1st build - buy separately or all at once?

[manchest72]

My current Dell system has worked perfectly for over six years and I hate the idea of leaving the company, but I am not happy with what they are offering now. So I am planning on my first build. I just bought a HD camcorder (Canon Vixia HV30) and plan to begin doing video editing and possibly some experimentation with CG. Otherwise, I realize an i7 system would be overkill since I do some gaming but not a lot.

Adobe Premiere Pro states the system requirements for HDV require a 3.4 ghz computer, so it would be necessary to overclock (something I have never done) but I have read that the i7 can go up to 3.8 stable on air cooling alone. I would welcome comments on my components that are included below.

However, my specific question relates to how best to purchase the components. New Egg Canada has several of them on sale at the moment, including the PSU at half price. Do I buy the items on sale or wait and buy everything at once? Common sense says to get each component at the best price, but if I don't plan to do the build for at least a couple of months and I get a defective part then I won't be able to return it after 30 days. I suppose the PSU could be plugged in to see if it runs.

A report that I read indicated that if you've never built a system before that it should only be done with someone knowledgeable present. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone else who has built a computer so I have to rely on the internet and forums.

Thanks for any feedback!

System Componenents: Budget isn't a big deal to me, I don't want to upgrade every couple of years and prefer a system that will last at least 6 years as my current one has.

Case: Antec P182
I don't like having to open the front door each time to access the CD tray, but I want a quiet system.

Mobo: ASUS P6T Deluxe

GPU: ASUS Radeon HD 4870 1GB
I would have chosen the GTX 260 but it is not in stock at the moment.

PSU: PC Power & Cooling S75CF 750W

CPU: Intel Core i7 920

RAM: Corsair DOMINATOR 6GB DDR3 1600

HD: WD Caviar Black 640GB
I will need to buy two of these for the video editing.

Heat Sink: XIGMATEK HDT-S1283
Is this necessary for only overclocking the i7 to 3.4?

OS: Vista Home Premium 64 bit

 

[DSF]

No commercial software requires you to overclock processors. They're probably specifying a 3.4GHz P4 or equivalent, which means that even a 2GHz Core2Duo or so would meet the minimum requirements. If you want to overclock that's up to you, but don't make the mistake of thinking it's required.

How much have you done with computers? Have you ever changed RAM before? Installed a new video card? Have you watched someone build a PC? If you literally haven't done anything then I wouldn't try to build one yourself without any help at all your first time. What will you do if you put it all together, press that magic button, and...nothing happens.

As far as a system lasting six years, there's no guarantee of that happening with any system, especially if your interest in CG really takes off. To answer one of your original questions I wouldn't buy the parts piecemeal. First of all, computer component prices always head downward. It may seem like there are great sales now, but even the sale price now might be more expensive than the typical price in three months. Things change that quickly. There's also, as you mentioned, the issue of not being able to return defective parts. Technically, you can still return them, but you have to return them to the manufacturer instead of the retailer which is usually more of a pain in the neck. Even when you look at items with relatively stable prices like PSUs and cases, sales come and go. That PCP&C PSU will almost undoubtedly go on sale again some time within the next three months. If it doesn't a comparable model from a quality company like Corsair, Antec, Etasis or Seasonic will.

 

[manchest72]

As my post indicates, I don't know a lot because I thought overclocking was necessary for the software. Glad to hear that's not the case and I can avoid that and save on the heat sink.

I took a stick of RAM out once to see what kind it was and put it back in. Not a fun experience because it was hard to do, but I have watched a number of videos and read tutorials since then so I would be more comfortable now.

I am certainly aware of the risks.I would gladly take the help, but as mentioned I don't know anyone. I can't find any local computer clubs and I am not sure I would trust someone who just thought he knew what he was doing and then fried my components without any guarantee. As a last resort I would buy the parts and pay Best Buy to install them but then what's the point of doing it myself.

Thanks for your reply, helped me to decide on several things.

 

[Eeqmcsq]

Since this is your first build, I would definitely recommend buying all your components at once and testing at once. It's not just because of testing before 30-day return policy. Most components can't easily be tested without each other. You can't really test the PSU unless you have a motherboard to connect to. You can't turn on your motherboard without a power switch connected to it, which means you'll need the case. After that, the motherboard won't get very far without a CPU and RAM installed. And unless your motherboard has integrated video, you won't be able to see the BIOS's POST (Power On Self Test) screen without a video card.

So unless you have spare parts that can be used to test your components (and it sounds like you probably don't), buying all the parts at once is the best approach.

Also, consider practicing your first build with all cheapo components first. Frying a $50 motherboard is a LOT less painful than frying a $300 one. Once you get confident in assembling, disassembling, and reassembling your cheapo computer, putting together your "super computer" becomes a piece of cake.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Everybody has a first time once🙂

Just relax and take your time, no need to slam it together in an hour you first time. Lay it all out and test (dry fit) you components several times until it becomes easy, especially the CPU heatsink and fan. The CPU HSF assembly is usually the hardest part for rookies, especially the push pin types so get acustomed to amount of pressure required.

I always assemble the CPU, HSF, Ram, GPU, Power supply and mobo outside the case on a sheet of cardboard and power it up and make sure it posts to bios. This way if it doesn't post it is much easier to troubleshoot the connections/swap components etc... Once you get it to post install it all in the case using all the stand-off's and making sure the mobo is properly insulated from the case, add CD/DVDR, Hard drives etc... and install the OS and your done.

It's also handy if you have access to a digital camera, so if you have any problems or questions you can take and post pictures when asking for help.

 

[Denithor]

Fresh meat... 😀

Seriously though, not too hard to do. GuitarDaddy gave some great advice there, assemble just the necessary parts (I always put the motherboard on the antistatic bag it comes in, on the box it comes in - works great) for the initial boot to make sure everything critical works and that it boots up properly, before you have it in the case and grounding can cause problems. Because if you post here a month from now saying you assembled it all in the case and nothing happens when you press the power button, the first thing we're going to tell you to do is pull it all out and test bare on your desk. So save yourself some trouble.

Once you have a successful boot, turn it all back off and transfer everything into the case. Boot again just to make sure you haven't accidentally grounded or something. Then attach hard drive, DVDRW, etc.

 

[manchest72]

These are some very interesting replies. To be honest, I have not previously read about recommendations to boot outside of the case first. Makes sense, of course, but does indicate I am out of my league. I can't afford to buy cheap parts to try first because an i7 is going to be so much more than I had hoped to spend a year ago when I first started thinking about this. May need to try and find someone at the University who is willing to help. Your comments are all greatly appreciated.

 

[DSF]

University would be a good place to find someone with the know-how, especially if you're willing to offer beer and/or pizza for their time.