Computer geeks delight!
- Thread starter Kings Faithful
- Start date
I built my own computer, the one I'm using right now. Its not really all that hard of a task. Its much more straight forward than you might think and it ends up saving you a ton of cash.
A great website to use to buy up the individual parts is www.newegg.com. Great prices, sales, and fast, cheap shipping.
My main advice would be, don't skimp out on key, but overlooked, parts like your power supply unit (PSU) and main harddrive in favor of the flashier parts. Both are very key in your computer's long-term health.
A great website to use to buy up the individual parts is www.newegg.com. Great prices, sales, and fast, cheap shipping.
My main advice would be, don't skimp out on key, but overlooked, parts like your power supply unit (PSU) and main harddrive in favor of the flashier parts. Both are very key in your computer's long-term health.
Ok, first of all be sure to go for the 14" VGA monitor. Those things can give you 16 colors! And the extra couple of inches of space really do make a difference. Secondly invest in a 3.5" drive. I know they are expensive and its tempting just to go with the 5 1/4, but I'm convinced the 5 1/4s are on the way out and you will appreciate the investment. Got to go with at least 640k of ram to run the modern programs and multitask. A dot matrix printer of course. And while it may seem like an extravagence I think you may want to buy a sound card. I know the motherboard's beeps and chirps are really enough for most applications, but there are games now which actually use .midi files to create music in game. Its very exciting.
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I've built my last 4+ computers and I wholly endorse newegg.com as well - they are the best and have great customer service. I have also had good luck with ZipZoomFly. I don't think you will save much money overall for a "normal" desktop machine - you really can't compete with the volume discounts of the manufacturers. I did/do it because I enjoy it and was tired of proprietary motherboards, lack of videocard choices, etc., with many manufacturers (Dell, HP, Gateway, etc.) and didn't want to pay for the elite computer makers to do it for me (costs start escalating).
Are you trying to build a gaming machine? Do you have a price range in mind?
Start with the case - it needs to be large enough to hold the components you choose but, more importantly, have enough ventilation. Look for cases by companies like Antec, CoolerMaster, or Thermaltake. I personally like the Antec cases for quality and moderate cost, and they are well cooled. Also look for rubber grommets at hard drive mounts to reduce vibration noise.
Some places to start with components:
http://www.anandtech.com/guides/
http://www.maximumpc.com/best-of-the-best
http://www.tomshardware.com/theme-build-your-own,156.html
Here is a step-by-step guide to building a PC - the components may be dated, but this will give you an idea of what is involved:
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/build_your_own_no_compromises_1_500_pc
Good luck!
Are you trying to build a gaming machine? Do you have a price range in mind?
Start with the case - it needs to be large enough to hold the components you choose but, more importantly, have enough ventilation. Look for cases by companies like Antec, CoolerMaster, or Thermaltake. I personally like the Antec cases for quality and moderate cost, and they are well cooled. Also look for rubber grommets at hard drive mounts to reduce vibration noise.
Some places to start with components:
http://www.anandtech.com/guides/
http://www.maximumpc.com/best-of-the-best
http://www.tomshardware.com/theme-build-your-own,156.html
Here is a step-by-step guide to building a PC - the components may be dated, but this will give you an idea of what is involved:
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/build_your_own_no_compromises_1_500_pc
Good luck!
Yeah! I just discovered Newegg yesterday and its freaking amazing... so much saved money. Especially on the combo deals and stuff. So I'll give you the run down of what I have now. I have a pretty decent monitor already, Dell flat screen, I'm not sure of the dimensions but I'm happy with it. I bought an Alienware about 5 years ago, I can't remember the specific model. It was about $900 at the time. It came with 512 mb ram (i've added another 512 mb since so I have 1 Gig, AMD Athlon 64 processer 3000+, an ATI Radeon 9550 graphics card, and an ABIT AGP Motherboard. So basically my goal is to get a new motherboard, a new processer, a new graphics card and 2 or 3 more Gigs of ram, and keep it under 350$... Like someone above said i've realized i need a decent PSU and I'm really not sure which wattage came with my computer, so I figure I have to open my computer and see. If I don't have a big enough one I'll have to get one i guess. So far I'm looking at these products from Newegg.
