Project Reality Forums

Hello. I need some advice about buying a new gaming desktop to play BF2 R on. I want to buy a stock, pre-built computer as I don't have the knowledge on hardware to build myself one (yet?). I know Alienware is overpriced to an extent but is that the best brand to get? None of the stores around me sell high-end desktops. My current gaming laptop will only play on all low at 100% view distance and will probably not keep the good frame rate if I set the graphics any higher. Its a Gateway P7805-u FX 1920x1200 laptop with an NVidia 9800m GTS 1 GB graphics card.

My budget would be around $1200.

You should be able to pick up a good base computer(case, Mobo, CPU...etc) and add a video card, add or replace some ram, maybe swap the PSU to build a good gaming PC. That will give you a taste of building the computer and save you the big money of buying an "alienware" style gaming PC.

What does that $1200 need to cover?
i.e. what do you need from this list:
Monitor
keyboard
mouse
mouse pad
headset/speakers
joystick
webcam
(and anything else you want not listed)

UNless you end up buying a Dell or HP direct from dell.com or HP.com, it's almost always cheaper to buy the peripherals separately when you find them on sale.


I've been somewhat impressed by the prices available at cyberpowerpc.com 's weekly specials:
this is one for sale this week:
Customize Gamer Xtreme 2000 Gaming PC

You can check the dell.com outlet , you need to find one of those super coupon discount codes, but usually a pretty decent price with the coupon, you'll just need to upgrade the GPU when you can. be aware they charge always charge sales tax and unless you find a free shipping code, charge for shipping Outlet Desktops & All-in-One | Dell

Lenovo outlet (located in north carolina) Again, they have large numbers of coupon codes, try to sign up for their email list to get them.
Desktops & All-in-Ones | Lenovo Outlet | Lenovo | (US)

HP small business outlet:
Refurbished business products


If you call up to place order and haggle nicely, the reps will sometimes through in extras.

If you need to buy peripherals, Don't expect to be able to buy a overclockable Intel CPU/mobo at this price point, you might be able to just squeeze in a AMD CPU/mobo that is overclockable though.

I already have a Logitech G35 USB headset, a 1600x900 monitor, a Microsoft corded mouse and a Blackwidow keyboard. I'm all set on peripherals, although I could use a bigger monitor. I just need a tower and I'll be all set.

Thanks for your inputs, guys.

iBUYPOWER: Back To School Sale
Also worth looking at.
They have many good options, the one I thougt most intresting is a mini-ITX PC they brand as the Revolt PC model. Swap the i7 out for i5-4670k and get the z87 mobo, and it's a pretty darn good deal.

Woot just started some good deals on PCs check iBuyPower Gaming PCs .

If you don't know what woot.com is... One of those one-deal-a-day sites that developed into many many many deals per day and week.

Don't normally suggest Dell machines for gaming but this is a good deal considering the components. Just add a video card in. Dell power supplies are usually Delta Electronics; they are pretty beefy but you may want to upgrade that as well.

coupon code 0H9Q3PQ6L3744C to drop price to $650 + free shipping

Dell XPS 8700

• Intel i7-4770 Quad Core CPU
• 8GB DDR3 Memory
• 1TB Hard Drive
• 1GB AMD Radeon HD 7570
• 16X DVDRW
• WiFi + Bluetooth 4.0
• Windows 8

Try checking out us.NCIX.com when you have the time, lots of prebuilt PC's and parts for sale. However, I would definitely recommend building your own computer, saves a lot of money and gives you valuable experience in case if your computer encounters an error in the future.