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12/30/2008 11:42:54 AM · #1
I'm thinking of building a new pc, this will be the first time i have done this and what i know about the internal workings of a pc can be written on the back of a postage stamp. So what i'm looking for help with is what components i need/ should use in it to get what i need from it.

I want to:- Photo editing
Gaming
Web browsing
and i think that's about it. So any advice would be appreciated. Also do people think i may be better off buying a system rather than building my own?

I've got about £700 to spend on it.

Oh and motherboards confuse the bejesus out of me, so if anyone can explain them to me i would really appreciate it.

Cheers.
12/30/2008 11:58:38 AM · #2
//www.mysuperpc.com/motherboard.shtml
12/30/2008 11:59:17 AM · #3
Honestly, if you really know as little about this as you claim, you should think about just buying one online and "customizing" it's features.

If you are dead set on building your own, make sure you do a lot of research and get your facts straight, least you waste a lot of time and money and end up frustrated and defeated.

I don't mean to be discouraging, I'm just using myself as a reference point; I know a fair amount about the internal workings of a PC, but I still wouldn't think about building my own, because I have no idea about the specifics of which parts go together, which parts are "good," etc. Like so many other "build it yourself" gigs, I can imagine this becoming a half-finished pile of junk that I'd have to take to someone to get fixed/finished, costing me much more money in the end.
12/30/2008 12:01:34 PM · #4
//www.buildyourown.org.uk/

You can also use various review sites to help you pick the components. This is a good one:-

//www.tomshardware.com

Never spend your full budget up front, you will always miss a few cables and similiar things the first time you make your own.

Message edited by author 2008-12-30 12:02:34.
12/30/2008 12:11:00 PM · #5
I have to agree with Odyssey - if motherboards "confuse the bejesus" out of you, then you might not be well placed to figure out your new systems instability, or just what those plaintive beeps mean.

These days, you don't save any significant money by putting it together yourself; I've been building PCs for (eek!) decades, and the only reason I still do is that it's easier to get precisely the components I want that way. If you don't have very specific desires you'll be far better off buying pre-built.

As for exactly what; for photo editing and games your main aims are (1) as much memory as you can afford (4GB ideally) and (2) a decent graphics card. Both of these are easily achievable on your budget - heck, you could even go to someone like Dell and get change from your budget!
12/30/2008 12:14:03 PM · #6
You may be better off buying a pre-built machine - it depends on if you want to spend time and effort learning about it, or if you'd rather just have something quick and easy that works.

When building PCs, I always go to NewEgg. The basic formula is:

- Choose AMD or Intel Processor (aka CPU).
- Usually go one generation back from the latest and greatest for best price point.
- Note CPU socket type
- Choose motherboard with appropriate socket type. I like ASUS brand.
- Choose necessary on-board components:
- Do you want video on-board? Cheaper, passable, but not best performance.
- Audio and LAN generally always come on-board
- Note the supported memory type and speed (i.e. 240-pin DDR2 1600)
- Note power connector (generally 24-pin ATX)
- Note hard drive connector (generally SATA)
- Note video card slot (generally AGP or PCI Express)
- Choose memory (aka RAM) with the same specifications. I'd get no less than 2gb,
and no more than 4gb (for a 32-bit machine). Two 1gb sticks will be cheap. I
like Kingston brand.
- Choose a case with included power supply (at least 300W) the proper power
connector (24-pin ATX)
- Choose a hard drive to fit motherboard (generally SATA). I like Seagate brand.
- Choose a CD or DVD drive to fit motherboard (generally SATA or IDE).
- If your motherboard didn't have on-board video, or even if it does and you want
better performance, choose a video card with a compatible card slot (i.e. PCI
Express). I like NVidia chipsets.
- If you need a mouse and keyboard, pick one up. USB is your best bet. I like
Logitech brand.

I generally have an old monitor lying around and don't buy those often. But you'll need one to fit your video card (generally DVI or VGA connector).

It arrives in the box as a bunch of separate pieces that you must put together. Remember that if you buy something that doesn't fit or is dead on arrival, you'll have to return it, so check twice!

If this all seems too complicated, go here. =)

Message edited by author 2008-12-30 12:19:02.
12/30/2008 12:15:01 PM · #7
I know that building a PC can be fun and you get exactly what you want, but I just wanted to mention a few options.

