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Search Tech-Forums - link takes you to our Forum's search page. Note: The following is only a text archive! To view the actual forum discussion, please visit our website at http://www.tech-forums.net Pages:1 A Computer Building Guide.....by Elbatrop1(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)Posted by: Elbatrop1 [b]Elbatrop1's Computer Building Guide[/b] So you want to build a computer? Good for you! Many agree that a custom-built computer is more reliable and gives better performance per dollar than pre-built computers. [b]Where do you start?[/b] The first thing you need to do is find out what the computer is going to be used for. Common build-types to Tech-Forums are: Overclocking-Gaming, Regular-Gaming, Upper Office, and Entry-Level Office Computers. Of course there are variations on these types of builds, but most follow these formats. These different types of computers all use different types/quality of hardware. It is important to choose appropriate hardware for each kind of build, so you don’t waste money or get an underperforming machine. [b]Do Your Homework[/b] After deciding what kind of computer to build, its time for some research. A new computer can cost anywhere between $200 and upwards of $3000 (more if you get really crazy). If you are spending that much money, you might as well make sure you do it right. Do homework by searching Tech-Forums for computer builds with a similar budget, and go to websites such as [url]www.anandtech.com[/url] [url]www.xbitlabs.com[/url] and [url]www.tomshardware.com[/url] for hardware reviews. [b]Choosing Parts for your new computer[/b] Ok, now you know some of the basics of computer parts and perhaps know some parts to avoid, which brand names are good, etc. Now it is time to choose the parts to your computer. This section will focus on some considerations for you as you build your computer. One common source of confusion is the prices of similar products. For example, one 512 MB stick of RAM can cost between $50 and $250. People may find them asking themselves what the difference between two similar looking parts, but very different prices. When similar parts have very different prices, this is where your choice of the type of computer is vital. Expensive parts are normally intended for Overclocking or Gaming computers, while the cheaper parts are normally intended for Office Computers. Brand names of parts is another thing that should be considered when building a computer. Just like many other things, brand names may determine the reliability and performance of a part. Some manufacturers just choose to make products in favor of quality, while some in the favor of value, and some are in between somewhere. The key here is matching your needs with the appropriate budget and performance needs. This is also where your research comes in handy. Without research you would never know that a certain part is prone to problems. Another thing to consider, while building, is upgradeability. By the way computers go, in a year or so, the one you build will be out of date. Choose parts that have room for expansion and easy replacement. Again, research is important here. One more thing to consider is your performance needs. Remember when you picked out which computer type you were building? That is defining your performance needs. Someone who uses a computer for word processing, email, and web browsing will not need a high-end video card. On the other hand, video cards are the most important part of the computer when it comes to gaming. [b]Checklist for a computer build:[/b] CPU Motherboard RAM Video Card Hard Drive Optical Drive Power Supply Case Speakers Monitor Mouse Keyboard Operating System I wont say which CPU, Motherboard, etc to pick. That’s what your research should have told you. Just make sure you have everything on that list, and you should be all set. Hopefully that helps you new computer builders! Now that you have read this and followed the directions, you should be ready to post and ask specific questions!!! Posted by: JDGreen92086 May want to add some more stuff to this. Cpu cores, temperature ranges, uhhh..... maybe explain a bit about matching compenents. Like pins. A few extra things you could put in there. Maybe even make an in depth walkthrough of building a pc or something along those lines. Posted by: DJ-CHRIS We already have a guide for CPU cores, I will write Intel core's in for it soon, than it will be a sticky ;) Their's enough in depth walkthourg's already on other websites Posted by: vaderpro Nice elbatrop, once again you are very helpful/resourceful. Maybe add heatsink/thermal paste for gamers? Posted by: Chase Very good. With revisions and added "tidbits" it could be great. ::-Chase-:: Posted by: sippin codeine Good post, I'm building a new computer also. I can only afford to build it one component at a time because i'm saving up for a new car. I was going to create a checklist but i guess that part is already done. Thanks bro. Picked up an All in Wonder 9600 Pro today. Posted by: GrimReaper23 yea instead of just saying cpu paste like someone else said say AS5, I still cannot believe that they took of my Sticky took me hard work for that. LOL also say thaat AMD is better for Gaming and Intel is more for a buisness I am sure that they will like that. Posted by: evan833 what about using your old computers equipment in your new computer I have upgraded to a new amd64 3000 processor and chaintech s1689 motherboard 512 3200 ram and case. but used my old hard drive it didnt work. because my old hard drive was not booting windows. I lost my original windows Me boot disks. All I have is the purchased Windows XP Upgrade disc. It will not boot from that disk. I have gotten some advice to reinstall windows but all I have is the Upgrade cd and it will not work. What options do I have as far as just getting windows working thru some downloaded boot disc. and then when windows works. Upgradeing to XP using My Windows XP Upgrade CD. Frustrated, Evan Posted by: Tyler1989 That isn't hardware related. Windows will not because it's part of it's security if you change a magor hardware component. Your drivers are also now for the wrong hardware causing errors as well you need to reformate using your disc which I don't think an upgrade disc will do. Posted by: honor man ok, i know which parts i will buy. what do i do when they all arrive here and are sitting in front of me? will the neccesary wiring come with it or will i need to buy it? Posted by: beluga if u bought ur mobo and everything you shouldnt need to get individual stuff.. ur mobo should have all cables to attach IDE's and if ur mobo supports sata should come with sata cables. on the other hand not all power supplies come with chords to the wall or wtv its called??? Posted by: alexsabree You should probably get a better power supply, cause the power supply that comes with your case (if ur case is cheap) would be unreliable even tho is sometimes has more watts :) :) :) :) :) Posted by: Kazama [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by alexsabree [/i] [B]You should probably get a better power supply, cause the power supply that comes with your case (if ur case is cheap) would be unreliable even tho is sometimes has more watts :) :) :) :) :) [/B][/QUOTE] Recently i have found out you won't need a 500 watt PSU ... ever. Read my thread "The truth about graphic card requirments". BTW does elbatrop still post here? Posted by: Elbatrop1 [quote]BTW does elbatrop still post here?[/quote] Sure do! Just not as much. Since becoming a mod, I spend more of my TF time looking for spam and flames and things of the like. As a matter of fact, I am working on a new guide, kinda like the ones I have already made. Posted by: Kazama Yea, am thinking of making alot of guides. Made one for PSU watts :) Posted by: alexsabree Having a better psu just makes sure that you wont have problems with hardware.. doesnt really induce a performance increase I am srry if i posted on a dead post... couldnt help vBulletin Copyright ©2000 - 2003, Jelsoft Enterprises Limited. PPC Management vB Easy Archive Final - Created by Xenon |