Best $700-800 I ever spent...?

[BDS]

I would like to invest in a new computer specifically for running FS and other games. I will keep my current pc for other stuff.

I am wondering if those who are experienced at building PC's could give me some input for this. I would like to know what your optimal set up would be within the price range I've set of under $800. If this is totally rediculous figure, let me know that as well.

If you recommend something, try to find me a link to it so I can see manufacturer specs, etc. Peripherals such as joystick, mouse, etc I can figure out - I am specifically interested in what motherboard/vid card/hdd etc all work together, and work very well together to get smooth high resolution graphics with good FPS even during heavy scenery/aircraft.

I dont have much experience anymore in building a computer, so I will have a friend do it who is experienced, but I dont know where to start.

Thanks,

Sean.

[Saitek]

Well I am in the Uk and so in

[Saitek]

I just remembered yo udon't have any computer bits at all.

This is allowing for a monitor, and other bits you need to fit your budget and to be frank I think it looks awful! Maybe someone from the US can help you as I am out of my depth really in middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

http://www.budget-computer.com/computer-under-500.htm

[GunnerMan]

Im American and 800$ is quite tight for a gaming rig. It can build you a mid/low range rig but wont be the "best you ever spent" Especially if you need monitor and the works. If you want a whole system minus a monitor then I recomend a MINIMUM of 1000 dollars for a gaming rig. really 1,500 being good and 2000+ being excelent. I know those are scary numbers but if you play it right its a good investment.

[BDS]

Right now i have an E-machines 2.4ghz celeron w/ 80g hd and 512 ram. I also have a nvidia geforce video card. Right now I get between 8-24 fps depending on complexity. It sucks. I also have alot of jaggies. I'd like to dedicate that to home office/internet type stuff and build something that will get my frame rates up there even with 3rd party add-ons.

I dont have to worry about an extra mouse, monitor, keyboard, etc, I already have all that. I just need a good idea on a tower. I know $1000 would be better, and $1500 would be best, but unfortunately I have to make it fly with the warden.... errr wife, and well, somehow bringing in two incomes together, both higher than when I was single, makes less money than before... I'm still trying to figure that one out.

Anyway - yeah, I may need a budget machine compared to some out there, but I dont want a terd like I have now.

-Sean.

[ctjoyce]

AMD Vennice 3500+
Gigabyte board
Coursair Value Select 1GB RAM
Western Digital 80GB HDD
nVidia 6600GT
DVD drive
Windows XP home.

Thats around $900 at www.newegg.com But thats not much at all. I mean itll get you decent results, but seriously save a bit more, and get something that is really worth it.

Cheers
Cameron

[bbstackerf]

In all honesty I think if you're trying to saty on a budget, you might have some luck at Dell's web site. Check the refurbs - they'll give you a new warranty. You won't find any super computers there, but you'll get a pretty good pc for not a ton of cash.  I got mine there and it runs FS very nicely. You can see the specs below.

On the other hand, you may want to build one yourself, but that will be pricey - of course though, you'll have your super system.

Keni

[GunnerMan]

Ctjoyce has a good rig set for you there. I would get some different ram though. That Coursair is somethin like 3-3-3-6 wich sucks im sure there is value ram out there with a bit better timings.

[ctjoyce]

Not that I saw. There is a sale on XMS though, so you can get some 2-3-3-6 stuff for about $90 which isnt bad