Building my own computer

[kraz432]

I would like to build my own computer. I know very little about the inner workings of a computer. That is the main reason I want to build one myself. I would like to build a powerful pc without spending thousands of dollars. I will probably only be able to come up with about 200 to 300$ a month so I expect this to take awhile. I would like any help I can get on what to do and what parts I need that would give me the best bang for my buck. And please remember, I am still fairly new to all this, when you're telling me what parts I need.

[liam858]

What will you manily be using the system for? Work/Pleasure/Gaming etc?

Will you be buying a new monitor too? any ideas on type/size you want?

If you want a gaming system, that will be an easy theme to work around, as we can recommend a good graphics card, memory, and processor.

If it's a work system and you use Photoshop, for example, then you'll want a mid-level graphics card, lots of memory as it eats it, and probably a large high res monitor.

You get the idea.

Liam

[flachebaq]

I know very little about the inner workings of a computer. That is the main reason I want to build one myself. I would like to build a powerful pc without spending thousands of dollars.

Bear in mind, if you have any problems you're going to be the one that has to fix them. You're not going to have an 800-number to call for support. The upside to buying a computer somewhere else is that you get tech support. There are lots of places to look to get a good deal on a brand name PC without spending thousands of dollars.

[kraz432]

I will be using the system mainly for games/pleasure. I will end up getting the monitor after evrything else is finished. I'm not sure what kind or size yet but I am leaning toward LCD or HD depending on prices. I don't play any games on my pc now but I would like to. I like messing around with photoshop and adobe premiere and it eats up a lot of my memory. So I would like to have a lot of memory.

Right now I have a dell that is about 3 yrs. old. It is an ok computer but I want a great computer. I mostly want to learn how to build one and get the experience of doing it. I know I will have to fix anything my self, but thats how I will learn what not to do.

[SuperSparks]

I'd advise anyone to build their own, you learn a tremendous amount from doing it, and you're always sure exactly what components were used. In any case we've seen the sort of "support" people get from most PC suppliers - most of the time it's a joke, and not a very funny one at that.

This sounds like a project for the Lab, so I'll move this thread over there

Let's start at the beginning. One of the first choices to be made is whether you want an AMD or an Intel CPU, as it will then determine the motherboard, memory and even the case possibly. Do you have any particular pererences for one brand over the other?

[lgbpop]

Bear in mind, if you have any problems you're going to be the one that has to fix them. You're not going to have an 800-number to call for support. The upside to buying a computer somewhere else is that you get tech support. There are lots of places to look to get a good deal on a brand name PC without spending thousands of dollars.

You'll have this forum to help you out, which in my opinion is far better than an 800 phone number to Lord-knows-where. Be prepared to have fun and enjoy yourself.

[Train]

Once you feel the joy that comes when that computer first boots up to the OS, you will wonder why you ever got a store bought computer in the first place.

Yes, we have helped a lot of folks build computers here at vdr. But figuring out what you want to do in the future, and building accordingly, can sure save you from updating the next day.

[kraz432]

On the CPU I have no experience with the AMD at all. I'm not sure exactly what the diffrences would be between them, but from what I've been reading the intel is better.

[liam858]

We don't wanna start and Intel VS AMD war, but in my opinion, AMD = Gaming, Intel = Number crunching......BUT as the birth of dual core has been brought forward by AMD, i think that is a good all round chip, and basically is the best available at the moment, unless you ventured towards Opterons/AMD FX series, which equal big bucks in most cases.

I would recommend either a high end AMD 64(Socket 939 3500+ or above), or indeed a dual core(X2, 3800+ or above).

Then we would move onto graphics card, and the inevitable Nvidia VS ATI war. ....any preference?


Liam

[kraz432]

The AMD dual core seems like a good choice. I found AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200 Dual Core Processor for about 400$, is that about what I should expect to spend?

I have absolutely no clue on graphics cards. I don't know anything thing about any of them.

[liam858]

For what you're getting that is a good price, as SuperSparks (Above) just got one of those for around £350, so $400 would be a bargain, and it would be an awesome choice and capable of doing some intense programming/photoshop stuff without breaking a sweat....teamed up with some decent RAM.

If you are going to venture into games, are you talking about high-end games such as F.E.A.R/Doom 3/Unreal Tournament etc?

If so, you'll be wanting something powerful, along the lines of an ATI X850/X1800 series, or Nvidia 6800/7800 series.


Liam

[Train]

AMD Athlon 64 FX60 which is the top of the line right now. SPENDY

What newegg list for AMD X2 cpus Just to give you a idea of price range.

[kraz432]

The AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ and 4200+ are about fifty dollars apart. Is it worth it to get the 4200? Or would there be little diffrence like it is just for bragging rights?

I plan on playing games like F.E.A.R., World of Warcraft etc..

[liam858]

I wouldn't think you'd notice that difference, so i'd go for the 3800+.

If it was a toss up between the 4200+ and the 4400+, that would be a different story.

You'll be wanting a nice high end graphics card for games F.E.A.R and WOW.


Liam

[SuperSparks]

For what you're getting that is a good price, as SuperSparks (Above) just got one of those for around £350

I got the 4400+ actually. The 4200+ would have been £60 cheaper.



The dual-core Intel CPU's are actually cheaper at the moment, and might be worth considering if you favour Intels. But they aren't as technically advanced as AMD dual-cores and don't do as well in performance tests. Personally, I don't really get why folks either love one brand over the other - I just choose what is the best CPU at the time, determined by objective reviews. Last time I chose Intel, this time I went for AMD. Both firms make superb CPU's, and it's frankly ridiculous why some people always claim that one make or the other is the spawn of the devil

This is always a good place to start when choosing a CPU:

http://www.tomshardware.com/2005/11/...u_charts_2005/