Where to start?

[Wadely2134]

I am looking to build a new PC and other than a full size tower I am not sure where to start. It has been recommended to pick out my processor first and match things up from there. This PC will be used solely for gaming. Any tips or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[RealBeast]

For gaming only don't spend as much on the CPU/storage (like an SSD) -- focus your budget on the best video card you can afford and get a good CPU and storage. Also, 8GB of memory is more than enough.

 

[logainofhades]

Budget is the best place to start.

 

[Wadely2134]

For gaming only don't spend as much on the CPU/storage (like an SSD) -- focus your budget on the best video card you can afford and get a good CPU and storage. Also, 8GB of memory is more than enough.

Well maybe I should say 99% gaming, family photos and music albums will be stored here as well, though I have been told an external storage device would be better for that.

As far as graphics card is there a certain model or types I should be looking to get, or certain ones I should steer clear of?

As for my budget, no set limit as I am ordering and assembling piece by piece over a 60-90 day period, allowing time for money and research.

 

[logainofhades]

I would start here for GPU info. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107.html

While not perfect, this is a decent place to start for CPU's.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106.html

 

[RealBeast]

Whoever told you to trust an external USB drive for storage of anything important should just quickly scan the Storage forum and see how unreliable external drives are -- not due to the drive itself, but the problems of the USB connection and storage devices.

You can store stuff anywhere you like, but if it is important back it up to DVDs, good cloud storage, or something else that is reliable.

And total agreement with logainofhades, start with your budget then work through GPU and CPU.

 

[Wadely2134]

Is it more important to pick out the graphics card and then follow-up by finding cpu, mobo and ram compatible with the gpu or should I start with the mobo then find compatible items to go along with it?
I have no problem spending some time searching reviews and finding out what the best prodcuts for my money are, I just don't know the sequence of events I should be doing this in.
i.e. gpu, cpu, mobo or mobo, cpu, gpu
or does it not even matter.

 

[RealBeast]

It is a matter of allocating your available budget and skewing it toward gaming, and thus the key element being the GPU. Any good GPU that you select will work with any modern consumer motherboard and CPU.

What is your budget and do you need peripherals (monitor, KB, mouse, speakers) or can you reuse those?

The build your own button on the Tom's front page has links to a variety of builds, although I expect another edition for Q3 should come along soon.

 

[Wadely2134]

It is a matter of allocating your available budget and skewing it toward gaming, and thus the key element being the GPU. Any good GPU that you select will work with any modern consumer motherboard and CPU.

What is your budget and do you need peripherals (monitor, KB, mouse, speakers) or can you reuse those?

The build your own button on the Tom's front page has links to a variety of builds, although I expect another edition for Q3 should come along soon.

Perfect, just the answer I was looking for. I had been told or missinterpreted that certain cpu had to have certain mobo and that certain mobo would only work for certain gpu. Good to know I can start where I want to.
Budget is not really concern, a piece this week and another piece in 3 weeks. I obviously do not want to just go and buy whatever the internet says is top of line(do not have that luxury) but want quality products that will last a long time. Of course make sure I am not buying something that will not work with other items I had already bought.
Accessories and monitor I already have.