How easy is it to build a PC?

timberflake

I'm going to be in the market for a new PC soon and am seriously considering buying the parts myself and building rather than buying a custom built system.

I've started looking at what kind of parts I'll be looking to fit, and know that the CPU, RAM, Graphics Card etc all need to be compatible with the motherboard, and I've fitted RAM, DVD Writers before, but how easy is it to build an entire system?

On another point, it seems that SSD hard drives are the way to go, has anyone got one??

JJ_Egan

Very easy to build but not as easy as it was to save money over a ready build .
45 min job to build a standard machine if you have all the parts to hand .

jje

timberflake

JJ_Egan wrote: »

Very easy to build but not as easy as it was to save money over a ready build .
45 min job to build a standard machine if you have all the parts to hand .

jje

Well I had a quick look last night and I would save around £300 by building the system myself. Think building it is the way forward.

ChiefGrasscutter

Try reading this thread for some comments both positive and negative
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3339298

rmg1

I built my own for the first time not so long ago.
It took me about 2 hours all in (I was taking things very slowly as it was my first time).
And if I can do it, anyone can.

I had a thread somewhere asking for help sourcing/recommending parts and got all my stuff from eBuyer.

rrf494g

Self-build PC

Here's my observation. I've built my own Pc's for 8 years now (so that's 3 or 4 generations - some components carried forward some "new" technology each time). I've had a lot of experience with computers (since 1970 working on IBM mainframes, used some of the first PC's ever sold by IBM). Building your own is good if you want to enjoy learning and doing the building. If you just want to save money then I would suggest it may create lots of frustration. Perhaps buying complete working systems and upgrading yourself on key items, as needed, may be a better approach. But if you fancy the (possible) challenge you'll need . . .
constant internet access, to research any problems that occur
to be prepared to get into some odd compatability issues that can happen
time and space to "take your time" - no rush

that said, I've found it great fun and not beyond anyone interested in the technology. There's also a great sense of achievement. It can be a one hour job. It can also be 2 weeks of challenge if you buy every major component independently on an understanding of "compatability".

good luck

Hammyman

Building computers is ridiculously easy. Nowadays it is nothing more than the electronic equivalent of that toy you had as a baby where you put the right shaped block into the right shaped hole.

The hardest part of building a computer is choosing what to put in it.

From a pile of boxes to starting it up to install Windows, I can now bang one together in under 30 minutes whilst drinking a cup of tea.

Words of advice for the first time you do it:

1) Make sure you have a large clear workspace.
2) Read the installation instructions.
3) Put the CPU, heatsink and memory onto the motherboard before you fit it into the case - its a lot more fiddly to do if the board is in the case.
4) Don't force something into a socket. If you have to use a lot of force, its probably not the right socket or you've got it the wrong way round (memory/SATA cables).
5) Take your time. Aim to do a task then have a 5 minute break - i.e put the CPU/heatsink/memory on the motherboard, fit the motherboard in the case then have a brew.
6) Route cables neatly and use cable ties to tie them to bits of the case to prevent them working loose and possibly getting into the CPU fan.
7) If it doesn't turn on the first time, don't panic. Methodically work your way through it all, checking each part is put in properly and seated fully. Oh, and check you turned on the plug at the wall and the switch on the back of the PSU if there is one - I've given myself more than one heart stopping "it doesn't work!!" moment only to find I'd not turned on the plug.

scheming_gypsy

Lego
For
Adults

rmg1

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

Lego
For
Adults

I had a "Can I actually do this?" moment just before I started. Then got halfway through and thought "This is a doddle!" (Apart from not plugging in the motherboard!! )
SG has got it bang on.

Squire_Fulwood

I came across someone building a pc for the first time and he was complaining that the motherboard sockets did not line up with the holes in the back of the case. I asked him if he had put the spacers under the motherboard and there was a long silence. So that's my tip to a beginner. The motherboard should be raised so that it is not in direct contact with the case. Spacers/threaded lumps in case/bits of plastic maybe so if the sockets don't line up make sure you have remembered those bits.

John_Gray

It used to be a remarkably good way of getting your hands badly scratched from the sharp edges, badly-soldered wires, etc, which formed part of the components. So then, an exercise in masochism and frustration. Now, only the frustration remains!