"To build or not to build"...this is the question...

[chilihead]

Help, advice or encouragement needed:

I've got a pretty good idea of what I'm looking for in a new systemm BUT I'm a virgin regarding building a computer. So, do I play the sucker once again and purchase a pre-built unit or dive into the unknown of builing *exactly* what I want? Sure I've swapped out a video or sound card but that's about it. My biggest fear in having $3000 worth of comupter equipment laying out in front of me and not even getting the thing to boot! (sigh) So how about some feedback from the gurus here...Thanks in advance - Chilihead

 

[Yoshi]

If you really want to build one and understand it I would suggest getting a good book and reading about PC's. "Upgrading and Repairing PC's" by Scott Mueller pulblished by QUE is a great source for the beginner. It can be bought at Borders for about $50USD. The book explains each subsystem of a PC in terms which are easy to understand, explains the fundamentals of PC building, and how to troubleshoot PC's.

Beyond this get the parts your want and go for the gold. If you carefully read the documentation that comes with the parts, especially the motherboard, your system will go together with ease.

Good Luck

 

[Hard_Boiled]

Putting a computer together is not too hard. For me, and probably alot of first time builders, the hardest part is mounting the motherboard into the case, but now that I know how to do it even that isn't so hard. Really all you have to do is mount the mobo, mount the cdroms, hard drives and floppy drives, and plug in all the wires, pop in the cpu, memory and cards, and above all make sure you put the floppy cable in the right way.

Believe me, the only reason not to build one yourself is if you are too lazy or are a clutz. Felt pretty good too after I assembled my computer, and it turned on the first time I flicked the switch. Most of the time if you slap it all together and it won't boot, a cable is probably in the wrong way, or a card or cpu isn't seated properly.

 

[konichiwa]

Build! Do you have another computer? You can always come here and ask, we can answer just about any question you have or try to solve any problem you run into.

And, although I have that book that Yoshi speaks of, I would recommend against buying it. I mean...maybe it' just because I've built a couple of sytems before, but if you read the manuals of the software and hardware that you buy you pretty much can't go wrong. I mean, of course you're going to run into some problem or BSOD somewhere, but that can be solved. I think spending $50 on that book is a waste of money, but, of course, that's MHO.

BTW, chilihead, if you turn on your private messages (http://forums.anandtech.com/profile.cfm) I have something to message you about...

 

[Sugadaddy]

What to build??? is the real question! Seriously, I recently built my first comp, and it's really easy. I learned from reading on the net and didn't have a problem.

 

[JellyBaby]

Another option is to have a custom built machine configured for you. Check out places like http://www.aberdeeninc.com and http://www.gamepc.com. Going this route means you pick the parts but their techs put everything together and test it. You might save a few $$$ over places like Dell and Micron but it will be more $$$ than building your own system.

 

[chilihead]

Konichiwa:

Private messages now "on" (thanks). BTW, um what is BSOD? Sounds bad, really bad!!

 

[chilihead]

"Sugadaddy"-

I'll chalk your reply up for encouragement - thanks. As for what to buy, that's what I've been doing hear and the rest of the net for about 3 weeks. Sure are a bunch of options, reviews, etc. to mill over!

Chilihead

 

[The Stigenator]

Chillihead,
Contact russ.. he will build it to your specification and mail it to you.. look for RUSS.. under the Search..

Edit:
I do not think you should build your dream machine if you have no idea on how to do it. Its not as easy as it seems.. YOu need patience and a careful instructor to each you. Lots of thing can go wrong the first time, and frankly I have seen quite a few wannabe's screw up systems by trying to build it and I having to bail them out..

 

[Haribo]

Blue Screen Of Death

 

[Ulysses]

Be wary of buying expensive books that are outdated before they hit the shelves. Your best bet may be to check out different net sites for advice on how to build a PC. You don't have to be an engineer to assemble a PC. But it's a bigger job than you may think to become knowledgeable. Try to rely on advice you get from AnandTech articles, but don't rely on advice in the forums ( ! ) - it's too inefficient.

Start here:
http:// [url]http://www.sharkyextreme.com/hardware/guides/build_computer/ [/url]
and
http:// [url]http://www.3drage.com/guides/pcbuild/ [/url]

Another problem is to get compatible equipment. For this I'd take a look at AnandTech's monthly Buyer's Guides. Each month they have a High End Systems Guide and a Value Systems Guide outlining numerous different configurations for different purposes and budgets. Print them out and read them if you like - you'll learn a lot. Note that the Guides won't recommend components that are not yet quite on the market, although they may mention them. Here are the latest Guides that I?ve seen:

AndandTech Home:
http://www.anandtech.com/index.html

AnandTech Buyer?s Guide - Value Systems ? July, 2000:
http://www.anandtech.com/printarticle.html?i=1269

AnandTech Buyer?s Guide - High End Systems ? July, 2000:
http:// [url]http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.html?i=1283 [/url]

Here are my own recommendations:
http:// [url]http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=28&threadid=199398 [/url]
and:
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=27&threadid=196333


Check prices at:
http:// [url]http://www.pricewatch.com/ [/url]
or
http:// [url]http://ibuyer.net/ [/url]

Check vendors at:
http:// [url]http://www.resellerratings.com/ [/url]


P.S.
Jelly Belly's advice is good too.

 

[chilihead]

"Good Guy"

Thanks for the tip about Russ - I'm gonna check out compucheap.com

 

[chilihead]

"Ulysses":

Thanks a ton for the info - i've read a few of those guides but many were new to me.

 

[Rankor]

I say "build."

After that, you'll never look at another pre-built system ever again.

You can forget being haggled by the salespeople that "know" what they're talking about in terms of recommendations.

You'll know what parts you've slapped together b/c you've done all the research from on-line reviews and from other people's experiences on-line. No second-guessing as to what was put into your rig.

One down-side (?)...You have to be your own Tech. Support.