Building a new PC (Not so tech savy...)

[Francisco]

I want to build a new PC that can achieve the following:

1: Play FFXI at max settings, no lag, constant 30FPS, even during weather effects (this has eluded me over 2 PCs and a laptop).

2: Hooks up to a HDMI ready TV, no weird issues (current tower doesn't hook up to the TV, sometimes doesn't send the image at all, might be some weird resolution crap... but the tower sucks now anyway).

3: Can play FF14 reasonably well.

4: Doesn't cost much more than $500-600.

My issue is - the closest I've ever come to building a PC was using a pick and choose menu on Dell's website. Everything else was from Best Buy or Circuit City.

The only actual mechanical work I've done on a PC is adding RAM and video cards.

I'm pretty sure I could figure out the assembly of a PC (with internet help if needed), but one of my main concerns is the compatibility of parts.

Where the hell do I start?

[Robbb]

I would check out newegg.com, everything is labeled by category so check it out so you get a feel of whats out there. Is there anything from your previous PC that you plan to salvage for your new one? You will need a case, motherboard, ram, processor, video card, Hard drive, Power supply, dvd/cd burner. As for compatibility, you need to determine if you plan to go with AMD or Intel for a processor, then make sure the motherboard is compatible with it and that the ram is compatible with the motherboard. You can probably reuse your mouse/keyboard/hard drive.

[Darus Grey]

You're going to be looking at something along the lines of this to fit into that budget, if you plan to cannibalize things from other computers like DVD, HDD, etc, you can either keep it cheap or upgrade alittle.

http://www.darusgrey.org/600build.jpg