Thinking of getting a PC $500-800

[Frost Mage]

I'm starting to seriously consider getting a better computer than the one I have now, and instead of getting a laptop the same speed as a desktop, plus $500, I'm just going to get a desktop, obviously... laptops for gaming aren't usually optimal. I'd like to state a few things though. First off, I have never built my own PC, nor do I know much about computer hardware, so please, not too much PC-savvy talk. Second, I'd like a PC that would be capable of running say, Skyrim, on at least high settings. Granted I doubt I'd buy Skyrim again from Steam, but that's just my baseline for performance. Thank you!

[Lord Eydvar]

I'm partial to Toshiba but I've never had anything by laptops from them... but of the laptops I've had the Toshiba were the best by far and they've got a wide range of desktops on their site... though I don't think they sell tower PCs... all of theirs are all-in-ones.

[Andere]

It's highly a matter of budget. And that depends on what components you want, and not merely on the processor. Pay attention to the PSU, have it strong enough. Also pay attention to if you want to get a SSD disk for your OS and main programs / perhaps games.

The system I built is:
Processor Name: AMD FX-8120, 8 core
Motherboard Model: ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX
Power Supply: Nexus 1000W RX-1K 80 Plus Bronze
Memory: 2X4Gb Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9
Video Chipset: nVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti (GF114-400)

The cost was about €1200 ( with other costs). But it contained 2 SSD disks, and some other stuff. Works like a dream, though.

I repeat myself: If you have a good computer builder where you live, consult them. They know what it's all about, and they'll serve you. And you'll have help whenever you need. --- If you lived here, I could do it ---

[snapple]

putting a computer together isn't difficult. There are plenty of great, free, guides online that can assist you. Make sure you ALWAYS GROUND YOURSELF before touching components.

[Archea47]

If no one else will, I'd be happy to walk you through the build on Skype (assuming you have a screwdriver )

Rough guidelines:
AMD Proc (~$100)
AM3+ Motherboard ($80-110)
CPU cooler (~$35)
Graphics card (~$100-200 depending on what you can spend)
Power supply ($50-100)

And then from there you have your little bits like hard drives, disc drives and case. Cases of course can range from $20-400 based on your tastes and wallet, hard drives $60-150 each, disc drives ~$30 unless you want a blue ray writer ... then there are fun bits like sound cards if you want 5+.1 surround or to power some serious headsets

Oh and don't forget operating system. Win7 home 64bit is 79.99 on tigerdirect