I've built a PC before, it's not hard, but many system vendors charge nothing, or a low fee like $50, to put one together to your specs. And then its tested and guaranteed. One vendor I've used a number of times is KC Computers. One advantage is that you get a builders experience as to what components to mix and match, in addition to the research you do. And since many sell at OEM prices without a charge for building it, it's a win-win. BTW - I have no connection to KC computers other than being a customer.

But note that in each case where you build a computer, you end up paying for the OS and some goodies you get for free in Dells and HPs. So normally, I only build or spec if I can't find what I want at those vendors.

Actually, this is the first time I've bought from HP. I mainly buy Dell, but I have several Gateway convertible tablets I like (so much that when the first got "old", I bought the latest of the same model).

Anyway, back to the HP. I am very impressed with the D5000T. That's their fairly high end model, but it goes for something like a meager $1100 or so. I liked it because it had an ATX case, tooless design, and four HD bays. I got a quad core model with a TV tuner (which is great for watching and recording shows and news while you are editing photos), 6GB of memory, 750GB hard drive, Windows Vista 64 (which works fantastic and reliably), for around $1200 shipped. Also a dual monitor capable (one digital, one XGA port) video card (I would have gotten the dual DVI, but that's one area they had priced too high--cheaper to buy aftermarket, but in fact, the card I got is fine so I never bought one to replace it.)

Oh, and in that price above, I got the tuner, remote control, windows media center software (works great), and cyberlink suite, which is a very nice alternative to Nero (which has gone downhill over the years).

Anyway, I recommend Vista 64 Home Premium. The only problem I've had with it at all is Quicken 2008--it won't print rendering that pretty useless. Vista has never crashed and has been much more reliable than my Mac Pro was in my year of living in the Mac world (never again). Apple makes fun of the Windows blue screen, but I had more system crashes on the Mac than I have had in 20 years of using a PC.

ETA: Corrected model number on my HP--it's the D5000t, not the D9000t!

Message edited by author 2008-12-30 12:52:49.
12/30/2008 12:23:36 PM · #8
if you buy a pre-built model. say from gateway - be sure it comes in a standard ATX case. that way - you can get a working machine to plug in with the option of upgrading parts as you see fit.

umm and for gaming you'll be hard pressed to get a decent machine for $700 - todays 3d games require a major video card. you could easily spend $400 on a vid card alone. i got fed up with the whole video card/drivers and what not and still having a medocre gaming experience - so i bought an xbox 360...

dell - from my experience likes to make things difficult to upgrade. special cases and what not. not to mention that they chain you down to buying from them with most of the peripherals they offer- ink for their printers that type of thing. cryptic proprietary model numbers and what not.

Message edited by author 2008-12-30 12:25:06.
12/30/2008 12:24:59 PM · #9
Right now I've just started to research building my PC (It will be the second I've built myself, but the last one was five years ago- which I guess means I did okay).

What really surprises me is that none of the places that I've looked at for parts (Tigerdirect etc....) has a "build your own" check list, like Smurfguy put up. You would start with a list of CPU spec's you pick what you were looking for (Intel.....quadcore....) and then it would provide a list of processors that fit what you're looking for, once you select your processor it gives you a list of compatible mother boards....

The only thing I've found frustrating is bouncing back and forth to double check compatabillity.
12/30/2008 12:37:17 PM · #10
Here is a thread from the other day where we were discussing some of the choices involved.

I'm in the process of acquiring the parts for my next PC right now. At this point I am down to the CPU and motherboard. I will likely be getting an Asus motherboard and an Athlon X2 6000 CPU from Newegg.

Gigabyte also has a good rep as a motherboard maker. ECS is a bargain brand, ok, but not outstanding. Fry's often has bundles that include one and my present system has been running 5 years on an ECS board.

Then the decision is if I want to install 32 bit Vista or make a jump to 64 bits.

You can probably buy a similar system for a similar price, but I like doing it myself and getting something tailored to what I want, and I know what's inside. Also, every time I build one,something goes wrong and I learn a lot from it.

Message edited by author 2008-12-30 12:42:13.
12/30/2008 12:56:26 PM · #11
Originally posted by soup:

umm and for gaming you'll be hard pressed to get a decent machine for $700 - todays 3d games require a major video card. you could easily spend $400 on a vid card alone. i got fed up with the whole video card/drivers and what not and still having a medocre gaming experience - so i bought an xbox 360...

