Yeah, but usually it's how close the cables are on the Motherboard they always like to jam them in as close as possible. Particularly the fiddly little front panel ones.iBagel said:
Can you get a decent rig..WITHOUT building it yourself?
- Thread starter Vault101
- Start date
Recommended Videos
Yeah, but now we have the internet for that. Many people on this forum would gladly spec up a PC for someone, or answer whether or not a part is compatible with another part. Every month I spec up a PC or upgrades to match my paycheck and lament what I'd be able to buy if I didn't have to pay for food and shelter.Vivi22 said:
...I'll never understand the irrational fear of screwdrivers... but I put together my first PC when I was 12...
well, there's the "costs nothing" route if you wanna fiddle with Ubuntu and Wine... and there's this [http://www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/windows-7.aspx?CMXID=ef_sem&semid=ef_GGL_newab1aad39e5c1a820d24ae290babc763&WT.srch=1&category=Windows_7_Info&ef_id=Ry9NIVzMAwAAh4E:20120130122314:s]. There are other options, as well (personally, I don't recognize any Microsoft OS after XP)... but none that Microsoft endorses or sells at this point.Vault101 said:
Bulding a PC is actually quite easy compared to what it was like in the past. Example most of the slots for the drives no longer require a screw driver to keep it in place since they got those plastic auto screw it that lock it by turning it. However you still need a screwdriver for the motherboard and the graphic card.
Couldn't agree more honestly. I've even speced out PC's for people on other forums I frequent when asked, including going to the effort of providing newegg links for everything because I enjoy researching this stuff and figuring out builds and whatnot. But even if someone wanted to do it all themselves, it doesn't require much knowledge. Hell, all of the compatibility information will be listed with the parts on any decent e-retailer. With how easy information on building a PC is to come by, anyone with even a modest amount of knowledge can learn to build a PC by doing a small amount of leg work, which was all I was really trying to point out.thenumberthirteen said:
Some people look at building a PC as some complicated, and unfathomable mess of product specs and tangled wires, when it's really just a step or two above playing with lego honestly.
Building computers is easy as long as you give the process enough respect. Research what parts are compatible, be ready to make mistakes, take all necessary precautions.
It's definitely worth it, as it saves you money, makes the computer that much more personalised, and most importantly...
building your first computer is a learning experience. By the time it's all put together, you'll know what parts do what, you'll know exactly how to update and upgrade in the future, you'll know the likely causes of any major computer death down the line, and you'll know exactly what you'd like to add change & how much that might cost.
I don't think many people's first builds go without a hitch, but that's a part of the process, you learn from it. My main problem with that I put loads of effort into everything that goes inside, but failed to think about the layout of everything when selecting the case. I got this really cheap little thing, with poor airflow where it needs it. But now I know.
It's definitely worth it, as it saves you money, makes the computer that much more personalised, and most importantly...
building your first computer is a learning experience. By the time it's all put together, you'll know what parts do what, you'll know exactly how to update and upgrade in the future, you'll know the likely causes of any major computer death down the line, and you'll know exactly what you'd like to add change & how much that might cost.
I don't think many people's first builds go without a hitch, but that's a part of the process, you learn from it. My main problem with that I put loads of effort into everything that goes inside, but failed to think about the layout of everything when selecting the case. I got this really cheap little thing, with poor airflow where it needs it. But now I know.
Oh man, you troll me hard, you know?Vault101 said:
I know people nowadays are incapable of logical thinking but listen, building computers ain't that hard. It takes time, if you don't know much, but it's fully doable. You get a part, like graphical cards, and you look for comparative testing results. Then you take a processor in your price range and... you guessed it, you check for comparative testing.
Then you have to compare said parts for compatibility, and adjust, and voila, you're done.
It should take you 1-2 nights of solid effort to get this done. I hate when people demonize technology because they are too god damn lazy to think for even half a second.
But let's assume that you are not an aspie and you have a number of friends and acquaintances. Guess what, at least one of them should have the knowledge to help you.
