computer assembly

[hortez the champion of the frozen wastes]

Since the old raggedy-ass computer I am now using doesn't even have enough space for WOTLK, I might get another one soon. However, since everyone tells me it is much cheaper, I will be buying the parts and assembling it.

Is this cheaper? Am I going to need intense computer knowledge, or is it just like assembling furniture? Where should I get parts?

I know I'm going to get a lof of "just go google it" responses, and I will, but I think I'll ask you guys anyway.

Advice? Alternatives? comments?

Fire away.

 

[Andy of Comix Inc]

I love building computers. At least for computer gaming anyway, it's what separates it from just another "gaming" thing, and into a full-blown electronics hobby.

As far as I can compare, it is cheaper. A LOT cheaper. Like, $200+ cheaper. Computer stores tend to assume their customers are morons, and don't really do anything to cover up the excess fees. This is when buying whole computers and parts - when getting your components, I recommend buying online.

As for "intense computer knowledge"? All it takes is a lot of a common sense and a little know-how and trepidation. You have to be wary of every purchase, as if it was your last. Try and get the best bang-for-your-buck, while at the same time don't go cheap - it's not easy, far from it, but it's less computer and electronics knowledge, and more reading and comparing stats and numbers. Just be absolutely certain every part is compatible with one another - once you've picked your motherboard, every other component will tell you if it's compatible from there.

Assembling the computer once you have all the parts is easy, but (look), I'm gonna say Google it (like a *****). There are a lot of "hidden rules" you have to abide to - the kind that prevent static discharge and such. If you can, find a friend to help you, preferably one with equal or more knowledge to you with computers. If you treat it like assembling furniture, it'll get you halfway there - except when mucking with electronics, you have to be careful with a whole lot more variables. As long as you follow the instructions of whatever tutorial you happen to find, and don't, say, try to jam a RAM stick into the video card slot, you should go through without a hitch. And if you do have a major problem that destroys something? That's what warranty is for.

It can be a fiddly job at times, stupidly easy (like assembling LEGO) at other times. But it's almost always worth it, and the joy of switching on a PC you just assembled, without it shorting out or BSoD'ing on start-up, is one of the most immensely satisfying feelings in the world.

So yes. Common sense. Caution. Follow manuals and such. But most of all, have fun with it.

Hope that helps, because it took ages to write... >_<'

 

[hortez the champion of the frozen wastes]

snipperoo

Yeah thanks that really helps. So I should just get a motherboard and look at whats compatible with it? But how do I work with these "hidden rules" without my computer catching fire or something? Is it stuff like "don't have these two parts on the same computer" or is it " don't but the pieces in like this, or else everything will die."

Again thanks a lot you've been a great help.

 

[Serenegoose]

snipped all this good stuff

I couldn't possibly add anything more to that. Comprehensive and totally correct.

 

[Andy of Comix Inc]

snipperoo

Yeah thanks that really helps. So I should just get a motherboard and look at whats compatible with it? But how do I work with these "hidden rules" without my computer catching fire or something? Is it stuff like "don't have these two parts on the same computer" or is it " don't but the pieces in like this, or else everything will die."

Again thanks a lot you've been a great help.

I'm thinking stuff like "make sure you're grounded before you handle electronics" and "keep everything in its packaging until needed". It should be insanely well marked whether or not one part will kill your computer with another. As long as everything is compatible with the motherboard, you should be absolutely fine.

Your computer won't catch fire if it's not assembled properly, it'll just not start. And like I said, in the unlikely event that anything does die, all new parts should come with their relative warranties.

 

[Yokai]

It's cheaper, and you really only need to buy eight to twelve parts.

On an unrelated note, OP, you have a very impressive username.

 

[hortez the champion of the frozen wastes]

OP, you have a very impressive username.

Yup.

On topic, WOW is part of the reason I want a new computer. I CAN'T EVEN RUN RUNESCAPE ANYMORE!

 

[ZiggyE]

Do you have an OS disc? Because if you choose to build your own computer, buying an OS disc seperately can be very expensive.

Also, if you buy it in parts it'll come with an instruction manual (my motherboard did) so it shouldn't be too difficult.

 

[Veldaroth]

http://www.newegg.com/
http://www.tigerdirect.com/

 

[Wicky_42]

Make sure you've got a good powersuppy - don't skimp on it too much, cos it can cause all sorts of random issues if your PC's underpowered.

Good luck sorting through all the graphics cards variants. I was lucky I had a mate who'd been researching PC parts for a good couple of years for himself and knew deals on chips with great overclocking potential that gave me a ton more bang for my buck ^_^

That said, I'd still strongly recommend going through the hassle - it really makes the PC yours, you know? Especially if you get a sweet case with LEDs

Assembly's pretty damn straight forward. Take care with attaching the cpu and the fan over it - smearing the heat paste was pretty much the only part I wasn't sure about, the rest is almost plug and play. Seriously, a child could do it pretty much without supervision. I'm amazed more people don't assemble themselves, the savings are immense.