So last year I bought a custom made gaming laptop in the US for $1500 (the same laptop would cost me at least $2500 here), which could run everything I wanted at the time, but alas, the Gods of Technology and Advancement have been cruel to me because it would seem that I really need a new PC in order to play games that are going to be release on Crytek 3 engine. I'm still going to keep my laptop because it's still pretty good for LAN parties and I do need a lap for my college. Since computers and computer components are extremely overpriced here I'm going to have to build this new ring of mine in the course of max 3 months (saving money won't work because chances are I'll spend it on booze and I don't have a credit card so I can't pay in terms). Since there won't be any price drops in PC until the end of the year, that itself won't be that much of a problem. I'm looking to buy a PC that wouldn't cost me more than $500 in US. That kind of a PC will cost me around $700 in Europe. For that amount of money I would buy the holy trinity of gaming rigs ( GPU, PCU, MOBO) since I can salvage everything else from my former PC (a good PSU, HDD,DVD-ROM and ofc the casing). What I'm looking from you is to give me an advice in which components to (since I'm rather lacking in that departement). Hopefully, this PC would last me at least two years before I have to replace it again. Thx in advance!
i7 2700k, or i5 2500K if budget does not allow. Socket 1155 mobo, Z77 if you can, I would try to get the sabertooth Z77 if it was me. Match with 8/16GB of Corsair vengence RAM 1600mhz. GPU, spoilt for choice, personally think the GTX 660 ti or even GTX 560ti would be a good choice, opt for 2GB versions if at all possible. Alternatively look at GTX 570 or GTX 670 if you have the cash, equivalent AMD models also worthy of a mention. Don't get blown away by wild possible overclocks, it makes no real difference in game IME, a few fps extra at best. No reference designs can run cooler/better. Stick to reputed brands. Hope this helps, if it is wildly overbudget (not sure on prices in $'s) then let me know and I will come back with a revised suggestion.
