Building My Own Computer.

[Threx]

Alright so I've had my laptop for a month now and I really like it but there are things it's lacking. (ie Good Graphics Card, Big Hard Drive, and RAM.) Now I've heard of people building there own computers but I don't know where to get any of the stuff or weather there's a build it your self kit or if you buy the parts separate.

 

[Kabutos]

Generally you buy all the individual parts and either assemble it yourself or pay someone else to. I've heard about some DIY Kits but I wouldn't recommend them. Amazon and Newegg are generally the most referred to sites on computer parts.

 

[RanD00M]

Talk to <url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/profiles/view/Kouen>Kouen. He's good with this sort of stuff.

 

[finalguy]

to be honest build it yourself compputers are like 99.9% desktops, its very VERY hard to upgrade/build/work on laptops. i'd say u're screwed srry

 

[TheComedown]

to be honest build it yourself compputers are like 99.9% desktops, its very VERY hard to upgrade/build/work on laptops. i'd say u're screwed srry

He isn't talking about upgrading his laptop, he is talking about building a new computer.

OP, build it yourself, do some research and save your self some money, and don't go prebuilt or kits, they generally suck or are way over priced. Alternatively go down to your local computer store and talk to the guys there, give them a budget and tell them what you want, yeah it will cost a bit more then doing it yourself but at least you'll have some professional advice on what your getting into.

 

[finalguy]

to be honest build it yourself compputers are like 99.9% desktops, its very VERY hard to upgrade/build/work on laptops. i'd say u're screwed srry

He isn't talking about upgrading his laptop, he is talking about building a new computer.

OP, build it yourself, do some research and save your self some money, and don't go prebuilt or kits, they generally suck or are way over priced. Alternatively go down to your local computer store and talk to the guys there, give them a budget and tell them what you want, yeah it will cost a bit more then doing it yourself but at least you'll have some professional advice on what your getting into.

sorry for misunderstanding then. he said he's had his laptop for a month(who buys 2 computers in 1 month for personal use?), so i thought he meant his laptop. it's the same bs ive had to deal with as a builder for over 10 years, pple buy or want to buy laptops, and then are amazed that they r crap/cant be upgraded/ cost twice as much to do half as much junk.

but anyway, if you mean PC then i cant say enough good things about new egg. they have bare bone systems to start your building on with as a base, then i suggest just list the components piece by piece, looking them up on newegg, reading the reviews, and buying the best within ur price range:
for instance:
cpu....ram....video card...cpu cooler...harddrive...cd/dvd/bluray drive...power supply(if you get high end components you will need a good high watt PS)..mouse...keyboard...monitor(may i suggest sceptre, they are awesome in all catagories and cheap as well)..cabels/fans/lights/case(depending on if you get a bare bone system and whats in it)

... forgot the OS, thats your choice but i like vista/win7 myself

 

[octafish]

Buy the parts at the best prices from reputable sellers, I've heard North Americans say that Newegg is great, I prefer to buy PC parts from a local bricks and motar shop if I can because they can usually offer support down the track, and buying a case from a local can save a tonne on shipping. Building can be fun, it is a lot like Lego or working on a car, sometimes problems can arise but overcoming those is very satisfying.

I'm going to recommend you get yourself a earth-strap with your other components. I never use one, but I recently bricked my motherboard with a static charge. I'll be using one from now on.

Once you have an idea as to what components you want, google "PSU calculator" which will help you work out which PSU you will need. Only buy 80+ certified PSUs, they are likely to be top of the line, are more efficient, and usually at that point come with substantial warranties.

As a beginner avoid SLI or Crossfire, not every game plays nicely with these and more than one GPU will always hurt your minimum Frame Rate, which is more important than your maximum FPS. Single cards are better and easier even if they are more expensive.