BleepingComputer.com: looking to build a new gaming computer

hello,
I am planning on building a computer over this coming summer. I am looking for something that I can play games on. I have a budget of about $1000. That does not need to include monitor, mouse, or keyboard. I do not know much about the parts involved so I am looking for help in choosing parts. If anyone could help me pick out some good parts it would be greatly appreciated.


P.S.
I am looking to be able to play "the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" when it gets released. does not need to be able to run on highest settings but i would like it to run smoothly on good settings.

Thanks a bunch

For $1000 without a monitor and peripherals, you will be getting a good PC. Keep in mind that AMD will be releasing new processors in a month or so which may alter our suggestions.

Case: NZXT Phantom PHAN-001WT - This is a full ATX case, which is needed if you are going for the large graphics cards. Be careful with with cases, shipping can quickly become expensive, eating up any cost savings from going with a lower tiered case. $139

Motherboard: MSI P67A-G43 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel P67 - This is a fairly basic Intel LGA 1155 motherboard. It isn't designed for extreme overclocking, but is sturdy. $129

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz - A Sandy Bridge Intel CPU. It is considered an upper mid-range part until Intel releases their enthusiast LGA 2011 CPU's and AMD launches their Bulldozer line. The "K" in the name means it is semi-unlocked allowing you to overclock within certain limits. $224

PSU: CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 750W - This is more than enough power for your PC and Corsair makes great power supplies. $104 (Before $15 mail-in rebate)

RAM: Patriot Signature 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 - This is a single 4GB stick of DDR3-1333 RAM. Most people only need 4GB, some want 8GB. You need a 64-bit operating system to use 4GB or more of RAM. $38

GPU: XFX HD-695X-CNFC Radeon HD 6950 2GB - This is considered a high-end graphics card. AMD has only two other cards besides this one that are above it, the 6970 and the 6990. This card is about on par with Nvidia's GTX 570. The HIS H687F1G2M Radeon HD 6870 1GB would be a step down from this card. $274

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB - A basic hard drive. $59

Optical Drive: LITE-ON CD/DVD Burner iHAS124-04 - A basic drive, again. $20

Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit - You need this. $100

Grand Total: $1,093 (Before taxes, shipping, and rebates)

To cut down the price so it can within the budget of $1000.

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz - $210

GPU: HIS H687F1G2M Radeon HD 6870 1GB - $200

Total: $999 excluding shipping, taxes and rebates.

Seriously, why would anyone let $14 deter them from an unlocked "K" CPU? I would up my budget for that.

It's just some people doesn't overclock and it's all about keeping within the budget

thanks a bunch for the help everyone, and i think im gonna go with the slightly more expensive one. Im not to picky about going over $1000, I was just giving a rough amount and do not mind spending a little more than that

Ok, i understand. Good luck on putting it together