It is a terrible gaming computer for the price. Though, to be fair, it would run both games. SC2 would run on maximum graphics, Diablo 3 probably on high but not maximum graphics.

Why is it bad for the price? First, it's a premade, so you're already losing a sizeable chunk of change by not building yourself. Second, it overspends on processor (i7 is not better for gaming than i5) and dramatically underspends on GPU (for gaming purposes). Yes, SC2 and Diablo 3 should look ok, but only because they're among the most graphically undemanding games out there. Other games will look fairly bad compared to what you should buy for about that price.

Especially in the states and especially for gaming, it's practically a necessity to build your own computer (do not worry, it's pretty easy) unless you want to pay a $200-500 premium to one of the "custom-build" companies. I suggest going to the Computer Build Resource Thread, filling out the questionnaire in the OP, and getting ready for a fun project.
Edit: Oh, from Canada. Then do just like I said above to get a parts list, but tack on to wherever you order (probably ncix.com) the building fee. Much better solution than we have in the U.S.

jacosajh

2919 Posts

June 21 2012 17:14 GMT

On June 22 2012 01:23 skyR wrote:
No it's not. Buy parts separately and get NCIX or any other Canadian retailer to assemble it for ~$50.

Quoting this for emphasis.

Also, that won't run everything on max graphics at 1080p for SC2/D3. The graphics card isn't good enough. At a lower resolution, it might though.

Zoaam

10 Posts

June 21 2012 17:22 GMT

Ok, any of you have like a good one for a good price that i could buy...?
thanks!

jacosajh

2919 Posts

June 21 2012 17:50 GMT

If you can afford that $800 computer, you can have a new one built that will perform much better for less from most online retailers like skyR said.

We can tell what parts to order (so you can have them build it).

Zoaam

10 Posts

June 21 2012 17:53 GMT

Yes, money isnt a problem, I just need the good parts. If you can do that, would be nice and i'll order them.

jacosajh

2919 Posts

June 21 2012 18:20 GMT

Motherboard: MSI Z77-G43 - $120
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=69230&promoid=1048

CPU: Intel i5 3570k - $230
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=70541&promoid=1027

HDD: 500GB 7200 RPM - $80
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=58402

CD/DVD DRIVE - $20
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=49597&promoid=1048

RAM: 4GB DDR3 - $24
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=47642&promoid=1027

PSU: XFX PRO550W - $70
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=59615

GPU: HD 7850 - $255
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=71671

Case: Cooler Master 912 - $60
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=55583

PC Assembly - $50
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=7842

Total Price is ~$910 before taxes / shipping

You can get it cheaper by not getting an i5 3570k (if you don't want to overclock) and not getting an HD 7850 (which is a pretty beastly GPU; if all you're doing is playing SC2 and D3, you definitely don't need this). You can also pick any case you want.

I also didn't even pricematch, so there might be some other savings to be had.

If you just want the most PC for ~$900, that's about it. This system is (arbitrarily assigning numbers) 5x better than the one you linked too.

203 Posts

June 21 2012 18:25 GMT

#10

The CPU is top end but the graphics card is a really cheap one, it is kind of mismatched

TheFlock

United States389 Posts

June 21 2012 19:21 GMT

#11

I used the guides to build my own desktop like was mentioned, and could not be happier with my awesome gaming rig. Suggestions pretty spot on so far.

I just wanted to add a couple more small things to also think about (given the parts list above):

1) The desktop you chose comes with WiFi, so if you want that, you need to remember to add a WiFi PCI card or USB dongle. Perhaps around $30 but a bit of variety here to suit your needs.
2) Usually desktops like the pre-built one linked in OP come with HUGE HDDs. You should think about how much space you really need when buying a HDD. I got a relatively small one to start and if I fill it up in a couple years I can just add another... Depending on the size it will influence the price fairly significantly as well.
3) The cost of an OS should not be forgotten as well so that'll tack on another ~$100
4) The Gateway comes with a card reader so if you really wanted that feature, you'll have to add an external one or similar. These are super cheap and negligible compared to the overall cost.

I know this is the small *insignificant stuff* but when I was comparing Pre-built to my computer build list, it's easy to get lost in the big cool components and forget about the little things that Pre-builts have added in that the OP might still be interested in.

All these things considered, I'll say that building your own PC like this is (arbitrarily) ~2.5x better than the one OP linked for the same money

jacosajh

2919 Posts

June 21 2012 19:53 GMT

#12

Oh yeah. I forgot about the OS.

But you can downsize to an i5 3550 and maybe an HD 6850 to fit an OS within the ~$900 budget. It'll still be a lot better for your money.

minitelemaster

United States95 Posts

June 21 2012 19:57 GMT

#13

If you get the 3570k cpu, make sure you also get an aftermarket cooler, like the hyper 212+ (this will allow you to overclock, which is the whole point of purchasing a k-suffix processor). Also, if money is not a problem, consider adding an SSD.

Zoaam

10 Posts

June 21 2012 21:17 GMT

#14

THANKS EVERYONE <3

Zoaam

10 Posts

June 21 2012 21:22 GMT

#15

Is this all the parts that i will need or more?

jacosajh

2919 Posts

June 21 2012 22:15 GMT

#16

Do you need an Operating System?

If so, you will need to buy one. Here it is for another $106.
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=45269&vpn=GFC-00564&manufacture=Microsoft

As I was saying in my other post, you can downgrade the Motherboard / CPU / GPU a slight bit to fit it into the budget of ~$900.

What I linked in my previous post is a build that is overclockable and a very beastly graphics card (GPU). If you are not interested in overclocking and don't need a high-end graphics card (SC2 and D3 don't classify as requiring high-end graphics card), I can link cheaper ones. But, if you are wanting to play something like Crysis 2, Metro 2033, Dirt 3, or Battlefield 3 at 1080p on the absolute maximum settings, you will want the best GPU you can get. Otherwise, you can get away with a weaker graphics card and just scale back on graphic settings for these games.

Also, this doesn't include a keyboard, mouse, and monitor; if you need this we will need to start all over.

Zoaam

10 Posts

June 21 2012 23:03 GMT

#17

No, ill be alright with the monitor`mouse,keyboard, and I dont really want to overclock, so does that mean that I can skip the 106$ thing that you where talking about?

Blackhawk13

United States442 Posts

June 21 2012 23:10 GMT

#18

You should be able to get windows 7 for $30 (+another $10 for physical copy I believe, if you need that) if you have a .edu email address. Unless that deal is US only or if they stopped doing it.

Zoaam

10 Posts

June 21 2012 23:12 GMT

#19

Do you think they can install it for me? And sorry for bieng a total noob, but do i need a audio card or something?

Medrea

10003 Posts

June 21 2012 23:13 GMT

#20

The motherboard has onboard audio. Should be good. NCIX assembles for a fee, bout 50 bucks.