Cheap but efficient PC

Hello, I am posting on this forum today because I am looking for a new computer I can use primarily for gaming. I am currently running on a cheap Asus laptop I got about 3 years ago, and I can't help but notice that when I play MMOs like WoW and Rift, my framerates are absolutely atrocious, especially in the larger cities and in BGs. I'm not looking to make my graphics look like the most beautiful thing ever, but I definitely want at least somewhat of an upgrade in my framerates and the ability to play higher graphically demanding games. Its becoming unbearable and making gameplay almost impossible. I'm not very computer savvy, so try to keep it simple. Here is a list of what I'm looking for:

Price:
This may be stretching it, but I'm looking for something in the price range of $1000-$1200. I have a feeling I won't be able to get anything worth my money for less than $1600, so if nobody can find anything that cheap, I may be able to settle for that high.

Graphics:
Not really that important to me, but I do want to be able to play games like WoW and Rift without having to watch my character practically teleport as I move. I'm also thinking of playing games on Steam (Magicka, Garry's Mod, TF2, CoD, etc.), so a graphics card that can support that would be nice.

Performance:
Outside of an upgrade to my framerates, I'm really not looking for that much as far as performance goes. Cooling is not an issue for me because I almost never play for more than four hours without a break. I do, however, want at least a step up from the most basic processor.

Misc.
I do not have a monitor or keyboard, because I have been on my laptop for a long time and have never used the time to purchase either. I was considering a Razer Anansi for my keyboard, but I think I'm going to purchase that elsewhere. I already have a mouse.  Memory isn't much of an issue, as I have a plethora of external memory devices.

If there is anything I forgot, please let me know. Like I said, I'm not very good with computers, so take it easy on me if I seem like I don't know anything.
Thanks for your time!

First problem is that we don't know what res you gonna be gaming at, so tell us that first.

going blind without knowing res:

Here you go Ticket# 521972 --- $1440 (To see this build click here)

Copy of Specifications:
Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - HAF 922
Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish
Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish
Processor: Intel Core i5 2500K 3.30GHz (Unlocked CPU for Extreme Overclocking) (Quad Core)
Motherboard: ASUS P8P67 (Intel P67 Chipset) (New & Improved B3 Revision Without SATA 3G Issue)
System Memory: 8GB DDR3 1600MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested)
Power Supply: 750W Corsair TX (Dual SLI Compatible)
Expansion Bay: - No Thanks
Hard Drive Set 1: Operating System: 1x (500GB Western Digital Caviar (7200 RPM) (32MB Cache) (Model: Black Edition WD5002AALX)
Set 1 Raid Options: - No Thanks
Hard Drive Set 2: Multimedia\Data: - No Thanks
Hard Drive Set 3: Backup\Misc.: - No Thanks
Optical Drive 1: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x)
Optical Drive 2: - No Thanks
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Video Card: 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB (Includes PhysX Technology)
Add-on Card: - No Thanks
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
Extreme Cooling: AIR: Stage 1: Noctua NH-U12P SE Dual 120mm Fans High Performance Cooler
H20 Tube Color:- Not Applicable, I do not have a FrostChill or Sub-Zero LCS Cooling System Selected
Chassis Airflow: Standard Factory Chassis Fans
Internal Lighting: Internal Chassis Lighting System (Blue)
Enhancements: - No Thanks
Chassis Mods: - No Thanks
Noise Reduction: - No Thanks
Boost Processor: FREE: Overclock the processor between 3.6GHz to 3.9GHz
Boost Video Card: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s)
Boost Memory: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my memory
Boost OS: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-Bit Edition)
Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows 7 CD)
Virus Protection: - No Thanks
Office: - No Thanks
Benchmarking: - No Thanks
Install/Test Game: - No Thanks
Display: - No Thanks
Surge Shield: - No Thanks
Speakers: - No Thanks
Keyboard: Logitech Media Combo MK200 Keyboard and Mouse
Mouse: - No Thanks
External Storage: - No Thanks
Exclusive T-Shirt: - No Thanks
Priority Build: - No Thanks, Ship Within 5-15 Business Days After Order Is Successfully Processed
Warranty: Life-time Expert Customer Care with 3 Year Limited Warranty

if you change your cpu to 2600k for more power then price goes to $1586, Ticket Number: 521973, but for just gaming only right now the 2500K is just fine and pretty much the same as 2600k, down the road it might be different tho.

