I am going to be building a new computer from scratch. This will be my first build and looking to learn more about hardware and how they are compatible with one another. Main things I use the computer for is playing games (WoW, SC, CS), watch movies, and transfer large files. I currently play games on lower/lowest settings to get the most fps/ms. I would like to be able to play on normal to higher video settings. Budget wise I am looking to spend no more then $500. Any direction on where to begin would be great or recommendations on components.
New build for a newb
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Anderwolfe
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rockyjohn
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Here are some model builds that might provide a starting point and ideas:
1. Tom's Hardware Guide does an annual "System Builders Marathon". They have post model builds for $500, $1,000 and $2,000 (March 2011)
$500 model
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/budget-gaming-pc-phenom-ii-radeon-hd-6850,2903.html
$1,000 model
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-6950-unlock-build-a-pc-overclock,2893.html
2. ExtremeTech's also does several model builds:
A “cheap†($850) desktop (December 2011):
Build It: A Cheap Gaming Desktop - How To by ExtremeTech
Build a $200 Linux PC (July 2010)
Build a $200 Linux PC - How To by ExtremeTech
3. You can also find some model builds at by usage and for different price points at the THG forum:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/269162-31-recommended-builds-usage
You have a wide range of options in purchasing video cards; this site provides a lot of helpful information on purchasing or upgrading video cards: Note that it has pages on gaming and non-gaming video cards, system requirements, reviews and installing video cards.
How to Upgrade Video Card
1. Tom's Hardware Guide does an annual "System Builders Marathon". They have post model builds for $500, $1,000 and $2,000 (March 2011)
$500 model
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/budget-gaming-pc-phenom-ii-radeon-hd-6850,2903.html
$1,000 model
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-6950-unlock-build-a-pc-overclock,2893.html
2. ExtremeTech's also does several model builds:
A “cheap†($850) desktop (December 2011):
Build It: A Cheap Gaming Desktop - How To by ExtremeTech
Build a $200 Linux PC (July 2010)
Build a $200 Linux PC - How To by ExtremeTech
3. You can also find some model builds at by usage and for different price points at the THG forum:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/269162-31-recommended-builds-usage
You have a wide range of options in purchasing video cards; this site provides a lot of helpful information on purchasing or upgrading video cards: Note that it has pages on gaming and non-gaming video cards, system requirements, reviews and installing video cards.
How to Upgrade Video Card
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