Ok so I want to get a new computer, and I am wanting to build it myself. The only thing is I don't have the faintest idea as to what hardware I should get. Can anyone help me? I'm wanting to be able to run all the OB games and Left 4 Dead (Definitely L4D) at full graphics.

We need to know your price range, otherwise we don't know whether to tell you to buy parts for a £200 PC or a £2000 monsta

Monsta monsta

I have no idea what the budget will be as the Co-op hasn't responded to my application form. I just want a computer that will be able to run L4D, Episode 2 and other games at good graphics. TF2 looks crap on my current computer.

i'd imagine the recommended specs have been announced for L4D already. Check them out and base it on that if thats all youre going to play on it

That won't be all I'm going to play on it.

But it's good way of working out what components you actually want

Look at the recommended specs, improve on them slighty- just in case, and you'll have the pc you want at whatever price it turns out to be

People will probably be able to help with specfic hardware choices once you get a better idea of what you want.

£500 should get you something half decent if you don't need a monitor.

Spend £700 (not inc monitor) and you'll get something approaching a decent gaming rig. Once you go above 700 you're spending money on those detaled small tweaks like passive cooling and specialist RAM.

Here's a couple of links to give you an idea

CCL High End Systems

CCL Gamer Systems

These are pre-built systems so if you're going to self build you can safely knock around 10% off the prices. CCL are pretty reputable and the websites a good source of ideas for self building, even if you end up going to e-buyer or something.

There's a lot of detail in other threads about stuff such as RAM specifications, motherboards etc, but the truth is you'll only see a difference with those details at the very high end.

A good rule of thumb is go with an intel dual core, 2.2Ghz minimum. Mobo's with intel chipsets seem to be less problematic for the novice PC builder than with Nvidia chipsets so go for something like an Asus Intel mobo, around £70 will get you something good.

Get a minimum of 2Ghz RAM, get 1333Mhz front side bus if you can DDR3 is worth looking at but DDR2 is still good. You can buy Mobo bundles with the processor and RAM already installed and tested which is worth considering, as installing the CPU if you've never done it before can be a bit nerve racking.

GFX cards is always a big talking point, and you can get an 8800GT / GTS which is still pretty much a benchmark GFX card for decent money these days. If you've got more to spend, 9800GT or even the new bad boys from ATI or NVidia might be worth a look. I'm finding myself liking NVidia more at the moment, but they tend to cost more as they use raw hardware processing to get their results where ATI are using clever optimisation (as a very general rule). Both top end cards are phenomenal.

HDD's are HDD's, it's just a case of how big!

PSU's are the next consideration, you need enough juice to run your rig. There's loads of PSU's on CCL, picking one is just a case of making sure you have enough power, and the correct set of connectors for powering your peripherals.

Lastly, comes your case, you can either go boring or mega silly. Coolermaster make excellent gaming cases as do Antec.

I wont bother talking about OS's as it's so subjective, but 64Bit OS's can cause compatibility issues with some games.

Hope that helps.

Thanks for the help. Unfortunately I am new to building computers and different parts (I have no experience whatsoever) so a lot of that stuff you said I don't understand... I get the general idea though I think... meh, I'll see if the Co-op responds then post how much I'm getting paid.

What don't you understand and I'll clarify?