Worth noting that the OP said £700, not $700 so the budget is a little bigger.

As for video cards; my 7600GT handles most things I throw at it - a 9800GT will keep all but the most hardened gamer happy and will go for well under £100 (newegg lists them from about $120).
12/30/2008 01:14:37 PM · #12
I build my own, simply because that's all I know how to do! I like getting just the specifications I want and being able to shop around for parts. Upgrading components and performing repairs are all pretty simple since I know exactly what's inside the mystery box. Plus I have parts scattered around here and there. When I order new, I usually use NewEgg and mwave.com.

That said, I'm not sure I'd recommend getting into this. There used to be a cost advantage to building your own PC, but I think those days are gone. And my next PC might just be a laptop with a good docking station.
12/30/2008 01:17:17 PM · #13
Originally posted by mase:

I'm thinking of building a new pc, this will be the first time i have done this and what i know about the internal workings of a pc can be written on the back of a postage stamp. So what i'm looking for help with is what components i need/ should use in it to get what i need from it.

I want to:- Photo editing
Gaming
Web browsing
and i think that's about it. So any advice would be appreciated. Also do people think i may be better off buying a system rather than building my own?

I've got about £700 to spend on it.

Oh and motherboards confuse the bejesus out of me, so if anyone can explain them to me i would really appreciate it.

Cheers.


I probably know as much as you, so I applaud you for wanting to build your own pc, but I have to agree with some folk on here, I think you'd probably be better off bying a pre-built one! I've just ordered a dell, the main reason for doing so, was a) I'd rather concentrate on my photography which takes up enough of my time (which is a good thing! :-)), b) warranty, warranty, warranty (enough said!), and c) I opted for one I can customise as and when I need to and my knowledge increases.

That's not to say you shouldn't build your own if you have the time and confidence, but if you really do know as little as you make out, is building your own really that wise?

I've opted for a Dell XPS 430, which with current discounts has saved me about £150, bringing it well within your £700 budget!

p.s. if any one is opting for a dell, enter this code (05D?8C?3917F4G) before the 31st dec 08 for 10% off (valid only in the uk...I think!)
12/30/2008 01:48:12 PM · #14
Ive built a few, It is easy to put everything together and get it working. The hard part is choosing what you want to put in and making sure everything is compatable. And the worst part is, Soon as you shell out the money for the newest fastest processor and biggest hard drive. They will release an even faster processor and bigger hard drive and imediately make you feel naked.

It is a very rewarding experience to accomplish this feat however so if you got the money and time. Have at it.

Message edited by author 2008-12-30 14:14:03.
12/30/2008 02:08:10 PM · #15
Here's a new model of the D5000t on HP--the d5100t series. (By the way, one thing I didn't mention is that this machine is quiet. That's something you need to consider when building your own, get a good case, ATX, tooless, and make sure it's quiet!

Hard to beat this for $1,239.98 (with free shipping). Though I don't know about international issues.

But it gives you something to work with--try configuring a similar system over at KC Computers or NewEgg.

Components

* • Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
* • Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Quad processor Q9400 (2.66GHz)
* • 6GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM
* • 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9500GS [DVI, VGA, HDMI]
* • 500GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive
* • LAN port on system board (10/100/1000Base-T), no wireless LAN
* • LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
* • 15-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB, 1394, audio, video (for TV Tuner)
* • Dual (2) TV tuners, dual format ATSC-NTSC, PVR, 1 FM tuner, remote
* • Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio
* • Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
* • Norton Internet Security(TM) 2009 - 15 month
* • No speakers
* • HP keyboard and HP optical mouse

Plus a free printer

* • FREE DESKJET D1560 PRINTER

Message edited by author 2008-12-30 14:08:43.
12/30/2008 02:28:15 PM · #16
I've done 2 computers in the past 2 months or so.

Based on my last building experience I chose to buy the first one already done and change the video card to meet my needs. Plugged it in and it ran. Cost was about $700.

I needed a basic PC and a friend had an old one laying about he gave to me. I was told it needed a HD so I got one. That didn't make it work, so I figured I'd buy the bits and pieces needed to make it work.

Turned out I built one from the ground up. I went low end for the most part as this box's job is not editing, just sales, playing MP3s, etc. I have nearly $450 in it now and still, um, enjoying, the growing pains. I think I'd have been better off to buy one of the $400 jobs at Walmart and make mods as needed, if needed.

