$1000 gaming rig

[TheRedwood08]

Hey all. I am new to building computers, but pretty familiar with computers themselves. I am trying to build my own desktop specifically for gaming and performance. My budget is $1000. I want to be able to use this computer for years but be able to upgrade it quickly and easily if necessary. What parts would work best for running the newest games at the highest framerate? Somebody Help!

 

[hunter315]

In the future please use this template, it makes it easier
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261222-31-build-advice

Do you have any parts that you intend to reuse, like a monitor or a mouse or keyboard? Also are you in the US or oversea's? Do you want to overclock anything?

 

[Proximon]

+1

 

[TheRedwood08]

I am intending to reuse my mouse, but everything else I intend to be new. I also need, and did not mention, keyboard and monitor. I'm in the US and I'm not sure how safe overclocking is..... Once again, total n00b at building pc's

 

[hunter315]

ASUS VH226H Black 21.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen 16:9 Full HD 1080P LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 12000 : 1) Built in Speakers - Retail

LG Black 22X (CAV) DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X (CAV) DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe - OEM

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM

Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBPI - Retail

ASUS M4A78T-E AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor - Retail

SAPPHIRE 100269SR Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail

$1011 after MIR, you can probably drop down to a 4870 but a 4890 will give a boost at that resolution. You can also pick up a keyboard cheap, but if you want a quality one you may want to go into a store and use it to see if you like it.

 

[smithereen]

I would recommend building AM2+. It will be considerably cheaper.

 

[Proximon]

Since you want to upgrade "quickly and easily" I think Hunter has given a pretty good build, but I would like to take my own stab at a more crossfire-ready system.

I'll do it a bit differently. I'll make a strong base but you may end up upgrading the CPU a bit earlier:

Case and PSU
If you get a really good case and a really good PSU, you won't need to replace them for many years. The 550VX is a great PSU, but it limits what you can do too much.
PC P&C 750W
Cooler Master 690

CPU and MB
An X3 720 will be just fine to start. It comes in a combo deal with the above board, at a HUGE discount. I recommend you grab it before they figure out the error.
X3 720 and Asus 790GX

For 5 bucks more you can get some faster DDR3. This build won't use all the speed, but your next build might:
OCZ 1600Mhz 4GB

Get the HD referenced and an optical drive.

Now let's get the top-ranked 22" gaming monitor...
LG L227WTG-PF Black 22" 2ms Widescreen LCD Free shipping. Nice. I think we're about $800.

Sapphire 4870 1GB

There you go, you should come in right around 1K after shipping and before any rebates.
You can take this build and plug in a future AM3 CPU. You are also completely ready to drop in a second 4870 1GB for some killer crossfire. The case has all the fans you need.

You can also ditch the CPU cooler and get an aftermarket cooler:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185093
When you are ready to overclock.