I'm basically looking for a DECENT gaming machine with a price tag of about $800. Now, this isn't including a keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers or CD/DVD drive (assuming mine would work) and the price is flexible.

If you want to include a monitor I'd like it to be less than $300 and be able to hook up to my PS3. I was leaning towards this one personally: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009154

Also, I can probably get someone to build it for me, I have no brand preference, and as far as cases go I wouldn't care if its ugly as long as it does it's job.

I think I have all my bases covered. Thanks in advance.Only one more question - do you NEED an operating system? I would assume yes, but want to make sure.If it won't affect the hardware then I can work that DETAIL out later. Otherwise, I'd like to stick with Windows XP.

It's getting hard to think. I'm going to sleep and will check this in the "morning".If you don't already know how to build a computer, and I'd have to guess that you don't, by your opening post, then I'd suggest that you buy an "off the shelf" named brand PC like Acer, HP or Compaq or have someone with the experience to build it for you.

To avoid a whole shopping list of complaints, avoid Dell or Gateway.

Being an old, Professional, PC builder, I have my standards and my minimums.
Today, I can build an adequate PC, with no frills for Under $500.
And that DOES include a keyboard and mouse.

But, add a high end Video card, dual HD's and a top quality DVD burner and you've jumped up to about $700.
For $800, I can build you a PC that will tuck you in at night, and still respect you in the morning.


Good Luck,
Shadow
As to building a computer on your own, I agree with TheShadow. I have worked with and on computers for forty years. You can have some expensive mistakes through carelessness. There are some good deals to be found at some of the larger electronics stores. Stay away from super stores. They sell everything and are competing on price and not on quality. The best solution is to find someone, that you can trust, to build you a computer. Determine what type of system that you want, how much you want to spent, then do some research on the components that you would like to have in your system.

Good luck

Banker64 My experience with PC's has mainly been upgrading but I would have to disagree with both shadow and banker on building your own.

If you are willing to spend the money and willing to learn then by all means go ahead and build your own PC. If you don't TRY you will never learn.

Just keep in mind that you will need to take it slow and if anything doesn't look right then come here and ask for assistance. There are plenty of people here willing to help you out.My plan is to have a friend who runs a computer repair shop put it together for me. That would be my best bet. I'd plan this with him, but I live out of town now.

Maybe I would try to build it myself as a last resort. And if I did I would read a few guides and be very cautious.

The only place around here that sells whole computers is WalMart and maybe Staples or Shopko. Staples tends to be overpriced, but Shopko might have potential. For now, though, I'll check out those brands TheShadow recommended and look at some hardware on newegg.

Any hardware recommendations or comments on that monitor i picked out would be appreciated. Thanks for the replies thus far.