Building my own PC

andyb215

make sure you google to make sure that that all the components, particularly the ram and processor are compatible with the motherboard. it might be worth visiting a local computer shop and getting their opinions on what components to use, then go online and see if you can get them cheaper. :rotfl:

cit_k

Probably cheaper to buy one ready built, strip it down and rebuild it.

Save money, and gain experience of what goes where...

Niv

I build pc's for mself and friends/family and I would say go for it. Its really not hard and if you are not confident with your new parts, strip down your old pc and rebuildit!. You really dont need to buy a manual but a pc building mag cant hurt. I have found e-buyer to be the cheapest place to get parts.

Just a couple of general tips:
1, make sure you are earthed, static elec is bad
2, make sure you have a decent power supply that can cope with the load you are putting on it, personally I stick to named brands and will not go for a generic cheapo, power pack blows chances are the rest goes down with it.
3, dont panic, it shouldnt take long to put the bits together but if your struggling, have a break and come back to it later.
4, check out build your own pc website, I have found it helpful in the past, although I think the forum is now closed (which is a big shame) but I think their guides are still there.

hugger38

HI, I have looked at this several times and the economics dont seem to stack up. Yes yu get the choice of stuff but actually the saving over a high spec production model is minimal. Of course you dont get a warranty either except for per part. Look at the numbers and perhaps wait for a decent sale on somewhere like Dabs.com.

JasX

Something I've posted before:

would allow further savings if you have an old 'half decent' spec machine you're scrapping and can re-use some components (eg CD-drive, Hard Drive if its SATA2, case if its a good one, floppy drive etc etc)

self spec is fairly straightforward
1-choose the type of processor you want -look at performance benchmark sites and see how far up the table you can go on your budget.
2-choose the graphics card you want -same idea
3-choose a motherboard thats compatible with 2 components chosen above, also check available card slots and type (PCI/PCIe) for additional cards you know you'll want (eg soundcard, wifi, any unusual ones you might have) also check number and typr oe HDD connections if you have/plan multiple hard drives in future.
4-buy some RAM compatible with the motherboard chosen in 3 -> can make some saving now here and upgrade later if you plan it well (ie don't buy lots of small sized RAM chips that fill all your slots)
5-Buy a PSU with enough power to supply all the above (5-600W would be typical these days unless planning multiple graphics cards or something else unusual -if taking a very cheap one check it has enough connectors for all hard/CD drives and motherboard connections you need)
6- get a case big enough to fit everything in without being too cramped
7-maybe invest an extra £2 or so in a few extra case fans

again some things you can put off buying to save cash now so long as you leave space for in future (eg sound card if motherboard has basic onboard sound)

JasX

hugger38 wrote: »

HI, I have looked at this several times and the economics dont seem to stack up. Yes yu get the choice of stuff but actually the saving over a high spec production model is minimal. Of course you dont get a warranty either except for per part. Look at the numbers and perhaps wait for a decent sale on somewhere like Dabs.com.

yup also tends to be true for mid range machines, you'll not be savign much and is extra hassle, unless you fancy a challenge/think you might learn something/enjoy that kind of thing a mid range reliable brand dell type thing will probably be just as good value, particularly one on special offer......

Lokolo

hugger38 wrote: »

HI, I have looked at this several times and the economics dont seem to stack up. Yes yu get the choice of stuff but actually the saving over a high spec production model is minimal. Of course you dont get a warranty either except for per part. Look at the numbers and perhaps wait for a decent sale on somewhere like Dabs.com.

Yes but that's boring.