Bukding a PC

[DisJosh]

I was wondering if anyone here has built ther own PC. I'm going to be building my own. I want it to be fast and perform well yet keep the price fairly low...so I've been driving my self nuts comapring prices. I've found the cheapest way for me is to get a barebone kit.

What are your experiences in building PC's and what are your systems specs?

 

[Testtrack321]

I wanto to do this before I go to collage, but it dosn't look like that will happen. I would recomend going to TechTV.com and searching for building your own PC. I think they have books on that too.

 

[ACE]

Originally posted by DisJosh
I was wondering if anyone here has built ther own PC. I'm going to be building my own. I want it to be fast and perform well yet keep the price fairly low...so I've been driving my self nuts comapring prices. I've found the cheapest way for me is to get a barebone kit.

What are your experiences in building PC's and what are your systems specs?

I was gonna do the same thing a few years back, but I wound up spending just a little more and ordered my computer from Cyberpower Inc. . It comes with a three yr warranty and I've never had any trouble with it. The prices can't be beat. Check them out and see what you think.

I liked the idea of buying my pc from a company with a good warranty so I only have to deal with one company if I have a problem.

If you piece it together, you'll have to deal with a different company for each part and any problems you have with them.

Hope you understand what I'm saying.

:wave: ACE

 

[GaryT977]

Building PC's is part of my job. I get most of my components from www.TigerDirect.com. As far as what components to buy, get the nicest things you can afford at the time (especially CPU, memory and graphics card). In this industry, if it's available it's already obsolete.

Also, you have to have a great deal of patience when building a PC, especially if you've never done it before. If you don't have someone handy who knows how to do it, you might want to consider buying a pre-built machine. There's not much tech help available to people who build their own machines.

If you decide to try it and everything doesn't work the first time you boot it up, don't get frustrated. I've been doing this for around 10 years and I spent all day yesterday trying to figure out why WinXP wouldn't install on a machine I had just built.

Good luck!

 

[DisJosh]

Thanks everyone espescially Ace! I think that company is the way I'm going to go...I get everything I wanted already built and in a SWEET case!


Did anyone else notice the typo in the threads title? lol oooooops

 

[DisJosh]

Wow Ace dont take this wrong but I LOVE YOU! lol

$1274 for a PC I'd be paying waaaaaaaaay more for if I peiced it together my self...why are they so cheap? They use all awsome hardware.

 

[JuniorTOT]

Those are the Alienware cases hmm.

 

[darthdarrel]

I built my own computer,if you have any questions just E mail me.

 

[Quentin Disney]

I built a PC a few months back. After dealing with the stuff that usually comes in a HP box, my custom PC is more stable, reliable and highly customizable. Once you start learning about the inards of a PC, you'll begin to know why these companies put sub-standard or propietary parts to save a buck.

I don't wan't to get too techinal, but begin to do research on it. There are a lot of resources on the web about PC building. Then ask yourself, what will you use your PC for? Do you want to play games, edit video or just use it for web browsing and e-mail?

I would highly recommend getting touch with someone who knows about PC building. So not only you aren't really screwing things up but you get to learn from the experience. At first when I attempted to build my own PC, I was scared that I would break stuff and order the wrong parts. After educating myself about the subject, I became very confident in building one.

Not only you'll get the satisfaction of making a PC to your own specs, you'll save a LOT of money compared to buying one already bulit.

 

[ACE]

Originally posted by Quentin Disney
I would highly recommend getting touch with someone who knows about PC building.
......you'll save a LOT of money compared to buying one already bulit.

I agree with the first statement. I would also like to add that I was an electronics tech in the Navy for 20 years with 2 of those years as a Network Administrator for a very large training command. I maintained close to 1000 computers (classroom and administrative) doing everything from rebuilding them to setting up user profiles. I don't claim to "know-it-all", I actually hate working on computers (that's why I'm a Safety Inspector now), but I do know what I'm talking about.

As far as saving money, I recommend checking the prices at Cyberpower Inc. and I think you might just change your mind or maybe you won't.:lol:

:wave: ACE

 

[DisJosh]

Originally posted by acellis_99
I agree with the first statement. I would also like to add that I was an electronics tech in the Navy for 20 years with 2 of those years as a Network Administrator for a very large training command. I maintained close to 1000 computers (classroom and administrative) doing everything from rebuilding them to setting up user profiles. I don't claim to "know-it-all", I actually hate working on computers (that's why I'm a Safety Inspector now), but I do know what I'm talking about.

As far as saving money, I recommend checking the prices at Cyberpower Inc. and I think you might just change your mind or maybe you won't.:lol:

:wave: ACE

Lol Ace I dont think you read my other posts...I WILL be getting my PC from them.

As for learning about PCs and what not...don't worry about me. I'm a do it your self type of person and extremely handy. I've been ripping things apart since I was a kid. All things mechanical or electronic just take some common sense and maybe a good set of instructions to work on the first time around. I'm serious...I don't enjoy people babying me through things. I ALWAYS figure it out. And trust me I've done enough research on the subject and I've got plenty of computer geek friends and aquaintances to turn to if I have a question.

