PC build for $600-$750?

Please forgive my intrusion with yet another new thread... I find myself in need of a new computer. My primary goal is gaming, though I am also considering dipping my toes into photo editing and perhaps some entry-level game development. I am currently torn between picking up an iMac 21.5 or one of these two options:
1. http://www.bestbuy.com/pro...de=INDOMINATOR
2.http://www.newegg.com/pc---ready-to-use-desktop-computer-retargeting

Furthermore, I would truly appreciate some guidance on what specific hardware details I should be scrutinizing during the purchasing process. I am also quite curious about the fundamental differences between using a Mac versus a Windows machine—specifically regarding software availability. For instance, are games like CS:GO free to play, or even compatible with a Mac? Lastly, if anyone could recommend a reliable mouse and keyboard suited for these activities, I would be immensely grateful.

Jacob Chase2 said:Please forgive my intrusion with yet another new thread... I find myself in need of a new computer. My primary goal is gaming, though I am also considering dipping my toes into photo editing and perhaps some entry-level game development. I am currently torn between picking up an iMac 21.5 or one of these two options:
1. http://www.bestbuy.com/pro...de=INDOMINATOR
2.http://www.newegg.com/pc---ready-to-use-desktop-computer-retargeting

Furthermore, I would truly appreciate some guidance on what specific hardware details I should be scrutinizing during the purchasing process. I am also quite curious about the fundamental differences between using a Mac versus a Windows machine—specifically regarding software availability. For instance, are games like CS:GO free to play, or even compatible with a Mac? Lastly, if anyone could recommend a reliable mouse and keyboard suited for these activities, I would be immensely grateful.

You missed the biggest part: how are you paying, cash or card? And do you actually need a monitor?

Robert Rodriguez2 said:You missed the biggest part: how are you paying, cash or card? And do you actually need a monitor?

I'll be paying in cash, and no, I don't need a monitor...

1 x ASUS B85M-G, s1150
1 x Intel Core i5-4460 (3.20GHz,1MB,6MB,84 W,1150) Box
2 x DDR3 4GB (1x4GB) Kingston, 1600MHz, CL11, Value
1 x TOSHIBA 1TB, 7200rpm, SATA 6 Gb/s, 32MB, DT01ACA100
1 x Zalman Z1 mid tower case. 199(W)x432(H)x457(D)mm. MB standard
1 x Fortron 500 w, Hyper, PPA5005003, 12cm ventilator
1 x XFX R9-270A, R9-270A-CDFC, Double Dissipation Edition 925M Boost
1 x Genius KM110X Combo, keyboard + mouse, USB

$1695
www.newegg.com
If you're leaning toward Intel...

2 x DDR3 4GB (1x4GB) Kingston, 1600MHz, CL11, Value
1 x TOSHIBA 1TB, 7200rpm, SATA 6 Gb/s, 32MB, DT01ACA100
1 x Zalman Z1 mid tower case. 199(W)x432(H)x457(D)mm. MB standard
1 x Fortron 500 w, Hyper, PPA5005003, 12cm ventilator
1 x Genius KM110X Combo, keyboard + mouse, USB
1 x AMD FX X8 8300 3.3GHz,16MB,125W,AM3+, FD8300WMHK
1 x Gigabyte 970A-DS3P, AM3+, AMD 970 SB950, 4x DDR3 2000(O.C.)/1866
1 x XFX R9-280A-TDFD, Double Dissipation Edition Radeon R9 280 933M
1 x SCYTHE Katana 3 SCKTN-3000A White Box, 754/939/AM2/AM2+/AM3

$1709

Go AMD if you want room for much better GPUs for gaming.👍

I have one AMD FX X8 8300 (3.3GHz, 16MB, 95W, AM3+) available in its original box.
I have one single stick of 8GB Kingston HyperX DDR3-1866 CL10 RAM in blue available.
I have one GIGABYTE GA-970A-DS3P motherboard available. It’s an AM3+ socket board designed to handle a 125W CPU. Let me know if you're interested.
I have one Alpenföhn Ben Nevis CPU cooler available for sale. It features a 120mm fan with PWM support to help manage your temperatures effectively.
I have one XFX Radeon R9 280 with 3GB of VRAM and a 384-bit memory interface, running on DDR5.
Just one Toshiba 1TB hard drive here—7200rpm with 32MB cache.
I’ve got one SILVERSTONE Strider ST50F-ESB 500W unit here, featuring an 80+ Bronze rating.
I have one Zalman Z1 available—it's the black version with USB 3.0 support and features dual 120mm fans.

One Genius KM110X keyboard and mouse combo, USB connection.