Now let's assume you are a complete failure as a human being, being unable to both think for yourself and develop any relationships with other people. You STILL can get this done. You just go to internet cafe, and ask how much would they want for putting together a list of parts for you. Tell them you'll buy it yourself and, if you don't know how, you'll bring it to them. It should cost you very little, if they want too much go to a different cafe.
Voila.
Edit
Oh and I forgot, you are aware that there are TONS of topics on the internet forums detailing what to get for what price range? You just go to a good PC forum and ask/browse. Many of them have stickies with that kinda info as pretty much every day you get a dozen guys asking for this (them already being more capable then you as they at least know where to ask for help).
I love how almost every thread asking if they could get into PC gaming without having to build a rig becomes everyone saying it's easy enough to build a rig. Which is true enough, surely Vault, you would know someone who was more than capable, and you yourself could build a rig with a little help from the internet. But it's still a little odd.
Anyway, to answer your actual question, of course, it's just more expensive. Also, you'd do well to educate yourself on the fundamentals of specs, because often PC's will be sold that are great in one area, and shitty in another. There's also likely sites or even stores that will build your rig for you for an extra $100 or so. Then you can be assured you're getting a good rig, as long as you know what you want.
From your avatar I assume you're Australian, I built my rig for around $1000, and it is capable of playing any game out there on highest settings (or at least, it hasn't failed yet). I'm not sure how much it would cost to get a rig like mine built for you, but I would say you shouldn't have too much trouble. Hell, for all I know you might be able to find a prebuilt one that's quite capable, I'm not really the person to ask about that. But first ask around, if you have any friends who know computers ask their advice, if not I'm sure some of us wouldn't mind helping you out, even show you a good rig.
Anyway, to answer your actual question, of course, it's just more expensive. Also, you'd do well to educate yourself on the fundamentals of specs, because often PC's will be sold that are great in one area, and shitty in another. There's also likely sites or even stores that will build your rig for you for an extra $100 or so. Then you can be assured you're getting a good rig, as long as you know what you want.
From your avatar I assume you're Australian, I built my rig for around $1000, and it is capable of playing any game out there on highest settings (or at least, it hasn't failed yet). I'm not sure how much it would cost to get a rig like mine built for you, but I would say you shouldn't have too much trouble. Hell, for all I know you might be able to find a prebuilt one that's quite capable, I'm not really the person to ask about that. But first ask around, if you have any friends who know computers ask their advice, if not I'm sure some of us wouldn't mind helping you out, even show you a good rig.
Unfortunately yes, as Linux isn't really great for PC gaming. Windows 7 is rather expensive, the basic version will probably cost around $150-$200.Vault101 said:
Yes you can. I won't repeat what the rest have said, but most PC enthusiasts would be more than happy to teach you how to build your own PC. The learning curve will be a little steep but as long as you are willing to learn and pace yourself you'll be set for life. There's a heck lot of info on the Internet on how to choose parts, assemble, maintain and the mistakes to avoid. Be sure to take note of error messages that pop up (touch wood!) and Google/Yahoo them. Research, learn and keep it cool.
You'll be amazed at how much PC users are willing to help. I was.
You'll be amazed at how much PC users are willing to help. I was.
Case Modding 101:GLo Jones said:
Drill a bunch of holes in a 120 or 140mm diameter circle in the side panel of the case, drill a shitpot more holes inside the circle of holes you just made, drill some anchoring holes and attach a 120mm or 140mm fan to the inside of the panel, manufacturer label facing out making it an intake fan (label in is exhaust). Hell, if you really want to go crazy, do all that but at 200-230mm to attach a monster fan.
The same can be done with the top panel of the case but you need to be a bit more careful with the positioning if your PSU is top mounted.... oh, and mount the fan label in. Top and rear fans should be exhaust while front, side and bottom (should you have room for one) are intake. If you live in a dusty enviroment or with someone who smokes put filters on all your intake fans... and always put filters on a bottom mounted fan regardless.
Also, if you want a front mounted intake fan and don't really want to get all drilling through the case, if you have 3 5.25" bay bezels (them plastic covers over empty drive bays) in a row (horizontally, natch) you can glue them together and do the 'drill and mount' job on them... definitely fits a 120mm fan... can't remember if a 140mm works or not.
