Help me find a new computerFollow

First off, my apologies since I know we've had a few of these threads recently, but I fail at searching the forum and couldn't find anything.

Anyway, I've been playing WoW since late 2006 and the whole time I've played I have been using an early 2006 Intel iMac. I really love the computer, but it is very slow (2 gHz, 2GB RAM, crappy integrated video). Once I upgraded from the horrific 512mb RAM that the computer shipped with, it became playable, but only with the settings turned all the way down. I've raided 25s since the beginning of Wrath as a tank and melee dps and haven't had any significant issues, but since Cataclysm launched, I'm starting to get more frustrated with the terrible fps I'm getting. I usually sit at 5-10 fps in a fight with basic addons running (Skada, DBM, Grid, Dominos). Our attempts at Atramedes have been downright upsetting, because it *looks* like I am avoiding the circles he sends out, but I am constantly at the top of the fail charts. Basically, I've decided I would like to get a more competent computer for raiding.

Ideally I would love to get another Mac (jaysgsl, I don't even want your opinion), but that is not in the budget. I'm looking for something preferably no more than $900, but less is always better. I know almost nothing about what I need, so that is why I've come to seek the advice of this forum since I know you guys know your stuff. I am totally drooling over the Alienware Aurora, but I've heard mixed things on them and it's also a bit over budget. If I'm not mistaken I thought I've heard that it's best to build your own, but again - I am totally clueless. My only condition other than cost is that where ever I purchase from must ship to Canada without exorbitant shipping fees.

So, if you actually read this (and I applaud you if you did!), I appreciate any and all input.

Wait, a red name I don't immediately recognize? What's this?

I've got nothing. Computer components are ridiculously overpriced here, so I'd go with the newegg.com thing, except I'd ask people for help on the components since I'm not a hardware kinda guy.

I did do some looking around on Newegg and Tiger Direct, but the whole incompetent thing came into play and I wasn't sure if I'd be getting something any good. Mostly because the two main brands of "gaming computers" are names I have never heard of (and the computers themselves are kind of ugly as well).

I was looking at this one, but I'm not sure about it. The brand name sounds like some cheap made in China electronics, and it is one of the ugliest computer cases I've seen.

I saw that brand on newegg too and I have never seen it before so the best advice I can give is to ask Kao.

I live in Canada as well and I've never had a problem ordering from www.ncix.com They are Vancouver based but also have a warehouse in Ontario now. They have weekly deals that start every Wednesday night and go till the following Tuesday. They also usually give free shipping on most orders in Canada. Shipping is also pretty quick. They have a PC builder on their site too. Use the recommended hardware on the Cata box as a guideline and go from there.

Ugh, a monitor! Thank you for pointing that out Idiggory, because I do not have a monitor. I'm still doing a bunch of research and so on, but now I'll keep that in mind while checking out prices.

Also, remember to check what the case includes in terms of sockets for parts (or whatever they are called). They have different sizes/***** locations. You need a case that will fit what you want.

As jay said, a larger case (if you can fit it) is better. It allows you to get a case with more options, so you don't have to worry about spacing, and fit more fans. Plus, the distance between parts will already help in keeping things cool.

Also of note--put your pc in the coldest room you have. Because gaming rigs definitely warm up a room, lol.

Of course, you might just be buying a rig, so none of this matters. But you can apply much of this to a premade. More fans = good. More power = good. Also, be sure you get 64 bit Windows 7. 32 bit caps at 4 GBs of RAM. 64 bit requires a minimum of 4, but let's you go way higher. And more RAM = good.

64 does have quirks from what I've read, but nothing too bad (mostly to do with web browsers, but you can run the 32 bit versions instead).

Disappointingly, mine does not. Even running recent games on max settings it barely breaks 35C. It's a shame because this room could really use the heat.

If you really can't afford a mac, but like them, consider a hachentosh. Build the computer to the specs of a Mac Pro, and put the Mac OS on it.

links: http://lifehacker.com/#!5672051/how-to-build-a-hackintosh-mac-and-install-os-x-in-eight-easy-steps

it uses all the components of a mac, gives you the same experience, but you get to make the computer and fit within your price range.

Have you seen what they try doing to people who Jailbreak SMALL Apple products? God forbid Apple ever find out you aren't running their OS on an 'Apple approved machine.'
You'd probably get taken to a secret underwater madman's lair and killed.

Well, removing from the network is removing from the network.
The PS3 is jailbroken to run illegal software, though. Apple devices are usually jailbroken to remove limitations on core features that are restricted from Das Factory.

When I was looking into smartphones, I was seeing jailbreaking as the fad to activate features like Tethering, UI customisation, and other stuff locked by default. I admit it's been 2 years and things could have changed by now.

Wasn't it Jophiel who static fried his CPU that one time?