Need help building a gaming pc

[bhllnd11]

I want to build a Gaming pc that at the very least will be able to compare to console graphics. I dont know to much about PC gaming but I would also like to use my 32 inch HDTV as a "monitor" I dont know if that is possible while maintaining a 1080p resolution to it??? The games I would like to play would be like call of duty, skyrim, and any other modern games........ Im willing to spend $1000 maximum. I will also just be using the pc for general usage, web surfing and Microsoft office. etc. Could anyone give me some custom setups that will work well together and links if possible to the parts? any help would be greatly appreciated. =)

 

[simon12]

This is a good build to start http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/overclock-radeon-hd-7970-core-i5,3210.html maybe with the GTX 670 instead of the 6970 and a 2500K CPU & 8GB RAM.

 

[Gallarian]

As simon12 has suggested, the articles he's linked is a good idea (I also agree with the 670). But heres a run down of components anyway:

Case: Any ATX size case that you like - must be able house the following components. (Good brands - Corsair, Cooler Master, Sharkoon, NZXT, Thermaltake, Antec etc). This should help - http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/picturestory/48-raidmax-agusta-eleven-hundred-storm-enforcer-kl04b-arc-midi.html

Processor (CPU): Intel i5-2500k or i5-3570k - if you have a little extra money but you dont want to Over clock, then go for the 3570k.

RAM: 8GB Corsair Vengeance 1600 DDR3 is a solid choice

Graphics Card (GPU): Nvidia GTX 670 (or if you want to save some $, then wait till August 16th for Nvidia to release the 660ti - should be a great GPU that will do everything youve asked)

Motherboard: Any Z77 Intel 1155 ATX board with 4 DIMM slots and atleast 1 PCI-E x16 Graphics card slot from brands such as Gigabyte, Asus, MSI or ASRock. Example -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837

Power Supply Unit (PSU): Probably the most important but most overlooked component of the lot. You need to use a reliable, stable power supply with enough wattage to power your components well. For a system with a 670 graphics card, then a 600watt PSU is a good idea. Good brands include; Corsair, Seasonic, Antec, Coolermaster. Example - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028, or if you have a little extra cash - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139020

Hard Drive: You will probably want to have atleast 500GB - go with a 3Gb/s SATA II HDD if you want to save a little money, but if you can fit it into your budget, go with a 6Gb/s SATA III HDD, itll be faster. Example - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136314

SSD: Optional, but a very nice thing to have! They are essentially a small, more expensive Hard drive, but are extremely fast. Expect boot times of less than 20 seconds and very fast loading screens in games. Only get if you have the money. Example - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233206

Operating System: Even though Windows 8 is just around the corner, it will most likely be best to stick with Windows 7 64bit. W8 is made for touch-screens and tablets, not desktop gaming.

CD Drive - If you cant afford to get a blue ray drive, then almost any $20 drive will do. Example - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118067

 

[Flying-Q]

I want to build a Gaming pc that at the very least will be able to compare to console graphics. I dont know to much about PC gaming but I would also like to use my 32 inch HDTV as a "monitor" I dont know if that is possible while maintaining a 1080p resolution to it??? The games I would like to play would be like call of duty, skyrim, and any other modern games........ Im willing to spend $1000 maximum. I will also just be using the pc for general usage, web surfing and Microsoft office. etc. Could anyone give me some custom setups that will work well together and links if possible to the parts? any help would be greatly appreciated. =)

Something to consider:

Your HD TV has a resolution of 1920x1080 often called 1080p when driven to its full capability. Modern consoles struggle to drive this and quite often the games play at 720p i.e. the game resolution is lower than your TV is capable of displaying. For high-end PC gaming this is considered entry level. Gaming monitors are built with higher resolutions and are driven by graphics cards in the PCs that can run rings around the consoles. Once you go PC you'll never go back.

Take a look at toms 'best graphics cards for the money' series to see what you will need to spend to get decent framerates on your tv. Look for 'Excellent 1920x1200' in the category description.

Once you have selected your GFX than match it to a processor without going over the top and a decent motherboard, memory, drives, case etc. Finally, with your parts list calculate your power draw and select an appropriate PSU. DO NOT SKIMP ON QUALITY for the PSU.

Have fun designing and then when you have selected your parts bring the list here for more friendly advice and tweak suggestions.

Q