Need advice on building a computer.

[Onionsoilder]

After going through hell with my current prebuilt computer, I decided that my next one I will build myself. I already have a NVIDIA GeForce 8600 and a Corsair 550w PSU. I know I will need a MB, CPU, RAM, Network Card and Sound Card. Is there anything else I am missing? Also, anyone have reccomendations for the above components?

I want to have my new computer up and running my Christmas, so any advice is greatly appreciated. I'm not a complete stranger to setting up computer components(I have replaced a few parts in my current computer) but this is my first time building one from scratch, so like I said, any help is appreciated.

 

[GVBN]

You don't really need a sound card or a network card, most motherboards have those things integrated

What's your price range? I'd say E7200, 4gb DDR2-800 and some P35/nForce board

 

[Genocidicbunny]

YOu would only need a network card if you need more than 2 network ports since most modern motherboards have at least that many.

The sound card you would also need only if you're an audio enthusiast and have a good speaker setup. If you have a pair of 30$ speakers, you wont notice a difference.

As GVBN said, we need your budget.

 

[Onionsoilder]

Looking at $1000 - $1500. I didn't know that about the integrated MBs, good to know. I mean, I knew they were integrated, but I've always been told that integrated anything is bad.

 

[dido]

Looking at $1000 - $1500. I didn't know that about the integrated MBs, good to know. I mean, I knew they were integrated, but I've always been told that integrated anything is bad.

good enough for an average user

for $1k-1.5k, a quad core CPU with 4GB RAM, P45 MB and a DVD writer would be good...may be a BD ROM too

 

[GoodGame]

It's possibly worthwhile to shop for a new case depending on the feature of your pre-built one, but you might end up buying an unwanted PSU that way.

 

[GravityWave]

The most important question IMHO is what are you intending your new PC to do? Are you trying to build a semi decent gaming machine, a home entertainment system, or a standard does everything quite well type? I would personally buy completely different components depending upon what my primary use was going to be.

You will also need an OS and something to install it on. The type of OS you choose will largely depend upon what hardware your getting and what your going to be doing with it (you don't want to be getting 8gbs of RAM and then buying 32bit XP).

The best advice I can give though is to do lots of your own research as well, and then make your own decisions about what you buy.

 

[Brian Boru]

I'm in the middle of building two PCs right now, so glad to share what I've learned. Haven't had a chance to research as much as I'd like though, as it's due to two breakdowns within days of each other, and we need 'em asap for business.

The most important question IMHO is what are you intending your new PC to do?

GravityWave is spot on with this comment. Our primary need is reliable business machines, which can also play games--but not the latest heavy-load games, more like CIV, RTS and casual games. We already have all the software [OS etc], I/O devices [monitors, keyboards, mice etc], and cases. I've spent around $1,100 total for the new parts for both machines--incl some at a local shop [ie a lot dearer] for emergency needs.

If you need a box to play the latest games, or do significant video editing or 3D work, and want to overclock, then you can spend a lot of money--that's the usage profile which = expense.

You should read a detailed guide to get a feel for what's involved. Google "build your own PC" and you'll find plenty of good ones. If there's anything you don't understand, ask here and we'll help you along.

I've always been told that integrated anything is bad.

Dido is right, it's not bad. Not good enough for high-end use, but otherwise perfectably usable. One of my machines [not my own one] will have the XFX 630i/7150 motherboard, with integrated graphics, sound and network. It'll do the job it's for just fine, and there's a graphics card slot if we ever want to bump it up a bit. My own motherboard won't have integrated graphics, because I want a bit extra there for gaming. That's the beauty of building your own machine, you can get exactly what you need.

How old is your current PC? Technology has moved on in the last few years. I've had to get adapters etc to be able to continue to use some old stuff like IDE drives, printer and a couple of serial devices. That could affect you if your drives aren't SATA and your peripherals all on USB.

One of the first choices you need to make is whether you'll go for:
1. 64bit Vista, quad-core CPU, 8gigs RAM, other high-end stuff;
2. 32bit XP, dual-core CPU, 2gigs RAM, and less expensive stuff.
This choice mainly hinges around your intended usage.

Tell us what you want the rig for, and what stuff you already have--then we can help you better.

 

[Onionsoilder]

I want a computer that can run most games decently. I don't need to be running all graphics on high while overclocked, but say, I would like to be able to play new games in the next few years. I was thinking about getting 4 GB RAM so I can continue to use 32-Bit OS, because I know some 64-bit ones, while great for games, have some compatibility issues.

I'm somewhat torn between a Quad-Core and Dual-Core CPU. I can afford a Quad-Core, but would I be getting much use out of it? As far as I know barely any programs make use of Quad-Core CPUs, which are really best for multitasking. On the other hand, it would be useful to have in the future if something that can use it comes up...

As far as actual usage, I do plan on playing games on it, but also doing other, regular work as well. I'm graduating with a BS in three years, so if it can last me till then that would be excellent.

 

[GoodGame]

I say if you question that you'll need Quad core, then don't get it. I'd guess that by the time some software you really want uses quad cores, the current generation of quad cores will be even cheaper. Probably double-check if the course-work won't need quad-cores (Math, engineering, computer art) at sometime in the future, to be safe.

 

[WildFire]

motherboard - p5q pro
cpu - e8400
ram - 2x2 gskill ddr2 1000 ($70ish right now)

$370ish i think

I'd consider trading the 8600 in for a higher end card, 8600 is a low/medium range card

 

[mdwh]

Note you can only use up to 3GBish RAM on 32 bit, as the graphics card memory is included in the 4GB.

It's not clear to me that any course would need quad core - you can still do multitasking and running threaded programs with two or only one core (that's how it was done for years, after all), and even if your course covered SMP programming, you could test that with two cores. I suppose there might be some cases where SMP wasn't worth it with only two cores, but became more viable with four or more cores, but doesn't seem the sort of thing a typical course would cover? But I guess no harm in checking.