Alright GAF, was planning to eventually upgrade at some uncertain point in the future, but the urge to play Skyrim is forcing my hand.
Basic Desktop Questions:
Your Current Specs:
(yes, I know...same machine I've had since freshman year in college)
Budget: Looking to keep it below 800 USD if possible, ideally closer to 500ish because I would like to have some money leftover for some other items if possible, in this order:
-Windows 7 (99% mandatory, I figure this would be the time to upgrade and I don't even know where my XP disc is anymore)
-24" monitor
-speaker set w/ sub
The monitor and especially the speakers would likely have to wait until I found a new job or for a few months after buying the machine, and that's fine.
Main Use: Gaming, general use
Monitor Resolution: The max on my current monitor is 1280x1024, which is where I would like to play my games (until I get get a new monitor and play at a higher res). I would like to upgrade in the future, but this purchase will likely wipe out what little spending money I have for a while. Would eventually like to upgrade to a 24" monitor, but I'm unsure when that will be since I am unsure of when I'll be able to find a better job.
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: Skyrim would likely be the most taxing, but I'll also be playing DotA2 and SC2 for sure (and I play SC2 on low settings anyway).
Are you reusing any parts?: Just my monitor and mouse/keyboard. I don't think I have anything worth reusing, and I'd like a new case anyway.
When will you build?: Another uncertain answer. I would like it within the next month or two (if not sooner, if the money situation works out or I can get some good deals on Black Friday), but I might be patient enough to wait a little longer (another month or two on top) if I could save a good chunk of cash or get a solid upgrade for a similar price. I really, really, really want to play Skyrim right now, reading the OT has me chomping at the bit, but my finances and my awful machine are holding me back from diving in immediately.
Will you be overclocking?: No. I'm not familiar with the whole process at all (never built a computer before and I know zilch about the hardware scene), and I don't feel the need to run my games on mega-ultra-melt-your-face settings - I just want them to look good enough that it doesn't distract me (and I don't stress graphics really, so it wouldn't take much - I figure right around "High" settings on Skyrim, not "Ultra" would be fine if possible).
I was looking at the "Standard" build in Hazaro's spreadsheet, how would that rig work out for Skyrim? Decided to focus on that one as opposed to "Budget" because it sounds like I'd be getting an all-around significantly better value for only $100 more.