When building a new computer: How do you do it?

[IamQ]

This is a survey assignment for school. I'm wondering when you are intending to build yourself a computer, how you do so. Do you build it yourself? Get a friend to help? Or maybe hire someone to build it for you?

You don't have to, but if it's not on your profile, please state your age and gender.

 

[tirsden]

I'm building one myself, getting the parts one or a few at a time due to very limited income. It's a bit nuts considering my PC knowledge is much more Pentium 2 era... buuut I don't want junky parts and I'd like to get it done myself so I can do it again when needed anyways. I currently don't have any local friends with tech knowledge so I really am going at this on my own, with compatibility check help from a computer help forum.

 

[Lazy Kitty]

Well, I order the parts.
Motherboard, case, processor, RAM, graphics card, power supply, hard disks, dvd reader/writer... (And maybe a new screen)
Then I put it all together.

 

[JesterRaiin]

[START] -> Determine purpose of computer -> Determine available amount of money -> Check the Net + check some forums -> Try to find middle ground -> Talk with friends "soooooo, anything new in the department of xyz ?" -> Find shop -> NEVER, EVER BELIEVE SHOP OWNERS/SELLERS LIES -> Buy computer or parts -> Assemble parts + install OS + install drivers + install applications + configure and tweak OS a little -> backup whole system partition -> play Skyrim -> [STOP]

 

[IamQ]

[START] -> Determine purpose of computer -> Determine available amount of money -> Check the Net + check some forums -> Try to find middle ground -> Talk with friends "soooooo, anything new in the department of xyz ?" -> Find shop -> NEVER, EVER BELIEVE SHOP OWNERS/SELLERS LIES -> Buy computer or parts -> Assemble parts + install OS + install drivers + install applications + configure and tweak OS a little -> backup whole system partition -> play Skyrim -> [STOP]

For your current computer, did you buy the parts and build it together, or did you just buy the whole computer?

 

[zumbledum]

i used to buy the parts and self build , but i found this great place that custom makes with any specified parts and only charges 20 quid to build it so just let them do it now there a lot neater than i am and its great being out of the box ready to go

 

[shado_temple]

I buy the parts individually, and build the thing myself. Saves me a good chunk of money.

 

[IamQ]

i used to buy the parts and self build , but i found this great place that custom makes with any specified parts and only charges 20 quid to build it so just let them do it now there a lot neater than i am and its great being out of the box ready to go

Do these guys have a website?

 

[JesterRaiin]

[START] -> Determine purpose of computer -> Determine available amount of money -> Check the Net + check some forums -> Try to find middle ground -> Talk with friends "soooooo, anything new in the department of xyz ?" -> Find shop -> NEVER, EVER BELIEVE SHOP OWNERS/SELLERS LIES -> Buy computer or parts -> Assemble parts + install OS + install drivers + install applications + configure and tweak OS a little -> backup whole system partition -> play Skyrim -> [STOP]

For your current computer, did you buy the parts and build it together, or did you just buy the whole computer?

I went to shop, and despite their attempts to sell me different parts i ordered them to acquire exactly this configuration i was interested in. Then i asked them to assemble everything and installed OS by myself the way i wanted.

I work with computers and it wouldn't be that big problem for me to assemble everything from the scratch by myself, but in the past i had very serious problems with flawed parts and since then i never buy any computer part (other than pendrive or memory card) without proof that it really works.

As for Internet research : Newegg, Anandtech, "configure it by yourself" sections from a few Internet shops, some tech forums, official webpages.

 

[IamQ]

[START] -> Determine purpose of computer -> Determine available amount of money -> Check the Net + check some forums -> Try to find middle ground -> Talk with friends "soooooo, anything new in the department of xyz ?" -> Find shop -> NEVER, EVER BELIEVE SHOP OWNERS/SELLERS LIES -> Buy computer or parts -> Assemble parts + install OS + install drivers + install applications + configure and tweak OS a little -> backup whole system partition -> play Skyrim -> [STOP]

For your current computer, did you buy the parts and build it together, or did you just buy the whole computer?

I went to shop, and despite their attempts to sell me different parts i ordered them to acquire exactly this configuration i was interested in. Then i asked them to assemble everything and installed OS by myself the way i wanted.

I work with computers and it wouldn't be that big problem for me to assemble everything from the scratch by myself, but in the past i had very serious problems with flawed parts and since then i never buy any computer part (other than pendrive or memory card) without proof that it really works.

As for Internet research : Newegg, Anandtech, "configure it by yourself" sections from a few Internet shops, some tech forums, official webpages.

