Don't buy a gaming computer
 

Build it yourself. Saves you a lot of money and learning how can prove very useful as you might learn how to fix it yourself.

A common misconception is that building a computer requires years of training and only super nerds can. To be honest, it's just like putting together a color coded puzzle. You buy the parts(gpu, cpu,memory,motherboard,case,cooler, harddrive, etc) and put it together.

The hardest part is choosing the right parts for your budget. The good thing is you can just look at websites for info on what parts are good.

here's a good site:
http://www.build-gaming-computers.com/

Seems nice ^_^

I've never actually considered building one, but now that I think about it, it must be a lot cheaper

Alienware FTW

Fixed.

I built my PC for $300. It's not exactly a gaming PC, but it could still play most games when I built it, including L4D1&2 on full settings. Granted, it was just $300 and I wasn't aiming for a gaming PC, so I ended up being able to do way more than I actually was expecting.

It's a great learning experience.

All you really need is:

1. A Phillips head screwdriver
2. Ability to use Google to solve your problems

I would recommend purchasing a DIY Kit from Newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Store/MasterCo...=DIY-PC-Combos

A kit like ($300~) this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboB...752468-_-Combo

Pair it with a $100~ Graphics card of your choice and you've got a pretty decent gaming computer on a budget. Even without the graphics card if you're currently running a 5~ year old OEM computer you'll notice a significant speed difference.

Use alternative means to obtain windows or install a Linux distro (Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, etc.). Some University/College/Schools might provide MSDNAA access to free and/or cheap Microsoft software as well.

Why not just by a mac, its not the cheapest decision but if you want to play online games, stop being cheap, online gaming is expensive.

I love Macs

A Mac...for gaming?

you're a pretty funny guy

Macs are the most overpriced computers. Just from buying a windows pc you get the same power for 1/2 the price or better. Not to mention most games don't support macs. Only good thing about macs is they can be more user friendly to people who don't like using computers(more immune to viruses, shiny, different interface)
My $400 laptop handles graphics better than my friends $1500 mac, and mines only like 1 year newer.
@fp4 does that kit even have a cooler O_o

i bought a ****in Acer 4 years ago and stuck in a baller video card. still a scream machine to this day.

funny story about macs. My sister bought one of those imacs with the computer build into the lcd display against my advice a few years back. after about 1 year the thing started getting so loud because of the dust buildup inside. Of course you cant open them up. It eventually overheated and melted down.

You _can_ be cheap if you want to play online games. A $400 build can play a lot of recent games at playable frame-rates.

If you compare cost of a build you can put together yourself and the cost of a Mac you quickly realize how much more (and limited) Macs really are.

Personally I can't justify the price of a Mac to that of a computer I can buy the parts for and put together myself.

The aesthetics and simplicity of Mac OS, and synergy with other Apple devices are why Mac can charge what they do for their computers.

Although my black Silverstone FT02 case will always be more beautiful in my eyes than any Mac.

Retail processors come with stock cooler/heatsink/fans, unless you're into over-clocking or are obsessed with silence (I am) the stock offering will do fine.

Alienware is sh*t compared to most computers...

Buy yourself a regular computer and a copy of norton Internet security.. That's it..

I have a IBM laptop and a copy of norton security... And it works amazing on sonic heroes and typing of the dead..

And building a pc... Really? You sure you wanna take the time to build one.. Rather than purchasing a laptop for 300-700 dollars? Oh and btw, where exactly are you gonna take your so called build pc if you had a vacation?

Laptops ftw suckers!

Ive heard Norton is really bloated and can be a system resource hog. I use AVG.

if im on vacation its usually to escape anything technology related anyway.

OK, i was typing out a response to the mac/laptop stuff in here, but then I noticed Maikeru actually recommended Norton...

With all respect,
http://t.qkme.me/352z5c.jpg