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Computer Building Tool

Martimus

Diamond Member
I keep seeing people asking for help on what to buy for their new computer builds, giving only a budget. I assume this is because they aren't entirely sure where to start. I made up a spreadsheet for my roommate a few months ago that shows a list of each component that is needed to build an entire computer, along with their costs. I decided to update that list and post it here to use as a tool to figure out what you want and how much it will cost you. I plan on updating this list once a week, and I am willing to add whatever components anyone asks. The prices come entirely from NewEgg. I will add links to reviews of each component, if I can figure out how.

Computer builder spreadsheet

How to use:
The list is broken out by types of components, with each type getting their own color. I have the list in order from Highest performance/Most features at the top to the Lowest performance/least features at the bottom. To get a good idea of what price your system will be, just take one part from each color code that most resembles what you would want, and add them all. The most useful part of this tool, is that it helps you see the costs of components you may not have thought about when initially thinking up your new computer build.

Right now the list is just that - a list. I am working on adding interactivity to the list. Hopefully it will be fully functional in a short time. It is still a useful tool as is, especially if you are first coming up with ideas on what to build.

EDIT: This will likely be the last time I update the spreadsheet, unless there is a request that I continue to do this. This takes up a bunch of time, and I have heard far fewer requests now than when I started. Mostly though, it is because I am almost done building the computer for my buddy, so I don't have a need for it anymore. I am willing to update on occasion if you feel it is useful though.
 
Good Idea...

Some Tips to Improve...
You could list out major features on Mobos and cross reference feature sets so that when the user select some of his features and a budget range the corresponding row(s) would give available motherboard alternatives...
(I know you have a job to do... Just a tip if U have the time... no offence)
 
Martimus,

The LINK works now, but the computational part - adding up, etc. - doesn't yet. I couldn't select anything and have it go to the right column.

If you continue to develop this for the forum, would suggest a short explanation at the top of it on how to use it...

It would also be useful if one could transfer the data to their own Excel program. It can't be copied as it is, for some reason, but if it could maybe one could transfer it to Excel. Perhaps you could just put the Excel file on here for download, that could work for Excel users.

Keep it up, looks like a useful product, especially for Newbies.

Noel
 
Alright, I updated the spreadsheet to include some explanations for many of the components. I also tried to make the main descriptions a little bit simpler. I will continue to try to get the automated portion working, but I don't have any experience with Google docs, so bear with me for the moment.

bharatwaja, that is a good suggestion. I'll see what I can do.
 
Originally posted by: NoelS
Martimus,

The LINK works now, but the computational part - adding up, etc. - doesn't yet. I couldn't select anything and have it go to the right column.

If you continue to develop this for the forum, would suggest a short explanation at the top of it on how to use it...

It would also be useful if one could transfer the data to their own Excel program. It can't be copied as it is, for some reason, but if it could maybe one could transfer it to Excel. Perhaps you could just put the Excel file on here for download, that could work for Excel users.

Keep it up, looks like a useful product, especially for Newbies.

Noel

Thanks,

It has been a while since I have posted any files on the internet. Is there a free site that I could upload the Excel file to that could host it for me? I appreciate your input.
 
I updated the spreadsheet with more options. I still need to update the Display and Video Card section. I need to do some research on displays before I update that though, because I really don't know too much about LCD displays.
 
Martimus,

Good improvement to segment the display into Video Cards, Operating Systems, etc... You're on the way now!

Noel
 
I don't have enough time to update all the prices, but I wanted to add the new Penryn processors to the chart, so I did that. I will update the chart when I get home in a few hours. I will do a major update on Monday when ATI releases it's new cards.
 
I updated the spreadsheet to include todays pricing, and added the GeForce 9600 GT, along with the ASUS 790FX MB. I took out all the 965 MB's since they are pretty much replaced entirely by P35 boards. I still haven't had time to research displays, so that section hasn't changed.
 
I updated my spreadsheet for a quick look at current prices, and decided to publish the results in case anyone wants to use it.
 
Thanks. I'll keep updating it as I get time. I wish I could figure out a way to make it interactive, but for now it works as is.
 
I updated the spreadsheet to include the new P45 motherboards. Only two were available on Newegg when I looked though.
 
No Problem. I just wish I could publish it and still retain the editing and calculating portion of the spreadsheet.
 
You should add more monitor options. Like the BenQ 2400WD and others that are rated high for gaming and still not too pricey. ( See LCD Thread)
 
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