Help: Want to buy new PC

[Taiko]

Ok so I'm thinking of getting a new PC. However, I know very little about them aside from how to turn them on and basic stuff like keeping drivers up to date etc. So what would be the best option for me:

1. Buy a ready made one from the generic brands
2. Buy a custom build one from an independent shop.

I have around (AU)$2-3k saved so what would be the best bang for my buck, that will last me for 5+ years with additional graphic card upgrades? Would that be enough to get a medium to high end custom computer?

I also have most of the peripheries from my old computer M&K etc. Can I get a computer that would be able to run duel monitors? I have a basic 24" LCD computer monitor and I'm using a 24" HD LCD television for my xbox. Would I be able to hook up the monitor and the TV to a computer and run duel monitors?

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated

[Stubbie]

Might be able to help you more after you decide where to buy it.
For now just some basic general info.

2-3K aussie will get you an excellent gaming pc that possibly might last 3-4 years. Technology is growing so rapidly that it is getting extremely hard to update to keep up with the latest games.

For someone like yourself who knows nothing about computer hardware I highly suggest you get one from a distributor that makes specific gaming rigs such as Techbuy

Only use an independent shop if you know of them personally and they have been in business for some time. Corner computer shops can quickly come and go. But the beauty of an independent is that are close if (and when) something goes wrong.

A basic cost comparison:
Build it yourself $2000 (definitely worth the experience at least once
Have an independent build it to your specs $2250
Have a distributor build it $2500

so for an extra $500 you get a rig that should work great with no compatible issues. The only downside is returning it for any warranty issues.

Also keep in mind that for a gaming rig, by far, the greatest single cost item is the graphics card.
Basically you need to work out whether you go nVidia or ATI.

Apart from any advice that members might post here you should really do a bit of homework yourself on what reviewers are recommending when it comes to hardware these days.
Having a pc that can run windoze and do a bit of word processing and play the odd dvd is a whole lot easier than making a pc that is capable of running the hi-tech games produced these days.

[Fenix]

Building yourself is cheaper for sure if you know how. I got mine build for a bit over 1K Cnd dollar 1.5 yrs ago. I paid and extra 50 for them to put it together. I think you should spend up to about 1.5K for your pc, since everything gets outdated eventually, and the newly tech parts are usually overpriced when they come out.
For CPU, go for a quad core, heard Intel is faster but AMD is cheaper. The I5 and I7 are pretty solid for the Intel CPU.
4 GB ram should be good
For a Video card, try to get one that is DX11 compatible, I think ATI is the only one with it, and I heard Nvidia is coming out with one.
I'm not too knowledgeable about the MB though.

Everything else like case and hard drive is up to your preference. I'm not sure about AU, but there is an online store here called NCIX, and they have weekly sales, and I just picked most of the parts that were on sale.

Hope this helps

[Taiko]

Thanks for the advice. Stubbs is that linked site only online or do they have a shop?

[Stubbie]

Originally Posted by Taiko

Thanks for the advice. Stubbs is that linked site only online or do they have a shop?

They have a shop at Silverwater which is in Sydney about a 40 min drive from me. I don't know if they have an outlet in Queensland.
Try contacting them. Their contact details are on the site.
I only offered that linky as an example of what is available. I haven't used them myself.

[(Darkelf) Temper]

Hi all !

Real good advice from everyone!Do try to keep it as local as possible Taiko for the reason of warranty (PC's rarely have a pristine life).

Also if you are offered a SLI package do decline and insist on a single awesome graphics card.Lots of reasons for this that I don't have time to get into suffice to say I'm a SLI user and will NEVER use it again after this system bites the dust!


Temper

[Dags]

Taiko there are a couple of excellent computer store outlets here in Brisbane. I have bought all my parts from and one pre built system from both.

Alliance Computers at Mt Gravatt and Game Dude at Logan. I also know there are a couple of reliable long term Computer business over on your side. Mate go online and do a search for computers outlets in Brisbane and Sydney, there are some pretty good pre built systems going for less than you are looking to spend.

I have been advising a friend of mine on what to get for his new setup. He is only looking to spend a grand, with the amount of loot you have to spend you will be able to get a very good machine.