Who should I trust to build me a new desktop PC?

UrbanEconomist — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:48:44 -0800

I'm in the market for a new desktop PC, but I don't know much about the companies out there manufacturing them. Who do you trust in terms of value, quality, etc? About five years ago I built my own PC for the first time and the stupid thing has never quite worked right. I know it's my fault, but I'm somewhat hesitant to try my hand and building from scratch again.

I'm looking for a capable gaming PC (doesn't have to be cutting-edge; I'd like to be able to play Fallout 3 without issue, but I don't need to run Crysis on the highest settings or anything). I have a perfectly functional monitor and speakers, so those aren't a consideration.

I have about $1,000 to spend, although if I could spend less and still be okay (especially on a rig that might be upgradeable down the line) that's all the better.

I'd greatly appreciate any advice on products and manufacturers that you trust. If you have a general idea about the system specs that I would need, I'd appreciate that info, too.

Thanks very much (this is my first MeFi question)!

Making a better gaming PC

ZaneJ. — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:19:54 -0800

What are your recommendations for upgrades to make a more competent gaming PC? I'm looking to upgrade my PC to make it a more competent gaming PC for the games that shall be coming out in the near future. Specifically, I want to be able to play the upcoming game Spore. I know no system req's have been posted for it, but I assume there are enough tech heads on MeFi to give me some good recommendations. I built my current PC many years ago, with the only upgrade I've done being switching out a busted video card. I don't really need to worry about disk space memory.

My system is this atm:
Windows XP Professional 5.1
AWRDACPI Motherboard (Nvidia)
AMD Athlon XP 2700, ~2.2 Ghz
512 RAM, 2X256mb sticks (I know...)
Nvidia GeFore 7800 GS (256mb AGP)

I've heard different things about Dual Core processor Mobos, different things about RAM (DDR, RDRAM, DIMMs and RIMMs, or some other things like), and expensive video cards.
Time for my bullets points of the post!

1) I'm looking for peoples experiences, preferences, and predictions.

2) I don't mind spending some money on a machine that I know will be competent for some time. I don't need crazy balls-to-the-wall high end performance on everything if it's gonna cost me a shit tonne of money.

3) Potential sources to look at for parts aside from the obvious (Pricewatch, Ebay, Craigslist, Newegg.com)

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Who should I trust to build me a new desktop PC?

Making a better gaming PC