Okay, I've scrapped together enough money. I was thinking about buying a premade one, but I think I can manage to put together a new one. Probably a bit cheaper.
I predict I'll have about 1200 bucks to spend on it in August. The old computer will have to go upstairs so my dad can use it (he's using one from 2000), so I'll have to buy almost all new stuff and the 1200 will have to include things like shipping, a new operating system and a new monitor (it doesn't have to be a good monitor). I always use headphones so sound system won't be a problem. I'm beginning my research this month. Several things I don't understand, like how all the processors are rated. Also don't forget things like a case and power source.
My plan is currently to look at premade computers and then see if I can buy the parts individually (since I know they will work together).
Still suggestions are appreciated.
Some thoughts:
I want it for gaming
I don't want a laptop
I'd like to learn a bit when I put the damn thing together
Space to upgrade it later on would be appreciated.
Anyone can make suggestions
Will almost certainly be buying the parts from Newegg.
It's not going to be a fucking Mac.
Simply upgrading my old PC does not seem to be an option
To give you an idea this is my current PC:
Intel Pentium D 3.40 Ghz
Nvdia GeForce 9600
2 Gigs of Ram
250 gigs of memory.
Windows Vista.
Here are the components you need:
1) CPU
2) Motherboard
3) Video card
4) Hard drive and maybe SSD (not necessary, but very nice to have operating system installed on it)
5) Case
6) Power
7) Optical drive
8) Monitor
9) Mouse and keyboard
10) Speakers
What is SSD? Also I don't need Speakers.
Quote from: Razgovory on July 09, 2012, 09:50:04 PM
What is SSD? Also I don't need Speakers.
Solid State Drive. Ultra-fast hard drive, because it's made of flash rather than plates, motor, and heads. I installed Windows 8 on my SSD, and now my computer turns on and is ready to use faster than my cell phone.
1) CPU
AMD Bulldozer FX-4100 110$
2) Motherboard
ASUS M5A97 90$
3) Video card
XFX Radeon HD 6850 125$
4) Hard drive and maybe SSD (not necessary, but very nice to have operating system installed on it)
Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 136$
Forget the SSD with your budget.
5) Case
Mid tower case 40$
6) Power
OCZ ModXStream Pro 700w 45$
7) Optical drive
DVD RW 17$
8) Monitor
21" monitor, about 200$
9) Mouse and keyboard
Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo 95$
TOTAL COST: 858$
Prices from http://us.ncix.com/
I can skimp on the moniter. I won't be using it. I haven't found much in the way of Cases under 50 bucks. Tell me about the MoBo. Will I be able to add stuff to it later? What about the SSD can I add that later?
http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=7&name=Computer-Cases&Order=PRICE (http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=7&name=Computer-Cases&Order=PRICE)
NewEgg has some cases for under 50.
Quote from: Razgovory on July 10, 2012, 10:37:07 AM
I can skimp on the moniter. I won't be using it. I haven't found much in the way of Cases under 50 bucks. Tell me about the MoBo. Will I be able to add stuff to it later? What about the SSD can I add that later?
You can add SDD later, but the biggest advantage of having an SSD is installing OS on it. That's the kind of use that maximizes the advantages of SSD, and minimizes its disadvantages. If you add SSD later, then you'll have to reinstall Windows, which is always painful.
I'm not sure SSD is out of Raz's budget. You can get a 64 GB Crucial SSD for $75. Considering that SSD gives you an enormous performance edge, probably even more than RAM once you have enough of it, I think it's worth it. With 64 GB, you have enough space to install Windows and half a dozen games on it easily.
Has anyone thrown in the cost of a Windows license? Figure on paying for that too.
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on July 10, 2012, 11:36:46 AM
Has anyone thrown in the cost of a Windows license? Figure on paying for that too.
I knew I left something out. Yes, expect it to be around a $100 for the OEM version.
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on July 10, 2012, 10:41:34 AM
http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=7&name=Computer-Cases&Order=PRICE (http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=7&name=Computer-Cases&Order=PRICE)
NewEgg has some cases for under 50.
Wow. How ill I know it's big enough to fit stuff in?
if you do not get a CoolerMaster HAF 912
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233
I'm going to come & kneecap your face.
Quote from: Grey Fox on July 10, 2012, 12:08:57 PM
if you do not get a CoolerMaster HAF 912
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233
I'm going to come & kneecap your face.
Interesting. I"m thinking I may buy the parts over a period of a couple of months. I've never built one by myself, so it should be an interesting experience. Shipping is much cheaper then I thought.
Quote from: DGuller on July 10, 2012, 11:31:56 AM
If you add SSD later, then you'll have to reinstall Windows, which is always painful.
