So i'm going to be buying a computer soon and figured I should just buy the best I can get so my question's are...

What do I need to buy to be able to play skyrim at max settings with a lot of mods installed as well? I'll also be playing other games if that effects anything.

and i'd prefer cheaper, like under $1000 but if the quality will change over that i'll spend more.

also, the link doesn't work with what i might buy

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/build_pc_recommended_builds_may_2013

The baseline system is all you need. Dual video cards are a waste of money and electricity. If you have any parts like optical drives/hard drives or a case or what not, you can transfer that over, but do get a new quality power supply even if you are keeping your old case.

Ok, thanks i've seen that but there seems to be a ton of options in building a pc.

and I would still be able to upgrade in case I need to, right?

how can I post a link to show what i might buy? its pcpartpicker

You can ignore all the higher priced options, just focus on the first rig, and use that as a guide to select your parts.

Oh yea. That base rig could give you gaming pleasure for the next 5 to 8 years, if you upgrade the video card every two or so years. Maybe add some more RAM at some point. I built a solid rig, much the same class of parts as that base rig for it's day, back in 2007 that I gamed on until a couple of months ago. All I changed was the video card.

Also, you don't have to get the exact parts. For example, a non SLI Mobo with all the good stuff can be 30 to 50 bucks less than the mobo specc'd. The chipset and features are the key to selecting a mobo. Sure, limiting your dual card options might not be something you want to do. But, a single good video card is usually a better option, and two good video cards is like a little better, if it works for that game. See this thread, and the article linked.

http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1447563-dual-gpus-not-that-good-a-solution/

For video cards, find the 7870 chipset for the lowest price, it does not matter really who makes it. Other than clock speeds, coolers and any game bundles, pick on price. My card came with new BioShock and Tomb Raider. That was a cool surprise as I bought my version for the cooler and clock speed.