Edited by DST4ME - 14 Apr 2011 at 2:45am

Dell UltraSharp U2311H 23

if you can swing for that, its a great monitor.

wait for coupons I see it under $290 alot.

edit, it $240 right now

Edited by DST4ME - 15 Apr 2011 at 4:02am

1. I pic my parts so that the config spends the least and gets the most, in short, the 922 offers a lot for its price, others don't, for the airflow I would stick with 922.

2. As mentioned above, my configs are geared toward price/performance, so there is nothing really in there I would cut corners on.

3. There is nothing wrong with LC when done right, what did they say was rung with the LC in these post that you have read?

Your build looks great, nothing I would change.

Our pleasure and good luck

When you are ready come back and let us re config, parts and prices change.

My pleasure and good luck

We just provide you with info, when you get the pc is your business, hope you have better luck soon and get everything you like.

For an anti-virus, I use Avast! free version, with Comodo's free firewall. I used to have McAffee...never had any issues with that minus it slowing my ancient PC down, but I switched due to high costs. I've had Avast and Comodo for around 4 months now with no virus issues in the slightest, while my girlfriend has AVG on her laptop, and has had two destructive Trojans sneak their way in.

Dang, DST, your post provoked two final questions. I'm starting to actually annoy myself here
1. Whats the difference between ESET Smart Security and ESET NOD32? Just curious.

2: Does ESET have a good database of known infectious websites and downloads? I'd hate to spend $1700 only to have my hard drive wiped by a Trojan. I had an old HP that picked up just one, and it fried the entire system.

Of course, I still want something with a good detection rate and low resource usage. It's actually pretty ironic, I was considering picking up ESET the other day. Kaspersky is killing my computer.

Thanks again!

Yeah, thanks for those reassuring words. You see, my entire life, I have only been afraid of two things, and one of those things is computer viruses. That may seem a little silly, but the fact that someone can steal my information and money at will almost makes me want to completely stop using computers. People can and will steal from you given the opportunity. Back about 2 months ago, I was using Webroot, when I noticed my speed was below average. So, I got it checked out by taking it to Best Buy (probably not my smartest move, because I can question the validity of their results). Half a day later, they told me I had 4 infections on my computer. Ever since then I've been paranoid whenever I hop on my computer. I got Kaspersky Anti-Virus, but it's a total resource hog. That is why I asked for a good antivirus. Thanks for the answers.

I was talking about their antivirus. I had some package from them entitled "Webroot Anti-Virus with SpySweeper", so I guess the fault kinda belongs to both of them. I scanned my computer multiple times, but nothing came up. Also, it allowed the infections in, so I don't really know what to tell you, the fault is on the entire package.

Oh, I see. Thanks for that, I didn't know it was made for Spyware. Just shows how stupid I am. Herpa Derp!

Hey, if you don't mind my asking (for like the billionth time ), would it be a problem if I got the video card overclocked? They're offering to do it for free.

Hey guys!

All right, looks good. Sorry, I had just updated from previous builds, so I had never noticed the chassis or fan wasn't sold here anymore. My bad.

Edited by nathanie561 - 14 Oct 2011 at 1:08am

Well, tomorrow is the 15th, the day has finally come! I'm so excited I can barely contain it. But, before I make my decision, I want your opinion: Should I get the ODE 3 or the build you recommended? Really, its like 6 eggs one way, half a dozen the other to me, but I really trust you more than myself, and messing this up would make me so angry. Now that I actually know what the ODE 3 is, I feel so dumb. It is no doubt a great machine, and I honestly like it a little more than the custom one. But, like I said, your recommendation comes before my (pathetic) instincts. I look forward to hearing from you before I make my purchase!

Aight, sounds good to me. In all honesty, I was expecting the custom build to be better. Thanks for all the help bro. I'll probably order it tomorrow morning around maybe 10:00. 

Hey guys, sorry it took so long to respond, but I completely forgot about the post.  I received my computer in mid-November, and the thing runs SOOO well!  I haven't had any issues with the hardware or cooling, and it runs incredibly fast.  I've been playing BF3 on ultra and get 60 FPS with little impact on the performance of my rig. SWTOR runs nicely as well.  I actually have Avast! free antivirus on it right now, but I'm working on getting something else with a higher detection rate, as I am very paranoid with keyloggers and the like.  I'd attach some pics, but I don't have any at the moment.  Thanks for everything, I'll try to keep active on the community forums as best I can!