Need help building/advice - First timer

[christianq2]

Hi everyone,

I found this site just looking through a bunch of things on google and figure id sign up. I'm interested in building my own computer, I don't really have any experience but It sounds interesting and I want to build a great computer for a lot cheaper than the stores. I need it basically just to do everyday tasks and to do gaming as well. I don't play games that really need great computers, i play mostly fps's like counterstrike. For this reason I don't wanna spend too much because I know I don't need the top of the line for games like these.

So two questions
1. Is it possible for me to build my own computer with no past experience?
2. Is it possible to build one for under 400-500 dollars and still have it run great? And any suggestion on what parts I should get to stay in this range?

Thanks, looking forward to responses and to eventually get my own computer built

 

[tg2708]

To answer question 1, you don't need prior experience, just a lot of patience and time set aside because it can be a daunting process. Its a great learning experience but anything can go wrong because their is always a chance of a part is DOA. Luckily for me I had no such issue but I'm not one to get up in arms of small issue like minimal light bleed and noise come from fans etc. I am quick to let things be. I had my fair share of issues, was ready to rule out the mainboard and psu as DOA but a little relaxation after a few rages helped me to finally single out the problem. The key is to do everything in steps, watching a few videos and reading manuals is a good way to start.

Note: this is a very helpful community so every question you might want to ask someone here will be knowledgeable enough to answer it

 

[Techhog]

Answer these questions please.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=80121

 

[Termie]

Everyone builds a computer without any past experience - we all had a first build! Building your own computer is satisfying and educational, and usually fun (although things sometimes do go wrong, so if you're not the patient type or you have a time-sensitive need for a system, this may not be for you).

That being said, if you're much under the $500 mark, it really doesn't make any sense to build your own, due to a few fixed costs that large vendors can get around (like the OS license). At $500, it's worth it, at $400, not so much.

 

[christianq2]

Thanks for the responses guys, I was just talking to my friend and checking stuff online and I came up with this list on pcpartpicker

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1HcT7

Just to inform you as well that this computer is basically only needed for everyday tasks like word and Youtube and stuff, and then to play a video game online called CrossFire. It's like counter strike but the graphics aren't even as good really so i don't really need a monster computer or anything

Let me know what you guys think, thanks

 

[Termie]

Thanks for the responses guys, I was just talking to my friend and checking stuff online and I came up with this list on pcpartpicker

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1HcT7

Just to inform you as well that this computer is basically only needed for everyday tasks like word and Youtube and stuff, and then to play a video game online called CrossFire. It's like counter strike but the graphics aren't even as good really so i don't really need a monster computer or anything

Let me know what you guys think, thanks

For your purposes, you can get a much, much better system than that for less money.

First off, the HD5450 is slower than the video chips built into all modern Intel processors, so that's where you should start - Intel. And for everyday computer tasks, an Intel dual-core is faster than an AMD FX-6300. Yes, the FX has more cores, but they are much slower. Another option is the AMD 6800K, which has built-in graphics even faster than Intel, but isn't as good for everyday tasks.

If I were you, I'd get an i3-3225 with a B75 motherboard, skip the video card entirely, drop the power supply down to 430W, drop the memory down to 4GB, use an Antec VSK-3000 case instead of the much larger Corsair 200R, and add an operating system with the money you save.

Then you'll have a fully-functioning computer that will be easy to build and will perform well.

 

[christianq2]

For your purposes, you can get a much, much better system than that for less money.

First off, the HD5450 is slower than the video chips built into all modern Intel processors, so that's where you should start - Intel. And for everyday computer tasks, an Intel dual-core is faster than an AMD FX-6300. Yes, the FX has more cores, but they are much slower. Another option is the AMD 6800K, which has built-in graphics even faster than Intel, but isn't as good for everyday tasks.

If I were you, I'd get an i3-3225 with a B75 motherboard, skip the video card entirely, drop the power supply down to 430W, drop the memory down to 4GB, use an Antec VSK-3000 case instead of the much larger Corsair 200R, and add an operating system with the money you save.

Then you'll have a fully-functioning computer that will be easy to build and will perform well.

Alright so I looked into a few things, and i came up with this
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Heot

The only reason I kept the 8gb is because it's on a 30 dollar mail in rebate right now, and the same price as many of the 4gb's.

So with the i3 and B75, I don't need a graphics card at all?

Would this build be suitable and run good?

Thanks for the reply and help btw

 

[Termie]

PCPartPicker continues to list that Corsair memory kit despite the fact that you can't actually buy it. It's a bundle-only item. I'd instead get this 4GB stick for $40: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820226190

And yes, with the i3 and B75, you'll get great performance and won't need to add a separate video card.

Note that you picked the Antec VSK-4000, rather than the VSK-3000 I suggested. The price is great, but it's an ATX case - you can get by with the much smaller micro ATX case like the 3000.

 

[christianq2]

PCPartPicker continues to list that Corsair memory kit despite the fact that you can't actually buy it. It's a bundle-only item. I'd instead get this 4GB stick for $40: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820226190

And yes, with the i3 and B75, you'll get great performance and won't need to add a separate video card.

Note that you picked the Antec VSK-4000, rather than the VSK-3000 I suggested. The price is great, but it's an ATX case - you can get buy with the much smaller micro ATX case like the 3000.

Okay so I chose the 3000 case, I didn't see it on the list earlier that's why I selected the 4000.

I just have one more change here, let's say I wanted to go i5 and spend a little more. Would this work out as well if I only changed the processor and the memory to being higher? As in would I need to upgrade anything else?

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1HhJZ

 

[RayTheKing]

If OP's gonna game a lot, Me thinks he should get a A-10 xxxx like the one Termie suggested. Although it's a bit sluggish in single core performance when compared to an i3, the 2 extra cores and the powerful iGPU kinda makes up for it. You shouldn't see any CPU slugging for everyday tasks IMO.

PS: The AMD CPU Termie suggested is also a good overclocker, and should run even demanding games well, but it'll depend on the resolution you'll be using. CS games aren't demanding at all, so you should be able to max it out at 720p/900p, although I don't have benchmarks to verify this..

 

[mfenn]

Okay so I chose the 3000 case, I didn't see it on the list earlier that's why I selected the 4000.

I just have one more change here, let's say I wanted to go i5 and spend a little more. Would this work out as well if I only changed the processor and the memory to being higher? As in would I need to upgrade anything else?

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1HhJZ

For gaming, you'd want to spend money on a graphics card before upgrading beyond a dual-core. You can take your i3 build and add a 7770 for $90.

Don't forget that you need to buy an Windows license with the build! You don't get one for free or anything like that.

 

[christianq2]

Thanks for the replies guys, so if I wanted to use the amd, would this build work well if lets say I did want to game a good amount and have a fast comp?

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1HkqS

 

[Termie]

If your priority is games over productivity, then yes, that build is a good buy.

 

[mfenn]

If your priority is games over productivity, then yes, that build is a good buy.

Agree, only real issue I see is that it has some fairly expensive DDR3 1333. The IGP on an APU can really take advantage of faster RAM like this G.Skill DDR3 1866 8GB kit for $68 AP