Not true. I mean, the reinstall part. You can easily move Windows to your SSD:
http://www.paragon-software.com/technologies/components/migrate-OS-to-SSD/
Quote from: DGuller on July 10, 2012, 11:35:41 AM
I'm not sure SSD is out of Raz's budget. You can get a 64 GB Crucial SSD for $75. Considering that SSD gives you an enormous performance edge, probably even more than RAM once you have enough of it, I think it's worth it. With 64 GB, you have enough space to install Windows and half a dozen games on it easily.
I have a SSD in the office and been disapointed by it. I just bought the new OCZ Vertex 4 for home, but haven't moved Windows on it yet, but it's apparently the fastest SSD out there. 239$ for 240gb.
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on July 10, 2012, 11:36:46 AM
Has anyone thrown in the cost of a Windows license? Figure on paying for that too.
Well, he could install Ubuntu Linux on his dad's computer and re-use the Windows license.
Or he could cheat and install Win7 on his new computer. Windows 8 will only be out in october.
I want you all to know I appreciate you input.
Quote from: Razgovory on July 10, 2012, 11:51:20 AM
Wow. How ill I know it's big enough to fit stuff in?
Motherboards are mostly standardized sizes, stuff like drives are almost completely standardized to fit in either 2.5" or 3.5" expansion bays.
If you can swing it, get a full tower ATX case:
1) At worst, you'll need motherboard risers to mount the motherboard, but they should be included with the case.
2) While everything should fit in a mid-tower, with a full tower, you won't have to, say, twist your hand in weird ways to access stuff near the power supply or drive bays.
3) You can put more space between components, meaning less heat buildup across components and less work for your cooling fans.
MOre room would be appreciated, since I'm not entirely sure how to do all this.
Quote from: Razgovory on July 12, 2012, 08:33:19 PM
MOre room would be appreciated, since I'm not entirely sure how to do all this.
From personal experience, the worst part is mounting the motherboard, with runner-up being a tie between lining up a video card to both its port and the case slot and wrestling the cables into some shape where they're not completely blocking the motherboard.
Yeah, I recall getting the motherboard to fit the case without binding to be a bit of a bitch. Another thing I found to be a bitch is installing the CPU fan. For whatever reason, possibly because the sticker was covering one of the holes on the mobo, I just couldn't do it and have confidence in it. Eventually I did it, but two years later it turns out that I didn't really do it after all, and that my CPU fan was not properly secured all that time.
Quote from: DGuller on July 12, 2012, 10:25:57 PM
Yeah, I recall getting the motherboard to fit the case without binding to be a bit of a bitch. Another thing I found to be a bitch is installing the CPU fan. For whatever reason, possibly because the sticker was covering one of the holes on the mobo, I just couldn't do it and have confidence in it. Eventually I did it, but two years later it turns out that I didn't really do it after all, and that my CPU fan was not properly secured all that time.
What do you mean "Binding" it? I thought it fit on a little frame that you screwed in.
Quote from: Razgovory on July 13, 2012, 12:33:14 AM
Quote from: DGuller on July 12, 2012, 10:25:57 PM
Yeah, I recall getting the motherboard to fit the case without binding to be a bit of a bitch. Another thing I found to be a bitch is installing the CPU fan. For whatever reason, possibly because the sticker was covering one of the holes on the mobo, I just couldn't do it and have confidence in it. Eventually I did it, but two years later it turns out that I didn't really do it after all, and that my CPU fan was not properly secured all that time.
What do you mean "Binding" it? I thought it fit on a little frame that you screwed in.
Yeah, but it takes 9 (?) screws. Unless they're all on exactly the same plane, some little bending may be involved.
Oh, you meant "Bending". Bending and Binding are two different things. One involves ropes.
Raz shouldn't use Linux. He should just get a Windows 7 license.
Quote from: DontSayBanana on July 12, 2012, 09:29:10 AM
If you can swing it, get a full tower ATX case:
1) At worst, you'll need motherboard risers to mount the motherboard, but they should be included with the case.
2) While everything should fit in a mid-tower, with a full tower, you won't have to, say, twist your hand in weird ways to access stuff near the power supply or drive bays.
3) You can put more space between components, meaning less heat buildup across components and less work for your cooling fans.
Yeah, this right here. Having more space makes things a lot easier.
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on July 17, 2012, 06:24:52 PM
Quote from: DontSayBanana on July 12, 2012, 09:29:10 AM
If you can swing it, get a full tower ATX case:
1) At worst, you'll need motherboard risers to mount the motherboard, but they should be included with the case.
2) While everything should fit in a mid-tower, with a full tower, you won't have to, say, twist your hand in weird ways to access stuff near the power supply or drive bays.
3) You can put more space between components, meaning less heat buildup across components and less work for your cooling fans.
Yeah, this right here. Having more space makes things a lot easier.