Which shop was it that you bought your current computer from?

 

[JesterRaiin]

Which shop was it that you bought your current computer from?

It was a local shop.

I avoid buying computer parts via Internet. I know that there are thousands of happy cosutomers, but i value doing business face to face and since i strongly believe that nowadays electronics are shitty and will no doubtly break at some point - there's a matter of warranty. It's sometimes very hard for some big companies to acknowledge warranty. Thus...

 

[IamQ]

Which shop was it that you bought your current computer from?

It was local shop.

I avoid buying computer parts via Internet. I know that there are thousands of happy cosutomers, but i value doing business face to face and since i strongly believe that nowadays electronics are shitty and will no doubtly break at some point - there's a matter of warranty. It's sometimes very hard for some big companies to acknowledge warranty. Thus...

So, I'm right to assume that they don't even have a website for those who would like to buy online?

 

[JesterRaiin]

It was local shop.

So, I'm right to assume that they don't even have a website for those who would like to buy online?

By local, i mean "non-international".
http://www.komputronik.pl/

 

[zumbledum]

i used to buy the parts and self build , but i found this great place that custom makes with any specified parts and only charges 20 quid to build it so just let them do it now there a lot neater than i am and its great being out of the box ready to go

Do these guys have a website?

http://overclockers.co.uk/

as the name might suggest there a UK firm but about the most helpful people ive ever ordered from had a whole big list and some compatibility issues guy on the phone could answer everything.

 

[Scarim Coral]

Well you're in luck since I had order my components this week. As of right now I got my new case and PSU and I had order the rest of it today (seperate orders because one company had those two parts for a cheaper prize).

Anyway there is a instruction leaflet (showing which components go where and how to install it) in the case. While the display images are clear to understand but it doesn't show how to do the wiring (and there alot of it from the PSU!).

I decided to wait until my uncle to arrive this weekend to help me assemble it (he's tech swayze and be agreed to it beforehand). In another word I need assistant from someone who is more experiences at this.

Oh and lastly male and 24.

P.S. You may want to know that the cases these day are more user friendly (less screws to used and easy to fit in and install) and more utalise at keeping the air flow cool compare to the older cases made years ago.

 

[Kevlar Eater]

1. Set up budget. Once budgeted amount has been reached...
2. Determine purpose of computer.
3. Research computer parts/find best deals on said parts.
4. Purchase all parts at once.
5. Build computer.

 

[DasDestroyer]

1. Buy parts
2. CPU into MOBO
3. MOBO with cooler onto case
4. PSU onto case
5. GPU onto MOBO
6. RAM onto MOBO
7. HDD/SSD onto case
8. BD Drive onto case
9. Case closed
AWWWW YEEEEEAAAAH

 

[Enrathi]

I'm currently building a new rig. I'm ordering the parts 1 and 2 at a time when I have the spare cash and then assemble it myself. 34 male.

 

[TheLastSamurai14]

[START] -> Determine purpose of computer -> Determine available amount of money -> Check the Net + check some forums -> Try to find middle ground -> Talk with friends "soooooo, anything new in the department of xyz ?" -> Find shop -> NEVER, EVER BELIEVE SHOP OWNERS/SELLERS LIES -> Buy computer or parts -> Assemble parts + install OS + install drivers + install applications + configure and tweak OS a little -> backup whole system partition -> play Skyrim -> [STOP]

BOLD: FFFFFFFFF. *twitch* It's okay, Christmas is almost here.

But please, don't tell me you actually had to upgrade to play Skyrim. Even a half-decent computer built or upgraded in 2008 or so can play it.

 

[JesterRaiin]

[START] -> Determine purpose of computer -> Determine available amount of money -> Check the Net + check some forums -> Try to find middle ground -> Talk with friends "soooooo, anything new in the department of xyz ?" -> Find shop -> NEVER, EVER BELIEVE SHOP OWNERS/SELLERS LIES -> Buy computer or parts -> Assemble parts + install OS + install drivers + install applications + configure and tweak OS a little -> backup whole system partition -> play Skyrim -> [STOP]

BOLD: FFFFFFFFF. *twitch* It's okay, Christmas is almost here.

But please, don't tell me you actually had to upgrade to play Skyrim. Even a half-decent computer built or upgraded in 2008 or so can play it.

No offence please, but flexibility. I find lack of it... disturbing.

My earlier computer was very old, and i couldn't afford a new one just like so for years because i had different priorities. I won't bore you with the details, so just trust me.