Larry needs help for getting a desktop.

[Larry]

Well, after have a laptop for a couple years, i've decided that i need more. I'm not really looking for something NASA calibur, just something that can do mostly everything with pretty well quality.
The thing is, i'm not super duper technical and stuff, and i don't think i have all the knowledge required to build one. But, i've heard that you can save a bundle of cash by buying the parts and building it. Which means, i'm probably going to have to go that route and semi build it cause i'm not super rich.
To give you a look at what i'm using right now, and what i paid for it, add about 100 bucks, here's a link to the Best Buy page of it. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+15.6%2 ... RRWidgetID




Please excuse my lack of technical jargon or correct word.
I'm looking for something at least a upgrade from what i have now, if i leave it out, it's just assumed that i'd like a better one. I don't really know the names of some stuff, so i'm open to suggestions.
600G Hard drive
A decent processor, i'm not really picky, as long as it's better then what i have.
A Rather decent Graphics card.
A good amount of RAM, i won't be doing mega things, but it couldn't hurt.
Case- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811119216
If i leave something important out, please speak up.

By the time i think i'm going to get it, next year-ish or maybe sooner, i'll probably have around $800+. Is that enough, not enough?
Thanks!

[Boss Llama]

$800 is plenty to build a decent gaming desktop. It won't win any "pimp my rig" contests, but it won't have to - it'll play games without batting an eyelash. It's best not to price specific things until you're less than a week from buying it, and even then it's best to double-check day of, simply because of the ways sales, stock, and new products cause prices to fluctuate (and thankfully, usually to drop) as time goes on. Here is the list I use when I'm building a desktop from scratch-

Motherboard:
Processor:
RAM:
Hard Drive:
Video Card:
Power Supply:
Case:
Monitor:
Optical Drive:
Keyboard:
Mouse:
OS:
Software:

Remember that if you already have things like a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and software or OS, those can chop anywhere from $20-$300 off your expenditure. There's no reason to get a peripheral soundcard these days, unless you're an audio professional, as the stuff built in to any decent motherboard is quite good. Since you're going from laptop to desktop, I don't know what of that lot you'll already have, but be sure to check around. When you're ready to do the buying, post here if you'd like some advice on parts, prices, assembly, etc, and we'll be able to help you through the process.

[Larry]

Ahh okay thanks, also, i'm thinking of getting a new mouse, i have this $10 logitech thing that is close to conking out, any suggestions?

[Boss Llama]

If you have some money to spend on the mouse, and it won't come out of your $800 system budget, the G500 is where it's at, in my opinion. I wouldn't suggest this if it's part of your overall budget though, as it would take a disproportionate chunk out of it. For more affordable mice, I would suggest going to your local retailer and trying some out to see what fits your hand best. A lot of mice are very similar below the highest-end stuff, and there's a lot to be said for personal preference. I do still prefer Logitech for all my mouse and keyboard needs, though I know we have devotees of Razer and MS stuff as well.

[crimsonshootingstar]

I would leave off the sound card. If you aren't going high end on board will be good enough. As far as the rest goes I would start with making sure you get a decent graphics card which is the most important factor in how it plays games and then a decent motherboard which is the backbone of your system. You can work out from there.

[The Domer]

If you use reddit, I strongly suggest checking out r/buildapc. There are lots of handy guides kept up-to-date, and the folks are very friendly and helpful (especially compared to a lot of other subreddits). I checked in there frequently when I built my pc. If you post your build, people will comment and critique it, and generally help make sure you aren't doing something foolish and you are getting the most bang for your buck.

[Larry]

Thanks guys! When i do, i'll probably be posting pictures and stuff.

[Gizanked]

the falcon guide is a good place to start.

but let me also say that when it comes to cases

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811119216

that one is amazing

[Larry]

Hmm yeah, ill add that link up top

[gator]

The guide referenced earlier by Giz
http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af1 ... /Guide.png

[Larry]

Hmm, that should probably help me with ballpark costs.