Need help building a computer

[RedFlag]

So I decided that my laptop was just too terrible to keep around for much longer. I've made the decision that I'm going to build a computer, but I have minimal knowledge of this field so I need help.
I want to keep the price below $1000. I was given an estimate as to the price for a good system and it was about $700 so around that range would be good.
My goal is to have a PC that can play Left 4 Dead on at least the recommended settings.

Left 4 Dead System Requirements
Minimum:

* Supported OS: Microsoft Windows XP / Vista / Vista64
* Processor: Pentium 4 3.0GHz
* Memory: 1 GB
* Graphics: 128 MB, Shader model 2.0, ATI 9600, NVidia 6600 or better
* Hard Drive: At least 7.5 GB of free space
* Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card

Recommended:

* Supported OS: Microsoft Windows XP / Vista / Vista64
* Processor: Intel core 2 duo 2.4GHz
* Memory: 1 GB
* Graphics: Shader model 3.0, NVidia 7600, ATI X1600 or better

I would like to have at least 2GB of RAM and a dual core processor.
Help/suggestions/links would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

 

[5starGeneralAlphaSnake]

Have you look at the ego mall premade pcs?

 

[pillar]

ya u can get a machine from velocity micro for $900 (i just checked the specs on it & it can def run L4D on recommended).

 

[Ma$termind]

Taken directly from my post in a similar topic:

Alright then, $900 build with no OC?

[...]

Case: Antec 900 Black ATX
MOBO: ASUS P5Q Intel P45
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 @3.0GHz
HS: AC Freezer 7 Pro
GPU: VisionTek Radeon HD 4870 512MB
RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2-800
PSU: OCZ StealthXStream 600W
HDD: WD Caviar 640GB 7200 RPM
DVD?RW: LG 20X DVD?R[W] DVD Burner

Total Price: ~$880 USD (after Mail-In-Rebates, before Shipping)

Ho, ho! Much better!

If you'd rather you can even cut it this way, and add a Blu-Ray/HD-DVD drive!

Case: Antec 900 Black ATX
MOBO: ASUS P5Q Intel P45
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 @3.0GHz
HS: AC Freezer 7 Pro
GPU: EVGA GeForce 9800 GT 512MB
RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2-800
PSU: OCZ StealthXStream 500W
HDD: WD Caviar 640GB 7200 RPM
DVD?RW: LG 20X DVD?R[W] DVD Burner
Blu-Ray: LG Blu-Ray/HD-DVD Combo

Total Price: ~$850 USD (after Mail-In-Rebates, before Shipping)

[...]

Also if you're going to bother with an upgraded heat sink, don't forget to get some good thermal compound and remover.

Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5
Compound Remover: AS Thermal Remover

Adding those two bump above the prices up ~$10 bucks, but you'll need 'em.

Both of those builds above are extremely solid! Good luck, and have fun =)

Also, if you want something a bit cheaper (from another one of my posts):

Case: Antec 300 ATX
MOBO: ASUS P5QL PRO
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 @2.53GHz
HS: AC Freezer 7 Pro
GPU: EVGA GeForce 9800 GT 512MB
RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2-800
PSU: OCZ StealthXStream 500W
HDD: WD Caviar 500GB 7200 RPM
DVD?RW: LG 22X DVD?R[W] DVD Burner

Total Price: ~$570 USD (after Mail-In-Rebates, before Shipping)

Any of those setups would serve you well. It's up to you if you want to take the more expensive one with the HD 4870, or this cheaper one and just OC the CPU to around 3.2GHz (should get there easily) and pocket the change.

Just don't forget the Thermal Compound (as mentioned in the first quote) if you are going to get that after-market heat-sink and OC.

 

[GCrusader]

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishLists.aspx?WishListNumber=13341227&WishListTitle=Redflag

There's the list. It's a bit over $1000 but it'll come down under it after the mail-in rebates. Also, it's nice that you guys want to support eGO by buying from Velocity Micro. However, Velocity Micro is quite overpriced. You'd be better off going with CyberPowerPC or iBuyPower.

 

[Ma$termind]

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishLists.aspx?WishListNumber=13341227&WishListTitle=Redflag

There's the list. It's a bit over $1000 but it'll come down under it after the mail-in rebates. Also, it's nice that you guys want to support eGO by buying from Velocity Micro. However, Velocity Micro is quite overpriced. You'd be better off going with CyberPowerPC or iBuyPower.

No-one but you can see that list (it's tied to your account). You will need to type it out or screen cap it.