Build me a computer.

[Crashlander04]

So. I want to play Arma 2 DayZ. I use a Macbook Pro.

I can either:

a) Somehow boot it onto this computer, get overly confused, and lag horrendously.

or b) Build a new, awesome PC computer for the summer which is long overdue.

I have a budget, but due to the fact I actually have a life, I would like the lowest price possible for the best specs. I will not give away the actually budget, but explanations for necessity of the price or quality of certain parts may effect my decision. I may or may not choose the lowest budget specs possible, as I do actually want a good computer as a trade-off.

The task at hand here is to find the best comparable specs and prices for what I would actually need/use as a gamer, student, and artist.

I figure enough of you have the same general interests, and a good base of knowledge concerning computers, and would probably be the best suited community to help in my decision.

Spoiler (Click to View)

GO!

[guthriearmstrong]

Ever built one before?

[Crashlander04]

No.. I use a Mac..

[Leech]

No.. I use a Mac..

Not sure if you can be saved

[Crashlander04]

I can and I will be.

[bvcxzmn]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPIXAtNGGCw&feature=plcp
This is an extensive and in depth overview of how to build a computer. The only thing I would recommend is using a GTX 670 or 680 (depending on you budget: they are ~$400 and ~$500 respectively). 500 series cards are cheaper (the 570 used in the video for example), but not quite as powerful. I highly recommend watching all 3 videos.

[iDieForEXP]

I help you out budday, just lemme go find that wishlist I made.

[DjFuzz]

I can help you anytime crash, just talk to me on skype and ill give you some good specs but I'd need a budget and I can get the best PC for that price, but if you want a cheap pc take a look at this :

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Gamer_Scorpius_8000/

[iDieForEXP]

Alrighty then. I got you a list ma man. This setup will run an game out now smoothly at a super low price. Heres the components.

Motherboard
ASUS M5A97 AMD9 series ($90)

CPU
AMD PhenomII X4 965 Black edition. ($120)

RAM
Crucial 4GB DDR3 (1333 Mhz) ($20)

Video Card
EVGA GeForce GTX 550 Ti Superclocked (1GB) ($125)

Hard Drive
Western Digital Caviar Blue 500 GB ($75)

Optical Drive
Lite-on Internet DVD Writer ($1

Case
Cooler Master RC-430-KWN1 Elite 430 ($50)

Power Supply
Cooler Master Elite series 400 watts ($40)

Overall, this should run you about $538.

(just use google to find the stuff)

((if you want more power, Ive got another list here for a mid range computer, lemme know))

[Cell]

Hmm, i'm thinking of doing this over the summer. But I have no idea what im doing.