Desktop Computer thread in the Technology sub forum in the General section. Lots of good info in the last few pages.
 

spronk

FPS noob
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get a good 1440p monitor too its a night and day difference between 2560x1440 @ 90-120hz compared to 1080p. Having two monitors is even better, one for gaming the other for browsing and shit while you play
 

Quaid

Trump's Staff
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If I were to build today for 1080p gaming for the next 2.5-3 years

PCPartPicker part list:Intel Core i5-4670K, Zotac GeForce GTX 780, Cooler Master HAF 912 - System Build - PCPartPicker
Price breakdown by merchant:Intel Core i5-4670K, Zotac GeForce GTX 780, Cooler Master HAF 912 - System Build - Price Breakdown By Merchant - PCPartPicker
Benchmarks:Intel Core i5-4670K, Zotac GeForce GTX 780, Cooler Master HAF 912 - System Build - Benchmarks - PCPartPicker

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($233.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($33.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($153.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($76.50 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 780 3GB AMP! Edition Video Card ($472.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($84.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1099.41
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-09 18:28 EDT-0400)

You could save about $50 if you cheaped out on the motherboard and power supply, which would be totally reasonable.
 

Bandwagon

Kolohe
<Silver Donator>
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Oh, I didn't even know that thread existed. Thanks. I'll see if I can find something then put up a link and see what everyone thinks.

Also, is it reasonable to look for a gaming laptop?
 

Quaid

Trump's Staff
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Also, is it reasonable to look for a gaming laptop?
rrr_img_68788.png
 

BrotherWu

MAGA
<Silver Donator>
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I bought my kid a nice gaming laptop about three years ago and he is still using the shit out of it (he's going on 12). He's mostly into minecraft but he has also played a lot of Diablo (we duo'd the whole game), Arma 2, DayZ, and Civ 5, to name a few. All run just fine.

It's pretty awesome when we travel that he has something that enjoys to do on the road or when we're cooped up in a hotel room. In fact, just today he came into work with me because the kids are between the end of school and the start of summer programs for a few days and we didn't have any better options. He sat in the corner of my office and watched videos and built rockets on KSP all day.

I guess the point being you can get a decent gaming laptop if you are willing to pay more for the mobility.
 

spronk

FPS noob
23,866
29,139
yeah any $600+ laptop is gonna run most games (lol, dota, wow, civ, minecraft, even bf4) just fine. its just the AAA games like watch dogs, gta5 (this fall!), far cry, etc that will not work so good. For a kid its a perfect choice, get one that is light (no optical drive, SSD instead of mechanical) so they don't drop the fucker. my kids use overprice piece of shit apples, but i love my zenbook ultra - beautiful screen and the thing weighs like 2 lbs.

for an adult though unless you travel a lot I'd say get a desktop, the extra power is definitely worth it for a gamer plus in 18 months you can swap video cards and extend the life another 18 months. Nowadays you just need a tablet or phone for travel, plenty of shit to keep yourself busy and you should get a 3ds or vita for portable gaming.
 

Bandwagon

Kolohe
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Well, I've been a guide for a while and move with the seasons, so I've been living out of a backpack for years. I'm an EMT now and working towards Paramedic, so I'm actually planning on sticking around this time. Buying a full desktop hasn't really been a practical concept for me for awhile, but I guess now would be the time. If I can get the same power (apparently the power to run AAA titles) out of a laptop, I'd rather do that. If not, I'll get a desktop.
 

Quaid

Trump's Staff
11,859
8,265
Well, I've been a guide for a while and move with the seasons, so I've been living out of a backpack for years. I'm an EMT now and working towards Paramedic, so I'm actually planning on sticking around this time. Buying a full desktop hasn't really been a practical concept for me for awhile, but I guess now would be the time. If I can get the same power (apparently the power to run AAA titles) out of a laptop, I'd rather do that. If not, I'll get a desktop.
Buying a gaming laptop is fine. Just be aware that you will pay twice the price for 30% lower performance.

Amazon.com : Razer Blade 14 Inch Gaming Laptop : Laptop Computers : Computers Accessories
 

Bandwagon

Kolohe
<Silver Donator>
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Well fuuuck that. Ok, thanks for all of the info, guys. I'll start browsing. I don't really want to build my own, so I'll be looking for a pre-built desktop.
 

Quaid

Trump's Staff
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Well fuuuck that. Ok, thanks for all of the info, guys. I'll start browsing. I don't really want to build my own, so I'll be looking for a pre-built desktop.
Do NOT buy a prebuilt. They tend to use the worst components and then charge you 20% extra just for the fuck of it. Just buy all the parts separately, bring them to your local Neckbeard PC repair shop, they will charge you $50 and have it back to you fully assembled the same day.

Just buy the components I listed above and you will be one happy motherfucker for at LEAST 2 years at Ultra settings on 95% of games. You'll probably be able to play low demand games on medium for 5-6 years.

Now feel free to shaw.
 

Mist

REEEEeyore
<Rickshaw Potatoes>
31,802
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Yeah, seriously, don't buy a prebuilt PC. Commodity grade parts for premium prices...