Need New Pc But Confused Dot Com!

[crisgal]

My Mum has let me use her account to ask a question she said you are all very helpful on here!
I've decided to treat myself to a shiny new PC but I'm not sure what I want, and I'm wary of a salesman telling me what he thinks i should have.
I would appreciate any advice.
I want one that I can play recent games - like Battlefield , Company Of Heroes and The Total War franchise - so with decent graphics. I do plan on getting a PS4 so don't really need a mega gaming PC like a high end Alienware.
I would also like to use Cubase, to record and mix my band's music - so a decent sound card is needed.
I wanted to build one myself so I can upgrade it as and when, but I've never done it before, so not sure where to start or where to go for proper, unbiased advice.
Is it worth talking to people in PC world etc? That is really the only store nearby. If I buy from the internet, there isn't anyone to ask!

[bookbinder]

All I can say to you is that I bought my present (first and only) PC from PC World, and I followed the advice that the salesman gave me. I told him what I wanted from a PC, and I'm very pleased with what I bought. So, you will no doubt get good advice from PC World. ...and no, I don't work for PC World!

[Buenchico]

>>>Is it worth talking to people in PC world?

Cough . . splutter . . . er, NO! (Not unless you want to speak to someone who knows f*** all about computers and who only wants to maximise their commission!). Try AC Computer Warehouse. They offer excellent customer service and will build computers to your own specification. (They're really friendly and helpful on the phone). Here's what they currently offer as their 'deluxe gaming machine' but, if you want to downgrade a little (to save money) or to upgrade a lot (to make everyone else envious) they'll happily do it for you:
http://www.accomputerwarehouse.com/product-info/deluxe-gaming-machine-intel-core-i7-16-gb-ram-gtx570-graphics-wifi

If you want to see what they've got to offer at a lower price (but which they'll still upgrade to meet your specific requirements, if needed) start here:
http://www.accomputerwarehouse.com/products/computing/windows-7-pcs

[hc4361]

How much do you want to spend?
Do you need to buy a monitor or do you already have one?
PC World is not necessarily the best route but it is a very good starting point - do your research.
Don't worry about buying online - you have far more legal rights than if you buy from a shop, just make sure you buy from a reputable company.
Spend a couple of quid on a PC magazine to read the reviews and see what the current spec is and to get an idea of price.

If you do need to buy a monitor - what size?

First of all, though, tell us your budget and whether that includes a monitor.

[ladybirder]

Sound advice from Bc as usual.

[crisgal]

Wow I'm impressed - thank you. Mum said to watch out from an answer from buenchico!
Budget is £800 maximum but that would have to include a monitor and everything.

[SlackAlice]

This is where I generally buy any components for my pc. They also do system bundles which you can customise to fit your budget.

Have a fiddle around with the options and see what you come up with!

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=43&catid=2475

[Wak]

I buy computer spares & accessories from Ebuyer.com so you could also have a look at their pages for suggestions and special offers, etc.