Gaming PC For Under $1000?

[sea1980]

Ok, I am not tech savvy. I play The Sims 3 and only have a laptop that met the minimum requirements. I would like a better gaming desktop w/ good graphics that won't get too hot when I play it. I hear people say they build their own computers, but I wouldn't know how or what I would need for that. Thanks in advance.

 

[JOOK-D]

Building your own is like lego for adults, not difficult at all. You would learn a lot and it's a great experience. The more you know about the parts, the better.

What other games would you be looking to play? The Sims isn't taxing at all, you could get away with something much cheaper if you're only playing casual games like that.

 

[sea1980]

Building your own is like lego for adults, not difficult at all. You would learn a lot and it's a great experience. The more you know about the parts, the better.

What other games would you be looking to play? The Sims isn't taxing at all, you could get away with something much cheaper if you're only playing casual games like that.

Thank you for replying! Yes its The Sims 3 specifically w/ most expansion packs and custom content I download for the game. Most ppl say it can do wear and tear on your computer, so I would like to get a desktop that can handle it. I currently play on a laptop that just met the min. requirements. Aren't their sites out there that build custom pcs? I am pretty sure I would screw up everything trying to build my own pc, but thanks for the vote of confidence. I do like to know about the parts though. Yeah I dont't want to spend too much money either I just don't know where to look or even start, thanks again.

 

[JOOK-D]

Building your own is like lego for adults, not difficult at all. You would learn a lot and it's a great experience. The more you know about the parts, the better.

What other games would you be looking to play? The Sims isn't taxing at all, you could get away with something much cheaper if you're only playing casual games like that.

Thank you for replying! Yes its The Sims 3 specifically w/ most expansion packs and custom content I download for the game. Most ppl say it can do wear and tear on your computer, so I would like to get a desktop that can handle it. I currently play on a laptop that just met the min. requirements. Aren't their sites out there that build custom pcs? I am pretty sure I would screw up everything trying to build my own pc, but thanks for the vote of confidence. I do like to know about the parts though. Yeah I dont't want to spend too much money either I just don't know where to look or even start, thanks again.

If it's the sims specifically it won't need anything high-end. If you give me an idea of what you're willing to spend I could have a look at setting one up. The only problem with paying for people to make it for you is that they still charge you so much extra for what you could do yourself. And I mean it, you can do it! 😛 It's not hard, and great fun. There's plenty of tutorials on YouTube and other sites, you can have a look if you're unsure. It's mainly plugging cables into sockets and a few screws every now and then.

 

[sea1980]

Building your own is like lego for adults, not difficult at all. You would learn a lot and it's a great experience. The more you know about the parts, the better.

What other games would you be looking to play? The Sims isn't taxing at all, you could get away with something much cheaper if you're only playing casual games like that.

Thank you for replying! Yes its The Sims 3 specifically w/ most expansion packs and custom content I download for the game. Most ppl say it can do wear and tear on your computer, so I would like to get a desktop that can handle it. I currently play on a laptop that just met the min. requirements. Aren't their sites out there that build custom pcs? I am pretty sure I would screw up everything trying to build my own pc, but thanks for the vote of confidence. I do like to know about the parts though. Yeah I dont't want to spend too much money either I just don't know where to look or even start, thanks again.

If it's the sims specifically it won't need anything high-end. If you give me an idea of what you're willing to spend I could have a look at setting one up. The only problem with paying for people to make it for you is that they still charge you so much extra for what you could do yourself. And I mean it, you can do it! 😛 It's not hard, and great fun. There's plenty of tutorials on YouTube and other sites, you can have a look if you're unsure. It's mainly plugging cables into sockets and a few screws every now and then.

Hopefully I can get something decent under $1000. If I end up going the pre-built way is there any recommendations you can make? Thanks

 

[CDdude55]

As stated, building your own PC is a very simple task and there are tons of video walk throughs of how to build a computer.

Though if you are simply playing a game like The Sims, you really don't need much and if you don't plan on playing much other games than that, you can also buy a cheap and decent pre built machine as well.

Yes there are sites that let you put together a machine and they build it, but you are limited in part selection plus they tend to price the parts higher.

 

[sea1980]

As stated, building your own PC is a very simple task and there are tons of video walk throughs of how to build a computer.