Total: $1722

Is it worth investing in a higher-quality cooler and a more reliable power supply?

CLICK 😂 Wow, this is just insane. 🙂

Adam Moore3 said:CLICK 😂 Wow, this is just insane. 🙂

😲

This will serve as an excellent educational resource click. Whenever I see someone posting pre-built setups, I usually just drop a link to this thread rather than repeating myself constantly—everything is already laid out perfectly right here in the main topic.

I'm still pretty new to all of this, so I honestly have no idea how to actually put a computer together myself...
Is it actually worth my money to pick up an iMac 21.5?
And by the way, why wouldn't I just go with that PC (Microsoft) I linked earlier?? It comes with 8 GB of RAM, and I'm really not sure if 4 GB would be enough to run something like CS:GO or similar games...

Jacob Chase2 said:I'm still pretty new to all of this, so I honestly have no idea how to actually put a computer together myself...
Is it actually worth my money to pick up an iMac 21.5?
And by the way, why wouldn't I just go with that PC (Microsoft) I linked earlier?? It comes with 8 GB of RAM, and I'm really not sure if 4 GB would be enough to run something like CS:GO or similar games...

You don't need to build the computer yourself; the shop will put the components together for you for free, so you'll get everything pre-assembled. Gaming and Mac just don't mix. Honestly, gaming and Mac just don't go together at all. 😬 That thing you linked costs $1833 and it's total garbage for that kind of money. An i3 and a 250X graphics card for $1833! That's insane; whoever put that up for sale deserves 🙂 That's a build from $1167, maybe even less. Either way, just grab the one they have pre-built; it's the best value, way better than those custom builds or a Mac, whatever you plan on using it for—plus, the store will assemble it for free and even offer free delivery. 🙂

Adam Moore3 said:You don't need to build the computer yourself; the shop will put the components together for you for free, so you'll get everything pre-assembled. Gaming and Mac just don't mix. Honestly, gaming and Mac just don't go together at all. 😬 That thing you linked costs $1833 and it's total garbage for that kind of money. An i3 and a 250X graphics card for $1833! That's insane; whoever put that up for sale deserves 🙂 That's a build from $1167, maybe even less. Either way, just grab the one they have pre-built; it's the best value, way better than those custom builds or a Mac, whatever you plan on using it for—plus, the store will assemble it for free and even offer free delivery. 🙂

IS 4GB ENOUGH FOR GAMING?

I wonder why they went with 8GB for all three of those pre-built rigs? 😛

Maybe try typing without the Caps Locko...

4GB is perfectly fine for most games, though if you're looking to tackle the latest titles that require a 64-bit OS, you'll definitely want to aim for more.

I think this build from Grace Kern looks pretty solid, but I’m wondering—is there anything else I need to pick up besides those specific components?
By the way, what operating system is he running on that setup?

None of these builds come with an OS, so you’re looking at an extra $283 if you want to go the official route. You might have to find another way to get things running; I guess you could always track down some Windows elsewhere.

What kind of Windows are we even talking about here? For instance, what’s the current going rate for a license for Windows 7-ice or maybe Windows 8?

Jacob Chase2 said:What kind of Windows are we even talking about here? For instance, what’s the current going rate for a license for Windows 7-ice or maybe Windows 8?

Quote : Jacob Chase2

crimsonstag84 said:None of these builds come with an OS, so you’re looking at an extra $283 if you want to go the official route. You might have to find another way to get things running; I guess you could always track down some Windows elsewhere.

So, those are the prices. Just a heads up, finding Windows 7 is getting pretty damn tough since Microsoft keeps pushing everyone toward the newer OS.

How about something like this?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/windows-software-listing-example

Jacob Chase2 said:How about something like this?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/windows-software-listing-example

🤣 People are out here burning Windows onto CDs and selling them for $167 claiming they're original 😂 Basically, it's a total scam. You're a gamer, you have plenty of sites where you can grab Windows. Without being ripped off on the price (meaning, for free). Good grief. 🙂

I realize I might sound a bit indecisive here... but a new "dilemma" has cropped up. Since I'm heading off to college in about a year, I’ve realized a laptop is going to be much more practical for me than a desktop setup. Is this specific model actually any good? What kind of drawbacks should I look out for (aside from the obvious fact that I'll need to install Windows on it myself)?
Please, feel free to throw some of your own laptop recommendations my way as well!

Head over to the laptop subforum and let us know what you're looking for. Tell us what you'll be using it for, where you're planning to pick it up, and how you'll be paying—cash, credit, whatever:

http://www.example.com/forumdisplay.php?f=217