Gaming build for a noob

[jchan]

Hey guys!

I have a decent hp dv6 laptop that I've been gaming on, but the thing just overheats too much and I'm ready to move up and build my own desktop. I've poked around and know which parts I need (case, motherboard, CPU, etc), but I don't know the first thing about what a good deal is, what good brands are, or what specs I'll need to attain my goal. My goal is twofold:

1) Ideally I'd like to shoot to run games like Deus Ex: HR, Witcher 2, and Skyrim at 50-60 fps with settings in a medium to medium high range, and

2) Keep it around $800.

Is this feasible? Can anyone help with suggested components? I know newegg is the place to go for parts, but I'd really be taking shots in the dark since I've always bought pre-configured laptops in the past. Thanks if you can give any help, and sorry for the long post

 

[jonnyp11]

well is that for the monitor and peripheral (mouse, keyboard, etc.) too or just the tower, and are you at a college or anything where you can get a discount on windows7 or anything (make sure it's 64bit)

 

[jchan]

well is that for the monitor and peripheral (mouse, keyboard, etc.) too or just the tower, and are you at a college or anything where you can get a discount on windows7 or anything (make sure it's 64bit)

I have a keyboard, mouse, and monitor. I'm a few years out of school so I'll have to get my own copy of 7.

The $800 is more for the parts and case. I think I can follow a how-to guide to put it together, but finding the right parts is pretty daunting.

 

[Phy]

If you already have a computer that you can upgrade rather than buying new everything you could get a nice gaming pc built with that budget.

 

[claptonman]

I would build a new one rather than upgrading. Here's a quick build:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128519 - $95

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808 - $120

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231416 - $50

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703026 - $90

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185 - $60

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125401 - $220

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233 - $60

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151243 - $18

Total comes to $713, and with windows, that comes to $813. This will max out all games.

 

[jchan]

Thanks clapton, exactly the starting point I need. I'll use that sort of as a baseline for parts and do some research on each. I appreciate the help

 

[2048Megabytes]

I would go with the following processor over the Phenom II 955. It runs cooler and has about the same processing power.

Phenom II 960T Zosma (3.0 gigahertz) Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor - $125
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103995

 

[jonnyp11]

meaning it can overclock higher and it is actually a 6-core isn't it?

 

[2048Megabytes]

meaning it can overclock higher and it is actually a 6-core isn't it?

The Phenom II 960T has a Turbo feature on it so it overclocks itself. I really don't study how to overclock. I like cool temperatures and stability over pushing a system harder than it was designed to go.

I do believe some are defective 6 core processors with two-cores deactivated. They are great AMD Quad-Cores.