You can pick up the OEM version of Win7 Home Premium (either flavour) for about AU$100...and OEM Win7 Pro for about AU$130-140. Win7 Ultimate runs you around AU$200.brunothepig said:
Of course you're supposed to be a 'MS registered System Builder' to use OEM gear but the number of people who give a shit about that is extremely low.
Personally I have a ET1862 for £300 as a decent base machine.
Then I bought a ~£100 graphics card for it.
Next I'm upgrading the RAM to 4GB for ~£25.
So that's 3GHz dual core, Windows 7 64 bit, 4GB Ram, 1GB DX11 graphics card for £425 ($666).
I know you can likely get the same specs for less, but OP said decent not amazing. The next time I need a new PC I'll probably try to get it custom made though for now I'm hoping this current one will give me another 2 years problem-free use.
Then I bought a ~£100 graphics card for it.
Next I'm upgrading the RAM to 4GB for ~£25.
So that's 3GHz dual core, Windows 7 64 bit, 4GB Ram, 1GB DX11 graphics card for £425 ($666).
I know you can likely get the same specs for less, but OP said decent not amazing. The next time I need a new PC I'll probably try to get it custom made though for now I'm hoping this current one will give me another 2 years problem-free use.
1) You are really a real PC Gamer if you use a PC to play games.
2) Both Intel and AMD now have reasonably priced chips with built in GPUs.
If you intend to legally buy a copy of Windows 7, then, buying a prebuilt with one of these chips can be relatively inexpensive compared to self built. They should play most current gen PC games at 30 FPS on medium settings.
Example: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0379165
I might buy a solid state drive to run the OS. Other than that, PS3 at launch cost about as much.
That written, you can save a little money on self built, and have exactly the parts you want. I learned to build PCs with current hardware by watching videos on youtube.
2) Both Intel and AMD now have reasonably priced chips with built in GPUs.
If you intend to legally buy a copy of Windows 7, then, buying a prebuilt with one of these chips can be relatively inexpensive compared to self built. They should play most current gen PC games at 30 FPS on medium settings.
Example: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0379165
I might buy a solid state drive to run the OS. Other than that, PS3 at launch cost about as much.
That written, you can save a little money on self built, and have exactly the parts you want. I learned to build PCs with current hardware by watching videos on youtube.
Or check youtube/google for a guide on how to do it?Vault101 said:
Because I never built one myself, but in school we were taught the main components, and I figured by myself how to assemble one.
But since I was not confident enough, I paid 20? for the store to build it and test it for me.
I'm an absolute noob with SSDs...Gorfias said:
Doesn't installing the OS there mean that the constant updates will wear down your drive? Just asking.
I pick my own parts, I have the shop I'm buying them from assemble the PC for me. Why?
1. It doesn't cost that much.
2. My time has an intrinsic value.
3. Life is too short.
1. It doesn't cost that much.
2. My time has an intrinsic value.
3. Life is too short.
I got a pretty darn good Gaming PC from Novatech for just £700 (including OS) which as far as I know doesn't translate into "thousands of dollars" in today's exchange rate 
It's about thirteen months now and still playing new releases on High Graphics. Hell, it could handle the Ultras and Extremes games these days have too, but the framerate will be about 30-40 instead of 60+ (side note: people say the human eye can't detect any more than 30, but I SWEAR there's a difference).
Going by the law of technology you should be able to get one that's almost twice as good as mine for a similar price
From what I've found, so long as your pre-built machine isn't purchased from PC World (or any such equivalent that skimps on the smaller-but-no-less-important components) it'll usually be peaches and cream.
It's about thirteen months now and still playing new releases on High Graphics. Hell, it could handle the Ultras and Extremes games these days have too, but the framerate will be about 30-40 instead of 60+ (side note: people say the human eye can't detect any more than 30, but I SWEAR there's a difference).
Going by the law of technology you should be able to get one that's almost twice as good as mine for a similar price
From what I've found, so long as your pre-built machine isn't purchased from PC World (or any such equivalent that skimps on the smaller-but-no-less-important components) it'll usually be peaches and cream.
