I realize that this is an older thread, but perhaps others looking to build a gaming PC can benifit...
Alienware makes super awesome PC's with good specs. Especially with the slower running Windows Vista, Alienware specs makes much more sense. But, they are sometimes more expensive than a custom build.
Tiger Direct is good to get ideas, but they tend to be expensive in disguise. Most of their products are cheaper only after a rebate... and also their shipping and handling charges usually runs 100-300% MORE than the average competitor such as NewEgg. You can test this by ordering something simple like a stick of memory... the shipping is crazy expensive. And if you order multiple items you still don't get a break with the shipping and handling.
I was crazy stupid the first time I build my own gaming PC and ended up spending $200 on shipping (from TigerDirect) for all the parts that I needed. It's easy to get excited over their posted prices and not pay attention to the shipping and handling charges. Not going there again for sure...
As far as specs go, as of now, consider the following:
(1)
CPU - a 64bit processor is a must. I've been with
AMD for many years now (since the XP series) and have been very happy. AMD processors have a track record for running cooler and also survive overclocking at a much higher rate than Intel processors.
Even if you don't have the cash, consider the
Sempron 64-bit processors at least. They have less cache memory than the Athlon 64's but they're considerably cheaper and can be replaced later when you have more money to spend. Just try to stick with socket "
AM2" style processors... this is the latest size/form factor and you'll more likely be able to upgrade later down the road if you go with this size.
(2)
Motherboard (MOBO) - System builders swear by
ASUS, but I've had some success with
Gigabyte mobos. If you're looking for a deal, ignore the brand but look for a few specific features: onboard sound (saves you money on buying an expensive sound card), cpu slot size (must match the size/shape of the processor you bought), number of slots for memory, and the graphics chipset they support (I recommend SLI compliant mobos at least)
(3)
Memory (RAM) - be careful here. Mixing memory sticks (i.e., capacity and speed)
can cause you problems, including a frequently crashing system. Stick with the same brand if you get multiple sticks of memory.
Your best bet is to get the biggest capcity memory stick possible (at this time, 1 GB) and go with at least 2 GB if you're running Windows Vista. Windows XP you can game happily along with 1 GB RAM. 2 sticks of 1 GB each is better than four of 512 MB each... you have to do considerably less troubleshooting if you get a stick (or more) of bad memory.
(4)
Graphics card - this is where you want to plunk down most of your budget. Keep in mind that the graphics card has a GPU (its own CPU) which is what drives graphics intesive games.
You can skimp on the main CPU, but try to put down something significant for your graphics card. Depending on your mobo, this may be a PCIe or AGP slot configuration. They are slightly different from each other with the former being the newer variant than the latter.
ATI or nVidia? Tough call. Both have their strong points. If you paid attention and bought an
SLI compliant mobo, congratulations, you have access to the higher end video cards from nVidia.
I suggest to go as cheap as you can, with as much memory capacity as you can afford. you can always upgrade later if you're unhappy with the performance of your current video card.64 MB memory is good for your most basic games. For more graphics intensive games, I've seen specs for 128-256 MB minimum.
(5)
Hard Drive - these are commodity these days. Brand name is not important but go with a reasonable capacity (200GB +) and as much cache memory as you can afford. Cache = means more speed.
Don't buy a high speed drive (i.e., 10,000 RPM) they're too noisy and more trouble than they're worth. 7200 RPM will work fine.
Serial ATA (SATA) capability, if supported by your motherboard will squeeze out a few extra seconds of speed on the overall functioning of your system. I'm using an just ATA/IDE drive and it works fine... so don't worry if you have to scrimp and save a few bucks.
(6)
CD/DVD/Media drive - A DVD ROM capability is a must. CD and DVD burning isn't a necessity for gaming so save a few bucks and get a DVD ROM drive only.
(7)
Case - do you plan to go to a lot of LAN parties? Then go with something compact and portable. Shuttle makes a nice line of portable cases. Same with Apevia (my personal favorite).
The compact cases cost more, but they look classy and are easier to transport. If you don't care, cases can run as cheap as $15-30 bucks for the plain beige/putty style.
(8)
Power Supply - if you went SLI with your graphics card,
you'll need an SLI compliant power supply. Otherwise 300-500 watt capcity should be sufficient... unless you plan to hang a lot of accessories and case mods like uv lamps and fan-lights.
So there's a few tips on building an uber gaming machine on a budget. I've experimented with a few configurations using newegg and most of my designs have come to the $500-$800 (USD) range... before postage and rebates.
PM me or post a question if you need more tips or clarification on my advice. Good luck!