Building a new computer

[mthrockmor]

A while ago I asked a related question though I'm finally doing this.

I am paying a student to build a computer for me. I will surf the web, operate Microsoft Word products, or play AH. Thoughts on basic components I should get that should enable me to play AH3?

-Type of Motherboard?
-How much RAM?
-Type of video card?
-How much power?
-What other items am I missing?
-What should I expect to pay for these items?
-If I wanted to cap out at $500 is it doable?

Also, I am going to have Windows 7 installed. None of this Windows 10/NSA crap. Related, if I wanted to play in the world of the Dark Net/TOR, suggestions on primers?

Thanks in advance!

boo

[Bizman]

Here's a quick, rough compilation which should be able to run both the current and next version of AH recently well. It's also easily upgradable if needed. I don't know much of brands, these are from reputable makers though. Notice that if you already have a Windows7 license just lying around, i.e. not installed in any computer, the total would fit your budget.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Pmjnxr

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($59.99 @ Newegg) Notice: Overclocking is a must with this one, getting the same performance of a stock CPU would multiply the price.
CPU Cooler: Arctic Cooling Alpine 11 Plus Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler  ($8.50 @ SuperBiiz) Cheap as soap, and silent as a whisper.
Motherboard: MSI Z97 PC MATE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($68.20 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Constellation ES.3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($76.50 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 960 2GB SuperSC ACX 2.0+ Video Card  ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cougar Solution 2 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($39.10 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 OEM (64-bit)  ($141.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $669.23
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-11-27 03:04 EST-0500

[alskahawk]

 I build my computers to be maintenance free and easy to upgrade. A big money, top of the line computer is fun until the next new toy comes out in six months. So I don't play that....Anymore. Anyway, I only use my computer for AH so here are my general recommendations;

CPU; 3.5mhz dual or better. Most here will swear by Intel. I use AMD because they work and they are cheap. Both will do the job.

MB; Mid range to upper end boards. Asus and Gigabyte are my preferences. MB and CPU are the basis for current performance and future upgrades so this isn't the place to scrimp. Suggest getting one with SLI or Crossfire.

Ram; 16 GB Check your MB compatibility list.

Hard Drive; SSD or fast small HD. HD's are easy to add later if you need more room.

Power Supply; 500 watt or better. 750 preferred

Computer Case. Another area not to scrimp. Get decent case with good cooling. I like 2-120 mm fans in front and at least a 120mm on top.

Cpu cooler. Good quality. Consider the fit with your ram and your other components before you buy.

Video Card; Get the best you can afford but....A good one you can add a second to later is a good idea. But...2 cheap cards are not better than 1 good card. Get the best one you can afford today.

Windows 7. I tried windows 10. Didn't like a lot of the things with it. Reverted back to 7.

My system which has been basically the same for five years.
Gigabyte 990 MB
3.5 quad AMD
16 GB  ram
SSD w/10k Raptor HD
NV 660 GTX video cards x2 SLI
750 watt PSU
Windows 7

 After you build check the recommendations to get the most out of your video card elsewhere in the forums. Excellent help. 
 

[save]

Tor is very slow to use in daily work, and is VERY limited,  if you really  want to stay  anonymous, you have to disable  many things you normally have  on. Java, Flash etc etc.

If you really  want to stay on darknet I would also use openVPN client using  a operator with many exit possibilities.

[Nunz31]

You don't want to access TOR using windows. See about getting two hard-drives or splitting the one you have with linux. Use linux and a vpn to surf the darkweb.