Time for a new computer

[[TLB]Sinister]

I've decided to hold off on the widescreen tv until my kids get a little older and more HD channels become available.

So now I'm thinking about getting a new computer....either pre-built or custom. Any suggestions or ideas about how much I should expect to spend?

It will primarily be a gaming rig but I will also use it for business (autocad).

I also want to get a flat screen monitor to replace my aging 17" CRT. At least a 19", but no idea as to LCD, TFT or whatever.

My budget is about 2 grand.

[[TLB-HC]paulp]

get custom i spent 1500.00 and my cpu is one badass gaming machine! got it from the cumputer crew! if you want the # let me know and ill send it to ya.

[[TLB]Milito]

With a budget of two grand you can build a kick ass system if you build it yourself.

[[TLB]LeeBull]

I read somewhere that the flat screen samsung was the best for gaming.
That was earlier this year so things might have changed.

[[TLB-HC]Worthington]

build it yourself Sin and save a fortune..

[[TLB]Trig]

I agree, build it yourself. For 2 grand it will be the best available -- I can recommend individual pieces if you like. Just let me know.

[[TLB-HC]BartBandy]

$2000 USD? You can build a great system for $2000 CAD.

If you must do pre-built, a local shop may be the best bet. I don't particularly like the major brands, as they often have proprietary connectors that make some future upgrades more difficult.

There is enough knowledge here to help you assemble the parts and put a new system together. A great place to start is www.anandtech.com. They have suggested components for different levels of systems, updated every few weeks.

[[TLB]Sinister]

Any spec suggestions and prices would be appreciated.

I probably will build it myself.

[Sgtpoe]

I need a new cpu i have a 2.26 northwood but i think i may have to go higher any ides on what i should get my main board is a msi645 i also have 1024 memory the silver plateted stuff i think its kingsone

[[TLB]Sinister]

Update:

I backed up everything I needed and reformatted. Now everything seems to be working like it's supposed to, including battlefield. I'd forgotten just how much time it takes to get all the patches, updates and whatnot for Windows, sound, video etc. Talk about pain in the ass. It needed it though and once I get a new one, this one will be given to my son.

Bottom line is at least I can play again.

[[TLB]killer]

Sin, I dont know much about these "computer" thingies, so take what I say with a grain of salt, but I do know that you need a gig of at least pc 3200 DDR ram. I am thinking about upgrading my processer to a p3.4, something else you will probably not want to go less than. with 2g's to drop you should have no trouble getting the best money can buy. Plus you can buy a really boss case for it. Bs and I usually go to pricewatch.com to compare prices.

[[TLB-HC]Pappy_Boyington]

I hope my house sells, then I'll be sportin' one badass piece of puter myself. Definitely build your own Sin, the hardest part is installing the processor but if you pay close attention to the tutorials on the net you'll have no problems.

I put mine together with parts I found from various sources, canadacomputers.com, ebay, etc and it's been a great machine which cost me actually thousands less than what my Dad and brother paid for theirs, and mine is better. My family just never was good at listening to me though, lol, I'm the baby of the family.

[Tribble]

I built both of mine by scavenging online. I found the best prices for motherboard/cpu bundles from www.mwave.com. They also have good prices on cases although I got my case from Fryes while visiting Houston, TX. Memory and harddrives I got from sales circulars for local stores.