Cpu/Processer - AMD Athlon X2 7850 Black Edition Kuma 2.8GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 95W Dual-Core Processor - $70
Mother Board - GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard - $110
Video Card - SAPPHIRE 100265HDMI Radeon HD 4830 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - $90
Ram - Crucial 2-3 GB - $25-40$
Total: $295-$300
O and yes... I'm building a gaming rig if you can't already tell... haha. Also my case is HUGE cause its an Alienware... It's my first gaming computer so its huge to me at least. I'm not really sure of the average size of gaming rigs but I'm pretty confident its big enough to hold whatever i need. My computer also came with a 80 Gig Hard Drive, but since then I've added an internal 500 Gig so I'm fine in that regard for now.
Any suggestions?
Cpu/Processer - AMD Athlon X2 7850 Black Edition Kuma 2.8GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 95W Dual-Core Processor - $70
Mother Board - GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard - $110
Video Card - SAPPHIRE 100265HDMI Radeon HD 4830 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - $90
Ram - Crucial 2-3 GB - $25-40$
Total: $295-$300
O and yes... I'm building a gaming rig if you can't already tell... haha. Also my case is HUGE cause its an Alienware... It's my first gaming computer so its huge to me at least. I'm not really sure of the average size of gaming rigs but I'm pretty confident its big enough to hold whatever i need. My computer also came with a 80 Gig Hard Drive, but since then I've added an internal 500 Gig so I'm fine in that regard for now.
Any suggestions?
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Probably get a new PSU while you are at it - some new motherboards and video cards have additonal power requirements above and beyond the older ones - and a PSU is usually one of the first items to go bad.
I'd look for a good 550 watt unit or higher. Really, most setups do not need the super-high wattages, and yours is going to fit into the "normal" category. Look for a quality unit buy CoolerMaster, PC Power and Cooling, or Antec. There are other good units as well, but those are well regarded and you can find something there to fit your needs. Look for a high efficiency (80% or more, if possible). Look at here for some more info to start:
http://www.anandtech.com/casecoolingpsus/showdoc.aspx?i=3516
Also, google some reviews or read the ones on NewEgg for more info.
You may want to consider moving up to the 4850 cards - looks like they are only a few $$$ more and are faster.
I have a Gigabyte board at home right now and have been very happy with it.
I'd look for a good 550 watt unit or higher. Really, most setups do not need the super-high wattages, and yours is going to fit into the "normal" category. Look for a quality unit buy CoolerMaster, PC Power and Cooling, or Antec. There are other good units as well, but those are well regarded and you can find something there to fit your needs. Look for a high efficiency (80% or more, if possible). Look at here for some more info to start:
http://www.anandtech.com/casecoolingpsus/showdoc.aspx?i=3516
Also, google some reviews or read the ones on NewEgg for more info.
You may want to consider moving up to the 4850 cards - looks like they are only a few $$$ more and are faster.
I have a Gigabyte board at home right now and have been very happy with it.
You really cannot skimp on the PSU. Its almost always the biggest problem when a beginner builds a computer. They skimp out on it, or they use their old one, and they wonder why their computer won't turn on 2 months later. Its just a must.
And I agree, move up on the video card. And i've never used a Sapphire brand card, but I don't use Radeon's either, so perhaps they are a good manufacturer of that GPU. I usually stick to my eVGA or BFG Geforce cards.
And I agree, move up on the video card. And i've never used a Sapphire brand card, but I don't use Radeon's either, so perhaps they are a good manufacturer of that GPU. I usually stick to my eVGA or BFG Geforce cards.
Take a look at what yours came with - I am not familiar with the stock Alienware PSUs - maybe they are decent units and you don't need to. Heck, if nothing else, post the year and model of your computer (and PSU info if you still have the binder Alienware gave you) and maybe we can take a look at if it is worth keeping.....
K, ive find a few PSU's that i can get in the 50-70 range. I'll open up my computer in a second to see what PSU I have. I don't have the original papers that came with my computer (i was like 12 when I got It and didn't care about keeping stuff like that...) I only have a file that my HDD that has most of my system Specs on it. It's missing anything to do with my PCU unfortunately. As far as the graphics card goes, I considered the Sapphire one because it seems to be on the cheaper side while still having the power of the other ones. It also had a 5 egg rating on Newegg with about 200 reviews... so I figured it was safe. I also went with Radeons because thats what I have right now and I know it works... so if you can vouch on something just as good for the same price range I'll take a look at it. I'll post my PCU info in a little bit.
