Help needed: Designing a new gaming PC

[moistie]

Hi all,

My current computer is nearly six years old and is getting pretty clunky. I've got about two to three grand to spend on a new one so I was wanting some input from the BigFooty computing community.

I understand that some CPU don't operate with other motherboards and that unless you get the right combinations, even if you have 4 gig of RAM the computer won't use it properly. This is where those of you out there who know what you're talking about come in:

I want a computer that will last me at least four years ie. will be able to cope with new gaming developments without slowing down too much. I also don't want to buy the latest super-components when I know they will halve in price in the space of a year anyway. I will also use it for work (word processing, spreadsheets, Adobe), burning DVDs (legally of course), Skype and surfing the 'net.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Just thought I might add, I plan on using XP until Windows 7 is released.

 

[scooterb]

Check out this: Whirlpool Guide.

 

[moistie]

Sweet, they look good. Thanks for that scooterb, I'll have a pore over those in the next few days. Any other suggestions would also be appreciated.

 

[spitlizard]

Just thought I might add, I plan on using XP until Windows 7 is released.

Ah come on, be adventurous Moistie

Go W7 now, it's all good

 

[sblack]

Do you need a monitor and other peripherals. Like a Keyboard

And I strongly reccomend asking for advice here. Very friendly people. Just state your needs and what you plan on using it for and they will pretty much design you a computer.

Or you can just read around. Plenty of suggested builds around the 3k mark. Have a read here

You also kinda contradict yourself. You want a rig that can cope with the newest gaming developments, but do not want to purchase the newest components. FWIW, if you want a decent computer without the most expensive stuff. Opt for a new AMD chip. Very good for price and the best chip for gaming at its price.

 

[moistie]

Ah come on, be adventurous Moistie

Go W7 now, it's all good

I thought you couldn't install W7 unless you already had XP or Vista installed on your computer? Maybe I read it wrong.

Thanks for the advice too, sblack. I don't need a keyboard, although my current one needs a bloody good clean, or other peripherals. What I meant about the components was I don't want to go completely crazy and buy a top of the range Intel 7 CPU or similar. I have money but not a huge amount.