Though if you are simply playing a game like The Sims, you really don't need much and if you don't plan on playing much other games than that, you can also buy a cheap and decent pre built machine as well.

Yes there are sites that let you put together a machine and they build it, but you are limited in part selection plus they tend to price the parts higher.

Thank you! So there are decent desktops that are under $1000? For some reason I always thought that these gaming computers had to be super expensive. I am not sure if that's the case for other games, but yes, I only play The Sims 3 with most of their expansion packs.

 

[CDdude55]

As stated, building your own PC is a very simple task and there are tons of video walk throughs of how to build a computer.

Though if you are simply playing a game like The Sims, you really don't need much and if you don't plan on playing much other games than that, you can also buy a cheap and decent pre built machine as well.

Yes there are sites that let you put together a machine and they build it, but you are limited in part selection plus they tend to price the parts higher.

Thank you! So there are decent desktops that are under $1000? For some reason I always thought that these gaming computers had to be super expensive. I am not sure if that's the case for other games, but yes, I only play The Sims 3 with most of their expansion packs.

The majority of PC gamers have computers that are below $1000, it's only the very heavy gamers and or media/content creator enthusiasts (and high end servers as well) that have tons of cash on hand that build systems $1000 and above.

Pretty much all modern hardware even on the lower end can run The Sims, it's not a game that pushes a machine much.

We can give you suggestions on hardware or pre built machines you can buy, but it depends on what you can afford and if you want to build.

 

[sea1980]

As stated, building your own PC is a very simple task and there are tons of video walk throughs of how to build a computer.

Though if you are simply playing a game like The Sims, you really don't need much and if you don't plan on playing much other games than that, you can also buy a cheap and decent pre built machine as well.

Yes there are sites that let you put together a machine and they build it, but you are limited in part selection plus they tend to price the parts higher.

Thank you! So there are decent desktops that are under $1000? For some reason I always thought that these gaming computers had to be super expensive. I am not sure if that's the case for other games, but yes, I only play The Sims 3 with most of their expansion packs.

The majority of PC gamers have computers that are below $1000, it's only the very heavy gamers and or media/content creator enthusiasts (and high end servers as well) that have tons of cash on hand that build systems $1000 and above.

Pretty much all modern hardware even on the lower end can run The Sims, it's not a game that pushes a machine much.

We can give you suggestions on hardware or pre built machines you can buy, but it depends on what you can afford and if you want to build.

Yes, any recommendations would be great. If I could build or buy a pre built one under $1000 would be ideal for my budget, thank you again.

 

[JOOK-D]

Just some options I came up with:

1:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WB5o
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WB5o/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WB5o/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($158.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock 990FX Extreme3 ATX AM3+/AM3 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($303.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred Two ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $898.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-02 22:24 EDT-0400)

2:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WBeE
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WBeE/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WBeE/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($303.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred Two ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $989.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-02 22:30 EDT-0400)

These are high-end builds and you probably don't need anything near this cost. (Completely overkill for sims lol).

Do you need a monitor/mouse/keyboard/speakers included with it?

 

[sea1980]

Just some options I came up with:

1:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WB5o
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WB5o/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WB5o/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($158.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock 990FX Extreme3 ATX AM3+/AM3 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($303.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred Two ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $898.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-02 22:24 EDT-0400)

2:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WBeE
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WBeE/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WBeE/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($303.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred Two ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $989.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-02 22:30 EDT-0400)

These are high-end builds and you probably don't need anything near this cost. (Completely overkill for sims lol).

Do you need a monitor/mouse/keyboard/speakers included with it?

OMG! Thank you so much for this. Yes I would need a monitor/keyboard/mouse/. The pc would still have audio w/o speakers correct? Thanks again!

 

[JOOK-D]

Just some options I came up with:

1:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WB5o
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WB5o/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WB5o/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($158.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock 990FX Extreme3 ATX AM3+/AM3 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($303.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred Two ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $898.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-02 22:24 EDT-0400)

2:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WBeE
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WBeE/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WBeE/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($303.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred Two ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $989.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-02 22:30 EDT-0400)

These are high-end builds and you probably don't need anything near this cost. (Completely overkill for sims lol).

Do you need a monitor/mouse/keyboard/speakers included with it?

