I want to build a gaming computer

To play the Sims on. That's all I will use it for. I'm not very tech savvy, so is this a good idea? How much will it cost me and what parts will I need? I really want a laptop, but if a desktop's cheaper, I'll go with that.

 

I looked up the Sims, and the specs weren't really crazy. Yeah, building a computer is always a good idea. Fun, and if you're not very tech savy, it's a good way to learn. New computers are relatively easy to put together, everything is pretty standard.

Cost wise, it will be cheaper, but if it's just a mid range gaming desktop, software can be a significant expense if you're a windows user. You can get windows for close to free thorough various methods, such as through just about any school, which will make building your own very appealing.

Pay attention to case size versus your motherboard case size, and matching up the right motherboard and processor.

 

Just steal windows. You can find cracked copies on pirate bay that work perfectly.

 

I remember when you you could put AMD K6's in the same motherboard as an Intel CPU...think they called it Socket 7 back then. 233MHz was blazing fast...

 

For something simple as the sims you dont really need a custom built gaming computer. Their are plenty of stock options all you need is a dedicated graphics card.

Also ive never built a laptop but i know they are much much more difficult because unlike a desktop where everything plugs in somewhere. Laptop parts wires are all sauntered to the motherboard.

 

tigerdirect.com
or newegg.com

you dont need much

 

I used to have gaming machines built for me every couple of years or so but I've kinda grown out of it. I only play one PC game now and it's a 2003 racing sim that still has a great community behind it. I've tried to play it on my newer system with specs quadrupling what the game actually asks for and I still can't max it out to it's full potential. So I have it installed on an old XP system with a steering wheel and that's all that system gets used for.
I fear sometimes that if something goes wrong with it, I don't know how I will be able to play it again. Can you still have old systems repaired? This thing hasn't even been connected to the net for years it's so out of date.

 

Don't need to much to run that game but still if getting new pc I would try to get a
4 core for a CPU intel
least 8GB ram
1 midrange video card say 760gtx or even 660ti both NVidia
SSD Drive
800 watt ps
Rom all in one

you want to be able to use for next 3-5 this will hold fine if you are playing Sims still or games like and for gaming down the road just replace video card .