on high or even ultra preferably with good or at least decent fps? Must be under $1000 AUD (probably around $800-$900 US). I wouldn't mind building it, but my dad might disagree, so we'll about that.
I'm a complete nub with PC's so just name and link me the parts or the rig. If this isn't possible on this budget tell me. Plz don't give me a rig that'll only be able to run sc2 on low or medium because I might as well just use my macbook then :/ I already have a monitor, speakers and stuff like that so don't worry about them . Thnx :D Oh yeah, I really want to have at least 4gb ram :/
You definitely want to build your own PC. It isn't hard at all. You save money and end up getting the exact system you want.
Intel i5 750
ATI HD 4890 (2)
G.Skill Ripjaws 8 GB (Cas Latency 7)
The only three parts that really matter are the CPU, GPU, and RAM. I was able to build my computer six months ago for about $1100 USD. Now, I know that is over your budget. However, you can cut corners in other areas (like not getting the $100+ case I got, or the $60+ headset etc.) and that will certainly bring you down to $900. Not to mention stuff is cheaper these days.
I recommend this CPU because it is amazing for overclock. It comes at 2.67 GHZ stock and overclocks to 3.2 GHZ without a hitch. At this level it is comparable to i7 (which does not overclock nearly as well), but is cheaper.
I recommend this GPU because it works great in a pair. You could get a better individual GPU, but two of these linked will be the best value.
I recommend this RAM because it kicks ass. The timings are great, the company is known for quality, the warranty is lifetime, they overclock well, and they look cool.
Here is my config (built in December 2009 for 450-500€), if it helps:
Motherboard: P5E3 Pro (you can't put a i5 proc on these... socket is 775)
Processor: Intel Q6600 (quadcore)
CPU Ventilation: Can't remember but it's a Zalman (never went over 45-50°C)
RAM: 4Go DDR3 (NOT Corsair, it's cheaper and works perfect anyway!)
Hard Drives: Kingston SSDNow (64Go SATA) for the OS only; another with 1To capacity (SATA) for storage
Graphics: Nvidia 8800 GT (PCI Express x16)
If you change the graphics card to some newer model (8800 GT is getting reaaaaaally old now), it will work like a charm (30 fps with ultra settings, lags a bit when recording with Fraps though) for a reasonable cost. I'm not sure about Diablo 3. Anyway, this is the cheapest I could think of, and it is far more than enough to play SC2 in Ultra. Improving some parts will cost 150-250€ more and the boost won't be *that* obvious (except the graphics card)...
on high or even ultra preferably with good or at least decent fps? Must be under $1000 AUD (probably around $800-$900 US). I wouldn't mind building it, but my dad might disagree, so we'll about that.
I'm a complete nub with PC's so just name and link me the parts or the rig. If this isn't possible on this budget tell me. Plz don't give me a rig that'll only be able to run sc2 on low or medium because I might as well just use my macbook then :/ I already have a monitor, speakers and stuff like that so don't worry about them . Thnx :D Oh yeah, I really want to have at least 4gb ram :/
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Gamer_Xtreme_XT/ if you want to go ultra, this is the cheapest.
1,119 dollars.
If you deciede to go High, http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Gamer_Xtreme_3000/ this one for 835 dollars.
Medium however, http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Gamer_Xtreme_3000/ this one costs 509.
Source: http://gear.ign.com/articles/111/1110482p1.html
@onedaysnotice: Go
get a friend at intel, microsoft, nvidia, etc etc. you'll get everything 50% off.
I am no PC builder myself too but still I hear good saying about newegg.com
http://www.newegg.com/Store/SpecialPromotion.aspx
You definitely want to build your own PC. It isn't hard at all. You save money and end up getting the exact system you want.
The only three parts that really matter are the CPU, GPU, and RAM. I was able to build my computer six months ago for about $1100 USD. Now, I know that is over your budget. However, you can cut corners in other areas (like not getting the $100+ case I got, or the $60+ headset etc.) and that will certainly bring you down to $900. Not to mention stuff is cheaper these days.
I recommend this CPU because it is amazing for overclock. It comes at 2.67 GHZ stock and overclocks to 3.2 GHZ without a hitch. At this level it is comparable to i7 (which does not overclock nearly as well), but is cheaper.
I recommend this GPU because it works great in a pair. You could get a better individual GPU, but two of these linked will be the best value.
I recommend this RAM because it kicks ass. The timings are great, the company is known for quality, the warranty is lifetime, they overclock well, and they look cool.
Good luck! Newegg and eBay are your friends.
Here is my config (built in December 2009 for 450-500€), if it helps:
Motherboard: P5E3 Pro (you can't put a i5 proc on these... socket is 775)
Processor: Intel Q6600 (quadcore)
CPU Ventilation: Can't remember but it's a Zalman (never went over 45-50°C)
RAM: 4Go DDR3 (NOT Corsair, it's cheaper and works perfect anyway!)
Hard Drives: Kingston SSDNow (64Go SATA) for the OS only; another with 1To capacity (SATA) for storage
Graphics: Nvidia 8800 GT (PCI Express x16)
If you change the graphics card to some newer model (8800 GT is getting reaaaaaally old now), it will work like a charm (30 fps with ultra settings, lags a bit when recording with Fraps though) for a reasonable cost. I'm not sure about Diablo 3. Anyway, this is the cheapest I could think of, and it is far more than enough to play SC2 in Ultra. Improving some parts will cost 150-250€ more and the boost won't be *that* obvious (except the graphics card)...
@onedaysnotice: Go http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/build-a-pc-overclock-components,2735.html
you may skip the overclocking part, you could even downgrade to a GTX460