Would you help me build my first computer?

Question

I want to build my first computer in the spring of 2007 and I'd like recommendations from computer builders and experts out there now so I can start buying the parts over the few months.

I'd like a "wish list" of parts you recommend to include: cpu, mobo, case, PSU, HDD's, RAM, graphics and audio card, operating system, necessary ports, slots, and anything else you'd care to recommend.

I don't have any preconceived ideas about what I want or need, so you are free to recommend whatever.

I have an LCD monitor that I'm going to have to live with for a while.

The only advice I can give you is this: I am not a gamer and probably never will be. Not that I have a thing against gamers; I just don't think I would ever be interested in getting into that.

I'll use the computer for photo and video editing for the most part.

Pleae provide brand names and model numbers for everything you recommend.

Only one limitation, the price $1000 or less.

Answer 1

I spent years working my own business, building systems, troubleshooting and teaching in home.

Building a computer is easy. The hardest part is making sure all the items work together and that is easy too.

There is no mind numbing twists to it.
I suggest www.newegg.com they are extremely reliable and as far as I have dealt with them stand behind their sales.

If you want to make it easy buy a combo (motherboard with a CPU and fan on it. This is the hardest part since you do need car in putting a CPU in since you could chip or crack it. Draw back is you will spend a little more money on it since they are putting it one). In fact you can even get memory on it at the same time.

Now the basic steps are,

1) Decide what you need (for a gamer the fast the better, for a home average user then as fast as the budget will allow.... basically any speed that is near modern (2+ ghz - at the danger of being called a lunitic I might even say going as low as 1.5ghz isn't insane if you aren't a gamer) is plenty, software hasn't kept up with CPU speeds).

2) AMD or Intel.... AMD is cheaper but possibly a little less reliable (more the cheap AMD compatible motherboards than the CPU). Intel is more money but usually more stable. If you want to over-clock (make a computer run faster than it was meant to) then AMD is usually easier.

Now your ready to start buying,

1) Choose a motherboard that is capable of the speeds you want.

2) If it wasn't a combo motherboard then simply look at the specs for the MB (MB=motherboard) and choose a processor that will work with it.

3) Again look at the specs for the MB and choose the memeory (here more memory the better)

4) Choose a video card, sound card (if the motherboard doesn't have them built in). I always suggested to customers that it was ok to have the sound onboard but you really would be better of with the video card installed since video requires a lot of work that is shoved on the shoulders of the CPU chip when it is built into the MB.

5) Buy a hard drive, floppy drive, CD (CDRW) or/and DVD.

6) Buy your software.

(The support at new egg with help you make sure it is all compatible).

Now after all that (I know it was a jist of the work) I you are shooting for $1000 or less, I would probably suggest buying a prebuilt system from dell or such ONLY because (for example) if you use Windows XP then you will need to purchase a new copy at close to $200. That means after the operating system you now have $900 for the hardware (that does not take into account ANY other software you would want to buy). Now $900 will build you a very nice system (not a burning meteor but very good).

If you meant $1000 for only the hardware then build since you plan to put more in for software. Figure probably around $300 for software (less if you are bringing a lot off the old system). For a system bought through dell or such you are pretty much getting your moneys worth (since they have so much software).

I mainly told customers that when building a system (non-gamming) it would be good to bring over your old CDRW, DVD, floppy, possibly hard drive. This saves a lot of cash.

I know this was very round about but you seem to still be deciding whether to build or not.

So in conclusion (my opinions)
Build if you are bringing CDRW(CD), DVD, floppy, possibly hard drive from the old system since this will cut back on costs (if you are building to save money).
Don't build if you want everything NEW (including software) your better of buying the system.

Mike

** Noticed this after posting: "Video editing". If you mean like making home movies (1/2 hour + run time) get LOTS of memeory and PLEANTY of hard drive... Also look to the faster CPUs)

Answer 2

What I suggest is to check with Microsoft on system requirements for the new Vista operating system,take those requirements down to places such as Circuitcity,or FRY'S Electronics.And just shop around,I would definitely go with a motherboard combo(board & cpu)Even if you dont go with Vista,at least you know your system will be up-to-date for awhile.My home built system is old but is still very capable of running Vista,dont think I am soon,but atleast I know my system can still run the latest stuff. Good Luck!

Answer 3

OK, hang on while I google



I build PCs and It is really hard! unless you know what you are doing, don't try it. Go buy a PC from HP or DELL for around $600-$1000

Answer 4

Please provide an email address and I will send you a newegg build. It would take too long and be too long to post it all here. There are a few other considerations to discuss as well.