The onbooard video was rated decent but sucks. For gaming you're gonna need a good card.

Consider Vista64 - same price as teh 32 but version but you can use all the RAM you can find, as oppsed to 32 bit can only access 3Gb. It does make a difference in speed overall too. 4Gb of ram should be fine, but 6 or 8 won't hurt. If you're building i'd go for 2 two gig sticks and then you can easily add more later if/when it's needed. The machine i bought built has 4 1Gb sticks so any upgrade means putting that memory on the shelf (only 4 mem slots in 95% of mobo's)

Would I build again? I don't think so. The hassle outweighs any savings.

If you are building look for kits - barebones, or mobo/processor sets as they're more matched, better prices and less hassle.
12/30/2008 02:36:04 PM · #17
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

Would I build again? I don't think so. The hassle outweighs any savings.


Agreed, if the objective is simply to get a newer and faster computer for a good price. I still like rolling my own, but it's not for everyone. On the other hand, I do NOT enjoy working on my own car, and many people do.
01/04/2009 02:16:19 PM · #18
Thanks for the info everyone. I think I will be buying a ready made pc, possibly custom built.

Cheers.
01/04/2009 02:41:58 PM · #19
Just a little note for any others reading this and thinking about building a computer.

Get ATX case and one of the most important parts most people forget about is the Power Supply. If you going to be running a couple of inbuilt H/Ds and a couple of CD/DVD ROMs, plus added cooling for that hunking great processor, don't skimp on the Power Supply, 400w/500w minimum is required.
01/04/2009 02:46:05 PM · #20
Originally posted by SteveJ:

one of the most important parts most people forget about is the Power Supply. If you going to be running a couple of inbuilt H/Ds and a couple of CD/DVD ROMs, plus added cooling for that hunking great processor, don't skimp on the Power Supply, 400w/500w minimum is required.


Agreed! I am actually surprised that my previous build (put together in '03) is still running on a case/power supply combo that only cost me $35. My new system is being built with an Antec Sonata III case, which comes with their well regarded Earthwatts 500w power supply.

Message edited by author 2009-01-04 14:46:45.
01/04/2009 02:51:16 PM · #21
Originally posted by SteveJ:

Just a little note for any others reading this and thinking about building a computer.

Get ATX case and one of the most important parts most people forget about is the Power Supply. If you going to be running a couple of inbuilt H/Ds and a couple of CD/DVD ROMs, plus added cooling for that hunking great processor, don't skimp on the Power Supply, 400w/500w minimum is required.


a bit ditto to this! i've built several computers and i've found that getting at least a 450w/500w power supply is absolutely necessary! and FANS! FANS! FANS! keep that baby cool!
01/04/2009 02:58:42 PM · #22
Originally posted by sher:

FANS! FANS! FANS! keep that baby cool!


Huge freaking heatsinks are pretty cool looking as well.


Message edited by author 2009-01-04 14:59:08.
01/04/2009 03:03:12 PM · #23
Originally posted by sher:

a bit ditto to this! i've built several computers and i've found that getting at least a 450w/500w power supply is absolutely necessary! and FANS! FANS! FANS! keep that baby cool!

As long as they're quiet. I can't stand the sound of booting up my PC anymore, thanks to the cheap-ish power supply I bought.

iMac is heaven.
01/04/2009 04:13:51 PM · #24
Originally posted by SteveJ:

Just a little note for any others reading this and thinking about building a computer.

Get ATX case and one of the most important parts most people forget about is the Power Supply. If you going to be running a couple of inbuilt H/Ds and a couple of CD/DVD ROMs, plus added cooling for that hunking great processor, don't skimp on the Power Supply, 400w/500w minimum is required.

Meh... if all you're running are drives and a processor I wouldn't sweat on the PSU very much - as long as it's delivering good clean power to the motherboard you'll be fine.

It's video cards that really eat PSUs these days; if you're just building a Photoshop rig you're not going to have a power hungry high end card, so it shouldn't be an issue.
01/04/2009 04:19:37 PM · #25
Yep Pete, but there have been a rash of machine, emachines from a well known retailer that have had 350W power supplies fitted. These in turn have crashed and fried the mobos. It is well known with these machines, which is why whenever I build a PC for someone, I use a minimum 400W power supply.

Better safe than sorry?
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