So ya see I wasn't requesting help in this thread I was just wondering how many of you have built your own PC's...I was also curious as to your system specs. Ya know some gloating and braging about your PCs.

 

[ACE]

Originally posted by DisJosh
Lol Ace I dont think you read my other posts...I WILL be getting my PC from them.

I read your post. My post wasn't for you it was to clear up any questions about my pc knowledge.:hammer: I'm a recovering geek.:lol:

:wave: ACE

 

[WDW-Imagineer]

Originally posted by GaryT977
www.TigerDirect.com.

I personally do not like to deal with TigerDirect.com for delicate components (memory, cpu, etc.) Although I might add that TigerDirect is a great source for hardware (case, keyboard, etc.)

My built my current PC and here a my suggestions;


1) Start of with the barebones of the system: CPU, Motherboard, & Memory. For this I suggest McGlen.com. All systems are tested for 24 hours so you are guaranteed to have a system not be DOA. It also ensures that all the components are compatible and you get something that works.

Suggestions for CPU - For my latest PC I made the switch from Intel to AMD and I don't see myself going back in the near future. For the price, I feel AMD Athlon CPUs cannot be beat. Certainly Intel makes a great product, I feel that for the price, your paying for the name & the Intel sound. From what I hear, the new AMD Athlon XP CPUs are fantastic processors.

Suggestions for motherboard - I personally like ABIT motherboards, although you will have a limited choice if you go with McGlen.com My combo was built with a GigaByte motherboard and works great. One thing I would suggest, especially if you are looking for great graphics & sound performance, is to get a motherboard with NO onboard sound, video, & network. Although if NO onboard sound, video, network is not an option, it can simply be turned of in you BIOS and your cards will work fine.

Suggestions for memory - I still use SDRAM. I have had no experience with the new DDR memory. Although I do recommend a minimum of 512 MB.


2) Really should be 1, but before you order 1, get your Case, Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, & Power supply. Great sources for these is Buy.com & TigerDirect.com.

Case – My recommendation would be an ATX form factor Mid-Tower or Tower with at least a 400 Watt power supply. If you intend on running extra fans or a good video card, sound card, processor, or hard drive… get the larger wattage power supply. In my opinion, I would rather have too much power than too little power. Your system can run with more than enough power, it can’t run without power.

Keyboard – I have been hooked on the Microsoft Natural keyboard ever since it came out. I suggest any Microsoft Keyboard that you are comfortable with, make sure it has both PC/2 & USB and has the shortcut buttons on top.

Mouse – I recommend the Microsoft Explorer Optical Mouse. Nowadays, I don’t see a point in getting a wheel mouse, go with a USB Optical Mouse. You will appreciate the accuracy.

Monitor – There are a bunch of monitors out there. Get at least a flat screen or flat panel. I recommend Samsung monitors.


3) Next go with your Video, Sound, Network cards & Hard Drives, CD-ROMs. Again go with Buy.com or Tiger for these.

Video – I would recommend nVidia GeForce cards. I have the GeForce2 Ultra. They now make 4s. I would recommend a minimum of 64mg of video memory especially if you plan on doing gaming/animation applications.

Sound – I would go with Creative Labs SoundBlaster Audigy line of sound cards. I have the SoundBlaster Live! 5.1 X-Gamer card and it works great. You can get a Live! 5.1 card for $40 from Tiger.

Network – If you need a network card, I would go with Lynksys. The latest Linksys NIC will run you about $15-20.

Hard Drives – I use Western Digital 7200 RPM hard drives… there are tons out there. I would personally stay away from Maxtor.

CD-Rom – Like, hard drives, hundreds. DVDs, CD-RWs, CD-Rs. If you plan on getting a burner, I would recommend Plextor.


4) Operating System & Software. Although I’m sure you have the latest OS lying around from you current system, I just wanted to point you out to JourneyEd.com. If you are a college student, which you are, you can huge discounts on all kinds of software & hardware. I’m not sure if the hardware prices are that great, but the software prices are awesome. You just have to scan your college ID, schedule, bills, etc. and email it to them and you can start buying.


Sorry about the long post, but if you have anymore questions, feel free to PM me.

 

[DisneyCP2000]

All i got to say is be sure to do plenty of research on the components. And if you're interested in picking up parts check out microcenter. there's two locations in chicago (elston&Western) and another in Westmont (ogden & cass). I wouldn't mind getting a new computer so let me know how things work out for you! I'd love to hear about it!

 

[darthdarrel]

Originally posted by DisneyCP2000
All i got to say is be sure to do plenty of research on the components. And if you're interested in picking up parts check out microcenter. there's two locations in chicago (elston&Western) and another in Westmont (ogden & cass). I wouldn't mind getting a new computer so let me know how things work out for you! I'd love to hear about it!

I practically live at Microcenter and Best buys!:lol: I saw a 27 in. flat screen plasma monitor,OMG! To drool over,but alas it`s 2,000 bucks!

