I want to build a new computer but i don't know how

[metsfan1930]

I don't like my computer anymore. It uses SDRAM and only has 256 MB, 1.6 GHz and the video card is only 32 MB. I figure a new computer would be better than upgrading this one, but i dont know which components to buy, or how to put the cmputer together. I am on a tight budget but i can only spend $250 if i want to get the computer before next year.

 

[metsfan1930]

I accidentally submitted that before i was ready, but what should i buy and where can i found how to do it?

 

[LordPhoenix]

250 Huh? Does that include the monitor? What monitor will you be using?

 

[metsfan1930]

Im hoping my dad will buy a new computer for himself soon so i can use our other one.

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: metsfan1930
I don't like my computer anymore. It uses SDRAM and only has 256 MB, 1.6 GHz and the video card is only 32 MB. I figure a new computer would be better than upgrading this one, but i dont know which components to buy, or how to put the cmputer together. I am on a tight budget but i can only spend $250 if i want to get the computer before next year.

I want to build a new computer but i don't know how

info

 

[Sonic587]

What will you be doing with this comp

EDIT: Also, is you case ATX form factor?

 

[metsfan1930]

I dont have a case yet

 

[metsfan1930]

just leaving a message to get it to the point where it can actually be looked at

 

[Confusednewbie1552]

I think for a proccesor you should go with a Sempron or better yet a Duron. That's all I can say, 250$ is real tight, maybe you should save up until you get 500$ and make a decent Athlon XP system?

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: metsfan1930
I don't like my computer anymore. It uses SDRAM and only has 256 MB, 1.6 GHz and the video card is only 32 MB. I figure a new computer would be better than upgrading this one, but i dont know which components to buy, or how to put the cmputer together. I am on a tight budget but i can only spend $250 if i want to get the computer before next year.

To try on a budget of $250 you'll need to see what parts can be re-used from your current rig.

For example, monitor, HD, Floppy, Optical drive, case, psu, op sys (win XP), vid card, keyboard and mouse

If you can use those, then you'll only need a mobo, cpu and ram. Which can prolly be done for about $250. You can get a Barton 2500+ (get retail, not oem, which comes with a HS+F and a tube of thermal compound), a shuttle an35n-ultra (an nForce mobo) and a 512MB stick of Corsair Value Select for a lttle less than $250. In other words, replace the mobo, cpu and ram in ur current rig

You might also be able to sell your old mobo, cpu and ram to recoup a little $.

If you shopped wisley and managed to sell your old parts, you may be able to pick up a used G4 Ti4200 to upgrade your gaming experience.

The easiest part in all of this is putting it together. Plenty of peeps here can and will help you if you can get the parts.

Good Luck

 

[metsfan1930]

I was thinking more around $500 now cause i want all new stuff cause my dad would never let me rip apart his computer. What do i need other than a case, hd, cd drive, cpu, mobo, video card, ram, speaker, keyboard, mouse, monitor and operating system? Plus how do you instal an operating system, when all the peices are put together? And where can i get very inexpensive items? And is Linux good for gaming? I really dont want to pay $90 for xp id rather just use a system that works and is free.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: metsfan1930
I was thinking more around $500 now cause i want all new stuff cause my dad would never let me rip apart his computer. What do i need other than a case, hd, cd drive, cpu, mobo, video card, ram, speaker, keyboard, mouse, monitor and operating system? Plus how do you instal an operating system, when all the peices are put together? And where can i get very inexpensive items? And is Linux good for gaming? I really dont want to pay $90 for xp id rather just use a system that works and is free.

You will also need some snacks

Here is some info on installing an operating system: http://www.blackviper.com/Articles/OS/OSguides.htm If you're asking how to install Windows, I think you might be over your head with Linux.

 

[Dufrane]

Well Newegg.com is one place to start pricing parts. Also you can get an idea on prices with pricewatch.com

 

[Demo24]

you could put linux on there but... its a bit more, well lets say "advanced" to use than xp. so youd get pretty good at somethings but probably frustrated and confused. just stick with xp

 

[Dufrane]

Will this be your first build ever??? It sounds like it will be. I believe that the hardest part is installing the heatsink on top of the processor. That takes some dexterity

 

[Mik3y]

for $500, just go for a dell, but that still wont include a monitor.

 

[KillaKilla]

Originally posted by: Mik3y
for $500, just go for a dell, but that still wont include a monitor.

*smacks mickey* sorry, but my hand has developed it's own reaction to the term 'dell'.

Mets Fan, what do you hope to be doing with this 'puter? if it's only, and I mean only, Email internet ad typing, then you might check out dell. (Gaming on a budget Dell can result in serious injury and/or death from crappy performance)

If you (and your dad) are willing, you can cheap out on buying a monitor, keyboard, mouse by just getting a KVM¹ switch instead. Judging by the cost difference between a Sempron (~$130) and a Barton athlon XP (~$80) the Barton is not justified. however, you may have to deal with a Geforce 4 Ti or Radeon 9600pro/XT video card, which would, needless to say, limit your performance. (it will still perform hundreds of thousands of times better than a similarly priced Dell system though)

¹KVM satands for Keyboard, Video, and Mouse. It makes it so that they can be hooked up to both machines and switched back and forth to whichever is in use.

 

[ScrapSilicon]

nm..deal dead now

 

[Ken90630]

Shameless tangent posting here:

Hey, Tom (mechBgon): That blackviper.com you mentioned is one strange Web site. Who sits at their computer and wastes minutes (or hours?) of their life typing up a rant about Jack in the Box?! And a favorite-band list that contains both Pink Floyd and 2 Live Crew? Where do you find this stuff?

(For those wondering what I'm talking about, click on the "About BV" link at the top of that Web page.)

That's one of the oddest Web sites I've ever seen! :laugh:

 

[raanemaan]

Originally posted by: Dufrane
Well Newegg.com is one place to start pricing parts. Also you can get an idea on prices with pricewatch.com

Newegg.com is a good place to start as stated above and the fs/ft forum here at AT will also get you some good prices. I like to compare new prices at Newegg to the prices that are asked for used parts just for a comparison. Good luck

 

[oneshot47]

I also like Directron.com.

 

[Munkies123]

good luck building a computer is sweet man

 

[metsfan1930]

My dad said he might pay for my components then just not buy me a computer for college, just a printer. Would i be able to upgrade the mobo and cpu when new ones come out in the four years between now and then? Cause i really would not like to get a comp paid for now by my dad, then have to get a brand new computer for college.

Also if i get a case with a power supply included, will that power suplly last, or will i need to get a new one in a year or 2?

 

[KenSr]

I vote for a Dell also.
You can get a Dell 400SC for $249 after $100 MIR. (See the Hot Deals forum) It is a very good PC that can be used as is then upgraded into a fine high powered gaming machine.

Then you will have you old computer to tear apart and put back together, something to learn with and still have the Dell to use while you are learning. If all goes as planned after you are through with your old one you can sell it and use the $ to upgrade the Dell.

Ken

 

[metsfan1930]

I have a question about barebone systems. Are they good for gaming, or are they horrible? Also are they more or less expensive than buying each part separately. Any other info would be greatly appreciated.

All i think i know is that it comes with a power supply, mobo, sometimes audio card, and then you need to buy a cpu, video card, ram, keyboard, mouse, monitor, and i dont know what else. Can someone explain to me everything i need to buy.