Bang for the buck in that price range you are probably good with the ATI cards.
Also look at this perhaps:
Sapphire Radeon HD 3870 Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ards-_-Sapphire+Technology+Limited-_-14102719
as it generally outperforms the 48xx cards at lower resolutions according to tests at Tom's Hardware, look here and find the resolution you run natively at and see what the various cards can do:
http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/gaming-graphics-charts-2009/benchmarks,51.html
Again - good luck!
Also look at this perhaps:
Sapphire Radeon HD 3870 Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ards-_-Sapphire+Technology+Limited-_-14102719
as it generally outperforms the 48xx cards at lower resolutions according to tests at Tom's Hardware, look here and find the resolution you run natively at and see what the various cards can do:
http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/gaming-graphics-charts-2009/benchmarks,51.html
Again - good luck!
Actually, you CAN skimp on the PSU, because the CPUs and GPUs they were making for a while there were such power hogs that they were having major heat issues and running up big power bills. So most manufacturers have started making them just as fast or faster, but using improved technology to cut their power consumption.
Here, for example, you can see that recently made graphics card chips range from 9 watts peak consumption, to over 500. Some of the lower power ones are quite fast, shop around and I'm sure you can find a good balance between speed and power consumption. Newer designs tend to be best that way.
Likewise for CPUs. You could, for example, get an Athlon 64 X2 3800+ EE SFF and have the speed equivalent of what's usually a 90-150 watt CPU, but it needs only 35 watts.
If you're running 32-bit XP, and plan to for a while, you can limit yourself to 3GB of RAM, too. 32-bit XP can only access 4GB, and it pokes big holes in the top GB for things like video card memory. So most of what you install over 3GB will be wasted.
Here, for example, you can see that recently made graphics card chips range from 9 watts peak consumption, to over 500. Some of the lower power ones are quite fast, shop around and I'm sure you can find a good balance between speed and power consumption. Newer designs tend to be best that way.
Likewise for CPUs. You could, for example, get an Athlon 64 X2 3800+ EE SFF and have the speed equivalent of what's usually a 90-150 watt CPU, but it needs only 35 watts.
If you're running 32-bit XP, and plan to for a while, you can limit yourself to 3GB of RAM, too. 32-bit XP can only access 4GB, and it pokes big holes in the top GB for things like video card memory. So most of what you install over 3GB will be wasted.
The motherboard your getting requires 2 power plugs. You'll need a new ATX PSU with 24pin & 8 pin power plugs. 450 Watt minimum recommended but if you decide to go duo video cards with the Crossfire option 550 watts or better is recommended. Also, the higher output Radeon cards need ATX 6 pin power plugs that come with the newer PSU.
I didn't see what memory you used in your old motherboard but if it isn't DDR2 running at lease 800MHz your not going to be able to use it in the new motherboard. You want to match the memory speed to the FSB of the new CPU for best performance. WinXP only uses 3MB, so unless your running Vista 2 2MB sticks is all you need.
There is some danger of crashing Windows when you change motherboards. If your using WinXP, backup all important data before swapping boards. If you would like more info on swapping boards let me know.
I didn't see what memory you used in your old motherboard but if it isn't DDR2 running at lease 800MHz your not going to be able to use it in the new motherboard. You want to match the memory speed to the FSB of the new CPU for best performance. WinXP only uses 3MB, so unless your running Vista 2 2MB sticks is all you need.
There is some danger of crashing Windows when you change motherboards. If your using WinXP, backup all important data before swapping boards. If you would like more info on swapping boards let me know.
Don't worry about it. In reality you are probably looking at a max of a couple hundred watts or so - a 450-500 w supply should be fine. Enermax isn't the highest rated, but may suffice. Try it and see, perhaps. You have a model number on it, or a series name?
Quick google search indicates it may be a:
460 Watt Enermax EG465P-VE 24 P ATX 1.3 Power Supply
The 3870 NewEgg specs says:
There is some discussion on this PSU here:
http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=83775
Edit - and HTK is correct on checking for the connectors on the PSU (as I also mentioned indirectly with my post #8 - not just power itself but additional connectors) for both the MB and GPU.
Edit 2 - is it this one?