 

[GaryT977]

Originally posted by WDW-Imagineer


I personally do not like to deal with TigerDirect.com for delicate components (memory, cpu, etc.) Although I might add that TigerDirect is a great source for hardware (case, keyboard, etc.)

Why? Aside from their hideous returns policy....

 

[Testtrack321]

Originally posted by darthdarrel
I practically live at Microcenter and Best buys!:lol: I saw a 27 in. flat screen plasma monitor,OMG! To drool over,but alas it`s 2,000 bucks!

I already filled up a bucket over this....

3-D LCD Screens!

 

[WDW-Imagineer]

Originally posted by GaryT977
Why? Aside from their hideous returns policy....

That, and I get the feeling I don't quite know what quality product I'm getting.

Buy.com I feel has one of the best return policies/processes. Returned a whole monitor with little hassle.

 

[darthdarrel]

2 more places you might want to try is
www.pricewatch.com
and
www.crucial.com

 

[MrPromey]

Originally posted by darthdarrel
2 more places you might want to try is
www.pricewatch.com
and
www.crucial.com

Yes, pricewatch is one of the first places that I ALWAYS check when looking for components. For those who don’t know and haven’t followed the link yet, it’s a price comparison site – they don’t actually sell anything themselves. If you are comfortable buying OEM hardware that comes with minimal packaging and usually no instructions, it is DEFINITELY the way to go.

Someone else brought up the subject of having access to tech support. With this come a serious tradeoff and a decision you have to make about how much you want to know about your computer. It has been my personal experience that tech support is usually a joke (and I used to work in tech support). If you enjoy spending lots of time on hold, being directed to answers on a companies website or sending your system off for repairs, then go for it. For a lot of people that don’t understand a lot about their operating system or their computer hardware, this is just about the only option they have. If you are willing to spend a little time to get to know your system and develop a true understanding for how it works, you’ll find that tech support isn’t something you really even need. You don’t have to know a lot to know more than the person on the other end of the phone. You aren’t talking to an engineer or anyone who is responsible for putting your system together. As a matter of fact, there is a good chance you aren’t even talking to anyone employed by the company that made your software or hardware since tech support of often out-sourced. Where I worked, we weren’t allowed to give our customers help that wasn’t “authorized” even if it would clearly have been a quicker and easier solution to their problems. Our calls were actually spot monitored and if you were caught going off the path that the spreadsheet on your screen dictated, you got in trouble for it. They said it was to provide consistency with our tech support which more or less boils down to you getting the same kind of help when you call weather you get a trained monkey or someone who actually knows what they are doing…

I bought my first computer about ten years ago and then built my first computer six months later. I’ve never bought a pre-built one since. Over the years I’ve had tons of peripherals that I’ve used and with my very first computer (back before USB) I ran out of ports and was told by the manufacturer that it couldn’t be upgraded so I went out and bought the parts that suited my needs and built a computer with them and that is how I got started.

To this day, I still contend that I can build a better computer for less money than I could ever buy. My most current one cost me just over $500 to put together and that included things like a video card that was retailing for $300 at the time… Now I should mention that I recycled some parts like a DVD-rom drive, CD-Burner and my 21” graphics workstation monitor but at the same time I made sure that I had a 480W power supply and all of the components that I wanted including built in support for a RAID array – none of which I am aware of being available in any retail off the shelf systems. You can also choose your own case which guarantees you the ability to make sure everything will fit in it. Often times, with a store bought, they don’t exactly make it easy to add internal hardware.

The first time you do it yourself it will be quite a challenge. You will most likely be thinking that you are in way over your head and the fact that you don’t have tech support to help you with all this will quickly become very evident but down the road, you’ll be better able to determine if you need a new system or can upgrade your own to do what you want and you’ll have a better handle on weather you are being scr#wed when someone tries to sell you something. You’d be amazed at what truly important information about a system is not shown on the box or known by a sales person and most stores tend to shy away from opening up the system to let you see for yourself how things are inside.

All in all, what it comes down to is how involved you actually want to get. If you want to get the rock bottom cheapest price, you have to be prepared to order every component from a different place and then piece them all together yourself. That takes a bit of a commitment. I’ve done it many times for myself and for others and had few problems overall. I’m VERY particular about the parts I want in my system and have very specific requirements for my computer which makes it just about impossible for me to buy what I want from anyone including the companies that custom build… On the other hand, I got this way from building my own and becoming more aware of what is out there. It isn’t hard and once you’ve done it and gotten everything working, you’ll know more about a computer than 90% of the people you are likely to run into (which could be good or bad, I guess). If you have the time and willingness to learn, I would highly recommend building one yourself. If not, going out and getting one is always the easiest way to go…

BTW, if special cases are your thing and you are putting one together yourself, you have a slew of options available to you… You can put a custom paint job on your case (without a lot of work if you do it before you go putting anything inside) and add side windows with neon lighting and round IDE cables and such…