Help With Build

[Travis13]

Hey guys, just to start out; I have zero experience building a PC. With that said, it is something that intrigues me and I'm tired of buying pre-built computers. I have a $2000 budget, but my main question is..... would you spend that much on a first build? Can you build something very respectable for $1000-$1500? I would hate to spend so much money on something and I mess it up.

 

[LTC8K6]

I would start in that lower range you mentioned. The lower end of it. You can build something very respectable for that amount of money, and it's a bit better to learn on lower cost items in case you do make a mistake.

Rather bork a $99 motherboard than a $350 motherboard.

Good suggestions:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2192841

 

[Travis13]

That looks like a great build!! I would probably upgrade the case to something slightly more aesthetically pleasing. Is there anything else in that particular build you would upgrade to be more "future proof"? Also, do you have a link to a good "first time builders guide" or a book?

 

[Ketchup]

This thread has links to some good sites for building a PC:
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2441498

As far as budget goes, it really depends on what all needs to be included, and what all you will be using the computer for. If one is including display, OS, office, etc, a $2,000 budget is still more than you probably need, but not be a huge amount.

 

[Charlie98]

Is there anything else in that particular build you would upgrade to be more "future proof"?

Don't get hung up on the 'future proof' thing. Technology marches on, no matter what; building a reasonable machine (instead of a bleeding edge one...) will give you good service in the now, and you won't have so much invested that you can't upgrade a part or two in a few years to make it more relevant.

I built my first computer in DEC11 and am still using it as my primary PC today... I've since upgraded a few of the components (SSD, GPU) but it remains a serviceable computer even without dumping a bunch of money into it, but I will admit, the initial part selection made a big difference.

If I were you, I would open a thread up in General Hardware, and cut and paste the stickied questions at the top, and your answers. Knowing what you favor and what the PC will be used for, we can help you make some good parts selections...