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16817194011
Quick google search indicates it may be a:
460 Watt Enermax EG465P-VE 24 P ATX 1.3 Power Supply
The 3870 NewEgg specs says:
There is some discussion on this PSU here:
http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=83775
Edit - and HTK is correct on checking for the connectors on the PSU (as I also mentioned indirectly with my post #8 - not just power itself but additional connectors) for both the MB and GPU.
Edit 2 - is it this one?
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16817194011
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Find out here:
http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp
http://educations.newegg.com/tool/psucalc/index.html
http://www.silentmods.com/modding/PSU_Watts_Calculator.html
there are a few to get you going - see what you end up with.
I tried one just for grins - I have a Core 2 Quad Q6600, 4 GB of RAM, 2 HD, 2 DVD burners, and a 8800 GTS 512 MB video card at home (plus some case fans, etc) and came up with about 320 watts. Say 350 to be safe. Often the need for huge power supplies is overstated, however you want to make sure you have a QUALITY power supply that can easily handle your load. Let us know what you come up with!
http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp
http://educations.newegg.com/tool/psucalc/index.html
http://www.silentmods.com/modding/PSU_Watts_Calculator.html
there are a few to get you going - see what you end up with.
I tried one just for grins - I have a Core 2 Quad Q6600, 4 GB of RAM, 2 HD, 2 DVD burners, and a 8800 GTS 512 MB video card at home (plus some case fans, etc) and came up with about 320 watts. Say 350 to be safe.
Often the need for huge power supplies is overstated, however you want to make sure you have a QUALITY power supply that can easily handle your load. Let us know what you come up with!
Find out here:
http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp
http://educations.newegg.com/tool/psucalc/index.html
http://www.silentmods.com/modding/PSU_Watts_Calculator.html
there are a few to get you going - see what you end up with.
I tried one just for grins - I have a Core 2 Quad Q6600, 4 GB of RAM, 2 HD, 2 DVD burners, and a 8800 GTS 512 MB video card at home (plus some case fans, etc) and came up with about 320 watts. Say 350 to be safe. Often the need for huge power supplies is overstated, however you want to make sure you have a QUALITY power supply that can easily handle your load. Let us know what you come up with!
http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp
http://educations.newegg.com/tool/psucalc/index.html
http://www.silentmods.com/modding/PSU_Watts_Calculator.html
there are a few to get you going - see what you end up with.
I tried one just for grins - I have a Core 2 Quad Q6600, 4 GB of RAM, 2 HD, 2 DVD burners, and a 8800 GTS 512 MB video card at home (plus some case fans, etc) and came up with about 320 watts. Say 350 to be safe.
Often the need for huge power supplies is overstated, however you want to make sure you have a QUALITY power supply that can easily handle your load. Let us know what you come up with!
Ok, so the extreme.outervision.com calculator was really compicated, but with the knowledge i had about my computer I tried to fill it in and got like 300 watts at least but I doubt that was accurate. The newegg calculator doesn't have an option for HD4850 video cards and much of the outcome depends on that so I can't really give you one for that, and same goes for the silent mods.com. From what I've gathered from all three it seems that I should be fine with my 460. If not, worse case scenerio is i notice problems and I go buy a new one, right? If everything looks good to you Warhawk I think I'm just about ready to purchase.
So far I've decided on the
Cpu/Processer - AMD Athlon X2 7850 Black Edition Kuma 2.8GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 95W Dual-Core Processor - $70
Mother Board - GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard - $110
You recommended a HD4850 graphics card over the 4830 that I presented and I think I'm going to go with your recomendation. I'm still undecided about which manufacturer I'm going to buy from. After I figure that out I might need you for one more thing... Installing the motherboard... I don't want to have to reinstall my OS or go through any blue screens of death to make this work because I've had to go through that crap before and it's not fun.
So far I've decided on the
Cpu/Processer - AMD Athlon X2 7850 Black Edition Kuma 2.8GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 95W Dual-Core Processor - $70
Mother Board - GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard - $110
You recommended a HD4850 graphics card over the 4830 that I presented and I think I'm going to go with your recomendation. I'm still undecided about which manufacturer I'm going to buy from. After I figure that out I might need you for one more thing... Installing the motherboard... I don't want to have to reinstall my OS or go through any blue screens of death to make this work because I've had to go through that crap before and it's not fun.