I've had a Cooler Master Stacker through two builds now, and completely agree. Especially for a first computer build, having things all fit properly without having to access tiny areas or concerns oneself with air flow is a big advantage in keeping down the frustration.
Someone not in a hurry can wait for a sale on something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160) the CM HAF 932, and probably get it for under $100 in the next three months or so. That's what I did, and that was the best computer purchase I ever made.
Quote from: grumbler on July 18, 2012, 10:50:39 AM
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on July 17, 2012, 06:24:52 PM
Quote from: DontSayBanana on July 12, 2012, 09:29:10 AM
If you can swing it, get a full tower ATX case:
1) At worst, you'll need motherboard risers to mount the motherboard, but they should be included with the case.
2) While everything should fit in a mid-tower, with a full tower, you won't have to, say, twist your hand in weird ways to access stuff near the power supply or drive bays.
3) You can put more space between components, meaning less heat buildup across components and less work for your cooling fans.
Yeah, this right here. Having more space makes things a lot easier.
I've had a Cooler Master Stacker through two builds now, and completely agree. Especially for a first computer build, having things all fit properly without having to access tiny areas or concerns oneself with air flow is a big advantage in keeping down the frustration.
Someone not in a hurry can wait for a sale on something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160) the CM HAF 932, and probably get it for under $100 in the next three months or so. That's what I did, and that was the best computer purchase I ever made.
Sometimes there's nothing to say. Sometimes, all you can do is hug another man. :hug:
Quote from: grumbler on July 18, 2012, 10:50:39 AM
I've had a Cooler Master Stacker through two builds now, and completely agree. Especially for a first computer build, having things all fit properly without having to access tiny areas or concerns oneself with air flow is a big advantage in keeping down the frustration.
Someone not in a hurry can wait for a sale on something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160) the CM HAF 932, and probably get it for under $100 in the next three months or so. That's what I did, and that was the best computer purchase I ever made.
I've been keeping one eye on that case. I think my 1999 vintage InWin full tower may be reaching the end of its useful life as my main workstation case. The airflow just isn't good enough for heavy-duty hardware. Its only working now because the machine is an i3 with only a basic video card and I have all the hard drives in a rack with a separate fan. That case has the potential to take me along for another 15 years.
Quote from: Grey Fox on July 18, 2012, 10:52:04 AM
Sometimes there's nothing to say. Sometimes, all you can do is hug another man. :hug:
Ghey. :x
That or, Amen, sister!
:hmm:
Sigh. Looks like I won't be able to buy a whole PC at one go. Both my brother and my Mom have moved back in and the family is low on cash. My new plan is to buy it incrementally. First buy a case, a power source and a motherboard. If I do it this way, I can probably get a better PC.
I love my CoolerMaster cases. Excellent, wide-open for cooling. They do tend to be noisier than the Antec 300 by a good bit, however.
Looks like the computer purchase is back on. There's something wrong with this PC. Not sure what's wrong with it. I was getting blue screen crashes due to it running out of RAM. I did reinstall of windows but it won't let me do the updates. Had a difficult time installing the Nvidia driver as well. I think the mobo is having trouble.
This PC is having some problems and I'm going to take it in. I have less money then I did before, but I was thinking of buying a cheaper PC as a stop gape in case this one has very serious problems.
I was looking at this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229285
Or perhaps this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227408
Much cheaper, and will probably be outdated in a year or two, but It may do okay as a stop gap. What do you folks think?
You have a Sams or Costco membership?
Raz, when i was looking to buy back at Christmas time i didn't hear many if any good reviews for the cyberpower builds, mostly in customer service, i ended up buying an ibuypower and been happy with it, no problems with anything. (only thing to go bad was my old HD that i had taken out from previous build)
Okay, I've decided to buy one the pre-mades on Newegg.
Either http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227408
Or for a little more an Intel
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227410
I've always used Intel, so I'm a little wary of something else. Probably should go for the first one.
Get the AMD and use the savings to buy an extended warranty, unless you are comfortable enough with PC repair to install and replace parts as needed.
The new Machine has arrived. This one is going offline in a moment.
I picked up the 800 dollar one which came with a two year warranty. Had for about two weeks now. Runs really well and quite. I've paid more for PCs that were much worse then this.
Quote from: Razgovory on August 20, 2012, 01:34:15 AM
I picked up the 800 dollar one which came with a two year warranty. Had for about two weeks now. Runs really well and quite. I've paid more for PCs that were much worse then this.
:thumbsup:
Quote from: Razgovory on August 20, 2012, 01:34:15 AM
I picked up the 800 dollar one which came with a two year warranty. Had for about two weeks now. Runs really well and quite. I've paid more for PCs that were much worse then this.
Nice. Glad you like it. :)