OMG! Thank you so much for this. Yes I would need a monitor/keyboard/mouse/. The pc would still have audio w/o speakers correct? Thanks again!

Alright, yeah it would still have audio. I'll look for one with an included monitor in the morning, as it's pretty late in the UK 😛

I went a bit overboard with those things I threw in to those previous ones I suggested, as they're crazy for your use haha. I'll look for a much more modest (price-wise) build tomorrow that will still be amazing for whatever you want to use it for.

 

[sea1980]

Just some options I came up with:

1:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WB5o
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WB5o/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WB5o/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($158.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock 990FX Extreme3 ATX AM3+/AM3 Motherboard ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($303.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred Two ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $898.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-02 22:24 EDT-0400)

2:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WBeE
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WBeE/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1WBeE/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($303.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Three Hundred Two ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $989.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-02 22:30 EDT-0400)

These are high-end builds and you probably don't need anything near this cost. (Completely overkill for sims lol).

Do you need a monitor/mouse/keyboard/speakers included with it?

OMG! Thank you so much for this. Yes I would need a monitor/keyboard/mouse/. The pc would still have audio w/o speakers correct? Thanks again!

Alright, yeah it would still have audio. I'll look for one with an included monitor in the morning, as it's pretty late in the UK 😛

I went a bit overboard with those things I threw in to those previous ones I suggested, as they're crazy for your use haha. I'll look for a much more modest (price-wise) build tomorrow that will still be amazing for whatever you want to use it for.

Thanks again! Oh wow, I didn't realize you were in the UK! Yes, get some rest

 

[Guest]

Mmm i think this one would do better

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2qZXK
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2qZXK/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2qZXK/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper TX3 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($133.60 @ Amazon)
Storage: Kingston HyperX 3K 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($239.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Zalman Z11 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Microcenter)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF120 Performance Edition 63.5 CFM 120mm Fan ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Cooler Master i500 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $958.49

 

[JOOK-D]

Mmm i think this one would do better

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2qZXK
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2qZXK/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2qZXK/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper TX3 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($133.60 @ Amazon)
Storage: Kingston HyperX 3K 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($239.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Zalman Z11 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Microcenter)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF120 Performance Edition 63.5 CFM 120mm Fan ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Cooler Master i500 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $958.49

For gaming, no...

1) This thread is a few months old.
2) Too much RAM, you don't need more than 2x4gb for gaming.
3) It has a worse power supply
4) It has a worse CPU cooler
5) It has a worse GPU
6) However it does have an SSD.

So, no it wouldn't.

 

[sea1980]

Mmm i think this one would do better

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2qZXK
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2qZXK/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2qZXK/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper TX3 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($133.60 @ Amazon)
Storage: Kingston HyperX 3K 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($239.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Zalman Z11 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Microcenter)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF120 Performance Edition 63.5 CFM 120mm Fan ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Cooler Master i500 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $958.49

For gaming, no...

1) This thread is a few months old.
2) Too much RAM, you don't need more than 2x4gb for gaming.
3) It has a worse power supply
4) It has a worse CPU cooler
5) It has a worse GPU
6) However it does have an SSD.

So, no it wouldn't.

Hi, I am just now seeing this reply. Thanks again for helping with this a couple of months ago. I still haven't purchased anything. I want to this week, however. Someone else I know came up with some parts and prices for me a while back she knew I was on a budget and I wanted to know if you thought these specs were good. Basically, there is this thing called a HQ or high quality or high definition mod that I want to use for The Sims 3 to make my graphics and textures look more realistic. I am concerned because I want to make sure whatever graphics card I use can handle it. I also want to make sure I have a good processor and that the system doesn't get overheated. Again, I am not tech savvy. The price also came up to about $700 and I would like to keep it around that price perhaps even lower if I can get away with it, thanks!

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1XhlP
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1XhlP/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1XhlP/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($118.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 1TB 3.5” 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.63 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 650 Ti 2GB Video Card ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Antec One ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($76.99 @…Amazon

Monitor: Hannspree HE225DPB 21.5” Monitor ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech K120 Wired Standard Keyboard ($10.77 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Microsoft Optical Mouse 200 for Business Wired Optical Mouse ($7.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $699.33