We all know when it comes to PC's gamers like to have big numbers despite the fact that they probably aren't using them. In terms of being practical:

Processor- You don't need more than 4 cores. And you sure as hell don't need an i7. Getting an i7 is really just to brag in terms of a gaming rig. And you really don't need to overclock your processor either. I know its the "cool" thing to do, but you can count the number of games that actually require that kind of performance on one hand. Seriously. Why pay extra to fry your processor?

RAM- You seriously don't *need* more than 4GB. No joke. 8GB is only the standard amongst gamers that like to brag about how awesome their rigs are. If you're using more than 4GB you aren't paying attention to your game anyway; that, or you are a phenomenal multi-tasker. In which case I take my hat off to you.

Graphics Card- Just get the best you can afford. You almost never need to overclock them, so that doesn't matter. Again, very few games require that kind of performance out of a good card. Why fry your GPU? Now if you're running hardcore graphics design programs none of this post even applies to you. I'm assuming we're talking about gaming though.

Cooling- I'm old school, get as many fans as your case can fit. I have like 8 fans in mine. They're cheap to replace, easy to replace, and are effective. Don't get stingy on the fans. Its worth it! You don't need liquid cooling imo, so forget paying extra for that noise. It does look cool though.


All in all gaming doesn't really require a maxed out pc, so don't get carried away.