Seeking Help With Finding a Desktop (For Casual Gaming)

Hello everyone,

My computer (Laptop) specs are:
Acer Aspire V3-571-6486
Intel-core i5-2450M 2.5GHz with turbo 3.1GHz
8GB DDR3 Memory
750GB HDD
Intel HD Graphics 3000

So, this laptop does everything I need it to other than the thing I want it to do the most, perform well when gaming! Honestly though I think it's actually a really good laptop, the problem obviously is the GPU.
Now since I've learned that updating laptops, if not impossible, is not worth it I have decided maybe it's time to invest in a desktop computer.

As said in the title, I am not a hardcore gamer. I do not wish to play every game on ultra high settings.
Some games I'm interested in are: Skyrim, Far Cry, ACIII, Elder Scrolls online(when it comes out) and a few other high and low end Rpgs/MMOs. I wish to play high end games like this on the normal to high end settings, nothing crazy. I also really love Minecraft and recording with Fraps for Youtube is something I really enjoy. I would like to be able to play low end games like Minecraft with the highest settings, being able to record with a solid FPS and no lag the whole time would be perfect.

So I've got two options.

1. Build my own desktop (budget 500$-800$) I could go a little over 800$, but ONLY if it would be really worth it.

This option scares me a bit. Quite frankly I know hardly anything about desktops. I've watched the tutorials on Newegg.com on building a desktop and it doesn't look as confusing as I thought, but none the less it doesn't look easy either. However I've been told many times that building a desktop is 100% doable for someone whose never done it before. I would completely avoid this option if it wasn't for all the people saying that I could build an excellent desktop for a lot cheaper. So I guess I'm looking here for a bit of advice.
-Could someone like me really build my own desktop?
-Is it really that beneficial?
-Could what I am looking for be built within my budget? Could it be done within the low end of my budget?
-Would it be a better idea to purchase a cheap desktop and update certain features? (processor, graphics card, power unit, etc)
-How to know if I'm building a quad-core (as i heard this is ideal for gaming)
-If building my own is really a way better option, could anyone help me figure out what parts I should buy and where to get them from? I live in Canada so Canadian sites would be the best.

2. Purchase a customized desktop from somewhere, like Ibuypower

Could everything that I'm looking for be put into a customized desktop from somewhere, within my budget? Would it be beneficial to do this if I don't know how to build my own? How do I know if I'm making it a quad-core or not? (Heard it's ideal for gaming)

Thanks for reading. If anyone could point me in the right direction that would be really helpful. I really don't know how to customize my own desktop on sites like Ibuypower. I looked at the customizer but I really don't know what I do and don't need.

I know this is a tall order, I really could use all the help I can get though.
Thanks for your time.

Cheers!

see if this guide can help you out:

Ars Technica System Guide: December 2012 | Ars Technica

Do you need a screen, keyboard and mouse as well ?

Is there are a shop which sells parts in your area ?

I would definitely recommend building your desktop. It may seem scary but it's not at all. With a custom built PC you get all the advantages of customizing your PC, where as with a retail PC, you get what they decided, and usually these are lesser in quality and performance.

The best part of building your own PC, you wont believe how easy it was and all that apprehension you had about it will have faded away.

You'll do fine...

If you want to build your own system, the best store with always cheaper price is Canada Computers | Computers, Computer Parts, Laptops, Hard Drives, PC Hardware & Accessories Sales

Your other option is TigerDirect.ca - Computers, Computer Parts, Computer Components, Netbooks & Electronics

Or visit their stores.

But if you really meant CASUAL gaming,
Check the pre-built gaming PCs on Canada Computers website. They have something there at around $600.

If you DIY you can get a feeling of achievement - but you might not think it worth it.

It is entirely your choice.

Dunno about where you live, but in the UK there are several pc makers that are just about custom.

They have suggested rigs, and you can vary them to your own desire.

I haven't costed them precisely, but I don't think it costs any more for them to do it, than it would DIY.

These are suggestions - with helpful suggested customizations, but they will build almost anything you ask for:

Chillblast - The UK's most awarded Custom PC builder - Cheap PCs - Gaming PCs - Workstations

Custom PC Builder, Custom Built and Custom Build PCs - Palicomp