What do I need?

[Butfiend]

Hello, I play A LOT of League of Legends on my current computer. I really enjoy the game and love playing it. I want to start branching off into new games though. Such as: Dota 2, Diablo3, Skyrim, Left For Dead, and maybe WoW. The problem is that my current computer can't run basically any other game other than LoL. So i'm on the market for a new computer. I am considering the Alienware x51, but I feel like it might be a bit more power than I need. What computer do you guys think would suit my needs? I have a budget of about 1000$(for new computer mouse monitor and keyboard.) Also feel free to ask me any questions if you need more information or something.

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[Rationale]

The Alienware x51 is horribly overpriced at the $800 level. A stronger PC could be built for $600. At the $1200 level, a stronger PC could be built for $800.

 

[Butfiend]

The Alienware x51 is horribly overpriced at the $800 level. A stronger PC could be built for $600. At the $1200 level, a stronger PC could be built for $800.

Thanks mate. Do you recommend those websites where you can customize PCs like cyberpower or ibuypower? Or should I just buy all the parts separately and build it myself?

 

[ImOblivious]

The Alienware x51 is horribly overpriced at the $800 level. A stronger PC could be built for $600. At the $1200 level, a stronger PC could be built for $800.

Thanks mate. Do you recommend those websites where you can customize PCs like cyberpower or ibuypower? Or should I just buy all the parts separately and build it myself?

I'm not the one that question is directed at, but nonetheless I recommend simply buying the parts separately and building the PC yourself, simply because you get more bang for your buck. Also, it's not as difficult as it may seem to build a PC. Of course if you ever run into issues while building, you can always turn to us or YouTube channels like LinusTechTips and Tek Syndicate, not to mention the myriad of videos available out there.

http://pcpartpicker.com/ is a great place to start picking out your parts since it will only show you parts that are compatible with your selected configuration as you build it, plus it's easy to use (start on the left, go to the right). If you have any doubts about your build, you can post a question here or in the hardware section of the forums.

Best of luck to you and welcome to the world of PC Gaming

 

[IrnMan]

This build has everything aside from a case (more of a personal choice so go for whichever you like the look of), keyboard, mouse and speakers (or headphones).

It costs around $885 so you have about $115 to spend on those extra peripherals.

Here is the part picker list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9Z7K23
Parts chosen are:
CPU: Intel Core i5 4670
Mobo: Asrock Z87 Extreme3
RAM: GSkill Ripjaw 2x4gb DDR3 1600mhz
GPU: XFX R9 270x 2gb
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB
PSU: XFX 550w 80+ Bronze
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer
OS: Windows 8.1 64-bit
Monitor: Acer S220HQLAbd 21.5"

You might want to modify the build slightly as I went for the i5 4670 but if overclocking is your thing then go for the 4670k with an after market cooler. You may prefer a larger PSU if you want a larger power overhead, just make sure you use a reputable brand. You may also want a larger monitor with different input ports but again the choice is yours.

 

[RCguitarist]

Given your game list of Dota 2, Diablo3, Skyrim(without lots of visual mods), Left For Dead, and maybe WoW.
You would be fine with this build:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($119.97 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: SilenX EFZ-100HA2 58.0 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($12.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock B85M-HDS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($65.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Cougar Turbine 120 (4-Pack) 60.4 CFM 120mm Fan ($29.50 @ Amazon)
Total: $608.35
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

This would give you plenty left over for a mouse, keyboard, speakers and a monitor.

With that build you will be good for a while and if you ever decide you want to upgrade to an i5 in a few years, you can simply drop one in as the current i5 and i7 as well as the next generation of i5, and i7 cpus have the same socket.

 

[Butfiend]

The Alienware x51 is horribly overpriced at the $800 level. A stronger PC could be built for $600. At the $1200 level, a stronger PC could be built for $800.

Thanks mate. Do you recommend those websites where you can customize PCs like cyberpower or ibuypower? Or should I just buy all the parts separately and build it myself?

I'm not the one that question is directed at, but nonetheless I recommend simply buying the parts separately and building the PC yourself, simply because you get more bang for your buck. Also, it's not as difficult as it may seem to build a PC. Of course if you ever run into issues while building, you can always turn to us or YouTube channels like LinusTechTips and Tek Syndicate, not to mention the myriad of videos available out there.

http://pcpartpicker.com/ is a great place to start picking out your parts since it will only show you parts that are compatible with your selected configuration as you build it, plus it's easy to use (start on the left, go to the right). If you have any doubts about your build, you can post a question here or in the hardware section of the forums.

Best of luck to you and welcome to the world of PC Gaming

Wow! That website helped a lot! Thank you so much!