When building a new computer: How do you do it?
- Thread starter IamQ
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I built one with a friend who is a PC tech by trade and has been building his own PCs forever. It's just a good idea to have someone who knows what's up there so you don't fuck anything up, but for me it was vital to build it so that I have a solid understand of how it works. 23/m.
I always build it myself, i start from the CPU since quite a few things are determined by it, e.g. ddr2 or 3.
Male, 21.
Male, 21.
I can understand that. I had to game on an old laptop until I got my desktop last Christmas. I know exactly what you went through, and I can surely say it feels like hell for anyone who does any hardcore PC gaming.JesterRaiin said:No offence please, but flexibility. I find lack of it... disturbing.TLS14 said:
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.
Male, 22, Denmark.
My current rig is my 3rd personal-use build, although I've built another seventeen PCs for friends and family.
Usually spend a month or two looking at parts and prices from various countries and stores.
Once I determine the best option for the budget, I buy it wherever it ends up being the cheapest, sometimes even using five different stores, possibly in multiple countries, making sure to read up on delivery estimations in order to make sure it all arrives within the same week.
Once the parts are in my hands, I build the rig, and test-run it.
If something doesn't work, I replace one part at a time with something from the PCs available to me, until I know which part has a problem or is dead.
In the event of me not currently having a replacement part, say, if I was to build an i3 or an AMD system, I'd simply return and replace whatever parts I can't be sure about.
It always ends up being quicker than guessing wrong, and doesn't cost me anything but the return freight.
Once it all works, it's time for the software side and whatever firmware updates might be prudent.
And then I'm left with a working PC.
Also, I routinely use Chieftec cases. Only ever used something else on two occasions, because it was specified to me.
My current rig is my 3rd personal-use build, although I've built another seventeen PCs for friends and family.
Usually spend a month or two looking at parts and prices from various countries and stores.
Once I determine the best option for the budget, I buy it wherever it ends up being the cheapest, sometimes even using five different stores, possibly in multiple countries, making sure to read up on delivery estimations in order to make sure it all arrives within the same week.
Once the parts are in my hands, I build the rig, and test-run it.
If something doesn't work, I replace one part at a time with something from the PCs available to me, until I know which part has a problem or is dead.
In the event of me not currently having a replacement part, say, if I was to build an i3 or an AMD system, I'd simply return and replace whatever parts I can't be sure about.
It always ends up being quicker than guessing wrong, and doesn't cost me anything but the return freight.
Once it all works, it's time for the software side and whatever firmware updates might be prudent.
And then I'm left with a working PC.
Also, I routinely use Chieftec cases. Only ever used something else on two occasions, because it was specified to me.
Most experienced PC enthusiasts (where's my head? that nearly came out as Euthaniasiaists :/) Don't bother with a wristband, providing the PSU is in the case and plugged into the mains (plug OFF) the thing is grounded, any time you touch the case any static charge you may have accrued from moving will be safely discharged.curiousborg said:
I always build a PC from scratch, I'm UK based and I generally order equipment from 2 or 3 trustworthy companies who I've been dealing with for about 10 years. If you aren't comfy building your own pc, I would say support local small PC shops rather than going and buying a dell or a vaio.
You start by getting all the components... and your screw them all together.
then add a sprinkle of power
and you're sorted!!
Otherwise, just ask someone who knows what their doing and ask him / her to teach you.
I do it myself, i'd be willing to show anyone living around the Brighton area in UK!
then add a sprinkle of power
and you're sorted!!
Otherwise, just ask someone who knows what their doing and ask him / her to teach you.
I do it myself, i'd be willing to show anyone living around the Brighton area in UK!
The days PC-building came to end for me when quad-cores became standard.
Seriously, you'd have to buy extremely cheap (or a labtop) to get a slow PC these days.
When I did build my own I usually got advice from friends, but the comparability issues were always there, and once I ended up with a damn near useless rig. I believe it was the BIOS that wasn't updated for my DDR ram. Resulted in very poor performance overall.
Seriously, you'd have to buy extremely cheap (or a labtop) to get a slow PC these days.
When I did build my own I usually got advice from friends, but the comparability issues were always there, and once I ended up with a damn near useless rig. I believe it was the BIOS that wasn't updated for my DDR ram. Resulted in very poor performance overall.
Build it myself, I'm an electronic engineer, I would be severely disappointed with myself if I couldn't
I do some research on individual components then buy them based on my need for cost-effectiveness vs performance for said components. Then I assemble the computer myself. Usually takes up one whole day between assembling and installing the OS plus essential programs.
The first computer I owned was store-bought (back in the early 90s). Every computer I've owned after that I've built myself.
The first computer I owned was store-bought (back in the early 90s). Every computer I've owned after that I've built myself.
I usually go with a starter-kit from Komplett (Nordic internet shop, used them for years, great support) that involves a MotherBoard, RAM and a CPU. Compare it with other parts on the site, for optimal performance versus the price.
When done, I get the Graphic card and Power supply unit, if needed a Harddrive or Dvd-drive.
They are kind enough to send a Manual with the parts, so it's easy to understand where everything goes, even for someone with basic understanding of computer construction.
Should there be any questions, such as "How do I properly apply the cooling-paste for the CPU?" my friend Google is always there when I need it.
When done, I get the Graphic card and Power supply unit, if needed a Harddrive or Dvd-drive.
They are kind enough to send a Manual with the parts, so it's easy to understand where everything goes, even for someone with basic understanding of computer construction.
Should there be any questions, such as "How do I properly apply the cooling-paste for the CPU?" my friend Google is always there when I need it.
Damn right ! Now i can play Skyrim on max resolution, with full effects with no lag, while simultaneously watching full hd movie on second monitor. The difference is that big that i really can't believe it.TLS14 said:I can understand that. I had to game on an old laptop until I got my desktop last Christmas. I know exactly what you went through, and I can surely say it feels like hell for anyone who does any hardcore PC gaming.JesterRaiin said: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.
I thought likewise. Then i had this nasty case of broken RAM modules and sellers that insisted that it was my fault. Never more. Never...Ouroboros0977 said:
I am aware, i agree completely, however i'm not fond of taking any risk.bahumat42 said:understandable viewpoint, but if you buy the right branded products they come with awesome warranties, xfx have replaced a graphics card and a mobo after they crashed out on me (and replaced with the equal value new model) now i understand not every company does this sort of thing, but its good to take note.JesterRaiin said:It was a local shop.IamQ said:
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...
I have yet to build a computer that wasn't meant for games, if I required an office machine I would just drop the $300 or so for a dell and be done with it. Cheaper in the long run.
Gaming machine wise, I look at current top end processors and alternatives until I find the best cost to performance ratio and start checking out motherboards that can handle it. Then I look at factors like crossfire capable, chipset, etc. and find the best one for the money that suits my purposes. I generally don't bother considering upgradeability because if it needs an upgrade before it's better to just replace it then I didn't aim high enough.
After I have the motherboard chosen I move on to selecting RAM and the appropriate video card/s.
Gaming machine wise, I look at current top end processors and alternatives until I find the best cost to performance ratio and start checking out motherboards that can handle it. Then I look at factors like crossfire capable, chipset, etc. and find the best one for the money that suits my purposes. I generally don't bother considering upgradeability because if it needs an upgrade before it's better to just replace it then I didn't aim high enough.
After I have the motherboard chosen I move on to selecting RAM and the appropriate video card/s.