Suitable computer?

[Lydzor]

Hi guys, I see there are a few clever guys on these here forums and thought it's the obvious place to look for some advice.

I'm looking for a new computer which will be primarily used to play games from past - future. I play mainly Counter-Strike: Source and am interested in buying some other games like Farcry and Command and Conquer 3.

I've been eyeing up this system http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FS-032-OK&groupid=43&catid=781&subcat= but i'm a bit hesitant as i've never owned an overclocked system and am worried it may die after a year or so, also i don't really need the webcam or the mouse.

I'm not really a computer builder, i know the basics of doing it but haven't tried, my Dad has built AGP systems before and wouldn't mind setting it up for me, are there any important differences between the systems that need to be noted? I'd prefer a system set up, but if PCI-E is not too different from a AGP and it will save some money i'm up for it. I'm not really up to OCing a system myself.

For this computer i'd like it to have an 8800 gtx and 500gb of disk space, 2gb of ram at minimum really and obviously a decent CPU and er USB slots . I'm also going to need a monitor, my eyesight will be less than a metre away from the screen so i don't want a size too big, i also don't really like widescreen as some games don't have resolutions for it and it stretches the screen. Keyboard and speakers will also be needed. o_O

Thanks, i don't think i've missed anything, there may be an edit otherwise.

 

[Lydzor]

Hi there, thanks for the response. That looks like a good spec there, i was going to ask whether i should ask for a 64 bit vista instead of 32, it's like you read my mind choosing the 64 bit. I like the look of the monitor, i tend to stay away from Dell stuff as i think the lower budget stuff looks tacky, this however doesn't. I guess i should also say that i don't mind spending up to £1,500 for my system, so what would you suggest upgrading in that spec? Again with the speakers, i'm not too fussed as i've got along with £5 speakers very well so far! I use headphones for gaming anyway. I was also thinking of maybe getting Crysis when it's released, so maybe you could suggest an addition to the specs which could compliment this. Thanks .

 

[Lydzor]

Ok that looks great, thanks. I think i'll swap the speakers for these however http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SP-069-CL&groupid=702&catid=22&subcat=719 as they will be used for music really and i would just rather have the speakers rather than woofers etc I will use my headphones for games anyway. I'll consider adding an aftermarket cooler too.