I want to build my own system, but I haven't built a system in about 10 years. I'm hoping to get a 3070 or 3080. I have a monitor and a mouse, and I can get Office and Windows for free through my university which should save a lot of money.
Alternatively, I was looking at buying a rig from Alienware, but (and again it's been 10 years or so) the last time I compared buying vs building my own I saved like $600 for about an hour of labor. Is that still the case? Anyway, I'd appreciate suggestions for a gaming rig. I'm hoping to keep it under $2k but I'm flexible. I want this system to LAST so if I have to pay silly prices I'm a little bit okay with it. Not 3090 silly, but 3080 might be doable.
Thanks! (The following edit was for clarity, as suggested by @USAFRet (thx!).
Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: this week (the closer the better)
Budget Range: $2,000
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Zoom/gaming
Are you buying a monitor: No (I will eventually, but it doesn't need to happen right now)
Parts to Upgrade: My laptop is literally dying. Keys are falling off, the battery no longer charges, and it's pushing 10 years old. I intended for it to last five.
Do you need to buy OS: No
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Cheapest reliable site. Whatever you guys think is best.
Location: IVO Augusta, Georgia, USA
Parts Preferences: I'm looking for bang for buck here, but broadly speaking I prefer Intel and nVidia. If there were compelling reasons to go elsewhere, I would.
Overclocking: I won't have the funds to replace a CPU I screw up in the near future, but once I do I'll probably give overclocking a shot.
SLI or Crossfire: No monies atm (I would really like to stick to IVO $2,000), but if there's no price difference I prefer an SLI capable setup for future upgrades.
Your Monitor Resolution: My monitor is a 1080p dinosaur. I will upgrade it down the road, but atm I mainly play League of Legends and I need it for working online, so it's not a priority. (For those wondering why I'm upgrading at all if that's the case, see below.)
Additional Comments: Webcam recommendations are welcomed - my work requires conference calls. The price doesn't need to be included in the rig though.
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: My Alienware 18 is like 10 years old. Keys are literally falling off and the battery won't charge past 1%. Dell wants about $400 to replace the faulty parts with refurbished parts. I can't express enough how happy I've been with this laptop overall, but it's time to put her out to pasture. Yes, I did consider buying another Alienware laptop and you kind gents can't come up with a reasonable build it's definitely what I'll do, but I feel like a tower will last longer and be easier to service and find parts for.
Alternatively, I was looking at buying a rig from Alienware, but (and again it's been 10 years or so) the last time I compared buying vs building my own I saved like $600 for about an hour of labor. Is that still the case? Anyway, I'd appreciate suggestions for a gaming rig. I'm hoping to keep it under $2k but I'm flexible. I want this system to LAST so if I have to pay silly prices I'm a little bit okay with it. Not 3090 silly, but 3080 might be doable.
Thanks! (The following edit was for clarity, as suggested by @USAFRet (thx!).
Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: this week (the closer the better)
Budget Range: $2,000
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Zoom/gaming
Are you buying a monitor: No (I will eventually, but it doesn't need to happen right now)
Parts to Upgrade: My laptop is literally dying. Keys are falling off, the battery no longer charges, and it's pushing 10 years old. I intended for it to last five.
Do you need to buy OS: No
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Cheapest reliable site. Whatever you guys think is best.
Location: IVO Augusta, Georgia, USA
Parts Preferences: I'm looking for bang for buck here, but broadly speaking I prefer Intel and nVidia. If there were compelling reasons to go elsewhere, I would.
Overclocking: I won't have the funds to replace a CPU I screw up in the near future, but once I do I'll probably give overclocking a shot.
SLI or Crossfire: No monies atm (I would really like to stick to IVO $2,000), but if there's no price difference I prefer an SLI capable setup for future upgrades.
Your Monitor Resolution: My monitor is a 1080p dinosaur. I will upgrade it down the road, but atm I mainly play League of Legends and I need it for working online, so it's not a priority. (For those wondering why I'm upgrading at all if that's the case, see below.)
Additional Comments: Webcam recommendations are welcomed - my work requires conference calls. The price doesn't need to be included in the rig though.
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: My Alienware 18 is like 10 years old. Keys are literally falling off and the battery won't charge past 1%. Dell wants about $400 to replace the faulty parts with refurbished parts. I can't express enough how happy I've been with this laptop overall, but it's time to put her out to pasture. Yes, I did consider buying another Alienware laptop and you kind gents can't come up with a reasonable build it's definitely what I'll do, but I feel like a tower will last longer and be easier to service and find parts for.
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