Inserting a new video card?

[KunMatt]

No need for fan controllers all motherboards and vid cards worth their salt use software to control that. (P.S. Not knocking the guy that bought one).

You can even set up how many RPM you want per fan and even set slopes of how many RPM you want per given temp on the CPU.

You state a 610W PSU how efficient is it? Lenovo don't state that.

eg...a 610W PSU with 80% efficiency is only really a reliable 488W PSU. Capacitors lose capacity over time especially when running hot.

For PSU I would go for Corsair they are stress tested in prolonged 55 degree C heat. Heat kills PSU's.

For RAM I would go Corsair vengeance (cheaper than dominators) too as they have a lifetime warranty. Don't get the ones with the fins on unless you are going for water cooling as no decent heatsinks can be fitted on the CPU as the RAMs fins are in the way, Fins are a gimmick anyway wish I had bought the regular profile as I wouldn't have to have gone the water cooling route.

If you decide to choose your own components its a good idea to download the manual for the mobo you want.

Websites and sales can say oh it supports 2133 mhz RAM, but when you read the manual that's only if overclocking. natively it might be 1600.

8 gig RAM will do you and you can always upgrade in the future.

For CPU and gaming an i5 is adequate if you want to save some money as most of the work is done by the GPU.

If you want an i7 I suggest the older sandybridge or Ivybridge models as they are cheaper and run way cooler.

If you want quiet and cool GPU I would go for whatever GTX model you want but a Gigabyte windforce 3 model, 3 fans and they are silent even under load.

Totally agree with all of this, and you've pretty much described my own system!

I have;

2x 4GB Corsair Vengeance RAM 1600Mhz

ASUS Motherboard - they have an incredible BIOS configuration software

Corsair RM750M PSU

I got my Recon fan controller before I got my new motherboard. It is overkill and my new motherboard can do pretty much the same thing but I like it a lot, looks great too.

So what's the situation OP, have we convinced you to build or spec your own PC?

[Bardeh]

That Lenovo is grossly overpriced at $1300. Please don't buy it. Go to a JIB and take KunMatt's list of components with you. They'll have it built within an hour, and every single separate component has it's own warranty. It will be much more reliable, last much longer, and if you have any problems I've always found JIB to be very willing to fix/replace faulty parts.

Skyrim is a few years old now, and doesn't require a powerhouse system to max it out (unless you're into tinkering with modifications. It's amazing what modders have done with the game). However, there are plenty of amazing games coming out this year that you could then use your custom built system to max out. GTA 5, Witcher 3, Dragon Age: Inquisition, Far Cry 4 - all of these games will benefit massively from a GTX 970.

[Somtamnication]

I went from an Nvidia GT640 to a GTX 970. What a difference it makes. Highly recommend the GTX versions.