Should I try to build a computer (again)?

Question

Ok Listen To My Sad Story. I am only 14 years old & am good with computers. So it was time for me to get a new pc. I thought why not build it. So I bought all the parts. I came home and putit all together. I hooked my newly built computer into the monitor and plug socket. WALA it worked. I jumped with happiness for this had been a goal. The next morning I awoke and went on my newly built computer. It powered on Again a shock of happiness went through me again. The the unpredictable happend my computer just shut off. I looked inside of it and everything looked great I looked at everthing and relised i had a fried CPU. My Parents were very nice about it and bought me a new cpu. Guess what when inserting the cpu in I bent 3 pins and broke 1. My parents were going to get me a new CPU AGain but I declined. I returned all the parts except the broken CPU's. But I don't want to give up. Do You think I should get together with a tech and try again with cheap parts (215 dollars total). Thanks

Oh Ya I forgot to tell you guys That I decided to return all the parts. I decided that NewEgg Or another online retailer is better to go with then CompUSA. Do you know any food retailer? Thanks

I am just thinking do you guys think im to young? Im 14 years old. Thanks

When I say cheap parts I mean like Intergrated video & no video card. And 200mb of RAM. Sempron CPU. Just A Basic System. Once I learn i can upgrade it.

Answer 1

Well I would say go for it but if you are fairly ne this is what you might try. The biggest problem is with the motherboard and CPU that most new builders have. so I would suggest this
Get a bare bones system this is just a case and powersupply with the motherboard/CPU installed you decide on what memory video card operating sys. etc. then install those yourself.
this method is only slightly more expensive and avoids the major pitfalls but still lets you build your own system
as for sites for buying hardware and software I would suggest you look at WWW.Pricewatch.com

Answer 2

It sounds like you did this a little fast, did you use thermal paste before putting the processor on to the motherboard? Building a CPU is a great way to save money as well as learn about the integration of the parts and the required parts that are needed to interface correctly so it will work.
I think you should try again, we all learn from failure and that is nothing to be ashamed of, if anything you should feel good about yourself, most folks don't try to build their PC and you and I know it is usually a better machine because you know every part that went into a clone vs one off the shelf.
My suggestion take your time, and buy a reference book on building one that will give you some good tips and things to watch out for. You also know there are plenty of on line sites to help.
Below are three sites that may be of help. By the way congratulations you did well and you can do better.
http://www.devhardware.com/c/a/Hardware-Guides/Building-A-System-from-Scratch-Part-I/
http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/11/20/how_to_build_part_1/
http://www.buildeasypc.com/

Answer 3

Wow man I'm impressed.
I've been building systems for over eight years and I can truly say that after reading what you posted, you're going to learn something.

That is assuming you don't give up.
See those of us who have done this for awhile will all tell you the same thing. We learned by breaking things.
In fact to more specific, when we stopped breaking things by accident we starting breaking things on purpose to find the answers.
Don't give up. If you ahve the financial resources (and believe me a few shells are WAY cheaper than school) and the gusto to keep going you are more than on the right track. The only way you are really going to learn all the tricks is to do it hands on.
What you get from this is more valuable than any class, because no matter where you go to school for systems (and I never did, mind you) you'll discover that 99% of doing this sort of work is learning and research. There is no class for new equipment. It doesn't exist.

So stick with it. What you will get out of it is way more than you can buy.

Answer 4

Wait a while, practice on old computers on how to install and replace a CPU. also get an A+ certification book and study that. I have been building computers for some years now and have fried many CPU's and motherboards while learning, its OK. Just practice until you get it on old hardware that costs nothing or very little.

Answer 5

Well I think you could buy a computer like Dell, they are so cheap and the most important thing is: You'll save a lot of time and you can use the time to make more money!!! TIME = MONEY (always remember!) But if you just want the experience, then try it again and you will make it!!!

Answer 6

Yes you should try to do it again, one of the best ways to learn how to do something the right way is to make a few mistakes. Think of it this way, are you likely to fry a CPU again or accidently bend some pins? Since you made those mistakes, you will probably try harder next time to make sure you don't mess it up. Yes, it can get expensive, but it's well worth it.

Answer 7

You should keep trying till you get it right. You can learn this on your own, you do not need a Tech. Get the books for Dummy's, they that is what I did and you will get it down to art. You need to learn by your costly mistakes. Keep going on your own but only if YOU want to learn how to do it. I have been playing with computers since 1996

Answer 8

Yes you should try and build again, it is usually cheaper and it is more fun, but don't buy cheap parts! There is a greater chance of them wearing out sooner than if you spend the extra money on good, quality parts. Good luck if you try again, I hope you do.

Answer 9

sure, you should. just take it slow. do a lot of research before you actually do anything and everything will be fine.

Answer 10

yea, do it again
it isn't hard
just be very careful with it
even though it wil take a while