I recently became aware that I need to make the change over to PC gaming. The games I spend the most time playing have some amazing mods that I must experience! My main focuses will be FO:NV and Skyrim, but I will eventually explore other options. What I'm asking from all of you is to give me some information. First: I need a affordable PC(1000$ and under if possible) that is capable of running the above games with mods and look good doing it. I have no idea how to build one. Second: steam or hard copy? Also suggestions for other games(diablo 3 any good? I love the previous titles). Reminder: I don't know how to build, without your help I'll be buying the first Alienware PC I can afford! Which I'm told would be a mistake!

Also if anyone can give a review on Star Wars: The Old Republic. (I believe that's the most recent title)

Before anything else, I strongly urge you to consider building your own computer. It's really easy, like building with legos and you learn more about computers than you could imagine. It's a worthwhile experience that will serve you for years to come.

is that the mmo star wars I have a friend who plays it he loves it my PC was about 1200 and it runs great but if you want mods it is required that you watch Gophervids on YouTube as he goes in detail how to install and check for errors with mods both for skyrim and the fallout games

Wonder how long will PC platform stay relevant with the technological advancements of more convenient devices?

I wouldn't know where to even start as far as building one. Like where to buy parts, what parts I need, cooling systems...etc. Also I don't know if I'll have time for such a endeavor or the patience. I'm easily frustrated by small components and wiring.

To get things clear, you are looking for a desktop, is that correct?

Yes, that's my preference.

I've been hearing that for 10+ years now. Until convenience no longer comes at the expense of flexibility and freedom there will probably always be a demand for a less rigid platform than consoles. If it's not PCs then it will be people modding their consoles to be more like PCs.

First of all, have you checked Newegg.com? They have many affordable gaming desktops. The reason why I don't show you which to choose is because I don't know exactly the specifications that you want, except for wanting to have a PC to be able to play FNV and Skyrim. A rule of thumb when you are buying a gaming pc is to first check the graphic card it has. I've a GeForce 560GTX with 2GB of vram. This graphic card can handle Skyrim and FNV perfectly BUT if you start to load tons of graphic intense mods then you'll start to see noticeable lag. So, my advice is to get a graphic card no lower than a GTX560 and, if you can, with better vram. The processor is also very important. I have an Intel i7. Some folks have a i5 processor and they say they can run Skyrim pretty good. You decide.

Anyways, here's a link of the graphic cards rankings:

http://www.videocardcomparisons.com/hierarchy-chart/graphics-card-hierarchy-chart/

No one ever said it would happen overnight but the gap is closing & fast.

My point exactly, consoles are functioning more like PCs with more casual appeal to the public. Once the PC loses its advantage in customizable gameplay, what else will it have?

Consoles will never be truly customizable, that's the whole point of a console, its a closed platform and in control of Microsoft or Sony etc, and it's theopeness of the platform which is why the PC will always be around

Check newegg first.. probably has the best deals for prebuilts.

Eventually those companies will have to make the adjustments because time waits for no one.

Microsoft & Sony aren't garuanteed entities and aren't the permenant models for gaming just because they're on top. Have you seen the concept of Ouya & what the company is trying to do?

The gap is closing for now like it does every console generation..in 10 years we'll be having this convo again when both consoles have been left in the dust

Don't get me wrong, the PC has its fair share of advantages. The fact that it is able to play most if not all current games on outdated software says a lot.

Think about it though, although its so far ahead it's forced to move at a console's pace, because let's face it, every platform is at the developer's mercy & they're at the majority consumer's mercy & the consumer is for convenience which the console always had one up on.

You're missing the point. As long as both types of users exist there will be demand for consoles and PC games. PC games and consoles target different types of gamers. I'm not sure why you're trying to force a false dichotomy on the issue.

No sir, you're the one missing the point and doing the splitting.

I'm saying that once these two types of platforms/markets intertwine (because they will it's inevitable) it will more likely be done via system for the consumer's convenience.

There will always be loyalist to the PC or those who favor it as a personal preference; I'm sure there are Atari users out there somewhere.

Aww... don't keep crying. It's not about you, not all the time, but the OP and his simple need - a workable pc for 1.000 bucks in the max, remember? Cha!

My little advice: invest one half into a prefab i5 and the other to pimp up the machine with a better graphics card and more ram for the complete system. Period.

Lets not turn this into a PC vs console argument.

If you're sure you're going to get into PC gaming it's actually worth stocking up on some games on Steam right now, since there's a massive sale going on now. Even if you don't actually buy the PC until another month or so. When that sale ends in a week or two it's going to be a while before you can get that many games that cheap again. Like the GOTY editions of Fallout 3 and New Vegas with all DLC included for 5 dollars each.

Do you know anyone who could build one for you/help you out? You will save a lot of money. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1hdCq is a quick example of what $1000 will get you, probably overkill for your needs and you could get a better deal if you spend some time searching; pre built for that cash gets you a lot less, worse graphics card, no SSD and possibly a terrible power supply (which is to be avoided at all costs).