Darth_Navster

@clstirens: Thanks for the suggestion! This might be the direction I go in.

@Xeirus:

Ok, looks like I'll need to provide some more details.

1) I'm in a Mac only household, so I have no copies of Windows at all.

2) I'd like to keep my current iMac intact for computing applications. I'd like to use this new PC as primarily a games console. Therefore, no spare hard drive.

3) The entire reason I'm doing this is that for years I've been hearing that PC gaming is comparable in price to console gaming. If I'm paying upwards of $1000, I'd rather just stick with consoles.

4) I definitely want to assemble the system by myself as a learning experience.

5) My 360 controllers are wireless. I also have a Sixaxis and a Dual Shock 3. I have no preference as to what controller to use with the PC, but it is my understanding that PC games tend to be more compatible with 360 drivers. I could be wrong though.

6) I've been on newegg, tigerdirect, etc. but I am absolutely paralyzed by choice. I haven't the faintest idea what is a "good" deal and what counts as an up-to-date review of components. Some more specific help here would be nice.

So I've decided to take the plunge and build a gaming PC. I've been primarily a console gamer so I really have no idea how to start on this. If anyone could provide some advice that would be most helpful. Here is my current situation:

1) I'm in Canada, so I'd prefer to just use Canadian retailers to avoid the hassle of customs.

2) I'd like to set a hard max on my budget at $700 with taxes and shipping in. Preferably $600-650. I'd go higher, but at that point I don't think the graphical jump from consoles is worth it.

3) I want to use this with my current HDTV, so no monitor needed, but HDMI output is.

4) I do not have a copy of Windows, so that will need to be included in the budget.

5) Not sure how much this is relevant, but hearing the Bombcast rave about Sim City kind of sparked my interest in this. I'm a fan of strategy games from the 90s (C&C, Sim City, Civ, Shogun, etc.) so that's the genre I'll likely be playing a lot of.

6) No spare hard drive, so that needs to be included.

7) I have two 360 controllers that I'd like to use for more action-y titles. Do I need an adapter for them or can I run them with the PC out of the box?

So that's what I'm working with. Any recommendations as to what I should get? Is this even a good time to buy?